Conservation Lands Resource Management Planning
Resource Management Planning to help guide the future management of Missoula's Conservation Lands
View the results of the recently completed Forest Management Public Scoping Survey!
The Conservation Lands Management Program
Missoula Parks & Recreation’s Conservation Lands Management Program manages approximately 5,000 acres of open space Conservation Lands surrounding the City of Missoula, MT. The Conservation Lands System provides a readily accessible, diverse network of lands and resources near Missoula’s urban center. These lands provide valuable habitat for native plant and animal species in addition to valuable recreational opportunities.
As outlined in the Conservation Lands Management Plan, the Conservation Lands Management Program has three primary management goals that provide direction and guidance for management across all Conservation Lands:
- Conserve natural and cultural resources
- Protect and enhance native habitats
- Provide enjoyable outdoor recreational and educational opportunities
The Conservation Lands Management Program, the Conservation Lands System, and the Missoula community have all grown substantially since the Program was formed in 2005 and the Conservation Lands Management Plan was adopted in 2010. With growth comes both new challenges and opportunities. New Conservation Land acquisitions have brought more diverse resources and recreational opportunities to Missoula, along with new challenges for a program with limited staff time and funding.
In 2018, the Missoula community provided additional funding for improved staffing and stewardship of Conservation Lands through the Conservation & Stewardship Mill Levy. This funding has allowed for additional in-house expertise and the capacity to undertake a new planning effort for Missoula’s Conservation Lands.
What are We Doing?
The Conservation Lands Management Program and the Conservation Lands Advisory Committee, it's citizen advisory board, are undertaking a Resource Management Planning process across the extent of the Conservation Lands System.
As defined by the Conservation Lands Management Plan, program staff are tasked with managing three discrete program areas: Natural, Cultural, and Recreational Resources. Two program area are divided into discrete Resources (see diagram below for resource management planning structure).
Resource Management Plans analyze a single ecosystem across all locations on which it occurs, rather than assessing on a site- or property-specific basis. This allows the staff to identify threats, strategies, and priorities unique to each resource. These plans will guide holistic decision making and maintenance implementation by identifying the status and the specific needs of different resources across the Conservation Lands System. Conservation Lands Resource Management plans will define threats and opportunities facing our lands, outline strategies using the best available science, and incorporate public feedback and community values into the management of our Conservation Lands. A Resource Management Plan will be developed for each of the five resources shown in the diagram above.
We’re kicking off the Integrated Resource Management Planning process by focusing on our Coniferous Forests!
Coniferous Forest Management
The Conservation Lands Management program has adopted forest resource management plans for specific properties, like the 2014 Mount Jumbo Forest Management Plan. The Coniferous Forest Resource Management Plan will provide management direction for all coniferous forests across the Conservation Lands System. Comprehensive resource planning will also connect to recent local forest planning efforts in neighboring lands, like the Marshall Woods Restoration Project (USFS) and the Missoula County Community Wildfire Protections Plan.
In 2014, the Mount Jumbo Forest Management Plan defined coniferous forest-specific goals for the management of Mt. Jumbo. These goals, created through public process and adopted by the City of Missoula Parks Board, provide a foundation for the development of management priorities in the new Coniferous Forest Resource Management Plan. We need your help to refine these goals and find the best way to apply them across the entire Conservation Lands System.
Goal #1: Increase forest resistance and resilience to disease, fire and climate change.
Goal #2: Increase species diversity in areas where diversity is low.
Goal #3: Maintain and improve wildlife habitat.
Goal #4: Promote public safety.
Goal #5: Manage public recreation to minimize impacts on habitat.
Goal #6: Remain cognizant of and mitigate negative visual aspects for forest management.
(Adapted from p. 10 of Mount Jumbo Forest Management Plan, 2014.)
These goals can conflict with each other, and given limited staff time and resources, this planning effort will help CLM Program staff to balance the stated management goals for any given forest type and any area within the Conservation Lands System.
How Can I Provide Input and Stay Engaged?
A public scoping survey (Link to survey results) to help inform the priorities and goals included in the final Coniferous Forest Resource Management Plan was recently completed. By providing public comment, you can help ensure that forested lands in the Conservation Lands System will be healthy and safe for generations to come. Make your voice heard, and please encourage other Missoula residents to participate and complete this scoping survey.
Once the Coniferous Forest Resource Management Plan is finalized, there will be an opportunity to provide comment and feedback on that plan. That comment period will help us determine the level of public agreement with and support for the proposed strategies, priorities, and measurable objectives to guide future implementation.
Want to learn more? Stay engaged with this project by signing up to receive email notifications from the Conservation Lands Management Program.
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Level of Engagement
Inform: We are giving information to the community.
Consult: We would like the community's opinions and thoughts.
