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Writing and Implementing a Conservation Plan for your Camp Property

Michael Huneke, CF

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The Camp Conservation Plan

Why?
What?
How?
Where?
Who?
When?
Implementation and Certification

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More of the why…

Engages natural resource professionals
Informs and adds credibility to decisions
Ensures conservation projects are consistent with property goals
Awareness of value of natural resources/ timber
Opens the door to financial assistance opportunities
Requirement for Conservation Easements
Enables third party certification

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What?

What is a Camp Conservation Plan? What is a Forest Stewardship Plan?

Objectives/ Desired Future Condition
Maps
Inventory

Timber/ Forest Stands
Wildlife
Species of Special Concerns
Soils/ Hydrology
Special Sites/ Natural and Cultural Heritage Sites
Invasives

Recommendations/ Practice Schedule

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How?

How do I obtain or prepare a Camp Conservation Plan
Pursue opportunities for technical and financial assistance

Start with the State Service Forester
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
Cooperative Extension Service
Natural Resource Professionals in the

Scouting Community

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Where?

All camp properties, and should reference

Woodland
Recreational Sites
Lakes, streams, wetlands
Fields and Meadows
Special sites/ Cultural Heritage
Wilderness or Natural Areas
The Property Within the Landscape

Council Service Center properties?

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Who?

The Council Conservation Committee (with support of)

Properties/ Camping Committees
Camp Rangers
Ecology Directors
Camping Director/ Camp Director
Approval and Endorsement by Scout Executive and Board

Technical Assistance provided by agency natural resource professionals/ volunteer professionals

Foresters, Biologists, Ecologists, Fisheries Biologists, etc.

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Who Else?

The National Outdoor Ethics and Conservation Committee has resources and experts available to assist you

conservation@scouting.org

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When?

Most management plans have expiration dates. In most states, they are good for 10 or 15 years.
Plans are living documents and should be updated when they expire or after an event that alters the natural condition

Fire, insect or disease outbreak, ice storm/ wind storm, etc.

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Implementation and Certification

The activities that are occurring on the ground should be consistent with the plan

Timber harvests, hunting programs, and other management activities should be prescribed in the Plan
The Plan should be current and prescribed activities should be implemented
Conservation projects should complement the Plan
Invasive Species Program should be consistent or a component of the Plan

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Implementation

Financial Assistance, grants and cost share programs are often available for conservation practices that require an investment, such as

Tree planting
Invasive species management
Timber Stand Improvement
Wildlife habitat enhancement projects

Seek professional assistance with practices that generate revenue (timber harvests, hunting leases, etc.)
Start with the State Service Forester…

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Some Financial Assistance Opportunities…

NRCS – Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

CAP 106 – Forest Management Plan
EQIP Cost Share for conservation practices

NRCS Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)
Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)

State Forestry Agency Forest Stewardship Program

Grants and Cost Share

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Third Party Certification

American Forest Foundation Tree Farm Program

There is value in having someone else certifying your camp property as being sustainably managed!

Tree Farm is free!

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Action Items

Find your Camp Conservation Plan, read it and determine if it needs to be updated
Determine if your Plan is being implemented and whether the activities on the ground are consistent with the Plan
Reach out to your State Service Forester
Reach out to your District Conservationist (NRCS)
Task the Council Conservation Committee