Recommendation #8 



We recommend the department ensure Block Management Coordinators justify and document 

 the enrollment of new landowners or the re-enrollment of current landowners in the Block 

 Management Program. 



Status: Implemented 



The department uses a scoring sheet to rate all properties for re-enrollment purposes. Scoring 

 categories include wildlife management goals, hunter opportunity, landowner relations, and 

 administrative accountability. Specific scoring criteria are defined for certain categories. For 

 example, a property of 641 to 1,000 acres receives 4 points under the size category, while 2,001 

 to 5,000 acres receives 8 points. Other categories are more subjective, however multiple 

 department staff score properties and then average the numbers for the final score. The program 

 administrator oversees the entire scoring process. 



Recommendation #9 



We recommend the department/regions initiate a process to review tabloid and map information 

 to make information more consistent/standard and easier to understand. 



Status: Implemented 



Prior to the audit, maps were developed at the regional level, creating inconsistencies between 

 regions, and in some cases between different properties within the same region. A review of the 

 current maps shows this problem has been corrected, with all maps now having a similar look, 

 common legends, and common criteria, including recognizable landmarks such as towns or 

 major intersections. A review of the tabloids also showed an improvement in the general quality. 



Recommendation #10 



We recommend the department ensure the directions on the Block Management Area maps can 

 be followed and the areas are properly signed prior to the hunting season. 



Status: Partially Implemented 



The status of this recommendation is probably best described as being an ongoing phase of 

 implementation. During the audit, we discovered areas where a hunter could experience 

 difficulties in finding a BMA. Department personnel maintain that improvements have been 

 made in signage, including more permanent (metal) signs, an overall increase in the number of 

 signs, and newly created signs showing when someone has left a BMA. In addition, the program 

 administrator cites improvements associated with a directive that Regional Coordinators 

 constantly review signage. The newly created Hunting Access Technicians are also responsible 

 for installing signs. However, the department admits that problems associated with specific 

 properties are typically brought to the department's attention through hunter comment cards, 

 which are not available until after the hunting season. 



As mentioned under Recommendation #9, map formats have been standardized. Directions are 

 now included on the back of maps. Based on our review of several examples, it appears 

 improvements have been made in clarifying directions. 



