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Area Assessment for Food and Water Resources

Quick Summary​

This systematic approach helps you evaluate any location for available food and water resources, whether you're planning an extended camping trip, considering a homestead location, or need to assess your area's emergency resources.

Why This Matters​

Knowing what resources are available in your area becomes critical during extended power outages, supply chain disruptions, or when traveling through remote regions. This assessment method helps you:

  • Identify backup food and water sources before you need them
  • Plan more confidently for extended off-grid adventures
  • Understand your local ecosystem's capabilities
  • Make informed decisions about where to shelter during emergencies

The Assessment Framework​

Plant Resources Evaluation​

When assessing any area, catalog plants using these categories:

Edible Plants

  • Food value: Nutritional content and calories available
  • Procurement: How difficult to harvest, seasonal availability
  • Preparation: Processing requirements before consumption
  • Cooking: Methods needed to make safe/palatable

Medicinal Plants

  • Identify plants with known therapeutic properties
  • Note preparation methods and dosages
  • Document seasonal availability

Other Useful Plants

  • Cordage materials (inner bark, fibers)
  • Fire-starting materials (dry tinder, fatwood)
  • Tool materials (hardwoods for handles)
  • Shelter materials (thatch, insulation)
Important

Never consume wild plants unless you're 100% certain of identification. Many edible plants have poisonous look-alikes.

Animal Resource Assessment​

Domestic Animals In rural or suburban areas, note:

  • Livestock types and numbers
  • Poultry availability
  • Seasonal patterns (breeding, egg-laying)
  • Local regulations about hunting/procurement

Wildlife Resources Document but respect hunting laws:

  • Game animals present (deer, rabbits, birds)
  • Fish species in local waters
  • Seasonal migration patterns
  • Legal hunting/fishing seasons and requirements

Water Source Evaluation​

Procurement Assessment

  • Natural sources: streams, springs, ponds, wells
  • Man-made sources: reservoirs, tanks, cisterns
  • Rainwater collection potential
  • Seasonal reliability of sources

Water Quality Indicators

  • Clear vs. cloudy appearance
  • Algae growth or stagnation
  • Upstream contamination sources
  • Wildlife usage patterns

Purification Requirements

  • Filtration needs based on turbidity
  • Disinfection requirements
  • Available fuel for boiling
  • Chemical treatment options

Terrain-Specific Considerations​

Coastal Areas​

  • Saltwater fishing opportunities
  • Seaweed and marine plant resources
  • Tidal pool harvesting
  • Freshwater lens locations on islands

Mountain Regions​

  • High-altitude plant variations
  • Snow/ice as water sources
  • Seasonal accessibility changes
  • Cold-weather food preservation opportunities

Desert Environments​

  • Cacti and succulent resources
  • Underground water indicators
  • Seasonal rainfall collection
  • Heat-resistant food storage needs

Wetland Areas​

  • Waterfowl and fish abundance
  • Cattail and other marsh plants
  • Water purification challenges
  • Seasonal flooding patterns

Documentation Method​

Create a simple area resource map:

  1. Sketch the area showing major landmarks
  2. Mark water sources with quality assessments
  3. Note plant locations by type and season
  4. Record animal observations with patterns
  5. Identify hazards to avoid (poisonous plants, contaminated water)

Safety Considerations​

caution
  • Always verify local foraging and hunting regulations
  • Never rely solely on wild resources for nutrition
  • Test water quality when possible before consumption
  • Learn to identify dangerous plants and animals in your area

Modern Tools for Assessment​

Enhance your assessment with:

  • Plant identification apps like iNaturalist or PlantNet
  • Water quality test strips for basic contamination screening
  • GPS units to record exact locations of resources
  • Local extension office guides for regional plant/animal information

When to Conduct Assessments​

Regular assessment timing:

  • Seasonal changes: Spring, summer, fall, winter availability
  • Before extended trips: Know your destination's resources
  • Emergency preparedness: Understand your neighborhood's backup options
  • New locations: When moving or traveling to unfamiliar areas

Budget Option​

Basic Assessment Kit - $45

  • Field notebook and pencils
  • Regional plant/animal identification guides
  • Basic water test strips
  • Magnifying glass for plant details

Best Value ⭐​

Complete Assessment Kit - $125

  • Waterproof field journal
  • Regional guidebook set (plants, animals, tracks)
  • GPS unit or smartphone with offline maps
  • Water quality test kit
  • Digital camera for documentation

Premium Option​

Professional Assessment Kit - $350

  • Tablet with offline identification apps
  • Professional water testing kit
  • Sampling containers and labels
  • Precision GPS unit
  • Weather monitoring tools
Source

Adapted from Field Manual FM-3-05.70

Last updated: January 18, 2026