Sources of Information for Assessing Watersheds

This page contains links referred to from Forest Service Handbook FSH 1909.12, Chapter 10 – The Assessment, Section 13.34. Direction for conducting an assessment for a plan, plan revision or plan amendment is contained in that handbook. This page contains links to additional information resources and will be updated periodically.

Watersheds

Forest Service information resources include:

1. NRM and other data management systems.
1. Water Rights and Uses database.
2. Watershed Condition Classification and Tracking database – indicators, priority selection rationale, and watershed restoration action plans.
3. Infra – Dams, Water Systems, and Wastewater Systems databases.
4. Range database – stockwater.
5. Special Uses Data System – permits involving water withdrawals.
6. National Information for Conservation Education database – project wet, fishing derby.
7. Wildlife, Fish and Rare Plants Management System – National Fishing Day, fishing derby, water fowl hunting.
8. National Visitor Use Monitoring Results – non-motorized water use (rafting, canoeing, swimming, and so forth), motorized water use, and fishing.
9. Groundwater-Dependent Ecosystems: Level I and II Inventory database
2. Designated Municipal Watersheds under FSM 2542.
3. The State and Private Forestry "Forests to Faucets" assessment.
4. Research and Development publications on water use, water withdrawals, visitor use, and so forth.

External information resources include:

1. Recent national water use assessments published by the U.S. Geological Survey every 5 years.
2. Federal agency data on power generation and flood control from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Bureau of Reclamation (BOR), and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).
3. State agency data on fishing, hunting, boating, and swimming uses of water bodies.
4. State agency data on water withdrawals from groundwater and surface water.
5. Non-governmental organizations and academic publications on uses of water and recreation activities related to water.
6. Other relevant analysis or information offered for consideration by the public about water resources used or enjoyed by the public.