The Illinois Department of Conservation develops and utilizes Master Management Plans (MMP) to guide the logical development, management, and use of its properties. These plans deal with land acquisition, development, and resource management for a site, focusing on analysis of the site resources, identification of proposed programs, and plan implementation.

The Department's master management plan program began in the early 1970's as a means of identifying key issues and solutions related to development, management, and land acquisition for specific areas. Since the early MMP efforts, the Department has continuously revised and improved its master management planning process. The MMP program as described represents the current comprehensive process through which Department properties are now planned.

The two basic elements in any park planning effort are the site's resources and capabilities to sustain use, and the park user's preference for recreational programs or facilities. The primary objective of any MMP effort is to successfully integrate the resources of the site with the recreational needs of the public into a compatible and functioning unit.

In addition, every MMP must be consistent with statewide outdoor recreation goals, which are:

—to preserve the cultural and natural resources of the State so present and future generations may have a fuller appreciation of their heritage;
—to provide quality outdoor recreation opportunities for the citizens of the State, utilizing the natural and cultural resources to the fullest extent possible without undue degradation of these resources; and
— to provide opportunities for the personal growth and development of individuals through outdoor recreation experiences.

The Planning Team

The Department's Division of Planning and Design is responsible for the preparation of the master management plan document. However, all Divisions within the Department, known experts outside the Department, and concerned citizens are involved in the planning process.

After a project has been selected for a master management plan project, a Department task force or planning team is formed. The project task force is chaired by a landscape architect from the Division of Planning and Design, and usually consists of DOC land managers, a natural areas specialist, trails specialist, historian, fisheries biologist, archaeologist, forester, wildlife biologist, engineer, law enforcement officer, land acquisition agent, handicapped program specialist, and the regional landscape architect.

Interested citizens representing park users also are members of the Planning team. When necessary, additional assistance or expertise is

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The first major step in developing a Master Management Plan for a site is to collect all factual information relating to that site. Personal inspection and analysis of the site by the planning team is a principle element in such data collection. (Photo by Ken Massie)

requested from other state agencies, federal agencies, or other known specialists.

The functions of the planning team are to identify issues, suggest or review alternative solutions, and review all recommendations that pertain to a specific site.

The MMP Process

A master management plan is a result of a systematic and comprehensive planning process. Major elements of the process include: a site inventory and analysis; formulation of site objectives or goals; identification of development, resource management and land acquisition programs needed to accomplish stated objectives; and development of a plan implementation strategy to insure that a logical and coordinated sequence of land acquisition, development, and resource management is carried out.

Site Inventory and Analysis

The first major step in developing a site MMP is to collect all factual information relating to that site. This phase of the planning process also involves identifying major issues or concerns by the project task force, park users, and the general public.

The information then is analyzed to determine major resources, features, issues, conflicts, and deficiencies.

Typically, the information collected includes regional location, population within 50 to 100 mile radius, major access routes to site, adjacent land uses, inventory and analysis of existing site facilities and use patterns, geological features, soil conditions, land elevation and slopes, fish species and habitats, wildlife species and habitats, archaeological and historic feature locations and information, architectural barriers survey, major concerns or problems affecting the site, and vegetation types, locations and conditions.

Objectives

An interrelated system of objectives is formulated for the entire site, zones within the site, and units within each zone.

First, a major objective is formulated that clearly sets forth the primary purpose or dominant theme for each specific site. This objective takes into consideration the particular elements such as protection, preservation, restoration, resource enhancement, development, and the natural or cultural resource base that makes a particular site different or unique from other properties.

The major site objective will be the over-riding statement or basis for the formulation and implementation of all programs, objectives, and facilities at that specific site.

Secondly, a conceptual plan is formulated, establishing general land use zones on the site and definitive objectives for each different zone. These zone objectives must be consistent and compatible with the major site objective.

Thirdly, individual and defined units are designated within each land use zone established in the conceptual plan. Within sub-units of each zone, objectives are set up which relate to resource management and recreational use for that particular unit. Each unit objective must be consistent and compatible with the conceptual plan and objectives, and the major site objective.

Development, Resource Management, and Land Acquisition Program

Within this system of objectives, programs are formulated for development, resource management, and land acquisition. Each element of the various programs must be compatible with the objectives already established.

Development program elements include hose physical items that must be constructed. These elements vary in purpose and scale, and range from health and safety modifications to new facilities necessary for recreation programs and/or resource management programs.

Resource management program elements include guidelines for the day-to-day activities necessary to preserve, maintain, control, or enhance the facilities, resources, or use of the site.

Land acquisition program elements indicates all the fee simple or easement parcel acquisitions or areas to be leased to the Department.

Plan Implementation Strategy

Following a concensus from the planning team on total land acquisition, development, and resource management program recommendations, the various elements are arranged into a logical sequence for execution or implementation.

The first step in developing a logical sequence is to separate the various elements into three basic levels of need:

Sustenance Level — includes the basic development, resource management and land acquisition programs that relate to public use and resource deterioration, and permit the achievement

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Master Plans

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of the initial or minimum acceptable degree of the site objective.

Intermediate Level — includes development, resource management, and land acquisition programs that deal with the balanced core of the site concerns, resource protection, public use, and outdoor recreation opportunities, and permit the achievement of the minimum preferred degree of the site objective.

Maximum Level — includes development, resource management, and land acquisition programs that address the total program of the site concerns, resource protection, public use, and outdoor recreation opportunities, and permit the achievement of the maximum or fullest degree of the site objetive.

Secondly, all the land acquisition, development, and resource management program elements are set forth and arranged by priority within each separate level. Also listed within each level are staffing and equipment needs. Cost estimates are developed for each item or program recommended, for each major level and for the entire project.

The plan implementation strategy provides the sequence for land acquisition, development, and resource management. This sequence becomes a guideline for annual budget submittals, seasonal work projects or schedules.

Public Participation

The most recent addition to the MMP process is the direct involvement of the people who use or will use the site. Various methods are used to gather opinions, concerns, and recommendations from the general public on a specific site. The information is obtained through formal presentations, group discussions, informational meetings, questionnaires, and public review of MMP drafts.

Summary

The master management plan product is the result of a comprehensive and systematic effort to identify and evaluate all the natural and/or cultural resources of a site, to identify the concerns and interests of potential visitors, and to formulate recommendations for future land acquisition, development, and resource management programs. Master management plans provide an opportunity to direct site development and recreational programs for a specific site, and to develop policy guidelines for future years.

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