Assessment

The Helena - Lewis and Clark National Forest have developed this assessment in accordance with the 2012 National Forest System land management planning rule (planning rule) adopted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. As stated in the planning rule, an assessment must be completed for the development of a new forest plan or for a forest plan revision. This assessment evaluates existing information about relevant ecological, economic, and social conditions, trends, and sustainability and their relationship to the land management plan within the context of the broader landscape. In this assessment for plan revision, the responsible official has identified and evaluated existing information relevant to the plan area.

Key Findings

Chapters

• Chapter 1, Introduction
• Chapter 2, Terrestrial Ecosystems and Wildlife
• Chapter 3, Watershed, Aquatic, Soil, and Air Resources
• Chapter 4, Climate Change and Baseline Assessment of Carbon Stocks
• Chapter 5, Social, Cultural, and Economic Conditions
• Chapter 6, Multiple Uses and Ecosystem Services
• Chapter 7, Recreation Settings, Opportunities, Access, and Scenic Character
• Chapter 8, Existing Designated Areas
• Chapter 9, Renewable and Nonrenewable Energy, Mineral Resources and Geology
• Chapter 10, Infrastructure
• Chapter 11, Cultural and Historical Resources and Uses
• Chapter 12, Land Status and Ownership, Land Uses, and Access Patterns
• Chapter 13, Preparers, Acronyms and Abbreviations, and Glossary

Appendicies

• Appendix A, Figures and Maps
• Appendix B, Vegetation Information Used and Methodologies
• Appendix C, Scenery
• Appendix D, Infrastructure
• Appendix E, Detailed Cultural Resources Information