2009 - USDA Forest Service

January 2009 Interpretation and Conservation Education Master Plan
Goals Objectives Desired Outcomes
Improve visitor and
community
understanding and
appreciation of El
Yunque’s biodiversity
and cultural heritage
while enhancing the
public image of the
agency.
Build trust in Forest
programs and the
Forest Service mission;
establish credibility of
message with
neighboring
communities and
throughout island
demographic segments.
To create a consistent standard
of brand identification for
Forest signs and all interpretive
and educational materials; To
provide interpretative and
educational programs and
materials that highlight current
Forest management practices;
To provide conservation
education materials which
describe the Forest’s
environmental footprint and its
relationship to climate change
on the island; To foster public
awareness of the Forest’s
focus on sustainability of
natural resources and an
understanding that when
resources are consumed faster
than they are produced, the
resource is quickly depleted,
and if not renewed, is
eventually used-up; In the ideal
sustainable world, society’s
demands upon nature are in
balance with nature’s capacity
to meet that demand; visitors
are made aware of “greening”
methods and practices and are
shown “real-life” examples of
green forest facilities.
To design and implement
programs that explain and
rationalize the compelling
necessities that drive Forest
management decisions to the
public.
The Forest attracts and trains
a sizable cadre of volunteers
from surrounding island
communities, and local
partnership opportunities are
plentiful; High quality outdoor
recreation opportunities are
provided, which meet the
island’s recreational
demands, while continuing to
sustain our natural resources;
Public awareness of the
Forest’s management is
focused on multiple use and
sustainability with strong ties
to the island’s local
communities and area
initiatives; Impacts from
invasive species, including
pathogens, plants and pests,
are reduced through the
implementation of healthy
forest initiatives assisted by
the cooperation of an
informed pubic.
The public will provide
valuable and viable inputs to
Forest planning efforts and
will be effective in their
involvement with the Forest
across jurisdictional
boundaries; External
audiences will understand this
vital concept; Natural and
cultural resources are
managed with respect for the
past, and concern for the
future.
45 El Yunque National Forest
Juan Diego Creek