6: Maintenance and enhancement of long-term multiple socio-economic benefits

Births of infants with a low birth weight (less than 2,500 grams, about 5.5 pounds) is an indicator of economic well-being of families, as well as a public health indicator.

Campgrounds are associated with and indicative of active recreation. They provide a way for many people to recreate in un-developed areas and the recreating population in turn contributes to the economy of nearby communities.

Logging and sales of whole logs provide income to landowners and workers in forest communities. Depending on the size of this market share, the sales may also contribute to the state tax rolls.

Trails provide access to scenic and natural areas for hiking, sight-seeing and wildlife-viewing. These three activities are the most popular recreation activities in most states. Trail placement and length can help determine both the enjoyment of an area and the impacts from recreation.

Forests in urban areas provide many ecosystem services and benefits to communities. Trees and forests improve air and water quality by removing pollutants. Urban forests provide limited habitat for wildlife and birds, and therefore wildlife-viewing opportunities for the public.

Migration patterns are the movement of people into or out of an area (e.g., a county). Metrics for this indicator include: a. In-Migration by County- The number of people moving into a county or region from some other area. b. Out-Migration by County- The number of people moving from a county or region into other areas. c. Net migration - in-migration minus out-migration

Parks and open space may have multiple uses. For example, a county open space area might be grazed to reduce the extent of exotic weed cover. It may be useful to provide multiple non-conflicting uses within the same park or open space.

Shows how much private non-industrial forest land is protected under a forest stewardship management plan. Protected forests enhance the cultural, social, and spiritual appreciation of forests. Acres of non-industrial private forest land under approved forest steward management.

Number of groups (NGOs, agency cooperatives, etc.) heavily engaged in activities related to land conservation and regional planning. Regions with active groups involved in planning for conservation of wildland values may be more likely to implement development that is compatible with maintaining regional working landscapes, and local core forest and rangeland resources.

Measure the potential for biomass facilities to facilitate fuel treatments that lower the risk faced by officially designated high fire risk communities. Communities At Risk were initially created under the auspices of the National Fire Plan, and represent officially designated high fire risk communities. Biomass facilities can provide an economic incentive for treating areas at risk or damaged by fire or pests, including areas in and around these communities. Many areas in need of treatment do not have this incentive available due to travel time between project areas and biomass facilities.