US Forest Service Announces New Policy for Monitoring National Forests and Grasslands

On Wednesday, the US Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service announced a new policy for monitoring national forests and grasslands. This policy is an important step in implementing the agency’s 2012 planning rule, which requires the agency to use monitoring to inform adaptive management.

The new policy aligns monitoring, partnerships, and information-sharing efforts to help land managers monitor changes related to climate change and other stressors affecting National Forest System lands and make timely, informed, science-based decisions within staffing and budget constraints.

The Forest Service monitors national forests and grasslands to gauge progress toward forest restoration, the effects of disturbance and climate on forests—such as the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires, drought, and floods—and to help people understand how forests are changing through time.

In support of the policy, the Forest Service is developing resources in response to common monitoring needs that use consistent and automated data analysis and reporting methods. These resources will increase overall monitoring reporting efficiencies, aid in development of biennial monitoring evaluation reports, and support informed decision-making and adaptive management across national forests and grasslands. Through government-to-government consultation, the new policy emphasizes the importance of integrating science and Indigenous Knowledge into efficient and transparent monitoring programs.

In a statement accompanying the announcement, US Forest Service Deputy Chief for the National Forest System Chirs French said:

“Our forests are constantly changing. Monitoring is one way the Forest Service understands the impact of its decisions on our forests. This includes assessing the capability of critical infrastructure to withstand a rising number of high-intensity flood events, increases in recreation visitation, shifts in wildlife habitat use and movement, and changes in water quantity and quality. This policy is a key step in ensuring there is a consistent, evidence-based framework in place to support monitoring that drives strategic thinking and efficiencies for resource management decisions. As we strive to manage lands in partnership with tribes, other federal agencies, and partners, a more universal, accessible monitoring policy is critical in fostering informed collaboration.”