Forest Supervisor Dean Gould welcoming members of the public to a meeting to discuss the reveised draft environmental impact statement and draft land management plan.
August 23, 2019 - The Sierra National Forest hosted a public workshop Wednesday evening August 21, 2019, in Clovis, at the mid-point of the 90-day comment period on their revised draft environmental impact statement (EIS) and revised draft land management plans. Seventy participants, representing outdoor interest organizations, as well as private citizens turned out to hear forest officials discuss the necessary steps taken to develop the revised drafts and to solicit input in the final environmental impact statement and final plan. This input help will guide management of the Sierra National Forest for the subsequent 15 years.
Topics in the meeting ranged from how earlier versions of these draft documents were released in 2016, which have since been revised to address changed conditions across the landscape, including extensive tree mortality, and other concerns brought up through public participation at meetings such as the one held Wednesday.
This meeting allowed attendees an opportunity to ask questions to gain a better understanding in a wide range of public concern that impacts subjects like recreation, timber, fire management, water resources, and wildlife habit all of which play an important role in the Forest Management Plan.
The three hour meeting ended with Forest Supervisor Dean Gould thanking those participants for taking the time to attend, and learning about what is ahead for the future of the Sierra National Forest.
Forest leadership also encouraged those attending to be sure their voices are heard, by submitting comments. For those interested in the Forest EIS and management plan who were unable to attend last night's meeting, you can still find information on the revised environmental impact statement and land management plan on the projects website https://tinyurl.com/USFS-r5planrevision, and submit your comments during the remainder of the comment period which ends Thursday, September 26, 2019.
Comments must be received by September 26, 2019 and may be submitted electronically at: https://tinyurl.com/USFS-r5planrevision, via email r5planrevision@fs.fed.us, by standard mail, mailing to: Planning Team Leader, Forest Plan Revision, Pacific Southwest Regional Office, 1323 Club Drive, Vallejo, CA 94592, or delivered in person to the Sierra National Forest 1600 Tollhouse Rd, Clovis, CA 96311.
Source: Sierra National Forest - Photos: USDA/U.S. Forest Service
