U.S. Forest ServiceFor Internal Use OnlyKaibab National Forest
For Internal Use Only
Travel Management Implementation Communication Plan
To Gain Public Support and Compliance
U.S. Forest Service, Southwestern Region
Kaibab National Forest
December 2010
For Internal Use Only
Travel Management Implementation Communication Plan, December 20101
U.S. Forest ServiceFor Internal Use OnlyKaibab National Forest
Travel Management Implementation
Communication Plan
To Gain Public Support and Compliance
December 2010
Introduction
This plan outlines a communication strategy for the Kaibab National Forest to enhance public understanding of the Travel Management Rule and associated regulations, and to gain compliance of travel management decisions made at the local level.
The focus of this plan is the implementation phase – once the three districts of the Kaibab National Forest have completed their travel management planning processes and issued decisions. Elements of this plan will be phased, as each district will begin implementation at different times.
Summary
Use of motorized vehicles off of system roads and trails has been identified as one of the key threats facing the nation’s forests today. In 2005, the Forest Service announced travel management regulations called the Travel Management Rule (TMR) directing national forests and grasslands to identify and designate roads, trails and areas suitable for motorized use. With the implementation of the rule, motorized travel will only be permitted on designated roads, trails and areas. Exceptions for motor vehicle use will be granted under written authorizations for purposes such as contracts, permits or administrative use.
The outcome of the travel management planning process is a decision made by the forest supervisor designating a transportation system for motorized use and the publication of a Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) displaying the transportation network. Each district will have its own MVUM. Once each MVUM is printed and available, motorized travel off the designated system of forest roads, trails and areas is prohibited on that district.
Issue
Management of cross-country travel by motorized vehicles in Kaibab National Forest has remained relatively unchanged for many years. Implementation of TMR will mean fundamental changes for visitors who have enjoyed largely unrestricted motorized travel in the past. It is imperative that information about the travel regulations governing motor vehicle use and the routes and areas open to motor vehicles be widely distributed and made available to interested and affected parties.
Opportunity
The purpose of this effort is to ensure that our communities of interest understand the changes in travel regulations governing motorized travel on Kaibab National Forest. Additionally, this communication effort provides an opportunity to continue working with those who were involved in the TMR planning process.
Goal
The goal of this Communications Plan is to raise public awareness about the changes to motorized travel on Kaibab National Forest, gain public understanding and utilization of the MVUMs, and to work with key partners to gain public support and compliance with our travel management decisions. Integral to these steps is the inclusion of messages and information that will lead to more appropriate behaviors and natural resource considerations on the part of all motorized recreation users on Kaibab National Forest.
State agencies responsible for managing Arizona’s OHV program are important partners in our communication effort. We have similar communication goals, objectives and messages making it vital to work closely with our state colleagues as we implement our communication strategies.
Key Themes and Messages
The Key Messages in this plan are categorized under several main Themes that should be included in all types of messaging for internal and external audiences. These will promote awareness of the theme, and promote and encourage a positive change in behaviors amongst recreational forest visitors. With each of the themes below is a descriptive paragraph followed by several key messages.
- Serving People. The Forest Service is squarely in the business of outdoor recreation – we manage some of the most outstanding scenic places in the Southwest and in America. People come to Kaibab National Forest for many recreational activities, such as camping, hiking, skiing, horseback riding, mountain biking and riding OHVs. During the travel management planning process, the public was involved in identifying sustainable transportation networks for each of the Kaibab’s three districts.
- According to a report published in 2003 by Arizona State Parks, 21 percent of Arizonans considered themselves OHV enthusiasts.
- According to an Arizona State University West study, the number of OHVs in Arizona more than quadrupled from 1996 to 2006.
- The Kaibab National Forest worked with other federal and state agencies, tribal governments, and local partners and publics to develop logical networks of motor vehicle use routes.
- Better Way to Manage OHV Use. The motto of the Forest Service is “Caring for the Land and Serving People.” Just as sustainability or improvement of our natural resources is important, so too is managing recreational use at sustainable levels. The increasing populations of Arizona and Utah’s urban areas are creating more pressures on the natural resources, and more demand for outdoor recreation. Establishing appropriate levels of recreation use challenges every land management agency. A large part of managing this challenge involves establishing or changing people’s behavior when they are engaged in recreational activities and helping them develop a respect for natural resources.
- The number of Americans seeking recreational access to public lands increases every year, particularly with OHV usage. The vast majority of OHV users are responsible – they leave no lasting trace on the land.
- But if just one percent leaves unacceptable damage, that’s a lot of damage and the cumulative impact is tremendous.
- In many places on Kaibab National Forest where restrictions on motorized travel were minimal or nonexistent, we were seeing damage or the potential for damage. And that demanded action.
- Motorized travel is an appropriate use on Kaibab National Forest. But the days are over when folks could just drive wherever they pleased.
- Kaibab National Forest – and every other forest and grassland in the U.S. – is implementing travel management regulations governing OHV and other motorized vehicle use.
- Motorized vehicle users of all types have a stake in ensuring continued responsible use and enjoyment of our natural resources. TMR is a concerted effort to provide environmentally-responsible motorized recreation where appropriate.
- With the implementation of TMR on the three districts of Kaibab National Forest, cross-country travel by motorized vehicles is prohibited. In other words, motorized travel is only permitted on designated roads and trails.
- Remember: Nature Rules. Stay on designated roads and trails.
- Travel management will help us balance the public’s enjoyment of motorized travel with the best possible care of the land. Our goal is a sustainable system of routes and areas designated for motorized use.
- The designated roads, trails and areas open to motor vehicle use are identified on MVUMs. Each Kaibab National Forest district will have its own MVUM.
- Monitoring the use of designated routes and trails will help Kaibab National Forest sustain natural resources in order to accommodate motorized use on public lands. MVUMs will be reviewed, updated as necessary and reprinted on an annual basis.
- Working Together to Make the Change. Over the Forest Service’s 100-plus years, we have worked with many organizations, state agencies, volunteers, partners, tribal governments and members of the public to develop and improve our management decisions to ensure that future generations will continue to enjoy the wide range of goods and services including recreational pursuits from America’s national forests.
- To make this work, we’re going to need your help and fortunately for all of us there is a lot of common ground.
- Most OHV users don’t go to the forest just to ride. They go for the same reasons many other folks do – to experience nature, see wildlife, camp, fish, hunt or hike. They don’t want to see trashed landscapes or be disturbed by unwanted noise any more than anyone else does.
- We shouldn’t worry about how many routes and areas are designated for motorized use, but rather how well current and future generations are served.
- We’ll never have enough law enforcement, but if everyone is responsible and does their part and complies with the rule, that’s better than 10,000 law enforcement officers.
- Remember: plan ahead, pack a map (MVUM), safety first, and respect the land.
Target Audiences
Target Audiences
Messages and Themes for each audience will be the same, but the depth of detail and information and delivery methods will vary. The five primary audiences are Internal, Partners, Local Community, Special Interest, and Forest Visitors.
The following breakdown lists specific groups under each category:
- Internal. This audience should receive information first because of the number of questions they may get from friends, acquaintances, neighbors, and from the public while in the course of their daily work. Because they have these personal, direct contacts, word-of-mouth explanations need to be accurate, brief and easily remembered so they can be conveyed during brief interactions;
- Full-time, part-time and seasonal employees;
- STEP and SCEP employees;
- Volunteers.
- Partnerships. The three districts of Kaibab National Forest can use the establishment of their MVUMs to continue working with partners that were important in the planning phases of travel management and to form new partnerships with other organizations. Keeping affected and interested parties informed and included in aspects of our transportation system will help gain their support more effectively than simply relying on media coverage, signage, electronic mail, etc. Key partners for Kaibab National Forest TMR implementation include:
- Neighboring national forests, specifically the Coconino and Prescott for the southern two districts, and the Dixie for the North Kaibab Ranger District;
- Other neighboring federal land management agencies, specifically the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Fish and Wildlife Service;
- Tribal governments;
- State agencies such as the Arizona Game and Fish Department, Arizona State Land Department, Arizona State Forestry Division, and Arizona State Parks, and applicable Utah state agencies that may be interested in North Kaibab Ranger District information;
- Interpretive Associations.
- Local Community. The seasonal nature of recreation can have impacts on the economy and economic development of gateway communities. Timely information ahead of potential issues within communities can maintain positive relations and provide for better cooperation in future events and activities around recreational areas. Local contacts include:
- City and county officials;
- Local and state elected officials;
- Local law enforcement and emergency response organizations;
- Civic groups and community organizations;
- Chambers of commerce, travel and tourism associations or boards, convention and visitors bureaus.
- Special Interest. From motorized user groups to environmental groups, these groups will want detailed, specific information about the designated transportation network for Kaibab National Forest. Special interest groups may include:
- Motorized trail riders’ groups (differentiate between ATV, motorcycle and Jeep/4x4 groups);
- Conservation, preservation groups;
- Off-road vehicle manufacturing and distribution outlets;
- Private campground businesses;
- Nature, wildlife groups (local, or with state or national affiliations).
- Forest Visitors. General forest visitors should be educated about the newly-designated transportation network for their own safety and awareness. These include:
- Seasonal campers, game hunters, shed hunters;
- Day-use visitors;
- Special permit holders for events, concessions, etc.;
- The general public at visitor center locations, ranger district offices, supervisor’s office, etc.
Monitoring
On-going monitoring will allow us to determine if additional actions are necessary. Kaibab National Forest employees will monitor public reaction and response through media interest and coverage, public email response and inquiries, internet hits, phone calls, written correspondence, in-person contacts, etc.
Contacts
KNF TMR Implementation Education Working Group:
Jackie Banks, Public Affairs Officer, 928.635.8314
Liz Schuppert, Public Services Staff Officer, 928.635.8367
Charlotte Minor, Recreation Planner, 928.635.8271
Christa Osborn, Recreation Staff Officer, Williams/Tusayan RDs, 928.635.5619
Deirdre McLaughlin, Recreation Specialist, Williams/Tusayan RDs, 928.635.5662
Bob Blasi, Prevention Officer, Tusayan RD, 928.635.8229
Patrick Lair, Public Affairs Specialist, North Kaibab RD, 928.643.8172
FY 2011 Action Plan
Target Date / Activity/Action / Audience / Responsible01/11 with updates as needed / Develop one-page overview of KNF travel management that can be distributed with MVUM (see Attachments 1 and 2 for examples from Dixie and Fishlake NFs).
- Should be distributed prior to release of MVUM to internal audience.
- Will eventually be posted to KNF website along with MVUM and other key informational materials.
01/11 with follow up as needed / Order additional supporting materials from Arizona Game and Fish Department and Arizona State Parks (example: OHV Laws and Places to Ride). / Internal, Local Community, Special Interest, Forest Visitors / Christa Roughan/District Recreation Staff Officers
01/11 with updates as needed / Develop one-page overview of OHV regulations / Internal, Local Community, Special Interest, Forest Visitors / Charlotte Minor; review by KNF TMR Implementation Education Working Group
01/11 with updates as needed / Develop very brief key messages/talking points/Q&A handout.
- Should be distributed prior to release of MVUM to internal audience.
- Should be posted to intranet.
- Focus on Q&As using Paul Hancock’s document as a template.
- “We need your feedback,” “Changes will be necessary to the MVUM” – Andy Espinoza is forest POC for changes to maps.
01/11 with updates as needed / Develop a comment card for external audience feedback.
- It should include key contacts on the forest for upset/angry individuals to contact.
- Create a web version and a hard copy version.
02/11 / Develop insert for KNF Accomplishments Report that gives status of TMR planning and implementation. / Partners, Local Community, Special Interest, Forest Visitors / Jackie Banks and Patrick Lair
03/11 (for WRD; TRD and NKRD when needed) / Develop packet of materials for each KNF vehicle. Packet to include:
- One-page KNF TMR overview,
- Key messages/talking points/Q&A handout,
- MVUM,
- Recreation Pocket Guide,
- Comment card,
- Other supporting information such as OHV guides, etc.
03/11 and again for seasonal hires (for WRD; TRD and NKRD when needed) / Training for all employees on a district that is implementing TMR. Training should:
- Set expectations for employee behavior in communicating TMR,
- Be interactive,
- Include a Q&A session,
- Review packets of information that will be in each vehicle,
- Set expectations for district patrols once MVUM is available,
- Explanations about information/education contacts vs. law enforcement contacts.
03/11 (would require funding) / Have key informational materials translated into Navajo.
- Use Cameron office as a distribution area for this information.
03/11 (would require funding) / Have key informational materials translated into Spanish.
- Distribute in conjuction with wood permits.
- Post to KNF website.
03/11 / Staff TMR Information/Education Booth at AZGFD Outdoor Expo
- In Phoenix at Ben Avery Shooting Facility March 26-27.
- Staffing conduction in cooperation with other Arizona National Forests.
03/11 / Provide information about TMR Implementation at quarterly tribal meetings. / Partners, Local Community, Special Interest, Forest Visitors / KNF Tribal Liaison and KNF Navajo Liaison
When MVUM is released / Distribute all educational/informational materials to front desk employees and spend time briefing those employees. / Internal / Liz Schuppert at SO, Recreation Staff Officers at districts
Ongoing / Develop key contacts on neighboring forests in order to share key TMR implementation information. / Partners / Liz Schuppert and Christa Roughan/District Recreation Staff Officers
Ongoing / Share key educational products developed on KNF with neighboring forests. / Partners / Jackie Banks will share with Coconino NF Public Affairs, Prescott NF Public Affairs, Dixie NF Public Affairs
03/11 / Develop highly visible area on KNF website for TMR implementation information.
- Include in “Alerts and Warnings” for first year or more?
- When MVUMs are released, ensure they are clearly posted.
When MVUM is released / Traplines for local community businesses.
- Include KOAs/RV locations.
- Include MVUM, one-page KNF TMR overview.
- Include comment card.
- Include other supporting information such as OHV guides, etc.
When MVUM is released / Distribute all educational/informational materials to visitor center employees and chambers of commerce. Conduct an information sharing session and allow for Q&A. / Internal, Local Community, Forest Visitors / Assigned ranger district personnel, with support of KNF TMR Implementation Education Working Group
When MVUM is released / Schedule visits to key civic organizations/community groups. / Local Community / District Ranger, with support of KNF TMR Implementation Education Working Group
When MVUM is released / District patrols.
- Establish schedule of patrols for key timeframes.
- Should be two employees per vehicle.
- Employees should wear uniforms.
- Employees should be provided the expectation that they WILL communicate with members of the public.
When MVUM is released / Share key information with Special Use Permittees / Local Community, Special Interest / Appropriate ranger district staff
04/11 and Ongoing / Share key educational/informational documents with partners (an example would be ensuring that Arizona Game and Fish Department has all updated information so that it can be shared with hunters).
- Target annual KNF/AZGFD meeting on April 6
Prior to release of MVUM / Schedule information sharing sessions with city/town councils and other key city/town officials.
- Resolutions of support from cities/towns?
Prior to release of MVUM / Schedule visits with county boards and other key county officials. / Local Community / District Rangers, with support of KNF TMR Implementation Education Working Group
When MVUM is released / Schedule visits with key special interest groups (an example would be Coconino Trail Riders) / Special Interest / Assigned ranger district personnel, with support of KNF TMR Implementation Education Working Group
Ongoing / Send out information/updates to TMR Conservation Group Listserv / Special Interest / Liz Schuppert and Jackie Banks
When MVUM is released / Letters and/or visits to OHV dealers, sporting goods stores, motorsports vendors, etc.
- Provide MVUMs at these locations.
Prior to release of MVUM / Editorial board visits with local newspapers. / Local Community, Forest Visitors / Public Affairs Staff, with support of KNF TMR Implementation Education Working Group
Ongoing / News releases at key intervals. / All / Public Affairs Staff
Ongoing / Social media updates at key intervals. / All / Public Affairs Staff
At start of camping season / Include TMR implementation information at “Good Host” or other camping concessionaire training. / Special Interest, Forest Visitors / District Recreation Staff Officers
At start of cabin rental season / Include TMR implementation information in information packets at recreation rental cabins / Forest Visitors / District Recreation Staff Officers
Ongoing / Share key educational/informational materials with tribes. / Partners, Forest Visitors / KNF Tribal Liaison and KNF Navajo Liaison
Ongoing / Share key educational/informational materials with Interpretive Associations. / Partners, Forest Visitors / District Recreation Staff Officers
1-year post implementation / Post-implementation review – what is working, what is not, needed changes, plan for implementation changes. / Internal / TMR Implementation Committee and other employees
Travel Management Implementation Communication Plan, December 20101