An evaluation of the native plant communities management guide for mesic and dry-mesic white-red pine in Northern Minnesota.

Abstract

A guide was developed to provide management information on native plant communities, specifically mesic and dry-mesic white-red pine in Northern Minnesota. This guide was reviewed by many professional foresters (planners, field personnel, and researchers). A survey was mailed to 110 people involved in forest planning and management in Minnesota to evaluate how well the concepts in the guide were understood and how feasible it would be to implement the recommendations. The return rate for the survey was 52%. The overall understanding of the native plant community concepts presented within the guide was relatively high. However, the feasibility to implement the landscape and site-level recommendations presented was only “somewhat”. Many impediments to implementation were identified. Some of the most referenced included: lack of time, lack of money, and lack of professional staff. After a review of the surveys, the management guide was revised to address specific comments provided by survey respondents. Additional references to available classification keys were added along with discussion on impediments in the management recommendations. Overall, the guide was successful in communicating native plant community information to the diversity of people involved in forest management. There is likely a need for similar guides, and more audiencespecific guides and training in the future.