Planning

Effective beginning 06/04/2025:  This website, and all linked websites under the control of the agency is under review and content may change.

Each forest in the National Forest System operates under a Forest Plan. A forest plan, like a local city zoning plan, gives general direction as to where certain activities can occur. The Forest Plan is intended to be an adaptable framework for guiding future management decisions and actions. The Forest Plan for the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests (OSFNFs) was signed in September 2005. To learn more about Forest Plans, go to the National Forest Service website.

• 2005 Revised Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan)
• Forest Plan Map
• 2005 Record of Decision (ROD)
• 2005 Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS)
• 1986 Land and Resource Management Plan

Forest Management

Forest management is complex and requires considerations for a multitude of reasons and desired outcomes. There are four main steps in our decision-making processes: Implementation, Monitoring, Assessment, and Revision/Development/Amendment. We consider the public a valued partner in our decision-making process and encourage you to get involved! 

Forest Plan Amendments and Administrative Changes

The Forest Plan is designed to be adaptable and can be amended at any time. Amendments are intended to be used to keep plans current and help the Forests adapt to new information or changing conditions.

• Amendments
  • 2019 Bat Conservation Plan Amendment
  • 2023 Update to the Vegetation Management Practices Described in Appendix F of the 2005 Revised Land and Resource Management Plan – July 2023
• Administrative Changes
  • 2016 Plan Administrative Change - This Administrative Change to the 2005 Revised Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan) for the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests was necessary to meet the monitoring requirements of the 2012 Planning Rule, 36 CFR 219.12. The 2012 Planning Rule allows non-substantive corrections or adjustments to the revised Forest Plan using a process called "Administrative Changes," defined as "any change to a plan that is not a plan amendment or revision." 

Monitoring and Evaluation

Current Monitoring Plan

• Planning Rule Transition Scoping Letter
• Ozark-St. Francis National Forests Plan and Annual Monitoring Reports Compatibility with the 2012 Planning Rule
• Administrative Change to the 2005 Revised Land and Resource Management Plan Monitoring Plan

Monitoring and Evaluation Reports are in .PDF format.

• NEW! - Biennial FY20-22 Monitoring Evaluation Report
• Biennial FY17-19 Monitoring Evaluation Report
• Fiscal Year 2016 Monitoring & Evaluation Report
• Fiscal Year 2015 Monitoring & Evaluation Report
• Fiscal Year 2014 Monitoring & Evaluation Report
• Fiscal Year 2013 Monitoring & Evaluation Report
• Fiscal Year 2012 Monitoring & Evaluation Report
• Fiscal Year 2011 Monitoring & Evaluation Report
• 5 Year Review for the 2005 Revised Land and Resource Management Plan
• Fiscal Years 2008/2009 Monitoring & Evaluation Report
• Evaluation Report 2006/2007 Fisheries & Wildlife Support Document
• Fiscal Year 2005 Monitoring & Evaluation Report
• Fiscal Year 2004 Monitoring & Evaluation Report
• Fiscal Year 2003 Monitoring & Evaluation Report
• Fiscal Year 2002 Monitoring & Evaluation Report
• Fiscal Year 2001 Monitoring & Evaluation Report