Welcome to the Eastern Region

We improve customer service through research and work with other recreation providers for seamless and efficient delivery of services. We assess, plan and manage recreation within social and ecological capacities. We connect surrounding rural and especially nearby urban populations with the opportunities available in the Eastern Region. Through this, people have a sense of the benefits.

Spotlight

New Forest Planning Rule

U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that a Notice of Intent (NOI) to develop a new planning rule will be published in the Federal Register on Friday, December 18, 2009. There will be a 60-day public comment period, starting on December 18, 2009. The Notice will inform people that in the interim the 2000 Rule will be used for planning activities, such as forest plan amendments.

A new planning rule is needed to guide Forest Service land managers in developing, amending, and revising land management plans for the 155 national forests and 20 grasslands in the National Forest System. A new planning rule will provide the opportunity to help protect, reconnect, and restore national forests and grasslands for the benefit of human communities and natural resources. Developing a new rule will allow the Forest Service to integrate forest restoration, watershed protection, climate resilience, wildlife conservation, and the need to support vibrant local economies. A new rule will incorporate collaboration in the management of national forests and grasslands to protect our water, climate, and wildlife habitat while enhancing ecosystem services and creating economic opportunity.

This notice of intent (NOI) initiates the 60-day comment period of the scoping process. Following review of comments received during this 60-day period, the Agency will develop a draft environmental impact statement to document the environmental analysis for a new planning rule. Throughout this rulemaking process, the Forest Service will incorporate principles of collaboration. The collaborative process will be sustained throughout the development, implementation, and monitoring of plans for individual national forests.

Subsequent collaborative discussions will focus on key issues raised during the NOI public comment period. The Agency is in the process of creating a web forum for additional dialogue and public interaction. Further information on planned collaborative discussions and other opportunities for public comment are available at fs.usda.gov/planningrule.

Forest Service Closes Caves and Mines to Slow the Spread of White-nose Syndrome

April 24, 2009, U.S. Forest Service, Eastern Region Deputy Regional Forester Logan Lee signed an emergency closure order for all caves and mines on NFS lands in the Eastern Region in response to white nose syndrome affecting endangered bat species.

Forest Service officials are very concerned about the spread of White-nose Syndrome, a malady of unknown origin that has led to the death of nearly 500,000 bats in the New England and Mid-Atlantic States. There is evidence to suggest that human visitors to infected caves can inadvertently transfer White-nose Syndrome to clean caves and mines. To help slow the spread of White-nose Syndrome to other areas of the United States, the Forest Service has joined with other agencies and caving organizations to temporarily close caves and mines on National Forests in the Eastern and Southern Regions.

For more information, Contact:
Becky Ewing, R9 Regional Wildlife Biologist (TES), 414.297.3612 or rewing@fs.fed.us

Bill Bartush, Regional Wildlife Biologist, 414.297.3544 or bbartush@fs.fed.us

Additional Documents

Information on White Nose Syndrome & Cave and Mine Closure » (PDF)

Closure Order » (PDF)

Shawnee Closure Order » (PDF)

Frequently Asked Questions about White Nose Syndrome » (PDF)

Ravenswood Media, US Forest Service and US Fish & Wildlife have produced a short video on White Nose Syndrome, "The Battle For Bats" » (external site)

Seeking Recreation Resource Advisory Committee Members For the 2010 – 2013 term

The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (REA) requires a Recreation Resource Advisory Committee (RRAC) to make recommendations on recreation fees on national forest lands. The Eastern Region RRAC reviews fee proposals submitted by the national forests/prairie in the Region and then presents its recommendations to the Regional Forester. The Regional Forester considers the RRAC’s recommendations and decides which proposals to approve.

The Eastern Region RRAC consists of 11 members who represent a diversity of people and recreation users to provide valuable insight and perspective. Those members represent summer and winter motorized and non-motorized recreation; hunting and fishing; motorized and non-motorized outfitters and guides; environmental groups; state tourism; Indian Tribes; and local government. For the 2010 – 2013 term, the Eastern Region is seeking five members to represent:

• Winter motorized recreation
• Winter non-motorized recreation
• Summer non-motorized recreation
• State tourism; and
• Local environmental groups

Members of the Committee find the experience rewarding and appreciate the opportunity to be personally involved with national forests.

If you are interested in this opportunity or learning more about the Committee contact Marcia Heymen, mheymen@fs.fed.us or 414-297-3662, by August 14, 2009.