8149

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 8149
• Author: Phenicie, C. K. and J. R. Lyons.
• Title: Tactical Planning in Fish and Wildlife Management and Research.
• USFW Year: 1973.
• Copyright Material: NO

primary objective which states the identity, nature, and depth of the
problem:

Determine benefits and costs of northern pike spawning marsh
construction and operation for management of lakes where
northern pike is a suitable predator and natural recruitment
is inadequate.

This is the primary objective of the sample step-down plan displayed in
graphic form in the centerfold.

RESOLVE THE PROBLEM INTO DISCRETE
ELEMENTS: THINK DEDUCTIVELY

Confronted with a task too big for our manpower and
facilities we have a tendency to dive into the physical part
of the work without adequate advanced planning. It is
difficult for us to sit back and go through the process of
analysis and planning when so much needs to be done. It is
easier to get at the job and leave the detailed planning
until later. This is where expediency overcomes our better
judgement. (Longwood, 1962).

Once a legitimate need has been identified, we proceed through orderly
processes of logic to develop a tactical plan to insure that efforts will, in
fact, solve the basic problem and that unnecessary effort will be eliminated.
After the primary objective has been stated, then reduce the problem into its
constituent parts. Within a clear problem statement will be found one or more
obstacles to be overcome. Ask why these obstacles exist, why have they not
been overcome, and what must be done to overcome them.

Consider the primary objective at the end of the previous section. What
obstacles are specified? Benefits and costs of marsh construction and opera-
tion are the obstacles that must be overcome. Does any other obstacle exist?
We think not, and if these two obstacles are overcome, then the primary objec-
tive will have been attained. This illustrates the second step in step-down
planning: (2) Derive a second echelon of items that will accomplish the
first. In this example there are two second echelon items. The first is:

Measure the annual increment of capital amortization and
document the yearly operation and maintenance costs.

The second is:

Measure the annual increment of the fishery attributable
to marsh production.

When true capital, operation, and maintenance costs are available and
when the annual increment of the fishery attributable to marsh production is
known, then the primary objective will have been reached.

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