USDA-Forest Service
Ecosystem Management Corporate Team and
Inter-Regional Ecosystem Management Coordinating Group
IMIT - Implementing the FS
Inventory and
Monitoring Framework
April 5, 2000
Discussion Outline
 Review FS I&M Framework
 Overview of IMIT Action Plan
 Timelines for Review & Adoption
 Help needed from IREMCG
Inventory and Monitoring
Strategic Goal
Forest Service leadership is committed to
using state-of-the-art methods and a
systems approach to provide scientifically
credible data and information that meet a
wide range of business needs defined in
collaboration with our land management
partners.
Framework Ingredients
 Build on 1997 Information Management
Operating Framework
 Build on Core Data Concepts from Core
GIS, FIA, RPA, and FHM
 Utilize a Systems Approach
 Establish Clear Organizational Roles
 Develop Plan for Action
Operational Framework for Managing
FS Resource Information (1997)
Inventory and Monitoring
Protocols
Data Base
Application
Product
Tree, Douglas
Fir, 32.6” DBH,
180 ft. tall, etc.
Physical
feature
1
Definitions,
Protocols,
Methods,
codes
2
Data
collection
Information
storage
3
4
Information
Analysis,
Evaluation,
Summary
5
Reports,
Models.
Assessments,
Maps, etc.
6
Embracing the
Core Data Concept
National
Eco-Region
Watershed
Site
National Core
Eco-region Core
Watershed Core
Site Core Variables
Why Systems Approach to I&M ?
Ability to Address
Management Questions
issue-based
Responsiveness
of Management
system-based
No. of concurrent issues
and/or rate of change of public demands
Changing Our I&M
Investment Pattern
National
Mid-scale
Site
$
National
Mid-scale
Site
$
 Currently spending
money and addressing
most issues at the
“site” scale.
 Shift funds to National
and Mid-scales to
address issues at more
appropriate scales.
Integration of Protocols
Between Scales
Traditional
Exams
Integrated
w/ FIA
10
8
6
4
2
0
Cost/Acre
R1/4 Integrated Approach
vs. Traditional Stand Exams
 Essential for aggregation
and exchange of data
 Not subject to changing
issues/demands
 Provides “context” for
decision making at lower
scales
 Leverages investments
made at higher scales
Focal Areas
 Customer-Driven Business Requirements
 Multi-Scale Ecological Framework
 Collaboration
 Communication/Accountability
 Management and Organizational Roles
 Protocols
IMIT Action Plan
 Organized by Focal Area/Major Tasks
 Working with the next 18 month “bite”
 First Shot a Priorities and Sequencing
IMIT Action Plan/Charter
Schedule for Adoption
 Presentation of Drafts at April 18 ESCT
 Review for 30 Days
 Adoption at the May 16 ESCT
IREMCG Assistance
 Review of Action Plan



Representation from Stations/Regions/Area?
Tasks and Focus at National Level?
Effect on Station/Region Ongoing Actions?
 Help on Work Groups for Tasks
 Look for Linkages/Missing Pieces
 ID Station/Regional Program “Leader”