Planning,
GIS, and Resource Information
The Forest
Service initiated integrated land management plans for SRS
in the early 1960’s. In 1985, the Forest Service began
to develop the SRS Natural Resource Management Plan (NRMP)
which was approved in 1993. This was the first attempt
to develop broad stakeholder input into the planning process
and to delineate broad policy and land-use objectives.
Operational plans for each program area have been developed
from the NRMP. More detailed annual project plans are
now prepared to establish targets and accountability.
USFS-SR is active in sitewide planning to streamline decision-making
and informing stakeholders of natural resource-related issues.
A critical element for both decision-makers and stakeholders
is the availability of accurate information about the natural
resources at SRS. The administrative unit supports one
of the best and most convenient sources of natural resource
information through its GIS (Geographical Information System)
program. The USFS-SR staff conducts a comprehensive
vegetation inventory on a 5-year cycle that is used to provide
quantitative resource data. Forest type and condition
maps are updated annually. The following are services
that these programs provide to partners and SRS cooperators:
- Assistance
in sitewide comprehensive planning and land-use planning.
Extensive natural resource expertise is provided for determining
suitable potential sites for industrial land uses.
- Assistance
in developing community involvement and stakeholder participation
in land-use activities and natural resource issues.
- Support
for planning, analyzing, and choosing the proper site for
activities through a readily available and comprehensive
GIS system. Data layers from all SRS partners/cooperators
are maintained at USFS-SR.
- Geographical
information on sitewide forest cover and vegetation as well
as current inventory statistics that are frequently used
in habitat analysis.
- Information
from a database on forest treatment activities and records,
e.g. pesticide applications, and annual prescribed-burning
activities.
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