Research and Economic Needs

STATUS: We need better information to eliminate the guesswork from some of
our resource management. Wildland management remains as much an art as a
science. Although we know enough to take good care of our land for future
generations, we simply do not know all the answers to our questions. At present,
agencies, landowners and private citizens are encouraged in retrieving
information on elk population and wildlife management in northern Arizona .
To date, new and improved monitoring and information gathering is in the
process. Accomplishing conservation or the rate of applying conservation is
often a matter of economics. The economics of change for the better in our
District are often marginal at best.

POILICY: Because we need new ideas and techniques that are cost effective, we
support and encourage research into our management problems. We gladly
entertain new ideas and techniques which make conservation possible
or profitable.

IMPLEMENTATION: As the District receives no moneys for implementation
of conservation practices or research, we ask for partnerships with other agencies
as well as individuals to continue with their research activities to continue with
its research activities. We also ask NRCS to continue its assistance to us through
its Plant Materials Program. We are willing to work with these agencies/
individuals and may from time to time suggest areas for study. We may, as we
are able, provide some local funds for supplies on small scale research projects
such as range seeding trials. Each proposed project will be evaluated according
to usefulness of findings and funds available.