“ We are in the business of healthy ecosystems.” A Business Plan For Ecosystem Health & Large-Scale Watershed Restoration In the Northern Region

THE PLAN The People, The Land, The Water Our Vision Our Goal Our Approach

Watershed Health and Restoration Sustainable Ecosystems Management Forest Roads Recreation NATURAL RESOURCE AGENDA NORTHERN REGION PLAN Opportunities For Ecosystem Restoration Ecosystem Conservation Recreation Strategy Implications to People and Communities Potential Use By Forests, Region and WO: Budget Workforce Dialogue w/ Governments Publics and Communities Forest Plan Revisions Natural Resource Agenda and Northern Region Business Plan

Current Condition Forest, Rangeland and Riparian Vegetative health negatively affected by insects, disease and fire suppression. Aquatic health in a downward trend due to resource development, exotic species and fire suppression 54 wildlife, 15 aquatic and 216 plant species at risk

Our Vision Healthy Ecosystems Resilient to fire and other disturbances Support species diversity Mosaic of well- connected habitats Functions and processes operating effectively

Our Approach Integration of all resources Uses the best available data Identifies Restoration Watersheds Prioritizes restoration activities on a regional basis

Integration of Resources and Information Water resources are driving the system Integration of all resources is a must People are part of the Ecosystem The best available information fuels the process The Water The Land The Science The People

Prioritizing Restoration Watersheds Last-of-the-Best –Roadless, Wilderness, and Parks “Ready to go” Restoration Watersheds –10 watersheds have sufficient information/support to proceed immediately Restoration Watersheds –11 watersheds need additional information prior to proceeding Other Watersheds –Remaining watersheds in the region not considered an effective use of limited restoration funds

Identifying Restoration Watersheds

Aquatic Priorities All Last-of the Best Watersheds Clearwater (Lochsa, SF Clw, NF Clw) Bighole Belt St. Joe

Our Next Move Forests with “Ready to go” watersheds submit proposals. Region help Forests with Restoration Watersheds gather necessary information to develop proposals for Region presents Business Plan and proposals for first 10 watersheds to Chief. Depending on Funds, Forest develop business plans for Restoration Watersheds.

Management Implications Major shift in agency thinking Reallocation of scarce resources Long-term commitment to ecosystem recovery Truly integrated resource approach

Obstacles to our Vision Funding level of the War Department Other Regional Plans Shrinking federal budgets Small partnership base Past management decisions Resistance to change

Do. Don’t Do. There Is No Try.