Preparation of watershed analyses is a key part of the implementation of the 1994 Northwest Forest Plan (NFP). It is primarily conducted at a fifth field watershed scale. It is a procedure with the purpose of developing and documenting a scientifically - based understanding of the ecological structure and the functions, processes and interactions occurring within a watershed. It is one of the principal analyses used to meet the ecosystem management objectives of the NFP's Standards and Guidelines. It is an analytical process, not a decision making process. A watershed analysis serves as a basis for developing project specific proposals and identifying the monitoring and restoration needs of a watershed. Watershed analysis is designed to be a systematic, iterative and dynamic process for characterizing watershed and ecological processes to meet specific management and social objectives. It is subject to updates and expansion as needed. The West Fork Illinois River Watershed Analysis iteration 1.0 document was completed in June 1997 to provide an ecological context for proposed mineral development, including management recommendations. The focus of iteration 1.0 was the serpentine portion of the watershed on Forest Service lands. conditions.