1998 Report of the Forest Service

Accomplishments projected for future years, allocated for current years, and reported for prior years under the following definitions are the result of Forest Service discretionary and mandatory appropriations. With few exceptions, contributed accomplishments (e.g., challenge cost share activities) are not included.

Nonindustrial private forestlands (NIPF) under approved Stewardship Management Plans (acres) :

The Forest Stewardship Program assists nonindustrial private forest landowners on a voluntary, nonregulatory basis to develop long-term Forest Stewardship Plans for the management of their forests and related resources. The indicator is reported as total acreage under Stewardship Plans. Five percent of the total NIPF acres under approved plans that are accomplished in FY 1999 satisfy Objective 1.1. The remaining acres are distributed between Objectives 1.2, 2.1, and 2.5.

Multiresource practices implemented on NIPF lands (acres):

Forest Stewardship Management Plans can be implemented by landowners through approved, cost-shared multiresource management practices. These practices allow for consideration of all resources such as soil and water, wildlife, recreation, agroforestry, and aesthetics, in balance with the landowners' commodity goals. Five percent of the total NIPF acres under approved plans that are accomplished in FY 1999 is attributed to Objective 1.1. The remaining acres are distributed between Objectives 1.2, 2.1, and 2.5.

Streams and lakes restored or enhanced for fish habitat (miles/acres):

This measures miles of rivers and streams and acres of lakes (fish bearing) that were restored or enhanced using structural or nonstructural improvements accomplished with appropriated funds. Examples of stream or river improvements include the placement of large woody debris and the placement of boulders to provide spawning habitat. Examples of lake improvements might include construction of an aerator or liming to counteract high pH levels. (MAR 68.3, 70.3, 68.4, and 70.4)

Soil and water resource improvements (acres):

This includes acres treated with improvement measures to increase the quality and quantity of water, and maintain or improve soil productivity. The reestablishment of vegetation on streambanks and the placement of gabions to halt streambank erosion are two examples of soil and water improvement activities. (MAR 13.0)

Abandoned mine land watershed initiative activities (non-CERCLA sites):

This measure involves the inventory and reclamation of mines causing damage to the environment or posing risks to public health and safety. The program includes sites that clearly do not involve the Comprehensive, Emergency Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).

Bonded nonenergy/energy operations administered to standard (sites):

Includes the number of total bonded operations administered to a level that ensures compliance with operating plans. Also includes the number of energy operations, including those conducted under reserved and outstanding rights, administered to a level that ensures compliance with operating plans. Count once each year until final reclamation has been accepted. (MAR 84.4, 87.2)

Road decommissioning (miles) :

This measures the miles of both system and unclassified roads that are restored to natural resource management, and the removal of system roads from the road inventory. (MAR 91.3)

Land adjustments to improve national forest management and protect natural resource values (acres) :

This measures the total acreage acquired through purchase, transfer, and exchange to consolidate national forest land ownership. Accomplishment is recorded when title has been transferred to the Forest Service. An estimated 30 percent of the total is attributed to Objective 1.1. The remaining acres are distributed between Objectives 1.2 and 1.3. (MAR 31.0, 32.1, and 32.2)

Forest Health surveys and evaluations, Federal and Cooperative lands (million acres):

Forest Health surveys and evaluations are a component of the State and Private Forestry Forest Health Management program. It provides professional forest health assistance, including forest insect and disease detection surveys and evaluations for all Federal forest lands, including National Forest System, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, Corps of Engineers, Smithsonian Institution, and Department of Defense lands. Through cooperation with State governments, assistance is provided to private landowners in the area of forest health, especially with insect and disease surveys and evaluations. Assistance is also provided to tribal governments.

NIPF Stewardship Management Plans (number):

Stewardship Management Plans are voluntary, long-term management plans for NIPF forests and related resources. The planning process considers all resources including soil and water, wildlife, recreation, agroforestry, and aesthetics in balance with the landowner's commodity goals. Plans are prepared by State forestry personnel, other State and federal agencies, or private forestry consultants.

Nonindustrial private forestlands (NIPF) under approved Stewardship Management Plans (acres) :

The Forest Stewardship Program assists NIPF landowners on a voluntary, nonregulatory basis to develop long-term Forest Stewardship Plans for the management of their forests and related resources. The indicator is reported as total acreage under Plans. Sixty percent of the total NIPF acres under approved plans that are accomplished in FY 1999 is attributed to Objective 1.2. The remaining acres are distributed between Objectives 1.1, 2.1, and 2.5.

Multiresource practices implemented on NIPF lands (acres):

Forest Stewardship Management Plans can be implemented by landowners through approved, cost-shared multiresource management practices. These practices allow for consideration of all resources such as soil and water, wildlife, recreation, agroforestry, and aesthetics, in balance with the landowners' commodity goals. Fifty percent of the total NIPF acres under approved plans that are accomplished in FY 1999 is attributed to Objective 1.2. The remaining acres are distributed between Objectives 1.1, 2.1, and 2.6.

Forest Legacy Program: Statewide Assessment of Needs (acres, States and projects):

The Forest Legacy Program conserves environmentally important forests threatened by conversion to nonforest uses through the acquisition of land or interests in land from willing landowners. Statewide assessments, or plans, identify Forest Legacy Areas. Within those areas, interested landowners can apply for the program to the State lead agency, which maintains a list of potential projects and their acreages.

Terrestrial wildlife habitat restored or enhanced (acres):

Restoration and enhancement is accomplished using appropriated funds through application of a variety of management practices such as prescribed burns, seeding to improve foraging habitat for game birds, or manipulating vegetation to obtain the desired habitat condition. Seventy-five percent of the total terrestrial wildlife acres that are restored or enhanced in FY 1999 is attributed to Objective 1.2. The remaining acres are attributed to Objective 1.3. (MAR 66.2)

Forestlands maintained or enhanced by stand improvement (acres):

Stand improvement techniques include release, weeding, thinning, fertilization, and pruning using appropriated funds (NFFV), reforestation trust fund (RTRT), contributed funds, K-V funds (CWKV), or carryover funds. (MAR 20.0)

Lands restored by reforestation (acres):

Includes acres reforested by planting, seeding, and natural means, including site preparation for natural regeneration, and certification of natural regeneration without site preparation. (MAR 19.0)

Hazardous fuels reduction (acres):

Accomplishments can include acres directly affected by management-ignited prescribed fire, prescribed natural fire, and mechanical or chemical treatments that reduce fire hazard. (MAR 16.2)

Treatment of harvest-related woody fuels--brush disposal (acres):

This involves the treatment of fuels generated from timber sales and timber stand improvement. Techniques can include lopping and scattering and hand or mechanical piling and burning. (MAR 16.3)

Land adjustments to improve national forest management and protect natural resource values (acres) :

This measures the total acreage acquired through purchase, transfer, and exchange to consolidate national forest land ownership. Accomplishment is recorded when title has been transferred to the Forest Service. An estimated 40 percent of the total is attributed to Objective 1.2. The remaining acres are distributed between Objectives 1.1 and 1.3. (MAR 31.0, 32.1, and 32.2)

Value of FEPP equipment loaned to States (dollars):

The State and Private Forestry Volunteer Fire Assistance program provides technical and financial assistance directly to local organizations for fire protection on over 1 billion acres of State and private lands.

Noxious weeds treated (acres):

Includes initial treatment and retreatment of noxious weed infestations. Accomplishment is reported when treatment has been completed. (MAR 9.0)

Nonstructural range improvements completed (acres):

This includes revegetation and forage improvement activities related to basic stewardship of rangeland conditions. Examples include seeding, fertilizing, and burning to improve forage production and overall range health. (MAR 29.0)

Rangelands monitored for progress toward desired condition in AMP's (acres):

During the fiscal year, an agency employee technically qualified in rangeland monitoring and evaluation physically inspects and evaluates as many acres as necessary, or verifies inspections and evaluations performed by others, to determine ecological status and trend for the acres reported. In accordance with monitoring plans for the area, the employee shall document whether the reported acres meet, do not meet, or are moving towards resource objectives for rangeland ecosystems contained in Allotment Management Plans. (MAR 76.1)

Terrestrial wildlife habitat restored or enhanced (acres):

The total number of acres restored or enhanced to achieve desired future condition of habitat using appropriated funds. Restoration and improvement techniques include prescribed burns, seeding to improve foraging habitat for game birds, and manipulating vegetation to obtain desired habitat condition. Twenty-five percent of the total terrestrial wildlife acres that are restored or enhanced in FY 1999 is attributed to Objective 1.3. The remaining acres are attributed to Objective 1.2. (MAR 66.2)

Land adjustments to improve national forest management and protect natural resource values (acres) :

This measures the total acreage acquired through purchase, transfer, and exchange to consolidate national forest land ownership. Accomplishment is recorded when title has been transferred to the Forest Service. An estimated 30 percent of the total is attributed to Objective 1.3. The remaining acres are distributed between Objectives 1.1 and 1.2. (MAR 31.0, 32.1, and 32.2)

Hazardous substance sites--response actions completed and ongoing (number of actions):

Includes removal actions, remedial actions, and natural resource damage actions. Removal actions include response actions that either clean up or remove hazardous substances from the environment or are taken in the event of a release or threat of a release. Actions include monitoring, assessing, and evaluating the release or threat of release; disposing of removal material; or other actions to prevent, minimize, or mitigate damage to the public health, welfare, or the environment that might otherwise occur due to the release. Remedial actions include response actions consistent with a permanent remedy taken, instead of, or in addition to, removal actions to prevent and minimize the release of hazardous substances. Natural resource damage actions include actions to restore, replace, or acquire the equivalent natural resources, including the assessment costs.

Watershed or major abandoned mine land site cleanup actions initiated under CERCLA (number of actions) :

Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) the Forest Service is responsible for oversight of all nonemergency investigations and cleanups of hazardous sites on NFS lands. Hazardous sites under CERCLA include abandoned landfills and mines, oil and gas exploration sites, and drug lab or other illegal dumps. The Forest Service is working with DOI agencies to initiate actions including any efforts to plan, design, implement, and monitor the cleanup of CERCLA sites.

Terrestrial TES habitat restored (acres):

This measure reports acres of TES terrestrial habitat that were restored or enhanced using nonstructural improvements in the reporting year using TES appropriated funds for the explicit purpose of improving TES habitat. Accomplishment is reported when improvement has been completed. If work has been contracted, but not completed, only report improved acres actually completed. Work plans or maps of project areas including project descriptions should document the improvements completed. (MAR 72.6)

Aquatic TES habitat restored or enhanced (stream miles and lake acres):

This measure reports miles of perennial streams and surface acres of TES aquatic habitat that were restored or enhanced using structural and nonstructural improvements in the reporting year using TES appropriated funds for the explicit purpose of improving TES habitat. Accomplishment is reported when improvement has been completed. If work has been contracted, but not completed, only report improved miles actually completed. Work plans or maps of project areas including project descriptions should document improvements completed. (MAR 72.4,72.5)

Conservation agreements and strategies (number of sensitive aquatic and terrestrial species):

Report the number of recovery and conservation tasks that were completed in the fiscal year for sensitive aquatic and terrestrial species. Recovery plans and conservation strategies include assignment of specific tasks to agencies. For those federally listed species having such either FWS approved recovery plans or conservation strategies or sensitive species having a conservation strategy approved by Forest Supervisors or Regional Foresters, report those tasks required of the Forest Service in the given year that were accomplished.

Approved and implemented recovery plans (number of listed aquatic and terrestrial species) :

Report the number of recovery and conservation tasks that were completed in the fiscal year for listed aquatic and terrestrial species. Recovery plans and conservation strategies include assignment of specific tasks to agencies. For those federally listed species having such either FWS approved recovery plans or conservation strategies or sensitive species having a conservation strategy approved by Forest Supervisors or Regional Foresters, report those tasks required of the Forest Service in the given year that were accomplished.

Scientific papers (number) :

Includes books, papers in series, journal articles, dissertations and theses, and other similar peer-reviewed accomplishments that are primarily related to ecosystem sustainability.

Integrated Resource Inventories:

Integrated inventories are those designed to meet multiple needs for information and consist of "data collection for analysis of the status or conditions of resources or other vegetative or physical characteristics required for planning..."(FSH 1909.4).

NFIM-related integrated resource inventories are those that contribute to issues or decisions being addressed in the forest planning process, ultimately resulting in forest plan revisions or amendments that are technically and legally defensible. Such inventories are more than just incidentally supportive of forest plan revisions; and are not primarily carried out to support projects. They involve both "integrated inventory," done at the "front end" for reasons of practicality and cost effectiveness, and, "inventory integration," done at the "back end" of the forest planning process. NFIM-related integrated resource inventories meet multiple needs, including multilocation, multiresource, and/or temporal needs for information at various scales.

These may include certain single resource inventories that are designed to support forest plan revisions or amendments, but cannot be combined with other resource inventories due to the nature of the resource being measured. Single resource inventories should be relatable to others through geographical locators and mapping. Activity Code EM 111. The integrated inventories are associated with physical, biological, and human dimensions.

Physical Dimensions:

Aquatic ecological unit inventories (miles/acres):

An inventory that produces a map and/or descriptions of Aquatic Ecological Units, addressing issues associated with forest plan revisions or amendments. Units are defined in "Hierarchical Framework of Aquatic Ecological Units in North America (Nearctic Zone)," USDA Forest Service North Central Experiment Station, GTR NC-176. Report accomplishments, by scale, as number of riverine miles or lacustrine acres for which maps and/or descriptions have been completed during the fiscal year.

Riverine Valley Segment Scale Inventory (MAR 13.2)

Riverine Stream Reach or Channel Unit Scale Inventory (MAR 13.3)

Lacustrine Lake Type Scale Inventory (MAR 13.4)

Lacustrine Lake Zone or Site Scale Inventory (MAR 13.5)

Terrestrial ecological unit inventories (acres):

An inventory that produces a map and description of Terrestrial Ecological Units (TEUI) that address issues and decisions associated with Forest Plan revisions or amendments. Factors are combined that determine the biophysical capacity of the land (soil, geology, geomorphology, climate, and potential natural vegetation) as defined in FSH 2090.11, and the National Hierarchical Framework of Ecological Units. This includes the standards for Soil Inventory from FSM 2550.4. TEUI's are done at different scales (hierarchical levels) to respond to different levels of information needs as shown below. The scales are described in the National Hierarchical Framework of Ecological Units (Ecomap, Nov. 1993, in revision). Report accomplishments as number of acres for which maps with descriptions have been completed during the fiscal year.

TEUI at Eco-subregion (Section, Subsection) Scale (MAR 60.7)

TEUI at Landscape Scale (MAR 60.8)

TEUI at Land Unit Scale (MAR 60.9)

Biological dimensions:

Forest resource inventory (acres):

Work associated with strategic forest inventory and issues relevant to forest plan revisions or amendments (MAR 60.1). This includes preparation of an inventory plan; organizing and training for the inventory project; photo sampling, field sampling and maintenance of quality control; inventory compilation and preparation of data; and similar activities. It includes installing vegetation ground plots at a single intensity level (5000 meter intervals) across all forest land, including reserved lands. These plots are to be taken under the procedures provided in FSH 2404.13a. If NFS units contract with FIA units for plot taking or data processing, it would include pass-through funds for that purpose. Intensifying the permanent plot grid sampling is desirable to obtain additional information for forest planning purposes. Accomplishment is reported in fiscal year when information has been entered into an automated data base and is available for use in analyses above the project level, planning efforts, assessments, etc.

Rangeland resource inventory (acres):

Work associated with gathering information on the existing vegetation and physical conditions of rangelands, that addresses issues and decisions associated with forest plan revisions or amendments (MAR 60.2). Report the number of acres where current vegetation species and condition are inventoried to regional standards that include on-the-ground measurements and identification. Rangeland inventories may be conducted in deserts, grasslands, shrublands, woodlands, forests, and alpine zones. Riparian zone inventory is work associated with riparian condition including wetlands, and can be included. It is reported in acres of landscape, not miles of stream. Accomplishment is reported in fiscal year when information has been entered into an automated data base and is available for use in analyses above the project level, planning efforts, assessments, etc.

Wildlife habitat inventory (acres):

Supports ecosystem planning/management that has been designed to meet multilevel, multilocation, multiresource or temporal needs (MAR 60.3). NFIM-related inventory addresses issues and decisions associated with Land and Resource Management Plan revisions or amendments. Accomplishment is reported in fiscal year when information has been entered into an automated data base and is available for use in analyses above the project level, planning efforts, assessments, etc.

TES species habitat inventory (acres):

Support ecosystem planning/management that has been designed to meet multilevel, multilocation, multiresource or temporal needs (MAR 60.4). NFIM-related inventory addresses issues and decisions associated with Land and Resource Management Plan revisions or amendments. Accomplishment is reported in fiscal year when information has been entered into an automated data base and is available for use in analyses above the project level, planning efforts, assessments, etc.

Human dimensions:

Heritage inventory (acres):

Include acres inventoried for heritage resources (MAR 61.9). NFIM-related inventory addresses issues and decisions associated with forest plan revisions or amendments. Accomplishment is reported in fiscal year when information has been entered into an automated data base and is available for use in analyses above the project level, planning efforts, assessments, etc. Accomplishments are reported in acres for which heritage resources have been inventoried during the fiscal year.

Air quality related values inventoried/monitored (AQRVs):

The total number of Air Quality Related Values (AQRV) is a measure of air pollution impact inventoried and monitored in a Class I area, with emphasis on issues associated with forest plan revisions or amendments (MAR 81.2). Measures of air pollution impacts refers to ambient air monitoring of gases, aerosols, and particles; direct or indirect monitoring of visibility; monitoring of the health and vitality of ecosystems including such parameters as water and soil chemistry and presence or absence of biotic species. Air quality related values are those features or properties of a Class I area that have been identified in Forest Service AQRV screening documents and/or forest plans and that could be affected by air pollution. Typically, these include visual air quality and particularly valuable or unique ecosystems with resources affected by air pollution.

For counting purposes, if there are multiple sensors at a single site that are measuring parts of the same AQRV, count each one (e.g., a camera, nephelometer, aerosol sampler modules A and B, would count as 4). Where it takes multiple plots to characterize impacts as in foliar damage from ozone, count that as one AQRV inventoried. Where there are multiple toxic air pollutants tested for lichens, count each chemical element and lichen species, not each lichen plot sampled. You may count inventorying and monitoring in cooperation with States, EPA, other Federal land managers and partners as long as the FS contributes money or labor. Count supporting meteorological sites as one even though there are several parameters monitored. Accomplishments will be reported in the fiscal year when information has been entered into an automated data base and is available for use in analyses above the project level, planning efforts, assessments, etc., where the information lends itself to a geographically specific impact or interpretation. Until the Forest Service Air Quality Information Management System is operational, accomplishment should be counted when raw data and analysis are available to field units.

Multiscale assessments completed (number):

NFIM-related assessments are characterizations of ecosystems above the project level (e.g., ecoregional, subregional, river basin, landscape, watershed, etc.) that provide information relevant to forest plan revision issues or amendments. Such assessments efficiently consider information that might otherwise be collected independently for several separate national forests within the same ecoregion. Assessments, which may utilize integrated resource inventories and other information, are not decision documents. They report findings for future management consideration, providing a context for subsequent decisionmaking. Accomplishment is reported, by the following scales, in the fiscal year when the Assessment Team Leader certifies that the assessment report is completed.

Ecoregion (Domain/Division/Province) Scale Assessments (MAR 13.6)

Eco-subregion (Section)/River Basin & Subbasin Scale Assessments (MAR 13.7)

Landscape/Watershed Scale Assessments (MAR 13.8)

Wilderness in approved fire plans (acres):

This indicator is the total wilderness acres in approved fire plans. An approved fire plan is required for a natural ignition to result in a fire that achieves positive resource objectives with a minimum of human intervention. It is recognized that this indicator is not appropriate for Region 10 (Alaska) where wilderness is virtually unaffected by fire.

Nonindustrial private forestlands (NIPF) under approved Stewardship Management Plans (acres) :

The Forest Stewardship Program assists NIPF landowners on a voluntary, nonregulatory basis to develop long-term Forest Stewardship Plans for the management of their forests and related resources. The indicator is reported as total acreage under Plans. Five percent of the total NIPF acres under approved plans that are accomplished in FY 1999 is attributed to Objective 2.1. The remaining acres are distributed between Objectives 1.1, 1.2, and 2.5.

Multiresource practices implemented on NIPF lands (acres):

Forest Stewardship Management Plans can be implemented by landowners through approved, cost-shared multiresource management practices. These practices allow for consideration of all resources such as soil and water, wildlife, recreation, agroforestry, and aesthetics, in balance with the landowners' commodity goals. Five percent of the total NIPF acres under approved plans that are accomplished in FY 1999 is attributed to Objective 2.1. The remaining acres are distributed between Objectives 1.1, 1.2, and 2.6.

Seasonal capacity available (million PAOT-days):

The cumulative total persons-at-one-time (PAOT) Days of developed facility capacity made available during the recreation season. This includes the capacity available to standard and the capacity available not to standard. (MAR 26.0)

Recreation special uses administered (permits):

The total number of Special Use Permits in existence at the end of the fiscal year. This includes permits administered to standard and those not administered to standard but on the books. (MAR 62.5)

Trails re/constructed to standard (miles):

Accomplishment reflects reconstruction/construction work on year-round system trails on NFS lands. Accomplishment is reported either when a contract is awarded or when a project is completed by Forest Service crews. Documentation of accomplishment consists of either copies of the contracts and award letters or copies of work plans including maps of projects completed by our own workforce. Separate documentation (i.e., outside the MAR system) of accomplishment related to completed contracts should be kept in unit files. (MAR 21.0)

Customers rate overall satisfaction with facilities and access, information about recreation opportunities, and service delivery (on a scale of 1-7):

Customer survey will measure user satisfaction with the recreation experience.

Customers rate satisfaction with the recreation special use permit process (on a scale of 1-7) :

Customer survey will measure user satisfaction with the recreation special use permit process.

Customers rate satisfaction with Forest Service visitor services (on a scale of 1-7):

Customer survey will measure user satisfaction with Forest Service visitor centers.

Annual education contacts (number):

An education contact, for the purposes of this report, is an individual contact at least 5 minutes in length. During the contact, specific information about wilderness is transmitted with a high likelihood of understanding on the part of the recipient.

Wilderness meeting forest plan standards for physical and social conditions (acres):

This indicator represents a fundamental task of wilderness management; providing wilderness stewardship that "protects and/or restores" wilderness characteristics to units of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Attainment requirements include:

· Having adequate and appropriate forest plan standards and guidelines for wilderness.

· Monitoring wilderness condition to assess compliance, and

· Determination that standards are met or exceeded.

Customers rate satisfaction with recreation experience in congressionally designated wildernesses (on a scale of 1-7):

Customer survey will measure user satisfaction with recreation experience in natural wilderness areas.

Heritage Sites Evaluated (number):

Number of heritage sites evaluated in order to determine their eligibility for listing on the National Register of Historic Places or to assess the relative importance of a property within a management allocation framework such as a forest plan, EIS, or EA. Sites evaluated can include sites identified in earlier years but not evaluated and recommended eligible. Evaluation is work done to determine a property's eligibility to the National Register of Historic Places or to assess the relative importance of a property within a management allocation framework. Evaluation may include archival research or evaluative site testing. (MAR 65.2)

Heritage Sites Interpreted (number):

The number of heritage sites newly developed for on-site or off-site public interpretation. Includes interpretive displays, guided tours, trails, interpretive brochures, interpretive signs, etc. Count sites in which there has been an investment of resources to specifically interpret the heritage values of the sites. An individual site cannot be counted in more than one category. (MAR 65.3)

Heritage Sites Preserved and Protected (number):

Number of heritage sites protected this fiscal year. Protection refers to any deliberate, planned activity that shields a site or its information potential from, or monitors for, natural or human-caused damage or destruction This is the indirect protections of properties and includes the expenditure of resources to fence, remove impacting activities and facilities, prevent or control access, and monitor site conditions. Preservation is the expenditure of resources to restore, repair, or rehabilitate heritage properties in order to make them last longer or serve the public better. Sites afforded protection through project planning, redesign, and implementation (site avoidance) are not counted in this category. (MAR 65.4)

Participating Communities (number):

The number of communities that have recognized that trees, forests, and greenspace are assets to their communities and are initiating community-based natural resource programs and projects with the help of technical and/or financial assistance through the U&CF program.

Assists to communities (number):

The number of technical assists made to communities participating in U&CF programs through State and local agencies.

Training provided to communities (hours):

Training that is provided to 1) professionals about advancing U&CF program technologies, 2) policy makers on the important functions trees contribute to cities and communities, and 3) citizens on how to protect, manage, and care for trees in their communities.

Volunteer assistance generated (hours):

Hours worked by people who volunteer their time and assistance to maintain, improve, expand, and protect urban and community forests and related greenspace.

Communities working under broad-based local strategic plans (number):

Rural communities that have developed strategic plans to achieve sustainable development through the Economic Action Programs.

Communities using locally-based measurement systems (number):

A process and methodology developed by the Forest Service for rural communities to monitor and evaluate their progress toward building capacity and achieving their strategic goals with assistance from the Economic Action Programs.

Assistance to tribal and minority communities (number):

The number of tribal and minority communities that receive technical and financial assistance from State and local entities through the Economic Action Programs.

Communities and/or Volunteer Fire Departments assisted (number of grants):

The Volunteer Fire Assistance (formerly Rural Community Fire Protection) program provides technical and financial assistance directly to local organizations to effectively and adequately protect over 1 million acres of State and private lands. The volunteer program supports local fire suppression efforts by providing grants to over 3,000 small communities with populations under 10,000 each year.

State foresters rate satisfaction with Cooperative Fire Protection program (on a scale of 1-7) :

Customer survey will measure user satisfaction with effectiveness of program delivery.

NIPF lands under approved Stewardship Management Plans (acres):

The Forest Stewardship Program assists NIPF landowners on a voluntary, nonregulatory basis to develop long-term Forest Stewardship Plans for the management of their forests and related resources. The indicator is reported as total acreage under Plans. Thirty percent of the total NIPF acres under approved plans that are accomplished in FY 1999 is attributed to Objective 2.5. The remaining acres are distributed between Objectives 1.1, 1.2, and 2.1.

Multiresource practices implemented on NIPF lands (acres):

Forest Stewardship Management Plans can be implemented by landowners through approved, cost-shared multiresource management practices. These practices allow for consideration of all resources such as soil and water, wildlife, recreation, agroforestry, and aesthetics, in balance with the landowners' commodity goals. Forty percent of the total NIPF acres under approved plans that are accomplished in FY 1999 is attributed to Objective 2.6. The remaining acres are distributed between Objectives 1.1, 1.2, and 2.1.

Increased use of underutilized species (million cubic feet):

Use of low-value, underutilized species in connection with ecosystem restoration and maintenance activities. Many eastern and western hardwoods, small diameter lodgepole and ponderosa pine in the inland West, and western juniper and pinyon pine in the Southwest are prime candidates for increased utilization.

Timber volume offered (million cubic feet):

The preparation and advertisement for sale (Gate 4 completed) of timber, including fuelwood (Fund Code NFTM), that has not been previously advertised for sale, and timber that is categorized as mortality, i.e., fire and/or insect damaged timber using timber salvage sale funds (Fund Code SSSS). This accomplishment is recorded in the Sales Tracking and Reporting System when the timber sale has been advertised or when a permit to remove timber has been sold. (MAR 77.3)

Timber volume sold (million cubic feet):

The total timber sale volume sold where a successful bidder/purchaser has been determined and the sale has been awarded (Gate 6 completed). This accomplishment is recorded in the Timber Sale Accounting System when the timber sale contract or permit has been executed prior to closure of the fiscal year. (MAR 77.9)

Range structural improvements (number):

For those structural improvements measured in miles, use a conversion factor of 0.5 miles = 1 structure. Accomplishment is reported when a structure has been completed. If work has been contracted, but not completed, only report structures actually completed. Work plans or maps of project areas including project descriptions should document the number of structures completed. Inspection reports would also document project completion. (MAR 30.0)

Grazing allotments analyzed and NEPA decisions analyzed (number):

Report all grazing allotments that during the fiscal year had analysis completed and project level decisions (AMP's) implemented in conformance with provisions of NEPA. Because one decision may be prepared for several grazing allotments, the reportable item is the number of allotments for which analyses were completed and decisions issued. (MAR 75.3)

Grazing allotments administered to standard (number):

During the fiscal year an agency employee qualified in grazing permit administration supervises livestock grazing by evaluating and documenting permittee compliance and annual achievement of applicable resource management standards, and by documenting and initiating any needed corrective action. An allotment may be reported as managed to standard when the responsible manager determines and documents that the permittee is in compliance AND applicable resource management standards are being met, OR where the permittee was not in compliance and/or applicable resource management standards are not being met, ALL necessary corrective actions have been documented and initiated.

The responsible resource manager will use as many of the following or similar activities as necessary to meet the standard: counting livestock; inspection rides with permittees; conducting livestock utilization studies; preparing, modifying or updating allotment management plans or annual operating plans; inspecting range improvements; issuing or modifying grazing permits or grazing agreements (MAR 75.1).

Bonded and nonbonded nonenergy operations processed (number):

Bonded nonenergy operations include the number of operations processed for which reclamation bonds were required. Accomplishment is reported when an operation plan is processed to a decision. There should be a decision document signed by a line officer in the files that verifies each operation reported as processed. Nonbonded nonenergy operations include the number of operations processed that did not require a reclamation bond, such as Plans of Operations under 36 CFR 228.A, for which bond requirements were waived; Notices of Intent; or free use mineral material permits for the public. Accomplishment is reported when an operation plan is processed to a decision. There should be a decision document signed by a line officer in the files that verifies each operation reported as processed. (MAR 84.1, 84.2)

Energy Operations Processed (number):

The number of new energy operations, including those conducted under reserved and outstanding rights, that required environmental analysis. Accomplishment is reported when an operation plan is processed to a decision. There should be a decision document signed by a line officer in the files that verifies each operation reported as processed. (MAR 87.1)

Technical reports (number) :

Includes books, papers in series, journal articles, proceedings, general technical reports, special reports, patents, videos, computer programs, dissertations and theses, and other similar technology transfer accomplishments that are primarily related to provision or support of multiple benefits.

States surveyed to meet FIA cycle (number):

The Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program provides the only continuous inventory that periodically quantifies the status of forest ecosystems, including timber and nontimber information, across all landownerships in the United States. FIA strives to maintain current State inventories on the shortest cycle possible (currently about 11 years). These inventories are established with a common sample frame, spatially referenced, across all forested lands.

Lands covered by Forest Health Monitoring plot system in lower 48 States (percent):

The Forest Health Monitoring plot system identifies and tests environmental indicators and provides data to evaluate the health of all of the Nation's forests. Performance is measured by the percentage of monitored forested area nationally.

Land and Resource Management Plan revisions and new plans completed (number):

Integrated interdisciplinary planning resulting in a NFMA-anticipated forest plan revision, recognizing that some revisions actually may be completed ahead of schedule. Accomplishment is reported in fiscal year when Record of Decision (ROD), based on the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), is signed by regional forester (MAR 61.1).

Land and Resource Management Plan revisions and new plans initiated (number):

Accomplishment is reported in the fiscal year that the Notice of Intent (NOI) is filed (MAR 11.3).

Land and Resource Management Plan monitoring and evaluation (reports):

Forests prepare an annual "Forest Plan Monitoring and Evaluation Report" in accordance with respective forest plan requirements; Regional direction; FSH, FSM, and planning regulation guidance on what to monitor; and, associated WO policy direction (MAR 11.2). The audience is the respective National Forest Leadership Team, with benefits to the Region, WO, and public. The report should be based on monitoring data and information gathered during the previous fiscal year; focus on evaluation of forest plan implementation; and, provide an overview of forest resource conditions and trends, with specific attention to the effects of management on landscapes and ecological functions, which will assist regions in preparing "State of the Region Reports" (see also MAR 61.8). It should contain these 10 items:

1. Forest supervisor(s) certification as per national strategy

2. Monitoring activities

3. Evaluation of monitoring results and conclusions (an interdisciplinary team process)

4. Action plan (include any proposed plan amendments/revisions or additional monitoring needs)

5. Status of previous year's recommendations

6. Update of research needs

7. List of preparers

8. Location of supporting documentation for monitoring activities

9. Public participation/disclosure plan

10. Appendix

Accomplishment is reported in fiscal year when the forest plan monitoring and evaluation report is completed.

State of the Region Evaluation Report:

Regions prepare a "State of the Region Evaluation Report" (MAR 61.8) based on the annual "Forest Plan Monitoring and Evaluation Reports" prepared by each national forest (see MAR 11.2) and any other pertinent information. The audience is the WO, the Regional Leadership Team, and the public. This report should focus on the evaluation results, as opposed to monitoring data. It should portray the condition and trends of the biological, physical, and human dimensions of NFS lands within the region and the effects that our management has had on the lands and communities. More specifics on the content of these reports are being developed, and will be issued later. Accomplishment is reported in fiscal year when report is completed, and is based on information from the previous fiscal year's forest-level reports, and other sources.

Performance indicators for this section are under discussion and development.

New boundary marked to standard (miles):

Posting and marking of boundaries (Fund Code NFLL and TTSA). Accomplishment is recorded when the miles have been located and marked. The amount reported should be supported by a record system maintained by the forest land surveyor. Work that has been contracted but not completed should not be counted as accomplished. Payment estimates can be used to record miles marked to standard under contracts. (MAR 33.0)

Rights-of-way (cases):

Rights-of-way cases include the number of road and trail right-of-way easements acquired, resolved through other lands activities, or by cooperative effort. These activities coincide with Categories I, II, and III on the existing annual Rights-of-Way Acquisition Report (FS-5400-25 4/92). (MAR 34.0)

Special use permits processed (number):

Special use applications processed to the decisionmaking stage and where a special use authorization is issued. This will also include applications processed, but where no authorization has been issued. This later situation is usually infrequent, but significant expenditures can be incurred so it is important to report. (MAR 89.2)

Special use permits administered to standard (number):

Authorizations administered to standard are in compliance with the terms and conditions of the authorization and Forest Service policy. At a minimum, use must be under current authorization and is in compliance with applicable health and safety laws, regulations, and Forest Service policy, and fees have been determined and collected. (MAR 89.3)

Hydropower license renewals completed (number):

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) licenses are required for hydroelectric power generation projects and for relicensing existing projects on NFS lands. By law, the agency develops the terms and conditions for constructing, operating and maintaining non-federal hydroelectric power projects on NFS lands to ensure protection of national forest resources. Over the next few years many of these projects will be relicensed requiring environmental analyses and some environmental impact statements.

FS-USGS Quadrangle maps maintained to standard (number):

The Forest Service and U.S. Geological Survey produce single-edition 7.5 minute topographic quadrangle maps meeting National Mapping Accuracy standards through an interagency agreement, which eliminates duplication of efforts. The single edition maps portray elevation; vegetation; NFS boundaries; other administrative units; and manmade features including roads, urban areas, and communication lines.

System roads maintained to standard (percent of total):

Forest Service-owned system roads that are available for administrative, recreation, timber, and noncommercial uses require maintenance work to provide for user safety, protect natural resources, and support the Forest Service mission. Maintaining these miles to standard includes surface grading, and replacing damaged surfacing materials to remediate road use. It also includes activities not directly tied to use such as cleaning culverts, clearing roadside brush, maintaining traffic control devices, and painting bridges.

Bridges inspected as scheduled (percent):

Across NFS lands many bridges that provide access were constructed over 50 years ago. More than 1,000 are deficient or obsolete and 160 have been closed to vehicular traffic. Inspecting bridges on schedule ensures that engineers can prioritize which structures need to be fixed to ensure user safety, access, and resource protection and when that needs to occur.

Bridges improved or maintained to improve the Sufficiency Rating (points):

Improve the safety and economy of Forest Service bridges by performing maintenance and replacing, or rehabilitating bridges. The measurement of condition is the Sufficiency Rating, which is based on condition and required use of the bridge. The rating system was developed by the Federal Highway Administration, and is used by all States as required by the National Bridge Inventory (NBI) standards.

Dams inspected as scheduled (percent):

Across NFS lands many dams generate power and provide recreation opportunities. Inspecting dams on schedule ensures that engineers can prioritize needs that will ensure safety and protect natural resources.

Investments in existing roads (miles):

Miles of improvements to existing roads in accordance with approved plans and specifications. Accomplishment is reported when a contract is awarded, when timber sales with purchaser road work are sold, or when noncontract work is accepted. Copies of the contract and award letters, or acceptance reports, document the accomplishment reported. (MAR 93.2)

Facilities reconstructed to meet current legal standards (projects completed):

Improving health and safety of Forest Service facilities includes replacing, rehabilitating, renovating, and reconstructing facilities to improve access to buildings and restrooms for people with disabilities; update electrical, heating or cooling systems; replace roofs and eliminate hazards related to sewer systems, overcrowded conditions, and fire safety.