USDA - Final Forest Planning Rule

[Arlene Brooks]

As an FYI - I thought I would post the two attachments regarding the Final Programmatic EIS for the Forest Planning Rule and Modified Alternative A (the complete document consists of 373 pages) for additional information go to < www.fs.usda.gov/planningrule >

I participate in the Region 6 (Regional) round table that was held in Portland (2009) it was a directive from the Obama Administration; the Rule is a set of regulations that will govern how the 193 million acre National Forest System will seek stronger protection for forests, water and wildlife.
In the Modified Alternative A document (219.10 Multiple Use pg 15-16 - 10 b i) addresses sustainable recreation; including settings, opportunities and access.

It is worth a read - let your State Directors and Inter Association Directors (IAD) know what you think - remember, it will be in your-back-yard before you know it.

Arlene Brooks, GRVJ -Region 1
PNW4WDA

[paulp575]

Originally Posted by Arlene Brooks

As an FYI - I thought I would post the two attachments regarding the Final Programmatic EIS for the Forest Planning Rule and Modified Alternative A (the complete document consists of 373 pages) for additional information go to < www.fs.usda.gov/planningrule >

I participate in the Region 6 (Regional) round table that was held in Portland (2009) it was a directive from the Obama Administration; the Rule is a set of regulations that will govern how the 193 million acre National Forest System will seek stronger protection for forests, water and wildlife.
In the Modified Alternative A document (219.10 Multiple Use pg 15-16 - 10 b i) addresses sustainable recreation; including settings, opportunities and access.

It is worth a read - let your State Directors and Inter Association Directors (IAD) know what you think - remember, it will be in your-back-yard before you know it.

Arlene Brooks, GRVJ -Region 1
PNW4WDA

Although I didn't read the entire document, I did scan the document. One of the things I saw that was changing is that now the individual supervisor of the USFS unit is now the approving authority for the Land Management Plan, i.e., Forest Plan; it used to be the regional supervisor. I don't know if that's good or not. For example, here in WA state, we had one approving official (Region 6 supervisor); now we have 9 approving officials.

Only time will tell,

[jim putman]

One would hope that a local official would have a better grip on what is needed by the users of their particular forest area then the blanket approach that is the current rule. Might make it easier to effect changes on a more local level. (hope)

[Art Waugh]

The forest supervisor has always been the signature on the document, but it is run through regional and DC as well for their input and clearance. BLM is the same.

[paulp575]

Originally Posted by Art Waugh

The forest supervisor has always been the signature on the document, but it is run through regional and DC as well for their input and clearance. BLM is the same.

I did notice that the Chief of the Forest Service has stated he is going to provide some standards for the plans. So yes, there will still be some higher up influences.