Planning
The Santa Fe National Forest manages almost 1.6 million acres in New Mexico. The Santa Fe National Forest is unique in its diverse geographies and natural settings, and its historical and cultural richness and plays a unique role in supporting communities in northern New Mexico. See the About the Area page for more information about the Santa Fe National Forest.
Forest Plans determine the management direction and guidance for each National Forest and National Grassland. Each Forest Service land management plan (commonly referred to as "forest plan") is developed, under the National Forest Management Act (NFMA). The National Forest Management Act (NFMA) is the primary statute governing the administration of national forests and grasslands.
USDA Strategic Goals for Forest Plans
The Forest Service’s 2012 Land Management Planning Rule at 36 CFR Part 219 fosters productive and sustainable use of our National Forest System lands in promoting sound land stewardship partnership with communities and advances other strategic goals of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, including:
- Ensuring programs are delivered efficiently, effectively, and with integrity and a focus on customer service
- Facilitating rural prosperity and economic development
- Ensuring productive and sustainable use of our National Forest System lands.
Discover the World Around You!
The Santa Fe National Forest's plans and revisions contain information about current and desired conditions, vegetation, fish and wildlife habitats, water and soils, wildernesses, cultural and historic resources, diversity of plant and animal communities, wild and scenic rivers, sustainable recreation, fire and fuels management and much more.
These reports, assessments, maps and plans are available for you to review. They are a great way to learn more about your federal lands!
Get Involved!
We encourage you to get involved in land management activities on the Santa Fe National Forest when it is important to you. Visit the Projects page for more information about current project planning activities on the Santa Fe National Forest.
Forest Plan
The Forest Plan is an important document that guides future projects, activities, practices, uses, and protection measures to ensure sustainable multiple-use management on the Santa Fe National Forest for the next 15 years.
Monitoring
Monitoring provides feedback for the forest planning cycle by testing assumptions, tracking relevant conditions over time, measuring management, effectiveness, and evaluating effects of management practices. A biennial monitoring evaluation report is prepared to help indicate whether a change to the forest plan or the monitoring program is warranted based on the new information, whether a new assessment may be needed, or whether there is no need for change at that time.
Projects Implementing the Forest Plan
The decisions for project-level activities must be consistent with the strategic direction set forth in the Forest Plan (36 CFR 219.5). Site-specific analysis in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) will need to be conducted for prohibitions or activities to take place on the ground, in compliance with the broader direction of the Forest Plan.
Travel Analysis Report
A comprehensive examination of the network of SFNF roads and trails that provided the foundation for designating roads and trails for public motorized use (36 CFR, Part 202, Subpart A).