Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack today announced the release of the final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for a new Forest Planning Rule. The Planning Rule is a set of regulations which governs how the U.S. Forest Service develops individual Forest Plans. Forest Plans provide a broad management framework which often guides subsequent OHV-related project level planning. The agency's press release is HERE. The Rule is HERE.
BRC will be joining with recreational advocates and multiple use interests across the county in a thorough review of the new Rule. This is a high priority effort in which leadership in the Department and Obama Administration is heavily invested. We will soon know where public access and recreation stand among USFS priorities.
A final Rule and Record of Decision will be issued in about 30 days. If you haven't visited it already, you can learn more about the USFS Planning Rule Process at our dedicated Planning Rule Webpage. http://www.sharetrails.org/public-lands/new-forest-planning-rule
As we often say, stay tuned. The devil is always in the details.
Ric Foster
Public Lands Department Manager
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 107
The BlueRibbon Coalition is a national recreation group that champions responsible recreation, and encourages individual environmental stewardship. With members in all 50 states, BRC is focused on building enthusiast involvement with organizational efforts through membership, outreach, education, and collaboration among recreationists. 1-800-BlueRib - www.sharetrails.org
