Developing A Project Narrative and Land Management Plan

All grant applications for the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program must include a project narrative and land management plan that describes the benefits and natural values of the project and explains how those values will be maintained over time. Decisions regarding project funding are based, in part, on information in this document. It should also serve as a long-range planning tool for the project sponsor. Check with your CSS if you have questions about your project narrative and land management plan.

Please submit the narrative and management plan with the application form, but as a separate "stand alone” document. The DNR may recommend or require revisions to the management plan as part of its evaluation of the project and for that reason may request an electronic copy. The management plan may be incorporated into the Stewardship grant and management contract, referenced as a separate document or incorporated into a Conservation Easement. If it is referenced as a separate document, that document must be signed by both the DNR and project sponsor. Whether attached or separate any changes to the management plan must be made in a written document that is signed by both parties.

The following points should be addressed in your narrative and management plan. If some of the issues are not applicable, please indicate they are not and explain why. Some sections may require more detail than others, depending on the type of project:

Primary goals of the project

Concise statement explaining the goals and public benefits of the project, why the site should be preserved, and how it will be managed.

Description of the site

Indicate the size of the project and describe the natural features of the land; provide information about natural communities, land cover, species, topography, water resources, and special features (including archeological and historic features, if any).

Describe existing conditions, current uses of the land, and provide a brief history of past uses and disturbances. Also describe any present threats to the natural values of the site.

If an inventory of plant or animal species has been done, please attach as an appendix.

Improvements and structures

General description of existing and proposed physical improvements and structures, if any. These might include, but are not limited to: trails, parking areas, signage, interpretive displays, boardwalks, bridges, boundary markers, picnic grounds, buildings, athletic facilities, waterway modification devices, restrooms, roadways, etc.

Identify public access points, plans for vehicle parking and posting of property to indicate that the property is open to the public and the uses that are permitted or restricted.

Provide a site plan that delineates improvements and public access points.

Problems

Describe any problems such as exotic species, erosion, over-grazing by deer, dumps, toxic wastes and contamination, debris that needs to be removed, environmental intrusions such as overhead power lines, trespassing issues, etc.

Adjacent land uses

Describe how adjacent properties are being used and any anticipated changes in those uses.

Public uses

Describe how the public will be able to use the site and what recreational activities will be permitted, such as hiking or walking, nature study, bird watching, hunting and fishing, bicycling, research, environmental education, etc. To assist us in completing the WEB Mapping Tool for your property, we need to know if the following specific activities will be permitted (these activities will be listed on a check-off in the information section): canoeing, picnicking, swimming, mountain biking, camping, horseback riding.

If the grant application is for an easement, indicate if the property will be open to the public. If so, the specific uses allowed should be stated in the easement document.

Land management practices

Describe general land management practices that shall be followed to meet the goals of the project and conserve the natural resources of the site.

Describe management requirements for specific communities, features or species of concern and the proposed management strategy for each to ensure long-term viability or to correct problems. If there are any water bodies on or adjacent to the property, such as ponds, lakes, streams, wetlands, etc., describe any management practices that will be undertaken to improve or protect those resources. Explain plans to control invasive species. Identify any management issues and proposed solutions. Describe any site enhancement and restoration plans. Discuss plans to deal with any of the problems cited in #4 above.

Implementation

Identify proposed time line for implementing key management activities and priorities. When and how will the land management plan be accomplished? What ongoing maintenance activities will be needed (such as trash removal, surveillance, vehicle/visitor control, exotic species removal, controlled burning, etc)?

Who is responsible for maintaining the property and implementing the plan?

Describe any partners who will play an active role and attach any third party management agreements.

Monitoring

Describe plans for maintaining oversight and control of the property and for assessing progress in meeting management plan objectives.

Maps

In addition to other maps that are required elsewhere, if this is a “Big Scope” project, and the project includes a number of parcels of land, attach a “project map” with proposed boundaries for the entire project.

For projects where active management will be undertaken, provide a map indicating locations.

Last Revised: Thursday February 14 2008