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7.1 million acres) in coordination with other federal agencies 

 such as the BLM, EPA, Fish and Wildlife Service, and National 

 Marine Fisheries Service. The Forest Service is on schedule for 

 these analyses. 



In order to provide for consistency in watershed analysis, an 

 interagency guidance document was developed. We believe 

 watershed analysis will prove to be a valuable and necessary tool 

 to provide for efficient resource management and planning. 

 Watershed analysis provides the information necessary for 

 determining suitability of land units for various resource uses, 

 determining project level analysis requirements, and identifying 

 restoration needs and priorities. With respect to wildlife 

 conservation, we are already seeing results. Watershed analysis 

 has shifted the focus to a conservation approach for he±>itat 

 management for all species. Where watershed analyses have been 

 completed and the streamlined consultation approach has been 

 implemented, consultation under Section 7 of the Endangered 

 Species Act is completed quickly. For exauiple, during the period 

 from August 30,1995 through May 31, 1996, 102 informal 

 consultations were coit^jleted averaging 18 days per consultation. 

 There were 18 formal consultations averaging 46 days per 

 consultation. 



In order to sustain forest ecosystems and local economics, the 

 Northwest Forest Plan recognizes the need to reinvest money into 

 these ecosystems. This is accon^lished through mtershed 



