Governor: Forest Planning Important to Wyoming
by Governor Freudenthal’s office
October 20, 2007
(Cheyenne). - Noting that national forest management planning plays a significant role in state affairs and local economies, Governor Dave Freudenthal commended the U.S. Forest Service for a proposed rule that considers those issues. The Governor, however, expressed concern that some aspects of the proposal may reduce certainty, hinder the planning process and lead to “analysis paralysis.”
“Because several communities in Wyoming financially depend on sound national forest policies, especially as those policies affect tourism and recreation, timber harvesting, watershed protection, and livestock grazing, I strongly support the proposed rule’s direction that social and economic sustainability be considered along with ecological sustainability,” the Governor wrote in a letter to Mark Rey, the Service’s Under Secretary for Natural Resources and the Environment. “This emphasis, as well as the special attention given to sound science, echoes the intent of the National Environmental Policy Act.”
Freudenthal reiterated the need for continued multiple forest activities and planning based on the unique characteristics of each forest along with local knowledge and input. “Blanket decisions imposed from the national level routinely miss the mark, generally and scientifically, in addressing the most pressing needs of individual forests,” he wrote.
The Governor, while generally supporting the proposed management planning rule, expressed concern that the proposal may not streamline some aspects of the planning process “largely because project-level requirements may require a more detailed ‘cumulative effects’ analysis under the National Environmental Policy Act than with the 1982 National Forest Management Act planning regulations.”
Freudenthal urged the Forest Service to commit to a balanced approach in forest planning, one that protects the beauty and health of national forests, ensures recreational opportunities, allows for flexible management and rebuilds trust with local communities by reflecting local concerns.
The text of the letter follows:
October 17, 2007
Mark Rey
Under Secretary, Natural Resources and the Environment
U.S. Department of Agriculture
U.S. Forest Service
Planning Rule Comments
P.O. Box 162969
Sacramento, CA 95816-2969
Dear Mr. Rey,
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposed rule for National Forest System Land Management Planning. The State of Wyoming generally supports the changes, although some modifications to the rule are necessary.
Because several communities in Wyoming financially depend on sound national forest policies, especially as those policies affect tourism and recreation, timber harvesting, watershed protection, and livestock grazing, I strongly support the proposed rule’s direction that social and economic sustainability be considered along with ecological sustainability. This emphasis, as well as the special attention given to sound science, echoes the intent of the National Environmental Policy Act.
The State of Wyoming remains convinced that the best way to develop management plans and policies is through the forest plan revision and amendment process, as we believe management direction should be based on local characteristics, knowledge and input. Blanket decisions imposed from the national level routinely miss the mark, generally and scientifically, in addressing the most pressing needs of individual forests. In practical terms, the State of Wyoming has cited the inherent logic behind the planning process in its challenge to the Clinton-era Roadless Rule, in its support for grizzly bear de-listing and in its development of plans for beetle-kill timber management and invasive weed control.
There are some aspects of the proposed planning rule that give me pause. I believe that the rule should not only allow a full range of forest management activities, but in fact compel the Forest Service to get beyond the “analysis paralysis” that has hamstrung it in recent years. I am also concerned that the new planning rule may not in fact streamline and improve some aspects of the planning process – largely because project-level requirements may require a more detailed “cumulative effects” analysis under the National Environmental Policy Act than with the 1982 National Forest Management Act planning regulations.
A central tenet of the proposed rule is to “strengthen collaborative relationships with the public and other governmental entities” during forest plan revisions. As an active cooperating agency, the State of Wyoming urges the Forest Service to commit to a balanced approach in forest planning, one that protects the beauty and health of our national forests, ensures hunting and recreational opportunities, allows for adaptive management and administration, increases planning efficiency and rebuilds trust with local communities, captures local input and reflects local concerns.
Warm regards,
Dave Freudenthal
Governor's Office
|
