|
 The Forest Service began the planning rule revision process with a commitment to developing a new planning rule that would endure over time. We utilized a transparent and participatory method to accomplish this, and believe the final planning rule will carry this process forward through requirements for collaboration during the planning process.
The final planning rule was developed using an open, collaborative process, and was informed by the nearly 300,000 public comments that were received in response to the proposed rule and draft environmental impact statement. These comments were in addition to the 26,000 comments to the Notice of Intent, which informed the development of the proposed rule. In addition to public comments, the rulemaking process was informed by a science forum, regional and national roundtables, national and regional tribal roundtables, Tribal consultation meetings, national and regional public forums, Forest Service employee feedback, and comments posted to the Planning Rule blog. The agency considered the feedback received through these efforts, and used public input, science, and agency expertise to develop the final planning rule.
Detailed information on the collaboration and public involvement process can be found on the Overall Collaboration and Public Involvement Strategy webpage.
Next Steps and How to Stay Involved
The final planning rule has been signed, and the Forest Service will begin implementing it 30 days following publication in the Federal Register. There will be many ways for you to stay engaged in the planning process during and following implementation of the final planning rule:
-
Federal Advisory Committee: In January 2012 the Secretary announced a new Federal Advisory Committee to advise the Chief and Secretary on implementation of the new rule, and selected members will be announced this spring. The committee will begin meeting in summer 2012 and all committee meetings will be open to the public.
-
Directives: The Forest Service will be developing a set of planning directives to provide further guidance on implementation of the final rule, and you will have an opportunity to review and comment on those directives.
-
Plan Revisions: A number of national forests and grasslands will begin plan revisions early this year. As individual units begin to implement the new rule and revise their plans, we encourage you to become involved and provide input throughout the process.
|
