Science Synthesis & Bioregional Assessment
Northwest Forest Plan & Amendment
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Science Synthesis
Synthesis of Science to inform land management within the Northwest Forest Plan Area
Bioregional Assessment of Northwest Forests
The Pacific Northwest and Pacific Southwest regions of the Forest Service collaboratively developed and released a Bioregional Assessment of Northwest Forests (2020), which provides a snapshot of ecological, social and economic conditions in the Northwest Forest Plan amendment area. View assessment documents.
The Bioregional Assessment highlights compelling issues that need updating in land management planning, such as species habitat and wildland fire, and is based upon best available scientific information. While this assessment is not a decision document, it helps identify what needs to be changed in future land management direction. It is also used to inform engagement with tribal, state, and county governments, community members, and Forest Service staff as we collectively prepare for the next steps in the planning process.
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Bioregional Assessment - Story Map Collection
View a collection of interactive multimedia information covering key portions of the Bioregional Assessment of Northwest Forests.
Bioregional Assessment of Northwest Forests - Documents
Full Document:
Bioregional Assessment - Full Document (.pdf, 25.1 MB) Updated 7/16/20 to correct a data error in Table 4-2
(Larger file .pdf, 85.5 MB)
By Chapter:
- Bioregional Assessment - Introduction (.pdf)
- Bioregional Assessment - Chapter 1 (.pdf)
- Bioregional Assessment - Chapter 2 (.pdf)
- Bioregional Assessment - Chapter 3 (.pdf)
- Bioregional Assessment - Chapter 4 (.pdf) Updated 7/16/20 to correct a data error in Table 4-2
- Bioregional Assessment - Chapter 5 (.pdf)
- Bioregional Assessment - Next Steps (.pdf)
- Bioregional Assessment - Glossary (.pdf)
- Bioregional Assessment - References (.pdf)
Data and Maps Used in the Bioregional Assessment
Spatial data used in the Bioregional Assessment comes primarily from Forest Service datasets in EDW (Enterprise Data Warehouse). Some datasets we used came from other federal agencies (e.g. USGS, EPA, US Fish and Wildlife). Additional datasets came from USFS PNW research station, state agencies, and Oregon State University
The USDA Forest Service makes no warranty, expressed or implied, including the warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, nor assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, reliability, completeness or utility of these geospatial data, or for the improper or incorrect use of these geospatial data. These geospatial data and related maps or graphics are not legal documents and are not intended to be used as such. The data and maps may not be used to determine title, ownership, legal descriptions or boundaries, legal jurisdiction, or restrictions that may be in place on either public or private land. Natural hazards may or may not be depicted on the data and maps, and land users should exercise due caution. The data are dynamic and may change over time. The user is responsible to verify the limitations of the geospatial data and to use the data accordingly.
- Activities (.zip)
- Administration (.zip)
- Administration-Non-Forest Service (.zip)
- Cartography (.zip)
- Ecology (.zip)
- Fire (.zip)
- Fire Perimeters (.zip)
- Fish and Wildlife (.zip)
- Geopolitical (.zip)
- Hydrography (.zip)
- Land (.zip)
- Recreation-Biological Assessment (.zip)
- Transportation (.zip)
- Watersheds-Biological Assessment (.zip)
- Departure Restoration Data (.zip)
- Designated Areas (.zip)
- Fish Critical Habitat (.zip)
- Normal Fire Environment (.zip)
- Recreation (.zip)
- Recreation Site LSR (.zip)
- Riparian Management Areas (.zip)
- Watersheds (.zip)
Supplemental Report to the Bioregional Assessment of Northwest Forests
The USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Regional Office (Region 5) and the Pacific Northwest Regional Office (Region 6) prepared a Supplemental Report to the Bioregional Assessment of Northwest Forests. The Supplemental Report provides a deeper dive into the assessment results, memorializes the wealth of information specialists considered, and provides a detailed compendium of supporting data to the Bioregional Assessment.
The report is not a new product but a supplement to the Bioregional Assessment. Neither the Bioregional Assessment nor the Supplemental Report are decision-documents, and neither will control how the Forest Service manages forests and grasslands.
Full document: Supplemental Report to the Bioregional Assessment of Northwest Forests (31.1 MB .pdf)
By chapter:
- Supplemental Report - Introduction & Chapter 1: Serving People (9.66 MB, .pdf)
- Supplemental Report - Chapter 2: Tribal Rights and Interests (48.1 KB, .pdf)
- Supplemental Report - Chapter 3: Caring for the Land (20.2 MB, .pdf)
- Supplemental Report - Chapter 4: NW Forest Plan Land Use Allocations & Management Direction (855 KB, .pdf)
- Supplemental Report - Glossary, References & Appendix (372 KB, .pdf)
Get Involved!
We have many opportunities for you to get involved in the Northwest Forest Plan Amendment process! Whether you are looking for more information, want to share information, or are looking for opportunities to comment on document releases, you can find it all here.