| The Experimental Stewardship Program has been variously billed as the savior of multiple use management or a waste of time and financial resources. This paper explores the decision and management process as developed in the Challis (Idaho) Experimental Stewardship Program and the progress that has been made due to the process. Economic analysis of the program over time was also undertaken. Results indicate that the program has been effective at resolving conflicts in the use and management of over 700,000 acres of public and private lands. In addition, the Stewardship process has resulted in management plans which have been deemed as acceptable by all parties involved, has resulted in dramatic increases in wildlife populations and associated recreation use and has maintained or increased livestock use. In addition, data indicate that following a consensus management process results in significant declines in appeals/protests and time necessary to install management on the ground. Finally, the program is a cost-effective method of using multiple use management on public and private lands. |
