Get Wild! is the Forest Service's terrestrial and semi-aquatic wildlife program, serving as an umbrella for 7 national wildlife emphasis areas plus locally important species and communities. The objectives of the Get Wild! program are to: administer wildlife management activities; to protect and restore native habitats important for conserving biodiversity; to manage habitats in a manner that meets public demand for hunting and wildlife viewing and appreciation; and to assure a well-trained work force and effective organizational structure for applying best science and management in meeting the wildlife-related goals of the Agency.
In keeping with ecosystem management, the Forest Service is moving toward broader-based management of species assemblages. Management is routinely targeted to species assemblages and communities such as upland early associate species, wetland habitats, dead and dying tree associated species (almost 30 percent of the vertebrate species on National Forest System lands), fire-adapted communities and old growth species. Management is directed toward maintaining biodiversity for all wildlife that is not endangered or threatened, and within the capabilities of long-term sustainability, managing for species at higher levels to meet public demand. Frequently, this means providing for a better mix of successional stages for landscape level biodiversity, or protecting especially important habitats like wetland and riparian areas.
In FY 1995, National Forest System Lands (NFS) provided 16.1 million activity days of hunting, at an estimated economic value of $574 million. These expenditures supported 18,900 local jobs and generated State sales and income taxes of $22.6 million.
National forests and grasslands are also increasingly popular spots to watch birds, photograph wildlife and study nature. Wildlife and fish viewing is the fastest growing wildlife use and opportunity. In 1995, NFS lands provided 33.3 million activity days and 55,000 jobs at an economic value of $1.6 billion.
The national forests and grasslands provide: 80 percent of the elk, mountain goat, and bighorn sheep habitat in the lower 48 States; as much as 12 million acres of waterfowl habitat; 28 million acres of wild turkey habitat; and habitat for 250 species of neotropical migratory birds.
Forest Service Partnership Programs
- Answer the Call: This program improves food, cover, and water supplies for all species of quail.
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- Animal Inn: "There's Life in Dead Trees" identifies the emphasis in this educational program for public land managers and private landowners.
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Partners in Flight: Emphasizes the conservation of neotropical migratory birds, whose populations are declining. |
- Eyes on Wildlife: Provides opportunities for enjoying wildlife viewing. Its objectives include providing opportunities for all people, including those with disabilities, to enjoy and experience animals in wildlands habitats; informing people about wildlife and plant communities; and encouraging habitat protection.
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- Taking Wing: Protects, restores, improves, and maintains waterfowl habitat.
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- Elk Country: Holds the key to the future of wild elk on public lands. Focuses on improving habitat through management activities such as prescribed burns, fertilization, construction of waterholes and wildlife friendly fences.
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- A Million Bucks: Widely distributed and abundant, deer personify "wildlife" for many people. Opportunities exist to manage deer for non-consumptive uses as well as hunting on 100 million acres of deer habitat. Management activities include prescribed burning, planting for browse, fertilization, and protection of special habitats.
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- Full Curl: Restores the quality and quantity of wild sheep habitat to increase populations for viewing and hunting.
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- Dancers in the Forest: Native grouse are found in every region of the country. This program is aimed at improving habitat for the various species of grouse through activities such as creating openings, prescribed burning, aspen management, and protection of breeding habitat.
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Making Tracks: Emphasizes wild turkey habitat management to improve population, health, and size; provide recreational opportunities; and promote conservation on public lands. |
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Hunting Facts
21.2 Million U.S. Citizens Hunted in 1994.
9.4% of U.S. citizens 16 years and older hunted in 1994.
Over 16 million activity days (9.4 big game, 5.1 small game, and 1.6 migratory birds) were spent on national forests and grasslands.
The percent of females that hunted more than doubled between 1985 and 1990.
Being close to nature is growing in importance for hunting motivation.
This Translates into Big Business for National, State, and Local Economies
In 1994, national hunting expenditures exceeded $12 billion - $4.2 billion related to national forests and grasslands.
In 1994, Forest Service related hunting provided over 18,000 full time equivalent jobs - such as guides, restaurant/hotel.
In 1994, Forest Service related hunting generated State sales tax, State income tax, and Federal taxes of $19.6 million, $4.9 million, and $52.7 million, respectively.
In 1995, partners contributed $7.7 million toward 1,124 projects in the Forest Service Get Wild! wildlife program.
The 1995 Forest Service Congressional wildlife budget of $31.95 million resulted in net public recreational hunting benefits of $767.9 million - return of over $24 for each tax dollar invested.
Closer to Home...
The Forest Service has contributed more than $1 million to the New Mexico's Habitat Stamp Program, since its inception in 1986.
In 1996, an Arizona desert bighorn sheep permit and a Montana bighorn sheep were auctioned off for $285,000 and $220,000, respectively.
Over 500,000 activity days of big game hunting took place on Forest Service lands in Oregon in 1994. This resulted in local expenditures of almost $23 million.
The 1992 Shorebird Festival in Cordova, AK, contributed $30,000 to the local community of 2,000 residents.
Eleven woodland ponds were developed to improve turkey habitat on the Daniel Boone National Forest, KY, with the help of partners.
Partners on the Grand Mesa, Uncompahre, and Gunnison NFs, CO, helped band over 500 birds of 30 species. Data will be used for population monitoring and on-site resource planning.
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