Summit County Citizens Voice

Adaptive management, restoration are key components of latest proposal; public input session set for March 21 in Lakewood

Forest Service leaders say a new planning rule will help manage forests in the face of challenges like inreased recreation pressure and climate change.

By Bob Berwyn

SUMMIT COUNTY — The U.S. Forest Service this week released a draft national rule that will set the framework for the development of individual forest plans around the country. The rule focuses on restoration more than the previous version, and rangers hope it will reduce some of the red tape associated with the planning process.

Click here to visit the Forest Service planning rule website with all relevant links.

“The Forest Service has been a steward of American lands for more than a century, and this proposed planning rule will build on that tradition,” said Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell. “We value the thoughtful input we’ve received in the development of this proposed rule, and we look forward to continuing collaboration to construct an adaptive management framework for the people’s forests and grasslands, based on sound science and reflecting public values.”

“It will mean less time spent spent on planning, and more time spent on implementing projects on the ground … we think we’ve hit the mark,”  Associate Forest Service Chief Mary Wagner said in a video announcing the release. Watch the video after the page break …

The agency has been developing the new rule for the past year, and Wagner said that, more than ever before, it’s a product of collaboration and teamwork. The agency held numerous meetings around the country to get public input and even tried out some Web 2.0 tools, including a public blog.

More input is wanted on the draft plan, and a series of regional forums includes a March 21 session at the regional agency headquarters in Lakewood.

The rule covers 193 million acres in 155 national forests and grasslands.

The current Forest Service planning rule was developed in 1982 under the Reagan administration. The agency twice tried to revise it; once under the Clinton administration and again under former President George W. Bush, in an effort that was rejected by federal courts.

Highlights of the proposed planning rule include:
•    A more effective and efficient framework that would allow adaptive land management planning in the face of climate change and other stressors.
•    Increased requirements for public involvement and collaboration throughout all stages of land management planning.
•    Improved ability to respond to climate change and other stressors through provisions to restore and maintain healthy and resilient ecosystems.
•    Increased protections for water resources and watersheds.
•    More effective and proactive requirements to provide for diverse native plant and animal species.
•    Provisions to guide the contributions of a National Forest or National Grassland to social and economic sustainability.
•    Updated provisions for sustainable land, water and air-based recreation.
•    Requirements to provide for integrated resource management of a range of multiple uses and values including outdoor recreation, range, timber, water, wildlife, wilderness, energy, mining, and ecosystem services.
•    New requirements for a local and landscape-scale monitoring program that are based on the latest science.

“This proposed planning rule is the outcome of an open and transparent development process,” said Agriculture Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment Harris Sherman. “It’s a positive framework that will allow the Forest Service to more effectively restore our natural resources, support the economy, and adapt to changing conditions.”

• Proposed Planning Rule, The Office of Federal Register Electronic Public Inspection Desk Copy 02/11/2011 (pdf – 655kb)
• Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) (coming soon)
• The Civil Rights Impact Analysis (CRIA) for this proposed rule (pdf – 1.0mb)
• The cost-benefit analysis for this proposed rule (pdf – 500kb)
• Summary of public input used to develop Proposed Rule
• Forest Service Directives for 1982 planning procedures
• Summary of Proposed Rule (pdf – 75kb)
• Press Release
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Comments Sought

• We are asking the public to provide comments on the proposed rule and draft environmental impact statement (DEIS).
• The comment period is open for 90 days and will not close until May 16, 2011.
• All comments will be carefully reviewed and used to craft a final rule.
• How to Comment

Public Meetings Scheduled

The Agency is hosting a national public forum to discuss the proposed rule on March 10, 2011, in Washington DC. The meeting is open to the public and will be Web cast to allow for greater participation.  There will be additional public forums held throughout the country during the comment period to further encourage participation.

• National and Regional Forums on Proposed Planning Rule and DEIS
• Schedule of national and regional forums on proposed planning rule and DEIS (pdf – 92kb)
• Read our blog! Discuss the proposed planning rule and get your ideas ready to help improve it!

Filed under: Colorado, Dillon Ranger District, Environment, Forest health, forests, US Forest Service, White River National Forest Tagged: | Forest Service national planning rule, Harris Sherman, Mary Wagner, National Forest planning, Summit County News, Tom Tidwell, United States Forest Service, US Forest Service, Web 2.0