NRSM 406/563 Wilderness Planning
This course explores basic planning theory, planning concepts, & effective plan writing. The course provides a thorough treatment of the elements that characterize effective planning on public lands. A substantial part of this discussion is the role of public participation in planning. It also discusses differences in planning among the four federal land management agencies, with a comparison of the philosophy & application of each.
Register: https://www.cfc.umt.edu/wmdep/register/default.php
Course Objectives:
1. Explain the importance of using a good plan, & the consequences of inadequate planning;
2. Understand the hierarchy of laws, regulations, & policies within which wilderness planning occurs.
3. Explain the importance and role of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) & its relationship to planning.
4. Describe the current management planning directives of the four federal agencies that administer wilderness. Appreciate & understand reasons for some differences & similarities in wilderness planning among the four federal agencies that administer wilderness.
5. Describe the basic characteristics of a goal-achievement or management-by-objectives planning framework. Explain its application.
6. Illustrate in general terms the steps involved in producing a wilderness stewardship plan. Explain the importance of public involvement in this process;
7. Describe the Limits of Acceptable Change planning & logic behind it. 8. Explain what role indicators, standards, & monitoring play in management planning.