Public Involvement and Forest Plan Revision

 Public involvement is an important part of Forest Plan Revision.  The Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 sets forth a process for developing, adopting, and revising land and resource management plans for the National Forest System.  These regulations prescribe how land and resource management planning is to be conducted on National Forest System lands and include direction for public participation.

 Sec. 219.6 Public participation:

 “Because the land and resource management planning process determines how the lands of the National Forest System are to be managed, the public is encouraged to participate throughout the planning process. The intent of public participation is to:

 (1) Broaden the information base upon which land and resource management planning decisions are made;

(2) Ensure that the Forest Service understands the needs, concerns, and values of the public;

      (3) Inform the public of Forest Service land and resource planning      activities; and

(4) Provide the public with an understanding of Forest Service programs and proposed actions.”

“Public participation in the preparation of environmental impact statements for planning begins with the publication of a notice of intent in the Federal Register. Public involvement in the preparation of draft and final environmental impact statements shall conform to the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act and associated implementing regulations and Forest Service Manual and Handbook guidance.” 

Public involvement was part of the Forest Plan Revision process for the Chippewa and Superior National Forests from the earliest stages.  A Need For Change evaluation occurred during 1994-1996 based on monitoring results, implementation of each existing Plan, public issues, appeals, lawsuits, new scientific information, and changes in public demand and land conditions. Thirty eight potential topics were identified, with 21 topics that could effectively be addressed through a plan revision.  In May 1996 a mailing to over 1500 individuals and organizations asked what level of concern was perceived for each broad topic, and what direction should be changed. In November 1996, a public workshop helped review reference papers and further define issues on the 12 most controversial topics.  These issues were carried forward in the 1997 Notice of Intent to Revise the Forest Plans.  From that base of public input, continued public involvement has been integral to the Forest Plan Revision process and will continue with implementation of the new Forest Plans. 

Chronology of Public Involvement

Document Accessiblity:  Every attempt has been made to make all the documents on this page accessible.  Most will be provided in pdf formats and can be read by downloading Acrobat Reader 5.0.