The U.S. Forest Service released their Draft Environmental Impact Statement for their Land Management Plan Direction for Old-Growth Forest Conditions Across the National Forest System. The U.S. The Forest Service must fulfill the direction of President Biden’s Executive Order to protect mature and old-growth forests for the climate, clean water, and imperiled species.

The Public comment period is open and comments are due on September 20, 2024. Submit your comments now.

 

The agency strives to work in close cooperation with the public, state, tribes and local governments to help steward our forests and grasslands for future generations. Citizens can play a key role by expressing their views to help strike a balance and make decisions in the best interest of our public lands and the needs of our local communities.

The input received during this comment period will inform the final Environmental Impact Statement, which is expected to be completed winter 2024-2025. If the proposed amendment is approved, dialog on local implementation and monitoring will continue well into the future.

Old-growth forests offer biological diversity, carbon sequestration, wildlife and fisheries habitat, recreation, soil productivity, water quality and aesthetic beauty. These forests also reflect diverse tribal, spiritual, and unique, local cultural values.