![[Logo]: RSFMP Logo](images/rec-anaylsis-art-work-nobkg.gif)
Background
Many of the Inyo's developed recreation sites were built 30-50
years ago. Since then, visitor preferences and demographics have
changed. Some sites no longer serve projected recreation demand;
some facilities are in poor shape and do not meet visitors' expectations.
To respond to these conditions and national direction, the forest
is implementing the Recreation Site Facility Master Planning (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. This program of work will be consistent
with the Route Designation process also underway, and Recreation
Enhancement Act implementation.
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 revenue. 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.
Seven Step Process
The RFA process involves seven steps, each bringing the Inyo's
developed recreation sites in closer alignment with its unique characteristics,
projected demand, visitor expectations and revenue.
STEP 1: Prepare Site Inventory & Financial Data
Forest recreation-site facility inventory and associated financial
data is updated. Participants determine preliminary operation and
maintenance (O&M), and deferred maintenance (DM) estimates for
each recreation site.
STEP 2: Identify Unit Recreation Program Niche
Recreation-visitor use and market data are examined to determine
the focus of the Inyo's recreation program. Participants develop
map that displays the Forest’s recreation settings and summary
paragraph that characterizes the Forest’s unique recreation
program "niche."
STEP 3: Identify Operational Efficiencies
Recreation sites are examined to determine if efficiencies can be
undertaken to further reduce site expenditures or eliminate deferred
maintenance. Participants determine a proposed set of management
options for each site to reduce costs.
STEP 4: Rank Recreation Sites
Recreation sites are rated through the use of a series of questions
involving the sites' conformance with the Inyo recreation program
niche; their financial and operational efficiency; their effects
on environmental sustainability; and their effects on community
stability. Workshop participants develop a proposed ranking of sites.
STEP 5: Propose 5-year Program of Work to Stakeholders
The proposed 5-year program of work for recreation sites is prepared
based upon the analysis completed in the previous four steps. Broader
discussions with stakeholders are 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 is refined, based
upon the broader discussions with stakeholders.
STEP 7: Implementation
Annually, site-specific steps are proposed to implement the 5-year
program of work for recreation sites. Prior to implementation, National
Environmental Policy Act and other agency coordination requirements
are 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 identify
how to best address these sites and specifically react to the proposed
program of work. We plan to have preliminary results of the proposed
program of work for public review later this spring. For more information
about RFA, please refer to the More Information box on the right
side of the screen.
If you have specific questions, want to be put on the RFA mailing
list for future notification, or wish to more actively participate,
please feel free to contact Jeff
Marsolais at (760) 873-2515.
Project Documents
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