Fish and Wildlife Management in Wilderness: AFWA Policies and Guidelines

1. This file is part of the FS Resources section at: http://www.wilderness.net/fs/

2. Fish and Wildlife Management in WildernessAFWA Policies and GuidelinesSHORT version Notes to presenters: The materials in this presentation are derived from the Wilderness Act, Forest Service Policy, and the AFWA Policies and Guidelines. This presentation contains readily available information only and it is not presented as official FS or AFWA training A LONG version of this presentation with additional, more specific information on specific types of projects from the AFWA P and Gs is also available. The AFWA P and Gs and additional information is found in the Fish and Wildlife Management Toolbox found at: www.wilderness.net/toolboxes/

3. Management of Fish and Wildlife in National Forest Wilderness Areas

4. The Wilderness Act Section 4 (d) (8): Nothing in this Act shall be construed as affecting the jurisdiction or responsibilities of the several States with respect to wildlife and fish in the national forests. The Wilderness Act did not change any authorities previously granted to the states or reserved to the federal government.

5. The Wilderness Act Section 4 (b): Except as otherwise provided in this Act, each agency administering any area designated as wildernessshall be responsible for preserving the wilderness character of the areaand shall so administer such area for such other purposes for which it may have been established as also topreserve its wilderness character. The Wilderness Act did prescribe that the federal agencies are responsible for preserving wilderness character.

6. Forest Service Wilderness Management Policy 2323.32 - Management of Wildlife and Fish 1. Recognize that States have jurisdiction and responsibilities for the protection and management of wildlife and fish populations in wilderness. Cooperate and work closely with State wildlife and fish authorities in all aspects of wildlife and fish management. 2. Wildlife and fish management programs shall be consistent with wilderness values.

7. Forest Service Wilderness Management Policy 2323.32 (5) - Management of Wildlife and Fish Apply the "Policies and Guidelines for Fish and Wildlife Management in Wilderness and Primitive Areas," developed jointly by the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies [AFWA] Note – AFWA Policies and Guidelines Revised - June, 2006

8. Policies and Guidelines for Management of Fish and Wildlife in Wilderness, AFWA 2006 POLICIES AND GUIDELINES FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT IN NATIONAL FOREST AND BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT WILDERNESS (as amended June, 2006) Fish and Wildlife Management Toolbox: http://www.wilderness.net/toolboxes/

9. Management of Fish and Wildlife in Wilderness What is the purpose of the AFWA Policies and Guidelines ? “The purpose of these guidelines is to develop and expand a framework of cooperation upon which projects and activities may be planned and accomplished while working cooperatively at the national, regional, and local levels.” AFWA A. page 3

10. Management of Fish and Wildlife in Wilderness Who manages fish and wildlife populations and who manages habitat? ”…consistent with applicable Federal and State laws, the States and the Federal government each have management responsibilities affecting fish and wildlife, and will endeavor to work cooperatively in the fulfillment of these responsibilities.” AFWA A. and B. page 3

11. Management of Fish and Wildlife in Wilderness What do the AFWA Policies and Guidelines say about the responsibility to preserve wilderness character? “The FS and BLM are required to preserve wilderness character as directed by the Wilderness Act, while supporting the States’ fish and wildlife objectives, to the extent such objectives are consistent with the Act.” AFWA B. page 3

12. Management of Fish and Wildlife in Wilderness Federal agency approval is needed for projects, regardless of method or equipment used, such as: Application of pesticides (herbicides and piscicides included) Research and surveys – “methods that infringe on the wilderness environment” Habitat alteration Wildlife transplants Wildlife (predator) damage control Visitor use management Fire Management AFWA F. pages 5-15

13. Management of Fish and Wildlife in Wilderness Federal agency approval is needed for projects if they require: Use of motorized equipment, mechanical transport, landing of aircraft, motor boats, motor vehicles, structures, installations, temporary roads for any activity including: Research and surveys Facility development (i.e. water and fish developments and maintenance of existing) Threatened and Endangered species Population sampling Spawn taking Fish stocking AFWA F. pages 5-15

14. Management of Fish and Wildlife in Wilderness Use of the Minimum Requirements Decision Process (MRDP) Outline (Attachment A) to determine the Minimum Requirements “…the State agency will conduct the Minimum Requirements Decisions Process, in close coordination and cooperation with theFederal administeringagency,…” “The Federal administering agencywill make the final determination of the minimum requirements.” AFWA Attachment A pages 14-17

15. Management of Fish and Wildlife in Wilderness The objective is to cooperate and coordinate and implement necessary projects that meet both wilderness and fish and wildlife management objectives. For more information visit the Fish and Wildlife Management Toolbox at: http://www.wilderness.net/toolboxes/