New U.S. Forest Service Planning Rule Could Jeopardize Access

Late last year the Forest Service published a Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare an environmental impact statement to develop a new land management planning rule.  This initiates the process of developing a new rule that will guide national forest management plans over the next generation.  The NOI states that the new rule is necessary to“…guide land managers in developing, amending, and revising land management plans for the 155 national forests and 20 grasslands in the National Forest System (NFS).  A new planning rule provides the opportunity to help protect, reconnect, and restore national forests and national grasslands for the benefit of human communities and natural resources.” 

ARRA is concerned that the new planning rule developed under the parameters set by the NOI will ultimately lead to a loss of recreational access.  The document all but ignores recreation in favor of dealing with uncertain conditions that may arise as a result of climate change.  Please read ARRA’s comments on the NOI to learn more about specific concerns.

The Forest Service has announced a series of public meetings to discuss the new rule.  If possible, please participate to express the importance of providing for recreational access, particularly for responsible motorized enthusiasts.

National meetings:

• National Science Forum March 29 and 30, 2010, in Washington, DC;
• National roundtables April 1 and 2, April 20 and 21, and May 11 and 12, 2010, in Washington, DC

The 9 Regional Roundtables plus two additional Region 2 meetings:

• Pacific Northwest Region (Region 6), Portland, OR on April 6, 2010;
• Pacific Southwest Region (Region 5),Sacramento, CA on April 6, 2010;
• Intermountain Region (Region 4), Salt Lake City, UT on April 8, 2010;
• Rocky Mountain Region, (Region 2), Lakewood, CO on April 12, 2010;
• Rocky Mountain Region, (Region 2), additional meeting, Cheyenne, WY on April 14, 2010;
• Rocky Mountain Region, (Region 2), additional meeting, Rapid City, SD on April 21, 2010;
• Northern Region (Region 1), Missoula, MT on April 13, 2010;
• Alaska Region (Region 10), Juneau, AK on April 13, 2010;
• Southern Region (Region 8), Atlanta, GA during the week of April 12, 2010 (exact date to be determined);
• Eastern Region (Region 9), Chicago, IL during the week of April 28 (exact date to be determined); and
• Southwestern Region (Region 3), Albuquerque, NM on April 28, 2010.

More information:

USFS planning rule website

The text of the NOI

Notice of public meetings on the development of planning rule

USFS planning rule blog

ARRA’s Comments on the NOI