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.

Direction for the monitoring and evaluation of forest plans is found under the 2012 Planning Rule at 36 CFR 219.12. The Santa Fe Forest Plan Monitoring Program (chapter 5 of the Forest Plan) addresses the most critical components to inform management of the Santa Fe National Forest's resources that are within the financial and technical capability of the agency.