WASHINGTON, DC—Ecosystem Management Coordination recently launched a land and resource monitoring status story map, an easily accessible, interactive way to communicate monitoring information and hold ourselves accountable to employees and, eventually, the public.

Development of the story map has been ongoing for several years, and we are excited to announce that the map is now available to all Forest Service employees.

Please take some time to delve into the information provided both on the interactive maps and the accompanying narrative. Let us know what you think, and if you have any questions, contact madelyn.dillon@usda.gov.

If you do not have access to the story map, please use this form to request access to ArcGIS online or reach out to your local or regional AGOL administrator for guidance.

Our agency monitors to learn whether its moving toward the desired conditions on the landscape and to adaptively manage activities as needed. Based on the results of the monitoring efforts, the agency makes decisions and designs on-the-ground projects. Monitoring helps us be accountable and transparent to interested and affected parties and colleagues. We also monitor when it’s required by law or by regulation and to identify knowledge gaps.