Forest Management Decision Making

Forest management is complex and requires considerations for a multitude of reasons and desired outcomes. Management of National Forests starts with basic law: we are mandated by Congress to develop long-term management plans for public lands. The laws are very specific about how we make informed decisions, but individual forest plans and policies give us the flexibility to grow, adapt, develop, and amend as conditions change. There are four main steps in our decision-making processes: Implementation, Monitoring, Assessment, and Revision/Development/Amendment. We consider the public a valued partner in our decision-making process and encourage you to get involved! 

 

This is only a brief snapshot of notable events around the National Forest Management Act, the law which governs public land management. To view a more extensive list and for links and resources, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/planningrule/history

 

The Ozark-St. Francis National Forests’ 2005 Revised Land and Resource Management Plan was prepared in accordance with the requirements of the National Forest Management Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, and many other applicable laws and regulations. Embedded in its pages are our Forests’ management objectives and desired future conditions for these 1.2-million acres of National Forest we are responsible for. For full text of the plan, along with links to amendments: fs.usda.gov/main/osfnf/landmanagement/planning.

 

So what if we need to change something in the Forest Plan? It happens! As science develops, the earth changes, and conditions shift, Forest managers need to be adaptable and flexible. This is where you come in! We let YOU help US make decisions! Get involved, stay involved! If you want to be a part of our decision-making processes, e-mail comments-southern-ozark-st.francis@usda.gov and you’ll get added to our mailing list! That way, you’ll be in the know when it comes to changes we’re considering or projects we’re proposing.