UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
FOREST SERVICE
Region 6
FSH 2609.22
ANIMAL DAMAGE CONTROL
HANDBOOK
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UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
FOREST SERVICE
ANIMAL DAMAGE CONTROL HANDBOOK
Contents
*FORWARD
CHAPTER
10
ANIMAL RESPONSE TO HABITAT CHANGES
20
DAMAGE INDENTIFICATION
30
SURVEYS
40
DAMAGE CONTROL METHODS
50
DESCRIPTIONS OF THE SPECIES AND THEIR CONTROL
60
APPENDIX
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ANIMAL DAMAGE CONTROL HANDBOOK
*- FORWARD
Under multiple-use management concepts, resource activities are coordinated
to best meet public needs. This handbook has been prepared to assist land
managers in coordinating wildlife use with other National Forest Resources.
In this handbook, resource damage is considered from the standpoint of
reforestation, range revegetation, and soil protection. Wildlife impacts on
recreational and watershed values, resulting primarily from animal use of
soil and vegetation, also are considered.
The multiple-use manager must recognize that wildlife use is viewed
differently by people depending on their training and experience. A
manager’s decision to control an animal population must be based on the
extent of damage in relation to established needs for a resource. A manager
must be willing to accept some animal competition, recognizing that wildlife
is a valuable resource.
Compiled information should help land managers understand why animal-damage
problem occur or may develop in the future. It should be recognized this
handbook is based on the best information available, even though satisfactory
solutions have not been developed for all animal-damage problems. Specific
attention must be given to each area where animal use results in excessive
damage.
Decisions for coping with each problem must be based on information from the
individual area and on the land manager’s knowledge and judgment.
Background information on toxic materials is provided to increases the safety
of operations and to assist the land manager in their responsibilities to the
public.
Although research in the field of animal damage management may produce
improved, more reliable future methods, the methods presented here represent
the state of the art.
Recognition and treatment of existing animal-damage problem are objectives of
land management, but the prevention of resource damage before it develops is
crucial.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Much of the information presented here was adapted from the Region 5/Region 6
Animal Damage Control Handbook (1978) and information on pocket gophers
prepared for a Region 4 Animal Damage Control Handbook (unpublished). -*
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ANIMAL DAMAGE CONTROL HANDBOOK
*- In this handbook wildlife-caused damage is broadly defined as follows:
1.
Damage to Trees. Animal use that delays regeneration or reduces the
number of desired trees below an acceptable stocking level or slows growth and
lengthens rotation.
2.
Damage to Forage. Animal use that causes a decrease of desirable
plant species or prevents maintenance of healthy range.
3.
Damage to Soil. Animal use that lands to deterioration of the soil
structure or to accelerated erosion.
4.
Damage to Buildings and Grounds. Animal use that causes
unacceptable health hazards or excessive maintenance costs to signs, buildings,
and grounds.
Additional definitions are provided in the glossary of terms (see Appendix 6).
This revised handbook will provide the best up-to-date information available to
aid land managers in identifying, assessing, and where necessary, controlling
animal-damage problems on forest and rangelands. Methods described are those
suitable for use on National Forests in Region 6.
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