Forest Conservation & Tree Assessment Services

Role of Forest Stand Delineation in Assessing Environmental Factors

A Forest Stand Delineation (FSD) or Existing Vegetation Map (EVM) is the first step in inventorying the existing conditions at a site so that potential impacts to forest cover, critical habitat, and other environmental factors may be assessed. The FSD/EVM is typically prepared and submitted to the locality at the earliest stages of a project and guides site plan development. Knowing what resources are present and protected under local regulations keeps project designers focused on evaluating alternatives early on.

Formulating Effective Mitigation Plans

The final step in the process is typically a mitigation plan for projects that impact forest resources where the regulations require mitigation. The mitigation approach can vary, but may include reforestation or planting trees where none were previously present (afforestation). Alternatively, impacted forest areas can be replanted elsewhere to compensate for the proposed impacts. ECS personnel will work with the site designers to provide practical and cost-effective mitigation strategies as needed, including assisting with planting plans that fit into the context and aesthetics of the project.

Please contact us if you have any questions about forest stand delineations and conservation plans.