USDA Forest Service reports it has reached goals from Climate Adaptation Plan for increasing amount of climate vulnerability information in environmental analyses; agency also updates directives to list Indigenous Knowledge as best-available science

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service released new data today that shows how the agency has made progress in mitigating the impacts of climate change. The new data, published in the Forest Service Climate Action Tracker, represents a significant milestone in the agency’s efforts to keep forests healthy. The agency is also updating its directives to clarify that Indigenous Knowledge can be considered as best-available science in land management decisions that guide forest management, restoration, and climate resilience actions.

“This is not just about tracking what we do, it’s about the action we take to ensure our land management decisions incorporate the best available climate science to support the people, communities and landscapes we all depend on,” said Forest Service Chief Randy Moore. “The Climate Action Tracker helps us make our forests more resilient and reduces our environmental footprint.”

The Climate Action Tracker includes data collected from sources nationwide and shows how the Forest Service has reached goals from its Climate Adaptation Plan for increasing the amount of climate vulnerability information in its environmental analyses. Through the environmental analysis process, the Forest Service is recognizing the impacts of land management decisions on climate change.

Forest Service efforts to mitigate climate change and clarify that Indigenous knowledge can be a source of best available scientific information is also responsive to President Biden’s Executive Order to strengthen forests, communities, and local economies as well as Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack’s direction to improve climate resilience and carbon stewardship on national forests and grasslands.

Secretary Vilsack also directed the Forest Service to review policies for agency work that involves water, wildlife, wood product innovation, outdoor recreation, and more -- with a focus on climate. This review was guided by public responses and is informing changes to new or revised climate policy, guidance, and training over the next several years.

The Forest Service’s climate response also includes work to conserve mature and old-growth forests. A revised Mature and Old growth Definition and Inventory revised report released today has new charts that include lands managed by both the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service. The report includes updated estimates from the Forest Inventory and Analysis database as well. Public comments on proposed climate actions are now available which, along with feedback received in mature and old growth engagements, will continue to inform agency actions.

The Forest Service will continue to share plans and progress in its efforts to advance climate adaption, with the release of a full climate action report and sustainable operations strategy later this spring.