Projects and Plans
Recreation Facility Analysis (RFA)
RFA | Recreation Niche | Seven Step
Process | Public Participation | Project Documents
What is RFA?
RFA is an analysis tool developed nationally to help forests align their
developed recreation sites with the unique characteristics of the forest,
projected recreation demand, visitor expectations, and financial resources.
National forests across the country are undertaking this process. RFA is driven
by three strategic goals:
- Provide recreation opportunities best suited for the national forest;
- Operate and maintain recreation sites to meet national quality standards;
- Eliminate/reduce recreation site deferred maintenance.
A seven-step process is used to evaluate and prioritize sites for action. The
results are contained in a proposed 5-year program of work. Public feedback is
sought to ensure that these actions are sound and responsive to visitor needs.
Annually, phases of the program of work are implemented; additional public
participation is conducted at that time.
Why are we doing it?
Many of the Stanislaus NF developed recreation sites were built 30-50 years
ago. Since then, visitor preferences and demographics have changed, and
facilities may not serve current needs. Some facilities are in poor shape and do
not meet visitors’ expectations, since recreation funding has not kept pace with
increasing costs. To respond to these conditions and national direction, the
forest is implementing the Recreation Site Analysis (RFA) process for developed
recreation sites. The result of RFA is a program of work with a list of
prioritized actions to more effectively manage these recreation sites. Some
sites may be closed or adjustments made to reduce costs, in order to improve
conditions at other locations. Sites given a high priority are likely to see
more funding in the future, as compared with sites ranked at a lower priority.
Seven Step Process
The RFA process involves seven steps, each bringing the forest’s developed
recreation sites in closer alignment with the forest’s unique characteristics,
projected recreation demand, visitor expectations and revenue.
Step 1 - Data Prep
Completed during the fall of 2005, this step
involved the preparation of the forest’s developed recreation site inventory and
estimates of costs for annual operations and maintenance as well as deferred
maintenance needs.
Step 2 - Recreation Program Niche
Completed in March 2006, the
recreation program niche statement was crafted and recreation settings were
defined and mapped.
Step 3 - Identify Operational Efficiencies
Completed in March of
2006, this involved identification of operational efficiencies. Recreation
sites, such as campgrounds, picnic areas, boat ramps and trailheads were
examined to determine if efficiencies can be under-taken to further reduce site
expenditures and eliminate deferred maintenance while maintaining recreation
opportunities. A proposed set of management options (sidebar) is developed for
each site to reduce costs or provide services in other ways.
Step 4 - Rank Developed Recreation Sites
Completed in April of 2006, recreation sites were rated by recreation managers through the use of a series
of questions involving the sites’ conformance with the forest recreation program
niche; their financial and operational efficiency; their effects on
environmental sustainability; and their effects on community stability.
Step 5 - Proposed 5-year Program of Work to Stakeholders
The draft
5-year program of work for recreation sites was prepared about a year ago, based
upon the analysis completed in the previous four steps. Broader discussions with
stakeholders are now sought to explore alternative ways of operating sites or
building new partnerships.
Step 6 - Finalize 5-year Proposed Program of Work
The 5-year program
of work for recreation sites will be refined, based upon the broader discussions
with stakeholders. This step will follow public involvement of the 5 steps
completed, which is currently underway. We hope to complete this step in the
fall of 2007.
Step 7 - Implementation
Site-specific actions will occur on an annual
basis. Prior to implementation of individual projects, National Environmental
Policy Act and other agency coordination requirements will be completed.
Public Participation
We recognize the importance of these sites and welcome your comments and
suggestions during this process. Your participation is important to ensure that
the results of the RFA process meet visitor needs and offer the best recreation
opportunities in places important to people.
Forest recreation managers invite you to work with them to shape a
sustainable recreation program for the future.
What You Can Do Now
- Take a look at the Recreation Niche Presentation which includes the
Stanislaus National Forest draft niche statement, recreation emphasis, and the
forest recreation settings map. Have we captured what is important to you?
Market supply/demand data that was used in the formation of the niche
statement is also included. Familiarity with the niche statement and
recreation settings will be helpful in understanding the proposed actions. The
Proposed Program of Work (Step 5) is now available for your review and input.
- If you have specific questions, want to be put on the RFA mailing list for
future notification, or wish to actively participate, please feel free to
contact Brian Kermeen, Project Coordinator. Contact information is in the
right sidebar.
Project Documents
Most
files listed on this page are in Adobe .pdf format and require the free Adobe Reader
program. As can be
expected, many of the documents are very large. To download, right-click the link and select "Save Target As..." from the
menu. Be patient...
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