The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Forest Service recently published a proposed amendment to the national old growth forest plan, which will be open for public comment in the Federal Register until September 20, 2024.

 
According to the USDA, this amendment aims "to provide consistent guidance for the stewardship, conservation, and recruitment of old growth across national forests." This guidance includes a proactive approach towards threats, reducing wildfire risk, and creating adaptive strategies for local management that utilize geographically relevant information.

Practically, this involves adjusting 122 land management plans across the country with the input of local tribal leadership and Indigenous Knowledge as well as establishing a national monitoring framework.

The Forest Service will engage with the public via field tours and virtual information sessions during the comment period. Anyone interested can submit a comment via an online form in the Proposed Amendment or via hardcopy mail.

To read the USDA's Press Release, click here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/about-agency/newsroom/releases/usda-forest-service-seeks-public-comment-draft-guidance-old-growth
To read the Proposed Amendment and Appendices, click here: https://cdxapps.epa.gov/cdx-enepa-II/public/action/eis/details?eisId=471518