Recreation Planning Makes for Excellent Experiences
Gladstone, MI -- With so many different opportunities for recreation on the Hiawatha National Forest, a great weekend is nearby. Whether you’re interested in fishing, hiking, riding a bicycle, or driving an off-road vehicle, the Forest has it all.
Making the trek to an outdoor adventure is easy, even if choosing between enticing locations isn’t. But there is a lot that goes into getting these popular spots ready for use. To provide the best experience possible for visitors, the Hiawatha’s recreation team prepares well in advance, using different processes depending on the needs of the site and of the public.
“Some of our processes are similar each year, like opening and closing campgrounds,” explained Recreation Program Manager, Ben Richardson. “For those, we clear the area during spring to remove any debris from winter, open and clean restrooms, conduct hazard tree mitigation, do water systems maintenance, and other things like that. In the fall, we do the reverse.”
Other recreation efforts require a much longer timeline beginning months before public enjoyment. For example, take the construction of a new trail. Like all projects, a new trail starts with an idea and is developed into a general proposal. Team members and the public often share feedback on these initial proposals through an engagement process that can take a few months. Once feedback has been incorporated, specialists review the information and conduct required surveys in the affected areas. Specialists who are regularly involved in this process work in areas such as archeology, botany, engineering, fire, fisheries, hydrology, soils, timber, and wildlife.
“These surveys are really important because they give us a picture of what is actually happening on the landscape. They help us understand what issues are important in different resource areas, providing us with a well-rounded perspective that we may not always be aware of,” said Richardson. “When it comes to recreation, an idea is only as good as its implementation. Without the data from these surveys, we would surely run into issues on the ground. They help us anticipate potential challenges so that we can make practical adjustments to our plan.”
With a final plan in hand and the approval of a designated official, implementation finally begins. All told, a well-rounded project can span several months, giving time for team members to gather important information and address relevant feedback.
Individual projects are one thing, but what about recreation management on a whole Forest? With networks of trails, multiple uses, and nearly a million square acres, how does the Hiawatha reaction team plan for an entire system?
“Those endeavors require a different process, one that takes a landscape- level approach and accounts for many variables at once,” explained Richarson. “Thoughtful, intentional conversations are essential to larger projects. The integrated approach that we use for smaller projects becomes even more important when we consider bigger landscapes.”
Landscape-level strategic planning is important across the U.S. Forest Service. In 2022, the Reimagine Recreation effort was released nationally, offering a path for Forests across the country to follow when addressing the challenges and opportunities of large-scale recreation planning.
A key aspect to the Reimagine Recreation effort is building collaborative relationships in which the Forest Service is able to share stewardship of its resources with other agencies and stakeholders. One such way is through the Interagency Visitor Use Management Framework. Six federal agencies work together on the council that guides this Framework, providing a consistent approach from place to place. This process is highly engaging, iterative, and responsive to community needs and desires. Public engagement, including outreach to partners, communities, Tribes, permit holders, and other stakeholders, supplements input from employees and provides a thorough picture of recreation management ideas and their real-world implications on the landscape.
“People who spend time outside have the experience and knowledge that can take a good idea and make it a great one,” commented Richardson. “Collaboration is so important to the success of our strategic planning efforts, so we really appreciate the input we get from the public.”
Regardless of the size of the project or the process used to get it off the ground, recreation staff monitor the areas to see that the project met its original objectives.
“The insight that we gain from monitoring projects after implementation is just as important as that from before,” Richardson said. “The whole process is cyclical, and we adjust as necessary. We watch and learn, adapting to provide the most enjoyable and safest experience possible for visitors. A worthwhile project takes time and an integrated approach, and it’s always exciting to see people appreciating the fruits of that effort.”
No matter your preference for recreation on the Hiawatha National Forest, the resources provided have been planned and developed by dedicated community members and staff. “Things don’t always go according to plan and the landscape changes over time, but we strive to provide an enjoyable experience for people while considering the needs of the natural environment. It can be a tough balancing act, but I hope it’s a worthy endeavor. If people have fun, go home safely, and think fondly about the experience, we’ve done a good job in that site.”
For more information about recreation on the Hiawatha National Forest, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/hiawatha/recreation
To make campground reservations, visit https://www.recreation.gov/
To learn more about the Interagency Visitor Use Management Framework, visit https://visitorusemanagement.nps.gov/
Breathtkaing scenery attracts hikers, campers, swimmers, and naturalists alike. USDA Forest service photo by Justin Bournoville.
Snomobile trails are popular across the Forest in snow season. USDA Forest Service photo by Jim Krueger.
Many locations are host to multiple reacreation activities. USDA Forest Service photo.