The US Forest Service has announced that the release of the draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Northwest Forest Plan amendment is now expected in November.
This decision follows a productive meeting of the Northwest Forest Plan Advisory Committee (FAC) held late last month in Stevenson, Washington.
The three-day meeting proved pivotal in ensuring the forthcoming DEIS accurately reflects the FAC's comprehensive recommendations. After in-depth discussions with the FAC, the Forest Service opted to revise portions of the DEIS to better align with the committee's consensus recommendations.
Key topics addressed during the meeting included climate change adaptation, sustainable economic opportunities for rural communities, and greater Tribal inclusion in land management planning and implementation.
The FAC -- a diverse 20-person group representing Tribes, local communities, environmental organizations, industry and academia across Oregon, Washington and northern California -- unanimously advanced a comprehensive set of recommendations for updating the Northwest Forest Plan.
In the Stevenson meeting, the Committee examined the Forest Service's efforts to incorporate those recommendations into the draft amendment.
The DEIS is expected to be published in the Federal Register in November, initiating a 90-day public comment period. This will provide an opportunity for all interested parties to shape the future of Pacific Northwest forest management.
