Fish biologist and assistant taking water samples to aid in fish improvement work on 
Moraine Lake, Ottawa National Forest, Michigan. 
WiIGhike 
mMmanagemen«t 
The 1960 Multiple Use and Sustained Yield Act 
recognized wildlife and fish as major resources. The 
National Forests and National Grasslands, comprising 
some 187 million acres in 42 states and Puerto Rico, 
support a wide variety of wildlife species and provide 
some of the best hunting and fishing in the country. 
Approximately 40 rare or endangered species of wild- 
life and fish have been identified and are being man- 
aged on National Forest System lands. 
Most of these public lands are in the mountains of 
the Western States and Alaska. Occurring at the higher 
elevations, they give rise to many of the cold water trout 
streams, and contain most of the cold water lakes open 
to fishing. ; 
Wildlife management on the National Forests and 
National Grasslands primarily involves protection and 
improvement of habitat for both game and nongame 
species. State fish and game laws apply on these public 
lands, which necessitates a high degree of cooperation 
with the State wildlife agencies. Necessary cooperation 
is also maintained with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service, Department of the Interior. 
An important and challenging part of wildlife man- 
agement involves the coordination of wildlife needs 
with other forest resource activities. Timber harvest, 
livestock grazing, and road construction are examples 
F-517453 
of activities that can be detrimental to wildlife and fish. 
With proper planning, however, the biologist can help 
make these other activities serve the interest of wildlife.” 
Habitat for wildlife and fish can be made more pro- 
ductive through application of direct improvement 
measures. The biologist plays a major role in planning 
and prescribing a wide range of habitat improvements 
to increase fish and game production and provide for 
the needs of nongame species. 
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS 
A bachelor of science degree in wildlife or fisherigs 
management, with at least 30 semester hours or equiva- 
lent in biological sciences, is the usual requirement for 
these positions. Such course work must include 9 semes- 
ter hours in wildlife subjects, 12 semester hours in zool- 
ogy, and 9 semester hours in botany or related plant 
sciences. Graduate study, advanced degrees, or profes- 
sional experience may qualify an individual for entrance 
at higher levels. Applicants for wildlife management 
positions must show that they have completed a full 
4-year course of study in an accredited college or uni- 
versity leading to a bachelor’s (or higher) degree, with 
course work which has included 30 semester hours in 
biological science and 15 semester hours in the physi- 
cal, mathematical, and earth sciences. 
A career in wildlife or fisheries management may 
require administrative skills as well as a sound working 
knowledge of plant and animal ecology. This phase of 
resource management will provide a rewarding career 
to those who demonstrate the interest and enthusiasm. 
