Recreation Facility Analysis

[Symbol]: ranger station[Symbol]: lookout[Symbol]: mining

What is RFA?

Recreation Facility Analysis (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 financial resources. National forests across the country are undertaking this process. RFA is driven by three strategic goals:

  1. Provide recreation opportunities best suited for the national forest;
  2. Operate and maintain recreation sites to meet national quality standards;
  3. Eliminate/reduce recreation site deferred maintenance.

A seven-step process is used to evaluate and prioritize sites for action. The results are contained in a proposed 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; additional public participation is conducted at that time.

Why are we doing it?

Many of the Stanislaus NF developed recreation sites were built 30-50 years ago. Since then, visitor preferences and demographics have changed, and facilities may not serve current needs. Some facilities are in poor shape and do not meet visitors' expectations, since recreation funding has not kept pace with increasing costs. To respond to these conditions and national direction, the forest is implementing the Recreation Site Analysis (RFA) process for developed recreation sites. The result of RFA is a program of work with a list of prioritized actions to more effectively manage these recreation sites. Some sites may be closed or adjustments made to reduce costs, in order to improve conditions at other locations. Sites given a high priority are likely to see more funding in the future, as compared with sites ranked at a lower priority.

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 recreation demand, visitor expectations and revenue.

Step 1 - Data Prep

Completed during the fall of 2005, this step involved the preparation of the forest's developed recreation site inventory and estimates of costs for annual operations and maintenance as well as deferred maintenance needs.

Step 2 - Recreation Program Niche

Completed in March 2006, the recreation program niche statement was crafted and recreation settings were defined and mapped.

Step 3 - Identify Operational Efficiencies

Completed in March of 2006, this involved identification of operational efficiencies. Recreation sites, such as campgrounds, picnic areas, boat ramps and trailheads were examined to determine if efficiencies can be under-taken to further reduce site expenditures and eliminate deferred maintenance while maintaining recreation opportunities. A proposed set of management options (sidebar) is developed for each site to reduce costs or provide services in other ways.

Step 4 - Rank Developed Recreation Sites

Completed in April of 2006, recreation sites were rated by recreation managers 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.

Step 5 - Proposed 5-year Program of Work to Stakeholders

The draft 5-year program of work for recreation sites was prepared about a year ago, based upon the analysis completed in the previous four steps. Broader discussions with stakeholders are now 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 will be refined, based upon the broader discussions with stakeholders. This step will follow public involvement of the 5 steps completed, which is currently underway. We hope to complete this step in the fall of 2007.

Step 7 - Implementation

Site-specific actions will occur on an annual basis. Prior to implementation of individual projects, National Environmental Policy Act and other agency coordination requirements will be completed.

Public Participation

We recognize the importance of these sites and welcome your comments and suggestions during this process. Your participation is important to ensure that the results of the RFA process meet visitor needs and offer the best recreation opportunities in places important to people.

Forest recreation managers invite you to work with them to shape a sustainable recreation program for the future.

What You Can Do Now

  • Take a look at the Recreation Niche Presentation which includes the Stanislaus National Forest draft niche statement, recreation emphasis, and the forest recreation settings map. Have we captured what is important to you? Market supply/demand data that was used in the formation of the niche statement is also included. Familiarity with the niche statement and recreation settings will be helpful in understanding the proposed actions. The Proposed Program of Work (Step 5) is now available for your review and input.
  • If you have specific questions, want to be put on the RFA mailing list for future notification, or wish to actively participate, please feel free to contact Brian Kermeen, Project Coordinator. Contact information is in the right sidebar.

Project Documents

Most files listed on this page are in Adobe .pdf format and require the free Adobe Reader program. As can be expected, many of the documents are very large. To download, right-click the link and select "Save Target As..." from the menu. Be patient...