A toolkit to assist Forest Service National Forests and Grasslands with selecting focal species under the 2012 Planning Rule

Abstract

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service is required to monitor National Forest System (NFS) lands to assess whether management plans are maintaining or restoring ecological integrity. As part of this monitoring effort, each planning unit is required to select at least one focal species - or one focal species assemblage - that represents a specific aspect of ecological integrity or management plan effectiveness. The planning unit can then make inferences about ecological integrity by monitoring this focal species or assemblage. Although selecting a focal species may seem simple, it can be a complex process, and it is important to consider the necessary steps to make an effective focal species choice. It is important that the selection process carefully rules out complex factors that can make potential focal species unsuitable and even misleading.This technical support document includes a flow chart illustrating the structured focal species selection process and offers planning units six additional resources to assist them in the process: (1) a worksheet that guides users through a stepwise process and a method for transparent documentation of focal species selection; (2) examples of real decisions about focal species selection; (3) a table illustrating step alignment with the Forest Service Handbook; (4) background about species’ designations; (5) a table of potential analyses to address information needs; and (6) considerations for designing a focal species monitoring program. These resources are intended to support ongoing efforts to develop, transition, and revise National Forest System land and resource management plans and their monitoring programs to align with the 2012 Planning Rule, which requires monitoring of focal species.Focal Species Selection Worksheet: https://www.fs.usda.gov/rm/pubs_series/rmrs/rn/rmrs_rn104_form.pdf

Citation

Taylor, Erin; Sanderlin, Jamie S.; Helm, Jennifer E.; Probasco, Diane; Sawyer, Sarah; Shorrock, Donna; Stein Foster, Valerie. 2025. A toolkit to assist Forest Service National Forests and Grasslands with selecting focal species under the 2012 Planning Rule. Research Note RMRS-RN-104. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 49 p. https://doi.org/10.2737/RMRS-RN-104