Forest Plan Revision - March 2014: A Message from the Forest Supervisor

Release Date: Mar 19, 2014

Contact(s): Cathy Dowd (928) 333-6280

I want to thank all of you who have participated in our forest plan revision process. Your involvement and comments have encouraged better decisions and understanding throughout development of the forest plan. We made the proposed plan, draft environmental impact statement (DEIS), and supporting documents  available for public review in February 2013. Also in February 2013, we held three open houses in Show Low, Springerville, and Duncan to answer questions. By the time the comment period closed, we had received over 41,000 comment letters, of which approximately 160 were unique letters. Commenters provided feedback on a wide range of topics and issues including wildlife management, livestock grazing, and fire management.

Currently, the planning team is responding to public comments and updating the land management plan and DEIS based on those comments.  The team is also consulting with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service about the effects of the proposed plan on the 18 federally listed, proposed, and candidate species.

The plan revision effort has centered around three main topic areas: maintenance and improvement of ecosystems, managed recreation, and community-forest interaction. The DEIS evaluated four alternatives, including no-action (or continuing to use the 1987 plan, as amended), the proposed plan, and two alternatives with varying levels of ecosystem restoration, outdoor recreation opportunities, recommended wilderness, and quantity of available wood products. Our revised plan is nearing the finish line. The land management plan, final environmental impact statement, and record of decision are expected to be published this fall.

There’s a lot more to the Apache-Sitgreaves than forest plan revision. Check out our forest website (www.fs.usda.gov/asnf) for information on recreation opportunities and special places. While you’re on our website, sign up to follow the forest on Twitter. You’ll be the first to hear about news and events on the forest and see some beautiful pictures of our great landscapes. I hope it encourages you to get out and enjoy our forest.

If you have any questions, feel free to give me a call at 928-333-6338. 

Jim Zornes
Forest Supervisor