Forest Plan Revision Update-

[beans]

Just got an email from the Forest Service- "Forest Plan Revision Team"

Looks like we will be losing some great riding areas. In the body of the message they used words like "sustainable" and "climate change". Our comment period in 2011 looks like it may have done very little to help our cause.

 

[christian]

what area? Is this posted anywhere....am I about to become a rebel?

More mountain sleds then ever in the WA (atleast it seems that way) with the least amount of areas to ride....

Sad day!

 

[Wapow]

Just got an email from the Forest Service- "Forest Plan Revision Team"

Looks like we will be losing some great riding areas. In the body of the message they used words like "sustainable" and "climate change". Our comment period in 2011 looks like it may have done very little to help our cause.

Can you please post the email?

Here's the current situation: The FS released their proposed 15 year Forest Plan in 2011, in which they proposed converting all of the Scatter Peaks and the back bowls of Van Epps to Wilderness. Same goes with all the land North of the North Fork Teanaway Road (which is currently a "Voluntary No Snowmobiling Area" so no real loss there IMO). Here's a link to the FS Revision map: http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5313922.pdf

The only reason provided by the FS for these Wilderness conversions is boundary encroachment by snowmobilers. IMO. this is a obvious red herring, because (1) encroachment in these areas is very rare nowadays, (2) in the absence of enforcement (the FS currently does nothing), moving the boundary will have no effect, as the few individuals who choose to flaunt the law will continue to do so.

This is not a done deal. We will have the chance to make a stand during the EIS comment period. The Wilderness conversion will also require an act of Congress. IMO, our best option is to convince our elected reps that these conversions are overreaching. The time to start delivering that message is now. If our state reps are not behind the conversion, it will not happen.

 

[THEDICK]

Here's a copy of the email.

Comment Summary report.

http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5369047.pdf



Colville and Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forests
Northeast Washington Zone
Forest Plan Revision Update
March 27, 2013

Progress continues to be made “behind the scenes” on development of the draft revised forest plans, and draft environmental impact statements (DEISs) and alternatives, which are targeted for release next winter (2013-2014). A 90-day public review and comment period is planned.

The project website has been updated. Look for the revised project timeline. Also a list of key issues which are based on public comments to the proposed action (June 2011) have been added to the Comment Summary report . New technical papers related to climate change adaptations, habitat connectivity and vegetation modeling have also been added to the Reading Room: http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/okawen/plan-revision

Additional changes to the website are planned, so be sure to check back periodically for new information.

As we prepare for our DEIS outreach efforts— please keep us posted of any contact information changes you might have via e-mail: r6_ewzplanrevision@fs.fed.us , phone: 509-664-9247, or send letter to: Forest Plan Revision Team, Okanogan Valley Office, 1240 Second Ave. South, Okanogan, WA 98840.

We appreciate your continued interest and support as we work to bring you revised forest plans that aspire to provide sustainable and resilient forest resources into the future while balancing the many needs for which your forests are valued.

– Debbie Kelly, Public Affairs Specialist, Forest Plan Revision Team


Deborah L. Kelly- Public Affairs Specialist
Colville and Okanogan-Wenatchee NF’s
Forest Plan Revision Team
215 Melody Lane
Wenatchee, WA 98801
Office: (509) 664-9247
E-mail: dlkelly@fs.fed.us
Web: www.fs.usda.gov/goto/okawen/plan-revision
Project Inbox: r6_ewzplanrevision@fs.fed.us

Colville and Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forests Northeast Washington Zone Forest Plan Revision Update March 27, 2013 Progress continues to be made “behind the scenes” on development of the draft revised forest plans, and draft environmental impact statements (DEISs) and alternatives, which are targeted for release next winter (2013-2014). A 90-day public review and comment period is planned. The project website has been updated. Look for the revised project timeline. Also a list of key issues which are based on public comments to the proposed action (June 2011) have been added to the Comment Summary report . New technical papers related to climate change adaptations, habitat connectivity and vegetation modeling have also been added to the Reading Room: http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/okawen/plan-revision Additional changes to the website are planned, so be sure to check back periodically for new information. As we prepare for our DEIS outreach efforts— please keep us posted of any contact information changes you might have via e-mail: r6_ewzplanrevision@fs.fed.us , phone: 509-664-9247, or send letter to: Forest Plan Revision Team, Okanogan Valley Office, 1240 Second Ave. South, Okanogan, WA 98840. We appreciate your continued interest and support as we work to bring you revised forest plans that aspire to provide sustainable and resilient forest resources into the future while balancing the many needs for which your forests are valued. – Debbie Kelly, Public Affairs Specialist, Forest Plan Revision Team Deborah L. Kelly- Public Affairs Specialist Colville and Okanogan-Wenatchee NF’s Forest Plan Revision Team 215 Melody Lane Wenatchee, WA 98801 Office: (509) 664-9247 E-mail: dlkelly@fs.fed.us Web: www.fs.usda.gov/goto/okawen/plan-revision Project Inbox: r6_ewzplanrevision@fs.fed.us

 

[eddy]

FS Revision

We need to stay involved, write congress, support your organizations. This is not a done deal. Even if they recommend wilderness it is not so until congress acts. Of special interest are the black areas north of Salmon La Sac and the red areas north of Teanaway and Lake Wenatchee. These are area we must fight for.

 

[beans]

The letter posted above is the same one i received yesterday morning. This should issue should be a sticky at the top of the WA section. We need more involvement from the sled community on this issue. It starts with awareness.

 

[Cascades34]

We all need to get involved. Contact your congressman. We are going up against large, well funded groups with this. If everyone in our sport does not get more vocal about our right to access public lands, we could find ourselves with no place to ride someday.

 

[snomoman]

we need support from dealers and manufacturers???