The Sierra Nevada Forest Plan Amendment Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), Record of Decision (ROD), and Appendices A and B were released in January 2001, amending the Forest Plans for 11 national forests in the Sierra Nevada and Modoc Plateau.

Following release of the FEIS and ROD, a variety of individuals and groups filed appeals of the amendment. The Chief of the Forest Service reviewed the appeals and affirmed the ROD, while at the same time directing the Regional Forester to review certain elements within the FEIS and ROD. This review is scheduled for completion in December 2002.

While the review is being conducted, the Forest Service is applying the ROD to forest projects and programs on the ground, providing program and project guidance to forests in aggressively treating fuels and protecting old forests, wildlife habitat and watersheds. In addition, clarification and guidance in the form of Implementation Guidelines have been developed to ensure consistent and effective implementation of management direction contained in the ROD.