The Six-Step Framework Template

The Framework process is organized into six steps. For aquatic resources in the planning area, following these steps produces tabular and spatial displays of: (1) current conditions and distributions of populations or habitats; (2) desired future conditions; (3) risks and threats to the species concerned; (4) analysis approaches; (5) a conservation and restoration strategy; and (6) a monitoring, inventory and research strategy.

The steps are in a logical order of priority for completing habitat and population assessments and providing base data for strategic planning. Framework steps 1-3 can be worked on concurrently but should be completed prior to moving onto step 4. Information needed for each step is gleaned from numerous sources, including published research, broad-scale assessments, and conservation strategies, (e.g., FEMAT 1993, Pacific Anadromous Fish Strategy [PACFISH] 1995, Inland Fish Strategy [INFISH] 1995, Lee and others 1997), and forest-level inventory and monitoring. Information used can be a combination of quantitative and qualitative data. For each step, the web-based Framework provides hyperlinks to data-collection protocols used, relevant research and case studies, assessment data, and planning products.

The following is a case study from the Bridger-Teton National Forest in Wyoming, which used the Framework and its six steps to structure a conservation and restoration strategy for Bonneville cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki utah) as a part of the forest plan revision process. The Forest used the Framework to assemble data on the cutthroat, its habitat, stream-riparian ecosystems, and watersheds, with a focus on the Central Bear River subbasin. Figures depict these steps in respective sections that follow.