Official websites use .gov
A .gov
website belongs to an official government organization in the
United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock
(
) or https:// means you've safely
connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only
on official, secure websites.
Forest plan meetings scheduled for Saguache and Alamosa
Release Date: Apr 10, 2015
MONTE VISTA, Colo.– The U.S. Forest Service and National Forest Foundation will hold two public meetings during the week of April 27 to discuss and receive public input for the Rio Grande National Forest’s plan revision.
The first meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 27, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Alamosa County Commissioners Building, 8900-A Independence Way, Alamosa. The focus for this meeting will be on vegetation, timber and fire. Participants at this meeting will help answer questions, such as:
· What is forest health?
· How do human activities affect the forest?
· Should fire be used as a tool for management?
The second meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Saguache County Road and Bridge, 305 3rd Street, Saguache. Participants at this meeting will help identify current issues and foreseeable trends concerning water and soil management on the RGNF, as well as review direction in the current forest plan to identify areas that need change.
Natural disturbance, roads and trails, and management activities on the national forest have the potential to affect fish, wildlife, recreation and downstream water users. The forest service is seeking the assistance of the public to help identify areas and activities of concern.
Both meetings will feature an open house for the first half hour allowing the opportunity to view maps and engage in one-on-one discussion with RGNF staff. A short presentation by forest service staff will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by interactive discussions designed to provide input for the plan revision. Light refreshments will be provided.
The forest plan is the overarching document that guides all management decisions and activities on the entire Rio Grande National Forest, including activities such as preservation of cultural and historic resources, grazing, timber production, recreation, wildlife management, firewood cutting and gathering of special forest products.
The forest plan revision is expected to be completed by the autumn of 2017. There will be two more meetings concerning vegetation, timber, and fire. This is the third and final meeting on water and soil, but public input and discussion on these topics will continue on our interactive website.
For more information, visit the RGNF plan revision website at http://riograndeplanning.mindmixer.com/ or contact Mike Blakeman at the Rio Grande National Forest Supervisor’s Office at 719-852-5941.