Master Plan

About the Coulee Experimental State Forest Planning Process

The goal of the Coulee Experimental State Forest (CESF) master plan is to guide management and development of the property for the next 15 years. It uses an integrated approach that will follow the principles of adaptive management and sustainable forestry that serve our mission. The CESF is a healthy, dynamic forest, which contributes to the diversity of natural communities in the region. The forest and its resources are managed for present and future generations to provide a broad range of ecological, cultural, social and economic benefits within its capabilities.

The Master Plan aims to involve key stakeholders, who may be interested and/or affected by the proposed management course of the forest. The CESF Master Plan will determine how the property is to be managed, how it will look, and the benefits it will provide. The plan defines acceptable recreational uses, forestry practices, and other land management activities, in addition to other aspects of the property's future use and development. All WDNR master plans are guided by Wisconsin Administrative Code NR 44.

Like all WDNR master plans, the development of the CESF Master Plan has been guided by a commitment to sustainable forestry and listening to the desires of the public. Forest practices have included aspects of sustainability for decades, but the practice of sustainable forestry per se is a relatively new concept. While individual definitions may vary, there is general consensus that sustainable forestry focuses on meeting the environmental, economic, recreational and social needs of current generations while protecting the forest's ability to fill the same roles for future generations.

Planning Phases

Establish Vision and Goals for the Properties: The Coulee Experimental State Forest (CESF) master planning effort includes establishing a vision for the management of the property and setting specific goals to attain this vision.
Develop Regional and Property Analysis: The purpose of the regional and property assessment is to provide the current status of ecological, economic and social aspects of the property and surrounding region. The planning team, made up of natural resource specialists and planners, work together to assess the ecological, economic, and social conditions in the region and on the property. The Regional and Property Analysis represents a very detailed review of the CESF, its resources, how the property is used, and its role in the region and state.
Develop and Evaluate Proposed Alternatives: The master planning process includes working with the public to develop a range of management alternatives that are within the scope of the vision and goal statements. The alternatives are evaluated on their ecological, economic, and social impacts, constraints and benefits to the forest. This process may cycle back to reevaluate the impacts of alternatives, as they are modified/merged, in order to develop a single preferred alternative.
Write the Proposed Master Plan and the Complete Environmental Analysis: The master plan and Environmental Analysis are written to reflect the preferred forest management alternatives and options. Both documents must be distributed to the public for a minimum of 45 days review period to meet Wisconsin Environmental Policy Act (WEPA) requirements. Additional public discussion and review may be required depending on comments received from public review.
Natural Resources Board (NRB) Review and Approval: Opportunities exist for interested publics to participate in the NRB meeting and provide direct feedback to the Board on the proposal and process. The public is informed of the NRB decision following the review and approval.
Plan Implementation: The final Master Plan will serve as a guiding document for the implementation of future property management, development and uses. All decisions will be consistent with the objectives and prescriptions identified in the plan. Future developments are designed and completed as resources allow and those not identified in the master plan can be developed and reviewed by the public to adjust plan as need. Annual public meetings will provide plan implementation progress.