Selecting habitat management strategies on refuges

Abstract : National Wildlife Refuge Lands must be managed according to approved Comprehensive Conservation Plans to achieve specific habitat objectives. Six steps are recommended to guide the process of planning and implementing habitat management strategies: 1) gather baseline information: 2) identify the resources(s) of concern: 3) understand the resource(s) of concern; 4) develop detailed objectives; 5)select appropriate habitat management strategies; and 6) monitor the effects of habitat management strategies. Example from two National Wildlife Refuges are used to illustrate the six steps. The Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge example discusses the management of floodplain forrest interior birds. The Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge example describes the management of habitat to restore the historical landscape proportions to conserve biodiversity.