Full Text
DOUGLAS COUNTY FOREST COMPREHENSIVE LAND-USE PLAN 2006-2020 CHAPTER 1000 Plan Implementation Section Page 1000 Objective, Format, and Policy 1000.1 1000.2 Format and 1100 Proposed Activities for 2006 to 2020 1105 1110 Integrated Resource Management Unit Summaries 1115 Access Management 1120 Wildlife Habitat 1125 Recreation Management 1130 1135 Buildings and Capital 1140 1145 Land 1150 Monitoring 1155 Other Management 1000 - 1 1000 - 1 1000 - 1 1000 - 1 1000 - 1 1000 - 3 1000 - 3 1000 - 4 1000 - 4 1000 - 4 1000 - 5 1000 - 5 1000 - 6 1000 - 6 1000 - 6 ---PAGE BREAK--- CHAPTER 1000 PLAN IMPLEMENTATION 1000 OBJECTIVE, FORMAT, AND POLICY 1000.1 Objective To provide guidelines that define the optimum level of activities that should be undertaken to maximize the many benefits derived from the Douglas County Forest. 1000.2 Format and Policy The management activities described in this chapter are listed without regard to budgetary constraints, staffing levels, changes in inventory data, or other limitations. This list identifies the Forest’s potential with respect to public benefits, investments, opportunities, and financial returns. Silvicultural needs have been identified in Section 830.1 and in the annual work plan (Chapter 2000). Other needs be determined by the Director of Forestry and Natural Resources in conjunction with the FPRC, and with technical assistance from the WDNR and other interested agencies or individuals qualified to provide such assistance. 1100 Proposed Activities for 2006 to 2020 The best available information at the time of Plan development has been used in identifying the proposed activities, and no single activity is intended to be followed without modification. Because the expectations of forest-management are dynamic managers must be able to adapt changes over time. Funding and staffing shortfalls also may affect the ability of the DCFD to meet identified needs (see Chapter 2000 for annual work plans). 1105 SILVICULTURE Annual silvicultural activities and the process used in determining them, are described in Section 830.1. Table 1105.1 shows the projected annual harvest and cultural-activity levels for the Douglas County Forest from 2006 through 2020. The annual work plan (Chapter 2000) also lists annual needs related to timber harvests, tree planting, and other silvicultural activities. ---PAGE BREAK--- COMPREHENSIVE LAND-USE PLAN 2006-2020 1000 - 2 Table 1105.1 Annual Harvest and Cultural Activity Levels on the Douglas County Forest by Timber Type and Silvicultural System (2006 - 2020)(a) Harvest per System per Year (acres)(b) Cultural Activities per Year (acres)(c) Reforestation Timber Type Silvicultural System Thins Regen Harvests Overstory Removal Harvest Totals Site Prep TSI Release Natural Plant/Seed(d) Aspen Even 1,075 1,075 1,075 Uneven(f) 313 313 100 313 Northern Hardwood(e) Even(g) 313 157 157 627 50 50 157 Paper Birch Even 588 588 450 588 Red Oak Even(h) 122 234 234 590 125 10 234 Scrub Oak Even 129 129 129 Jack Pine Even 144 144 144 50 50 250 Red Pine Even(i) 543 24 24 591 24 100 24 200 White Pine(j) Even 10 10 Other(k) Even 50 30 TOTAL 978 2,664 415 4,057 943 220 2,570 490 Annual allowable harvest levels and cultural activities are projections based on current available data and are subject to change. Reflects the annual allowable harvest 2006-2020 based on current forest-inventory data. As erroneous inventory data are corrected and updated throughout this planning period, these figures will be recalculated annually. In any given year it may be necessary to increase or decrease the annual allowable harvest to achieve fully regulated conditions (the point at which stocking, harvests, growth, and yield have been controlled intentionally to meet sustainable, long-term management objectives). Factors such as available acreage at or above rotation age, the response of individual stands to treatment, natural disturbance windstorms and insect outbreaks), and improved accuracy of inventory data directly influence the allowable harvest in any given year. These projections will continue to be refined annually based on changes in harvest levels, survival of desired regeneration, experience from past trials, and updated inventory data. Cultural activities also are subject to change in response to weather events drought) and/or insect or disease outbreaks. Projected acreage of artificial planting and seeding activities includes an estimated percentage of previously failed sites requiring replanting/reseeding in addition to first-time sites. These figures also include an estimate of species conversions through forced type maintenance. ---PAGE BREAK--- CHAPTER 1000: PLAN IMPLEMENTATION 1000 - 3 Reflects the annual allowable harvest when the northern hardwood timber type has reached a fully regulated condition. Current data are insufficient to determine the allowable cut in a semi- regulated condition. Assumes the average period of entry for typical northern hardwood stands on the Forest is 25 years (range: 15 to 30 years). Assumes that most northern hardwood stands on the Forest will undergo two intermediate (thinning) treatments beginning at age 50 to 55 with a 25-year average period of entry before the regeneration harvest and subsequent overstory removal. Assumes that most northern red oak stands on the Forest will undergo a single intermediate (thinning) treatment at 50 to 55 years of age before the regeneration harvest and subsequent overstory removal. Assumes that most red pine stands on the Forest will undergo six intermediate (thinning) treatments beginning at age 25 to 30 with a 10-year average period of entry before the regeneration harvest and subsequent overstory removal. White pine is managed on an infrequent as-needed basis due to the minimal acreage of white pine throughout the Forest. Includes but is not limited to balsam fir, white spruce, tamarack, northern white cedar, black ash, black spruce, hemlock, and red maple. These species are treated on a case-by-case basis with no scheduled harvests or cultural practices, though management is encouraged. 1110 INTEGRATED RESOURCE MANAGEMENT UNIT SUMMARIES There are 27 IRMU’s on the Douglas County Forest (see Section 860). Summaries of proposed multiple-use management activities in these units over the period covered by this Plan will be prepared in Chapter 4000 and completed by the end of 2009. 1115 ACCESS MANAGEMENT The Douglas County Forest Access Management Plan (AMP) is included in this Plan (Chapter 700) and will be implemented during this planning period. Road and trail maintenance needs will continue on the Forest for both recreational and forest-management uses. These needs are projected to increase the 15 year planning period. ---PAGE BREAK--- COMPREHENSIVE LAND-USE PLAN 2006-2020 1000 - 4 1120 WILDLIFE HABITAT MANAGEMENT Conservation Aids and Wildlife Habitat Development Grants will continue to supplement the County’s wildlife-habitat management program. Additional funding sources will be sought to promote habitat diversity on the County Forest and to disseminate information pertinent to wildlife conservation. Aspen, pine barrens, grass/brush openings, wetlands, and oak habitat continue to be high-priority, habitat-management activities. Forest-management and the timber sales program will continue to be the primary tools for habitat manipulation and improvement. Objectives for wildlife will be incorporated into management prescriptions on individual timber sales. The collection of GIS data pertaining to wildlife openings completed during the summer of 2004, will continue to be used to determine annual maintenance needs. Cooperative wildlife projects with partnering agencies such as the Ruffed Grouse Society, National Wild Turkey Federation, and local sportsmen groups will continue to receive high priority, as will programs and projects directed toward the management of non-game species. Other wildlife habitat projects will be generated by the guidance provided in this Plan and scheduled for implementation at joint DCFD/WDNR annual meetings. 1125 RECREATION MANAGEMENT Recreation management on the Douglas County Forest will continue to increase during this Plan cycle, and corresponding increase in resource use will require additional staff time. Since tourism and recreation constitute the State’s and County’s fastest growing industry, generating millions of dollars annually, the future growth, development, and maintenance of outdoor recreation facilities must be considered. Recreational developments on the Forest will follow guidelines outlined in the Douglas County Outdoor Recreation Plan. The purpose of this plan is to anticipate future recreation demand by developing recommendations for County-administered outdoor facilities (see Appendix F-II). 1130 PROTECTION Assisted by the WDNR, the DCFD will continuously monitor insect and disease outbreaks on the Douglas County Forest and take appropriate action. All necessary means will be used to prevent the introduction of exotic invasive plants as well as the spread of invasive plants already on the Forest. The DCFD will continue to apply appropriate BMP’s during project design and implementation for all land-management activities to ensure that the Forest’s soil and water resources are protected and will work with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department and WDNR on law enforcement issues, particularly trespassing and encroachments (Section 625) and motorized access (Chapter 700). The rapid growth in the area’s real estate markets and subsequent parcel subdivisions by real estate brokers on private lands within and/or adjacent to the Forest has resulted in numerous encroachments and suspected timber trespasses. Survey and marking needs on these legal boundaries will continue to increase and must be accomplished in a timely manner. The DCFD will continue to coordinate with the WDNR in addressing the threat posed by wildfires in local communities including prevention, detection, and suppression. ---PAGE BREAK--- CHAPTER 1000: PLAN IMPLEMENTATION 1000 - 5 1135 BUILDINGS AND CAPITAL EQUIPMENT During the last decade, DCFD office, garage and storage facilities have received minimal maintenance. As these facilities continue to age regular maintenance and continued improvements will be necessary over the next 15 years. Currently, the DCFD headquarters in Solon Springs is fully occupied, so additional office space may be needed to accommodate new staff members. The garage facility in Solon Springs was constructed during the late 1930’s and is in a considerable state of deterioration. It will be evaluated for substantial maintenance efforts or replacement. Currently, this facility is used to store and archive DCFD files, equipment, and materials. The garage and equipment storage facility in Gordon, also called the Douglas County Forestry Field Shop also is in need of maintenance, repairs, and upgrades. This complex provides storage and security protection for most of the DCFD’s equipment and machinery and serves as a maintenance facility for all maintenance work performed on vehicles and equipment. This complex also includes a small garage that is used to store equipment, tools, and supplies used by the summer park crews. Future plans over the next 15 years include replacing an old lean-to structure that is in poor condition and expanding the main garage facility or adding an additional facility. Structural facilities within the park system, e.g., restrooms, amphitheater, shelter, and pumphouse, and those located within the Douglas County Wildlife Area e.g., a clubhouse, dog kennel, and horse stable, will be repaired/improved/replaced on an as-needed basis. The seven water-control structures managed by the DCFD will be maintained and inspected as necessary according to the Douglas County Forest Dam Maintenance Plan (see Appendix E-II). As with the building and other structural facilities, the equipment fleet owned by the DCFD is aging. Heavy machinery such as the ski-dozer, 6 x 6 tanker, semi-tractor, flatbed semitrailer, D5 dozer, and loader tractor will be maintained and replaced as necessary or required. Fleet vehicles will be replaced at 75,000 to 100,000 miles unless maintenance costs necessitate earlier replacement. Non-fleet equipment such as all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, riding mowers, and trailers, will be replaced or acquired on an as-needed basis. 1140 PERSONNEL To successfully implement this Plan may require additional positions within the DCFD. With the increasing complexities of natural resource management on the Forest, the DCFD’s operational output is expected to increase. A decade ago, the DCFD consisted of 13 fulltime professionals and 8 seasonal employees. Currently, there are 12 fulltime professionals and 14 seasonal positions. Revenues generated from harvested timber over the next 15 years will be more than adequate to offset costs that might be incurred by adding staff. ---PAGE BREAK--- COMPREHENSIVE LAND-USE PLAN 2006-2020 1000 - 6 The paradigm shift from traditional to modern forestry and natural-resource management reflects society’s expectations for sustainable forest-management. Throughout this planning cycle, the DCFD will develop innovative programs and processes consistent with sustainable forest- management. Considerable time will be invested in: forest inventory, reforestation, forest/timber stand improvement, timber sale establishment, administration and contract development, forest certification program management, survey line location and trespass/encroachment resolution, program documentation, silviculture, and vehicle and equipment mechanical maintenance and operation. 1145 LAND ACQUISITION Lands within the Douglas County Forest blocking boundaries or areas with special or unique or other desirable values will be acquired on a willing seller/buyer basis. Acquisition may be made by purchase, exchange, donation or gift, or action to foreclose tax liens. Interest in lands such as conservation easements may be acquired in a similar manner. 1150 MONITORING The annual monitoring process is documented in Chapter 3000 and a historical summary of management activities and accomplishments is included in Chapter 5000. Monitoring accomplishments and evaluating results is an on-going task. The DCFD, WDNR, and others agencies periodically monitor management activities on the County Forest and the status of forest resources through compartment/stand inventory updates, reforestation reports, harvest inspections, periodic audits, and technical field assistance trips. Also monitored is the effectiveness of BMP’s in protecting water quality, wildlife populations, the status of threatened and endangered species, and the occurrence/impact of insect and disease outbreaks and weather-related incidents. In 2005, the Douglas County Forest became certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) program which issues an annual report to the public on the compliance of program participants with policies related to sustainable forestry. An external review panel assists in the preparation of the annual report, including validation of conclusions and the assessment of reported progress. The Douglas County Forest is a member of a Group Certificate as part of the Wisconsin County Forest Association. The WDNR is the Certificate holder for the Group. 1155 OTHER MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES Unanticipated needs will be addressed in accordance with procedures outlined in this Plan. These items will be identified for implementation as part of the annual budget work plan prepared by the Director of Forestry and Natural Resources and the FPRC. Annual work plans are approved by the ---PAGE BREAK--- CHAPTER 1000: PLAN IMPLEMENTATION 1000 - 7 Douglas County Board of Supervisors and forwarded to the WDNR as required by s. 28.11 and s. 28.11 (5m)(b) Wis. Stats.