An Interpretive and Educational Master Plan for the George W. Mead Wildlife Area
File(s)
Date
1989-06Author
Jones, Elizabeth O.
Publisher
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, College of Natural Resources
Metadata
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http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/80443Description
This plan recommends interpretive and educational services for the George W. Mead Wildlife Area. It serves as
a model for future planning on other wildlife areas throughout Wisconsin. Such a communication plan takes into
account users' interests and expectations and is compatible with the goals and objectives of the Mead (MW A) and
the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
The Mead is located midpoint to four central Wisconsin communities (Stevens Point, Marshfield, Wausau,
Wisconsin Rapids). It serves hunters and other sportsman, nonhunters, and school groups grades 4-12. Interpretive
and educational services provide all users with a better understanding of wildlife management (controlled bums,
clearcutting, wetland drawdowns, etc.), ecological concepts, unique natural resources and cultural history of the area.
A public that is well informed and understands the basis behind management practices and the use of the land will be
capable of supporting sound land and wildlife management decisions.
The DNR has the responsibility to maintain a balance between humans and other life that depends upon the land
(Besadny, 1988). Resource management ~one cannot fulfill this commitment. For this reason the need exists for
interpretive and educational services to establish a communication link between the DNR, the user, and the resource.