WASHINGTON, DC—The Forest Service is developing a new manual chapter, titled “National Forest System Monitoring,” in Forest Service Manual 2000—National Forest Resource Management.

The new chapter will include the agency's proposed forest and grassland health monitoring policy, which is designed to provide a framework that supports and strengthens current monitoring policies, minimizes inconsistencies and improves government-to-government relationships with tribes. For Forest Service employees, the proposed policy is designed to provide a monitoring framework that encourages monitoring training, professional development and peer-to-peer learning opportunities.

To learn more about the proposed monitoring policy or to submit a comment, visit https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2023-26161/national-forest-system-monitoring-manual-2000-national-forest-resource-management. The Forest Service is accepting comments through Jan. 11, 2024.