Human Ecology Mapping Tool

Description

The Human Ecology Mapping (HEM) tool is a set of protocols and procedures used to engage the public around critical forest management issues using maps and other geospatial applications. HEM enables planners and managers to understand public values and uses of forest and rangeland landscapes. The tool captures public preferences for ecosystem services as well as desired future conditions for forest management. HEM also can be adapted for many types of planning processes, including travel management planning, forest plan revisions, and sustainable recreation planning, among others.

Use

The tool can be used in many settings and in a variety of applications including with paper maps, electronic tablets and online applications. HEM is designed for use by forest planners and public affairs staff to bring together a diverse array of citizens, partners, stakeholders, landowners, and agencies together to provide systematic input to a planning process. The Olympic National Forest, Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Deschutes National Forest, and Ochoco National Forest have used HEM to gather public input.