The extent to which the USFS is providing interpretive and conservation education to enhance the cultural, social, and spiritual appreciation of forests. The number of plans implemented shows the level of outreach effort.
The extent to which the USFS is contributing to environmental literacy to enhance the cultural, social, and spiritual appreciation of forests. Number of people who participate in USFS environmental literacy programs and activities.
In any given region (e.g., county), there may be an optimum or minimum area of conserved open space to meet habitat, aesthetic, water quality/supply, recreational, and/or other needs. This indicator is the ratio of land conserved to land available.
Not all parks are accessible to people who may want to use them. Distance, availability of transportation, and knowledge of park availability may constrain use. In addition, some park areas may not be appropriate for human use if the point of the park is to conserve wildlife or other ecological processes. Accessibility of parks and use of parks are both useful metrics to inform park planning.
Outdoor recreation includes a wide range of activities that are enjoyed by many of the public. The most common recreation activities are wildlife-viewing, walking/hiking, fishing, camping, and various water sports. Measuring participation rates can contribute to understand who is benefiting from and impacted most by different recreation management approaches.
The amount of land in California available for open space and thus possibly contributing to the cultural, social, and spiritual needs of California. Acres of land under fee simple conservation or easement conservation.
The amount of land in California available for open space and open to the public and thus contributing to the cultural, social, and spiritual needs of California. Acres of land under fee simple conservation or easement conservation available for recreation, outdoor education, or tourism.
Shows public access to USFS National Forests which contributes to increased social, cultural, and spiritual needs of Californians. Percent annual increase of road and trail right-of-ways.
The percent of people wanting to actively participating in cultural, social, or spiritual aspects of the environment outside of forests. Percent of urban residents developing programs and/or activities to plant, protect, and maintain their urban and community trees and forests.
Conservation easements on private lands are one important tool for protecting forested areas. The idea is that cash payments will compensate forest land owners for not logging the land and that these lands will keep providing valued ecosystem services.
