Table 1. This table represents how we began exploring potential relationships between EPA indicators and human values for ecosystems. The table follows an environmental risk framework with assessment endpoints tied to values, and direct and indirect indicators for these endpoints. Assessment endpoints are the operational expression of values that have been identified for the system. On the figure's left are a few potential values for forests, and on the right are listed potentially related forest indicators proposed for use by the Forest Resource Group of EMAP to assess regional forest conditions.

Value
Assessment Endpoint
Direct Indicator
Indirect or Diagnostic Indicator
Timber Production
Yield of Timber for Species 1, 2, 3...n.
Tree Growth
Dendrochronology
Soil Classification & Physiochemistry
PAR – Leaf Area
Canopy Diversity
Crown Measures
Branch Evaluations
Lichen Chemistry
Foliar Chemistry
Regeneration
Dendrochemistry
Mortality
Visible Damage
Game Production
Yield of Game for Species 1, 2, 3...n.
None
Wildlife Habitat
Soil Classification & Physiochemistry
Crown Measures
Vegetation Structure
Visible Damage
Canopy Diversity
Foliar Chemistry
Regeneration
Mortality
Hiking and Camping
Ability to Move through the Forest
None
Vegetation Structure
Crown Measures
Soil Classification & Physiochemistry
Regeneration
Miles of Trail per User
None
None
Forest Conducive to Pitching a Tent
None
Vegetation Structure
Soil Classification & Physiochemistry
Crown Measures
Visible Damage
Potable Water
None
None
Users per Campsite
None
None
Bird and Wildlife Observation
Bird Abundance and Diversity
Wildlife Habitat
Wildlife Habitat
Crown Measures
Canopy Diversity
Visible Damage
Mortality
Soil Classification & Physiochemistry
Vegetation Structure
Foliar Chemistry

Large-Mammal Abundance and Diversity
None
Wildlife Habitat
Foliar Chemistry
Mortality
Visible Damage
Crown Measures
Canopy Diversity
Soil Classification & Physiochemistry
Vegetation Structure