Sources of Information for Assessing Fish, Wildlife and Plants

This page contains links referred to from Forest Service Handbook FSH 1909.12, Chapter 10 – The Assessment, Section 13.35. 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.

Fish, Wildlife and Plants

Forest Service information resources include:

1. Natural Resource Manager.
1. National visitor use monitoring.
2. NRM Wildlife Fish and Rare Plants database.
2. Publications from -Research on the use and enjoyment of species on the national forests and grasslands.

External information sources include:

1. National Fish Habitat Action Plan (FWS) and species or habitat-specific assessments or action plans developed by other public agencies.
2. Migratory Bird Data Center (FWS) (https://migbirdapps.fws.gov/mbdc/databases/db_selection.html).
3. Federal fisheries management plans (NOAA-Fisheries) and multi-state coastal fisheries management plans (for example, Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission).
4. ESA-related documents, for example, biological opinions, critical habitat designations, and recovery plans (FWS, NOAA-Fisheries).
5. State Wildlife Action Plans.
6. State Division of Natural Resources (Fish and Game).
7. NatureServe.
8. Reports of organizations focused on the needs of particular species enjoyed by the public (Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Wild Turkey Federation, Trout Unlimited, and State native plant societies).
9. Conservation Success Index.
10. Center for Plant Conservation.
11. USFWS National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife Associated Recreation.
12. Other relevant analysis or information offered for consideration by the public about fish, wildlife, and plant resources used or enjoyed by the public.