Existing Park Plans

2 plans – facility development and vegetation management

Both approved by DNR's Natural Resource Commission (DNR's decision-making body)

1. Land and Wildlife Management Plan-1975

• Prepared by: DNR wildlife biologist, DNR district forester, and USDA Soil Conservation Service staff
• Guide for vegetative management activities

  782 acres placed under rotational contour farming-provides loafing cover, food and travel corridors for upland game birds and forest wildlife

  Permanent plantings included shrubs and trees designed for planting on contour line and boundary plantings to act as travel corridors for wildlife

2. Pleasant Creek Recreational Area Master Plan-1976

• Created to guide facility development for compatible recreation activities and management programs (see plan below)
  "The area will serve both urban and rural residents with a population of over 600,000. Analysis of the demand for outdoor recreation opportunities in this regions has shown that recreation needs far exceed what is possible to provide at Pleasant Creek, both from the standpoint of economic feasibility of facility development as well as resource carrying capacity.“ -Taken from Pleasant Creek Master Plan Project Background
• Outdoor recreation facilities and activities planned at Pleasant Creek will offer a maximum of compatible recreation opportunities consistent with the long-term conservation of this area for future generations of park visitors.

Need for New Master Plan

• Address issues which have evolved since the first planning effort 30 years ago
• Blend today’s science regarding resource management and wildlife with current recreation uses
• Clearly spell out long-term goals for Pleasant Creek
• Define roles, responsibilities and limits for current
  recreational users and the DNR
• DNR is ultimately responsible for recreation activities, competing uses and protection of natural resources for future generations

Planning Project Goals for DNR

• To be responsible and responsive in this planning effort
• Continue to solicit input from public through the mail and internet through March 2005
• Establish a webpage for public access regarding the planning effort
• Present proposed plan to DNR's Natural Resource Commission in May 2005 as an informational item
• Final plan approval in June 2005

Final Outcome

• Approved ecological management plan which will be a roadmap for the future
• Creation of flexible document that may be changed over the years as deemed necessary
• Ensure Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area will offer a maximum of compatible recreation opportunities consistent with the long-term conservation of the area for existing and future generations of park visitor