Masters Theses

Date of Award

3-1974

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Wildlife and Fisheries Science

Major Professor

Michael R. Pelton

Committee Members

Edward Buckner, Thomas H. Ripley

Abstract

The purpose of this management guide was to point out management techniques applicable to the wildlife species found on the Chuck Swan Wildlife Management Area, Union and Campbell counties, Tennessee. These techniques were discussed in two ways. First, programs designed for individual species were reviewed to allow those in charge of the administration of the area the opportunity to consider specific manage-ment programs for one or more of the game species inhabiting the area. The second approach involved the review of habitat management techniques without mentioning particular game species. The information presented originated from three sources. Published literature was reviewed to locate applicable management techniques for the game species hunted on the area. Published and unpublished data on file in the offices of the Tennessee Game and Fish Commission were reviewed to determine past and present programs. The third source of information was based on the experiences of the author on the area while employed by the Commission as a game biologist. Results of these reviews indicated that more wildlife-oriented management can be performed on the management area than is now being done. This management improvement involves smaller and more scattered timber sales while employing a more varied program of timber management to increase yields of timber and wildlife. The agricultural program should also be altered to include the development of non-agricultural crops. The distribution of the openings should also involve a more random and scattered pattern. Opportunities are available for developing complementary recrea-tional outlets on the management area. Such areas include picnicking and camping areas, caves, and historical sites consisting of remains of early settlements. Trails, helpful in providing hunter access into the more remote areas, can also provide access into and from these potential visitor-use centers. These developments are secondary to the primary use of the area- wildlife management and associated wildlife recreational activities such as photography, nature study, and hunting. Because of the possibility of conflicts between the management programs of wildlife and forestry management, there is an important need for frequent meetings between the Game and Fish Commission and the Division of Forestry to discuss management programs. During these meet-ings, programs can be explained and evaluated in order to gain the most advantage of each program for the agencies involved.

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