Planning
The National Forest Management Act (NFMA) of 1976 required every national forest to develop a plan. These plans provide broad direction for managing national forests for the American people. The plans are programmatic in nature, meaning they cover a large geographic area and the direction is broad in scope. The plan must be consistent with environmental laws and regulations such as the Endangered Species Act and Clean Water Act.
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 Apache-Sitgreaves 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.