Example of Outline for a Visitor Services Plan

Example of Outline for a Visitor Services Plan

Title/Approval Page

Table of Contents

Summary

Introduction

Brief Refuge History

1.                   Significant Features (e.g., habitat, wildlife, cultural resources)

2.                   Primary Refuge Resource Management Goals and Objectives (from CCP, if completed)

3.                   Internal/External Issues

Local Setting

1.             Community Description (e.g., economics, demographics, population, etc.)

2.             Travel Links (e.g., major highways, airports, docks, etc.)

3.             Visitor Services Opportunities (off refuge)

Visitor Services Standards:

(Identify goals/objectives/strategies, current audiences, target audiences, current program status, future actions, monitoring, and evaluation for each)

·                      Welcome and Orient Visitors

·                      Provide Quality Hunting Opportunities (see outline in hunting chapter)

·                      Provide Quality Fishing Opportunities (see outline in fishing chapter)

·                      Provide Quality Wildlife Observation

·                      Provide Quality Photographic Opportunities

·                      Develop and Implement Quality Environmental Education Programs

·                      Provide Quality Interpretations of Key Resources

·                      Manage for Other Recreational Use Opportunities

·                      Communicate Key Issues with Off-Site Audiences

·                      Build Volunteer Programs and Partnerships with Refuge Support Groups

Other Applicable Visitor Services Programs:

(Identify goals/objectives/strategies, current audiences, target audiences, monitoring, and evaluation for each)

·                      Refuge Law Enforcement

·                      Concession Operations

·                      Fee Programs

·                      Cooperating Association/Friends Groups

·                      Other (including community partners, academia, and foundations)

Implementing the Plan

·                      Essential Staffing Needs

·                      Table of Projects, Costs, RONS/MMS Identified

·                      Partnership Funding and Resources

Appendix

·                      Compatibility Determinations (if not contained in CCP)

·                      NEPA Document/Decision Document, if applicable (if not contained in CCP)

·                      List of Permits

·                      ESA Section 7 Section 7
Section 7 Consultation The Endangered Species Act (ESA) directs all Federal agencies to work to conserve endangered and threatened species and to use their authorities to further the purposes of the Act. Section 7 of the Act, called "Interagency Cooperation," is the mechanism by which Federal agencies ensure the actions they take, including those they fund or authorize, do not jeopardize the existence of any listed species.

Learn more about Section 7 Consultations