Recreation Facility Analysis (RFA)
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![[Logo]: RFA Logo](images/rec-anaylsis-sm2.gif)
Summary
The Sequoia National Forest has an approved 5-year Program of Work. This document is the result of a nation-wide effort called Recreation Facility Analysis. The goal is a higher quality, more efficiently managed recreation sites program where the facilities reflect visitor desires, expectations, and use.
Background
Many of the developed recreation sites in the Sequoia National Forest were built 30 to 50 years ago. Since then visitor preferences and demographics have changed. Some sites no longer serve projected recreation demand; some facilities are in poor shape and do not meet visitors' expectations. In the fall of 2005 the Sequoia National Forest began the national process to improve the quality and develop a sustainable system of developed recreation facilities that fits the needs of today's visitors. Originally called the Recreation Sites Facility Master Planning (RSFMP), the initial document was reviewed by the public from January 2007 until April 15, 2007. Since then the Washington Office has reviewed the process and changed the name to Recreation Facility Analysis (RFA). The original document reviewed in 2007 was revised to reflect what we learned from the public. The result is a revised Recreation Facility Analysis 5-year Program of Work (see link).
What is the RFA Process?
The RFA is an analysis tool developed nationally to help forests align their developed recreation sites with the unique characteristics of the forest, projected recreation demand, visitor expectations, and revenue. National forests across the country are undertaking this process. RFA is driven by four strategic goals:
- Improve customer satisfaction.
- Provide recreation opportunities best suited for the national forest.
- Operate and maintain recreation sites to meet national quality standards.
- Eliminate deferred maintenance at recreation sites.
A seven-step process is used to evaluate and prioritize sites for action. The results are contained in a 5-year program of work. Public feedback is sought to ensure that these actions are sound and responsive to visitor needs. Annually, phases of the program of work are implemented. Before projects are implemented, environmental analysis (NEPA) is performed; additional public participation is conducted at that time.
Seven-Step Process
The RFA process involves seven steps, each bringing the forest's developed recreation sites in closer alignment with the forest's unique characteristics, projected demand, visitor expectations, and revenue.
STEP 1: Prepare Site Inventory & Financial Data
Forest recreation site facility inventory and associated financial data are updated. Preliminary operation and maintenance (O&M) and deferred maintenance (DM) estimates are determined for each recreation site.
STEP 2: Identify Unit Recreation Program Niche
Recreation visitor use and market data are examined to determine the focus of the forest's recreation program. A map that displays the forest's recreation settings and a summary paragraph that characterizes the forest's unique recreation program "niche" are developed.
STEP 3: Identify Operational Efficiencies
Recreation sites are examined to determine if efficiencies can be undertaken to further reduce site expenditures or eliminate deferred maintenance. A proposed set of management options are determined for each site to reduce costs.
STEP 4: Rank Recreation Sites
Recreation sites are rated through the use of a series of questions, involving the sites' conformance with the forest recreation program niche; their financial and operational efficiency; their effects on environmental sustainability; and their effects on community stability. A proposed ranking of sites is developed.
STEP 5: Propose 5-year Program of Work to Stakeholders
The proposed 5-year program of work for recreation sites is prepared, based upon the analysis completed in the previous four steps. Comments from stakeholders are sought to explore alternative ways of operating sites or building new partnerships.
STEP 6: Finalize 5-year Proposed Program of Work
The 5-year program of work for recreation sites is refined, based upon comments from stakeholders.
STEP 7: Implementation
Annually, site-specific steps are proposed to implement the 5-year program of work for recreation sites. Prior to implementation, National Environmental Policy Act, including public involvement, and other agency coordination requirements are completed.
Public Participation
Involvement by local publics, surrounding communities, and recreation visitors is a critical and essential component of the Recreation Facility Analysis process. A series of public workshops were held in April and May 2008 to discuss the 5-year program of work, the Recreation Facility Analysis process, and take public comments. Comments were also accepted by mail.
If you have specific questions, please feel free to contact Mary Cole at (559) 784-1500, extension 1133.
Current Status
The Sequoia National Forest has an approved program of work and is ready to begin implementation (Step 7).
5-year Program of Work Document (668kb pdf)
These tables are summaries, by district, of the proposals in the Program of Work document.
Summary Tables (58 kb Excel spreadsheet)
