Stumped June 2016
Answers to Inspectors’ Most Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between a Forest of Recognized Importance (FORI) and a Special Site?
A: FORIs and Special Sites share similarities in that they recognize unique biological, geological, and/or historical features. However, they differ in terms of scale. FORIs hold global, national, or regional significance and are evaluated at the landscape level, while Special Sites hold local or personal significance and are evaluated at the stand or sub-stand level.
Here are some examples to put the difference of scale in context:
- A vernal pool (Special Site) vs. Yellowstone (FORI)
- A family cemetery (Special Site) vs. a National Battleground (FORI)
Just because a feature is old, does not mean that it warrants special site designation. There are criteria related to significance, age and integrity that are used for special sites of historical, social or cultural value. For more information on the identification of historic special sites, please see the 2015-2020 ATFS Standards and Guidance.
For interim guidance on FORIs review our FORI primer.
