Forest Service rules update, bringing mixed reactions

The U.S. Forest Service's latest decision to modify forest planning has received praise and criticism. Opponents say the new system will open up forests to more frequent and faster logging. Proponents argue the new system is only intended to save time and money. (Credit) www.jasongtaylor.com

The U.S. Forest Service has announced it will implement an Environmental Management System to be used in drafting management plans for the 155 national forest sand 20 grasslands. According to agency officials, the EMS will improve performance and accountability during the planning process.

Supporters applaud this new rule, as it will make forest planning more timely and cost effective. Up to this point, the planning process for just one forest can take anywhere from five to seven years to revise a 15-year management plan, at a cost upwards of $7 million. With the introduction of the EMS, forest plan revisions are expected to decrease to 2-3 years and will now include a full evaluation of the plan every five years to ensure that goals are being met. Furthermore, the new plans encourage forest managers to investigate the latest technologies to keep the land, air, and water protected.

Opponents of the new regulations argue the rule leaves forests vulnerable to faster logging and restricts the public's ability to challenge government decisions. They feel the new plan is just a guise for cutting environmental spending that could severely weaken fish and wildlife. The Forest Service maintains that no part of the plan was designed to open up forest space, though the plan does not discourage it either. Supporters are adamant that a change is necessary to improve land management. Under the new provisions, local experts will have accurate, up-to-date information that will help them meet the terms of environmental laws, such as the National Environmental Policy Act and the Endangered Species Act. Having the latest information will allow them t see if they are staying on track with the goals of each project. Ultimately, the Forest Service hopes the EMS swill simplify execution of the 1976 National Forest Management Act, which requires a new management plan for all national forests every 15 years. The public will have 60 days to review the proposal, which can be found at www.fs.fed.us/emc/nfma.