Summary

The Watershed Condition Framework provides the US Forest Service with a robust, science based approach to enhancing the health of watersheds on national forests and grasslands. This framework offers a nationally-consistent and reliable process for assessment of watershed conditions, guidance on restoration efforts, identification of strategic investments and tracking the outcome of these activities. The USFS seeks to develop a web-based interactive mapping tool.

Problem and Solution

The WCF requires assistance in prioritizing activities at the HUC12 watershed level. It’s goals included the following: enhanced coordination with stakeholders and partners for watershed management and the recovery of aquatic species. Strengthening the agency’s ability to restore and maintain watersheds and aquatic systems. Establishing a consistent framework to determine watershed conditions across national forests and grasslands. Finally, integration of ecosystem-based approaches for prioritization of restoration activities for more effective ecosystem management. To do so, as mentioned before, it seeks to develop a web-based interactive mapping tool, dubbed the Watershed Prioritization Tool (WPT). This tool will integrate data from multiple sources. Also, it will automate the display and investigation of data related to key watershed values. Layers which represent watershed risk factors, like climate change, fire and flooding will also be available.

Xentity will configure an ESRI Experience Builder solution via an interactive map viewer to provide agency staff with accessible, easy to understand data. Datasets will include values of impacts to a watershed and will reflect most-current conditions combined with threats from fire, floods and climate change.

Outcome and Benefit

15,000 watersheds have already been classified. The WPT will build on these achievements to further support the Forest Service’s mission of improving watershed conditions. Also, to foster sustainable management best practices. This tool is an important next step for implementing the WCF for improved watershed stewardship and water conservation. Our hope is that this will result in an interactive, intuitive map viewer. One that will be based on relevant national datasets managed through a consistent approach. Also, one that will scale to deliver key information to prioritize watershed activities.