Brule River State Forest Master Plan Progress Report 3

• Process and Timeline
• Vision & Goals Public Meeting
• Definitions of a Vision & Goals
• Draft Vision Statement for BRSF
• Draft Goal Statements for BRSF
• Instructions for Reviewing Draft Vision & Goals
• Additional Information

• BRSF Master Planning Process and Timeline
• Vision and Goals Public Meeting
• Definitions of a vision and goals statement
• Draft Vision statement for the BRSF
• Draft Goals statements for the BRSF
• Instructions for reviewing draft vision and goals
• A list of participants and results of vision and goals meeting (attachments)

With the public meeting on October 17th, 1998, we began to formulate a vision and goals for the BRSF.

On November 19th, 1998, we consulted with tribal representatives for their input regarding vision and goals.

In 1999, we plan to begin developing a range of master plan alternatives to address issues and resource capabilities of the property.

More detailed information on the proposed timeline can be found on the Brule River Master Plan Schedule distributed in early April. Let us know if you need another copy of the schedule.

On October 17th, 1998, 47 public participants began writing a vision and goals for the BRSF.

At the meeting, small work groups developed a list of concepts or words they felt should be in a vision for the property. The lists from the small groups were combined at the end of the day (attachment 1). The small groups then listed all the topics they felt should be included in goals for the property and they began writing those goals (attachments 2 and 3). We've also attached the results of a warm up exercise that the groups worked on prior to developing the vision and goals statements (attachments 4 and 5).

As requested at the October 17th, 1998 meeting, we have drafted a first cut of a vision statement and set of goals for the BRSF based on the information provided to us at the public meeting. Please fill out the enclosed card to let us know how you would like to proceed in completing a draft vision and goals for the BRSF. Please remember that these vision and goal statements are draft and will change as a result of further review and input. To review the revised vision and goals from this request for comments, please go to Progress Report #4

A vision statement is a concise statement of the property's overall purpose. It is consistent with the property's statutory direction, Natural Resources Board policies, division and program strategic plans and other appropriate guidance. It provides a broad description of the property's character, capacity and opportunities. Property goals are a series of statements describing desired outcomes or future conditions. They describe how the vision for the property will be accomplished and are expressed in broad, general terms that are timeless, in that there is no specific date by which the goal is to be achieved.

The vision statement and goals form the skeletal framework for the third planning phase -- the development of detailed objectives and alternatives for the property as a whole and for individual management areas within the property.

Those objectives and alternatives will be developed in the next phase of this master planning effort and will add the detail and specifics not present in visions and goals.

The following example illustrates the flow from a broad description through a general statement about a desired future condition to a specific means of accomplishing that condition.

Vision: "The Missinaibi State Forest provides diverse opportunities for people to use the forest."

Goal: "Provide a full array of quality outdoor recreation opportunities."

Objective: "Provide approximately 450 miles of groomed dogsled trails."

The following paragraph is the first draft of a vision statement produced from the clustering of "vision words" resulting from the October 17th public meeting (attachment 1) and input by tribal representatives on November 19th, 1998.

The Brule River State Forest provides for the sustainability of a unique river system. We manage, protect and restore its natural resources to promote ecological health and natural communities, complement the regional ecosystem, and recognize cultural and economic values. The state forest accommodates recreational activities consistent with the natural quality and wild settings found along the Brule River. The Department of Natural Resources works in partnership with neighboring federal, state, tribal and local governments, industrial and private forest owners and, the citizens who enjoy and subsist on the resources of the Brule River State Forest.

Note: The word "unique" refers to the relative rarity of biologically rich, large spring-fed river systems with migratory trout and salmon runs in the United States and the world.

The word "old growth" were proposed in the vision word list at the October meeting. However, it seemed more appropriate to include these in goal statements. These describe a desired outcome or future condition and how to accomplish portions of the vision statement.

The following are first drafts of Goal Statements based on the information provided from the small work groups on October 17th (attachments 2 and 3) and input by tribal representatives on November 19th, 1998.

Maintain and enhance the high water quality and natural flow of the Bois Brule River.

Provide an environment that emphasizes natural beauty and enhances a sense of solitude and quietness.

Maintain and enhance the quality of the fishery and provide diverse fishing opportunities.

Maintain hunting opportunities on the forest.

Manage recreational resources to provide and accommodate a range of opportunities while protecting the natural beauty and quiet experiences.

Implement sustainable forestry practices to demonstrate how such uses can be carried out consistent with the goals of diverse wildlife and highest water quality.

Maintain and restore a variety of ecological communities and habitats including considering the potential for old growth restoration, and protecting a diversity of terrestrial and aquatic plants and animals.

In consultation with tribal governments, provide for the availability and where appropriate, the enhancement of resources subject to the Chippewa off-reservation treaty right.

Increase educational opportunities on the forest for all users.

Involve the public, including users and adjoining landowners, as partners in the planning and management of the forest.

Increase public ownership within the Brule River State Forest boundary.

The following goals were proposed at the October 17th, 1998 Vision and Goals meeting. However, we feel that these are too narrowly focused to be goals. We plan to bring these up for consideration as objectives in the next planning phase.

• develop computerized simulation modeling/planning for future results of different management practices
• provide for motorized and non-motorized recreation in keeping with preservation of rustic and aesthetic features
• continue low impact recreational activities
• no additional access development on the forest and to maintain existing facilities
• eliminate monoculture - especially aspen
• provide adequate law enforcement for implementation of BRSF management plan
• maintain areas for motorized activities
• support local economy
• limit further DNR commercialization which can lead to overuse

As you review the draft visions and goals for the Brule River State Forest that were developed from the work group meeting, please keep in mind the following:

• These drafts are a beginning point. They will change based on reactions to them and may continue to evolve throughout master planning.
• Review the drafts. Edit or rewrite new visions or goals if you wish.
• Feel free to split goals apart or lump them together.
• Avoid specific details relating to management or development. Details will be considered when we develop objectives and alternatives during Phase 3 (see example above).
• Please let us know why you either favor or disapprove of a goal, as we need to understand what you like or dislike.
• Evaluate whether these visions and goals reflect your ideas about the future of the Brule River State Forest.
• What key ideas have not been included?
• Please remember to fill out the enclosed card to let us know how you would like to proceed in completing a draft vision and goals for the BRSF and submit any comments you have at this time.

We appreciate the time and hard work all of you are putting into this planning process. It is challenging, but we hope satisfying, to help set the future course for management of the Brule River State Forest.

For more information contact: Dave Schulz, Property Manager
Brule River State Forest
6250 S. Ranger Rd.
Brule, WI 54820-0125

Phone: (715) 372-5678
FAX: (715) 372-4836
e-mail: schuldn@DNR.state.wi.us