MUM Blog

Multiple Use and the Private Landowner

By Wayne E. Long, Resource Ecology Associates

This article was written by Wayne in 1970. While much has changed in the last 40 years, many of the same challenges and policy issues that we face today where the same ones Wayne hits on in this article. In fact, you might say that some are even more problematic in today’s current environment. Also note, that while this article is about “multiple use management”, Wayne wrote this when he owned and operated Resource Ecology Associates (REA). He did not change the name of REA to Multiple Use Managers, Inc. until 1978.

Not many years ago our largest land management agencies, the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management, were directing all their efforts towards range and timber management. Today, however, we find both of these agencies well staffed with wildlife and recreation specialists concerned with managing the recreation and wildlife resources. As we are all aware, this is the concept of “multiple use management”, which is now a byword with the resource agencies.

However, what of the private landowner, particularly the stockman who has large acreage and frequently with wildlife and recreation potential? Has he been concerned with managing on a multiple use concept? Generally not. In the past ranchers have taken these resources for granted, and have not included them in their management plans. The reason for this, I think, is quite clear: besides there being little demand in the past for these resources on private land, the rancher has considered his business livestock production, and has been reluctant to involve himself in another enterprise of which he had little knowledge and little hope of any financial return.

Times are changing, however, and it appears that landowner interest in managing on a multiple use basis is growing. Many landowners are now asking, “ Is it feasible for me to manage these recreation resources, and if so, how do I go about it?”

The feasibility of a private landowner embarking is dependant upon a number of factors. Not the least, of course, is whether or not such a program is in demand and be operated profitably.

Is there demand for outdoor recreation activities on private land on a fee basis? The Bureau of Outdoor Recreation predicts that outdoor recreation activities will increase 56% between 1965 and 1980, and 160% by the year 2000. If these figures hold true, one thing is certain; the private landowner who has recreation potential will be increasingly aware of the recreationist and his demand for space.

The federal and state governments are continually fighting to keep up with the increased demands; however, in most areas they continue to fall behind. For this reason, overcrowding of public recreation facilities continues to get worse, and the demands for a quality recreation experience becomes increasingly greater. An example of this is that each year we have new members at our Dye Creek Preserve that have not been hunted in California for a year or more, for the simple reason that they have found it impossible to locate an area that offers both good hunting and an enjoyable outdoor experience. It is not difficult to conclude that as outdoor recreation activities continue to lose their quality due to overcrowding and misuse, the serious recreationist will begin looking more and more to privately managed recreation areas to obtain the quality experience that he wants. When I first went into business some nine years ago, such programs were by no means welcomed with open arms by the sportsmen or, for that matter, by many of the game departments. Happily, such attitudes have changed. Instead, today, and particularly tomorrow, the demands seem to indicate that the private landowner who has some recreation potential may find such a business not only feasible but good land use and profitable as well. The next question is, then, how to turn this demand into profit. Before venturing too far down this path, however, he must first ask himself the following questions: (1) Am I suited and willing to meet and work with the public? If nor, can I afford to hire someone who is? (2) Do I have the required capital, labor and management resources?, (3) Is the area accessible to the public, or is the attraction of such interest that the public will travel a great distance to it?, and (4) (and maybe most important) What effect will a recreation development have on my other enterprises? Can I effectively manage my property under a multiple use program?

If he has answered all of these questions affirmatively, he is one step further towards a multiple use program. The next step will be to determine whether he has the required knowledge and experience to operate such a program. With few exceptions he will have to say, “No”, and have to look for outside advise and help.

A few of the federal and state conservation agencies furnish technical and in some cases financial assistance. In addition, these agencies have published numerous pamphlets and information bulletins on the potential of developing recreation programs on private land.

Some of the technical assistance is excellent; much of is not. To be frank the majority of individuals working this capacity do not have the experience of the know-how to be of real benefit to the landowner. They are generally government- oriented in both knowledge and experience. This apparent lack of knowledge in the private recreation management field is I am sure, one reason that landowners have been hesitant to begin such projects. As resource managers we really haven’t learned the techniques of managing recreation resources on private land. Consequently, the majority of management is being accomplished on a trial and error basis. Today the landowners best approach is to obtain all the available information he can, use what government assistance that is available, and (most important) take the time to visit and talk with ads many landowners as possible who have developed recreation enterprises. His other alternative, or combination with the first, is to hire a consultant that has experience in developing and managing such programs.

Some may say, “We have had private hunting and recreation enterprises for years; what is this guy talking about?” This is true; however, in the past such enterprises generally have done nothing more than use what resources were available; they didn’t attempt to manage them. In contrast, on our 67,000-acre Dye Creek Ranch we are managing our wildlife and recreation resources as products of the land; products that under proper management give us increased returns. The actual hunting and recreation, in reality, is just a method we use to market these products. Looking at the complete picture, we consider it the business of managing wildlife and recreation, and like any business we expect adequate returns.

In this business we feel that multiple use is one of the major keys to success, and continually “think multiple use” when we start new projects. It is surprising how many wildlife and recreation management techniques benefit livestock production and in general are good land management practices that may give added returns that were never before considered.

Our multiple use program has not only given us an increase in profits but has helped us achieve better land use, and in an atmosphere of a quality environment. There is no doubt that the landowner who can manage his property under a multiple use system will be managing his land more effectively and efficiently. What could be a better combination than private enterprise attempting to achieve a quality environment though management, with increased profits as the motivation? He may be motivated in another way as well when we consider the new emphasis that is currently being placed on the environment.

This new emphasis is bound to eventually reach out and touch the landowner. If he not willing to manage all of his land resources with a concern for the future, it will just be a matter of time before the public demands it. He may very well have to show that he a capable caretaker, and will not be leaving his land to be repaired by a future generation.

Concerning education in the multiple use management field I think we have some catching up to do. Our awareness of this at Dye Creek has prompted the landowner, Mr. Keeler, to develop a field station on the property, with the majority of studies directed toward multiple land use problems. Presently we have four different studies being carried on by graduate students from four different universities.

In the land resource field we are going to have to start producing multiple use managers, or “Land Ecologists”. I just hope a few will rise to the occasion.

Labels: California hunting, wildlife management

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