watervulnerability

Gallatin National Forest Watershed Vulnerability Assessment, Northern Region (R1)
Watershed Condition Framework
The Watershed Condition Framework (WCF) was included as one step in the process. The WCF
established a nationally consistent method for classifying watershed condition and documenting
improvements in watershed condition at the forest, regional, and national scales (US Forest Service.
2011). This process uses 12 indicators and 24 attributes to serve as surrogate variables representing
fundamental ecological, hydrological, and geomorphic functions, and processes that affect watershed
condition. The primary emphasis is on ecological processes and conditions that Forest Service
management activities can influence.
There are three watershed condition classes identified in this process:
• Class 1 = Functioning Properly
• Class 2 = Functioning at Risk
• Class 3 = Functionally Impaired
Watersheds considered to be Functioning Properly have ecosystem processes functioning within their
range of natural variability. In general, the greater the departure from the natural pristine state, the more
impaired the watershed condition is likely to be (USFS 2011).
Climate Change Performance Scorecard
The Climate Change Performance Scorecard is the Forest Service’s tracking tool to assess progress in
integrating climate change considerations into programs, plans, and projects. It is composed of 10
performance elements, with a national goal of 100% of Forests/Grasslands to achieve a “Yes” rating on 7
of the 10 elements by FY 2015. One of these elements is a vulnerability assessment, which the WVA
would fulfill.
Forest Landscape and Rapid Assessments
The WVA would not replace these assessments but can help validate priorities being identified in these
assessments.
35 Assessing the Vulnerability of Watersheds to Climate Change