f)()6 DESIGM.\C GROUSE COVERTS A.XD SETTING UP MANAGEMENT PLANS 



cordance with a definite plan. Such planning is here called "design." (p. 607). 



A clear understanding of the essentials of good cover design will be of material assistance in 

 determining what changes are desirable and how they may best be made. I p. 607). 



The basic component of grouse coverts is the cover type. Both fundamental and incidental 

 needs of the grouse are satisfied, but in varying degrees, according to season by these 

 types. In planning cover improvements, the i)urpose each serves must be kept constantly 

 in mind. (p. 608). 



The arrangement of cover types in large measure controls the indductiveness of the indi- 

 vidual habitat as well as the number of habitats to be foinid in the covert, (p. 609). 



The possible combinations of cover types that collectively make up a grouse habitat are 

 legion. Ten of the simpler, most conmion ones are diagrammed and analvzed bv way 

 of illustrating their \alue for grouse, (p. 610). 



Since the greater the number of good habitats in a covert, the larger the number of grouse 

 likely to live there, the arrangement of cover types to produce the maximum number of 

 habitats practical is discussed and diagrammed, (p. 612-613). 



It is quite practical to produce subsidiary crops such as forest products and recreational op- 

 portunities, as well as to assist in controlling soil erosion and balancing water runoff, 

 along with the encouragement of a good crop of grouse. Consideration should therefore 

 be given to the integration of these other uses in planning grouse habitats, (p. 615). 



Productive patterns for open lands (p. 616), overgrown lands (p. 618), woodlands (p. 620) 

 and clear-cut units (p. 621 ) are here outlined, to give an idea of the changes which one 

 may undertake by way of making these types more adequately fulfill the critical require- 

 ments of the grouse. 



A survey of existing conditions and influences, both plant and animal, that may affect grouse, 

 is a step prerequisite to the organization of a]j]>ro|)riate development plans. The inten- 

 sity with which this .should be carried out is dependent upon the extent of the improve- 

 ments contemplated, (p. 626). 



A cover type map is an almost indispensable aid in effecti\ely anal\/inj.' llie covert in terms 

 of grouse needs, in planning irninovemenls. and in keejiing a rerord of progress, (p. 626). 



With a good covert survey and cover t\])e map it is easv to recognize existing cover deficien- 

 cies and to locate areas best suited for development as hunting grounds or refuge units, 

 (p. 627). 



It is sometimes necessary also to conlrol. In sonic extent, the other forces inflncTicing produc- 

 tion such as |)redation. disease and Ininting. and to restock dcplclcd areas. Kach of these 

 must be considered in an\ well ordcn-ij plan. I p. 629). 



Management plans for developing and maintaiiiiiij; a grouse area sIkuiM be ^cl up in incliulc 

 certain definite objectives. Since the items which should he inchuled in sucli a plan have 

 not. as yet. been standardized, a suggested organization of these is here described, (p. 

 632). 



