The Prescott National Forest has released its new land and resources management plan and accompanying final environmental impact statement (FEIS), which are available on the forest’s website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/prescott/landmanagement/planning.
Southwestern Regional Forester Calvin Joyner approved the record of decision (ROD) for the plan and FEIS in May, and the notice of availability is expected to appear in the Federal Register August 7. The FEIS documents the analysis of the alternatives developed for the management of about1.2 million acres of the Prescott National Forest. The selected alternative replaces the original 1987 forest plan. It provides the framework to guide site-specific actions that will help to achieve desired conditions on the forest.
The new plan was built on a foundation of the best available science, and developed collaboratively with the public, partners and conservation organizations, as well as federal, state, local and tribal governments. It provides guidance for the management of healthy, resilient ecosystems that meet the diverse needs of the American people.
The revised Forest Plan identified five areas where there were needs for change from the current management strategies. These include a focus on actions to:
· Restore vegetation structure and composition and desired characteristics of fire to selected ecosystems, while responding to citizen concerns related to smoke emissions.
· Retain or improve watershed integrity to provide desired water quality, quantity, and timing of delivery.
· Provide sustainable and diverse recreation opportunities that consider population demographic characteristics, reflect desires of local communities, avoid overcrowding and user conflicts, and minimize resource damage.
· Provide desired habitat for native fish species.
· Enhance the value of open space provided by the Prescott NF by defining the visual character within areas near or viewed by those in local communities.
Some elements of the old plan were carried over to the revised plan. The revised plan, FEIS and ROD are available online at http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/prescott/landmanagement/planning. Paper copies may be requested by sending an email message to [email protected]. Copies are also available at the Bradshaw Ranger District, 344 S Cortez in Prescott. For additional information, contact Gabrielle Kenton, Forest Planning Program Manager at (928) 443-8221.
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