Planning Overview

National Forest Management Act

The National Forest Management Act (NFMA) is the primary statute governing the administration of national forests. NFMA requires the assessment of forest lands and the development and implementation of a management plan for each unit of the National Forest System. The Land and Resources Management Plan or Forest Plan is the principal document that guides the decision making of Forest Service managers.

Forest Plans guide where and under what conditions an activity or project on national forest lands can proceed. Each time a project or activity is proposed, the local national forest unit must ensure that it is consistent with the Forest Plan. Forest Plans are strategic in nature and do not make decisions about site-specific projects. Project proposals are analyzed in subsequent National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) processes.

Forest Plans provide long–range management direction such as desired conditions, strategies, and objectives; the kinds of uses that are generally suitable for various areas of a national forest; the standards and guidelines that apply to different kinds of activities; and the designation of special areas like Research Natural Areas.

The planning efforts listed below are those that have been or are being analyzed at the programmatic or forest level, with opportunities for public collaboration and involvement.

Travel Analysis Process, Subpart A

The purpose of the Travel Analysis Process for the Sequoia National Forest is to identify opportunities for the road system to meet current or future management objectives, based on ecological, social, cultural, and economic concerns. This process is an important part of effectively managing the National Forest Transportation System, and includes an examination of resource management, public access, and Forest Service administrative requirements associated with the road system. To read more about the Travel Analysis Process and find out how you can participate, see the documents here.

Travel Management Plan

The Sequoia National Forest Motorized Travel Management Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) documents can be found on the following links;

Code of Federal Regulations

The Federal Register

Federal Register Vol. 73 No. 237 Travel Management Directives
Federal Register Vol. 70 No. 216 Travel Management; Designated Routes and Areas for Motor Vehicle Use

Sequoia National Forest Plan Revision

The Sequoia and Sierra National Forests recently completed revision of their land management plans (forest plans) using the 2012 National Forest System Planning Rule. The 2012 Planning Rule provides a framework for U.S. Forest Service forest plans across the nation.
Select this link for more detailed information.

Rough Fire Recovery

The Rough Fire started July 31, 2015 from a lightning storm in a remote area of the Sierra National Forest. Over the next three months, the wildfire burned more than 141,000 acres on the Sierra and Sequoia National Forests and 9,400 acres on the Kings Canyon National Park, with remaining acres burned on state and private lands for a total of approximately 151,000 acres Restoring the Forest's landscape post-fire will be a long-term project for the Hume Lake Ranger District. Visit the project page to learn more about current efforts.

2012 Giant Sequoia National Monument Management Plan

On September 4, 2012, Forest Supervisor Kevin B. Elliott released the Giant Sequoia National Monument Record of Decision (ROD), Management Plan (Monument Plan), and Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS). This Forest Plan amendment governs management of the portion of the forest located inside the boundaries of the Monument. The Monument Plan provides direction to protect and maintain the objects of interest, restore and maintain ecosystems, and provide for visitor enjoyment of the Monument.

1988 Sequoia National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan

The Sequoia National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan) provides comprehensive management direction that instructs the Forest Service on how to manage the resources of the entire forest. The current Forest Plan was signed in 1988. Since that time, much has changed regarding resource management of the Sequoia National Forest. For example, there are new scientific studies, many social changes, and monitoring results available to guide management of the forest.

The 1988 Forest Plan documents are available here: