FS Applications

Two branches of the USDA-Forest Service (FS) are potential users of this erosion prediction technology. The branches are the National Forests and the State and Private divisions of the FS. The State and Private division of the FS advises state and local governmental agencies and private organizations and individuals. The principal FS users will be resource specialists at the Forest and District level. Applications by the FS are similar to those of NRCS, but vary slightly because of specific direction for management of Federal lands. Categories include: (a) project planning and assessment, (b) Forest planning, and (c) conservation planning.

Project Planning and Assessment

In the FS, project planning is generally conducted under the guidance of the National Environmental Policy Act, the Multiple-Use Sustained-Yield Act, and the National Forest Management Act of 1976. These acts established procedures for evaluating resource management actions.

Most projects within the FS are evaluated by an interdisciplinary team of resource specialists. Jointly, they review major issues, list management concerns, develop alternatives, collect necessary resource information, and evaluate the alternatives. The preferred alternative is selected by the appropriate line officer. All decisions are subject to public review and appeal. Often it is the process that is appealed.

Types of projects include, but are not limited to: range allotment planning, range improvements, road construction, mineral exploration and development, timber harvest, reforestation, wildlife habitat improvement projects, developed recreation sites, trails, prescribed fire, wildfire restoration, off road vehicle use, borrow sites, and land exchanges.

Most projects involve activities that do not recur annually. Often they require disturbance for a certain period followed by restoration and then a long period of limited or no activity.

Forest Planning

The National Forest Management Act of 1976 required all Forests to develop and evaluate alternative levels and mixes of land management activities. Activities were scheduled for 10 years, with projections for five decades. Modeling of erosion and sediment was included in many Forest Plans. Sediment values were also used in some cases to evaluate mangement effects on other resources, such as fisheries. Long-term monitoring is required to ensure compliance with legal requirements and to evaluate assumptions. Environmental Impact Statements are prepared for each Forest Plan.

Erosion and sediment estimates are made for response areas within each Forest. The results need to reflect impacts of management alternatives over large land areas. Results should also reflect changes over time.

Conservation Planning

This application concerns evaluating the use of specific practices. Often this is accomplished by the FS watershed specialist acting as an In-Service consultant to Ranger Districts. Quick answers are needed in the field with limited input information. "Ball park" estimates should be possible without the use of a computer.

Also included in this application is training of non-watershed personnel.

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