RATE OF ACCOMPLISHMENT

Although not stated as an objective, it is the intention of these policies and guidelines to cause subtle changes, protracted over a period of years, in order to cushion the effect. All elements of the natural scene: plants, animals and man, are least disturbed by gradual processes of change.

Those changes which will be made to satisfy the indicated use objectives will be accomplished over a period of years, and will not constitute actual visual changes to any great extent. Within these pages are specific recommendations where a schedule is appropriate.

Following this framework for management, a comprehensive determination will be prepared, which will indicate the specific details as to what will be happening on each acre within the Pigeon River Country.

These detailed plans will be drawn up by the unit supervisor in consultation with Wildlife Fisheries Biologists for one-tenth of the total unit two years in advance of needs. Work previously planned will progress elsewhere. Each year's planning effort, compiled with earlier and later plans for parts of the unit will be called the Forest and Wildlife Management Plan. This is the continuous planning and action program employed in each state forest in this region.

By this means, both work load and planning efforts will be kept at a uniform rate of accomplishment. It is important that this schedule of inventorying, analyzing, and working up the plan of application should be adhered to. Without the localized and detailed plan showing what is to be done, where, and when, the objectives of the area will not be realized.

A gradual rate of accomplishment will also avoid the necessity of decisions on details for all areas before a period of trial. Trial and observation of effect as progress is achieved allows correction if the chosen course is wrong or out of balance. It also avoids high initial cost in funds and manpower, allowing a continuation at modest levels over a period of years. Gradually changing circumstance will require only gradual adjustment of people and wildlife.

There are reasons why it may become desirable in the future to alter management objectives, management practices or management zones or areas. Objectives might need to be revised to fit changing needs or wants of people, as a result of significant changes in populations of wildlife, or in recognition of limitations of the area to support activities or conditions first chosen. Practices employed for any purposes indicated may be found to be too costly, not productive of desired results or less favorable than others which may become available. It may become either more logical or otherwise desirable to alter the management areas in order to respond to natural cover changes which can be used, or to changing interests, wants, and needs of people.

Such changes in these policies and guidelines should be considered by the Advisory Council and recommendations made to the Department of Natural Resources.

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File:COMrate.htm 11/27/2001