New Forest Plans Released for Sequoia and Sierra National Forests

Release Date: May 26, 2023

Guidance to improve forest resilience over next two decades

VALLEJO, Calif., May 26, 2023—After extensive public engagement and scientific analysis, the USDA Forest Service has released a final environmental impact statement and final decisions for the Sequoia and the Sierra National Forests revised land management plans through a Notice of Plan Approval in the Federal Register

The revised plans are strategic guidance documents that will be used to addresses the challenges of managing complex ecosystems for all forest users over the next 20 years. Each plan was developed alongside government, tribal and public groups with an interest in these forests.

“We are deeply grateful to everyone who worked with us through the revision process since 2012,” said Dean Gould, forest supervisor for the Sierra National Forest. “The input and diverse perspectives we received were essential in developing the final plans.”

The plans address wildfire risk, forest health, recreation, and wildlife habitat. In support of the Forest Service’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy, the plans promote working with partners to create fire-resilient ecosystems and communities through mechanical treatments, strategic use of fire, and cooperative initiatives across land ownerships. Ongoing work to improve forest conditions under the revised plans could add approximately 450 more jobs and produce an annual labor income of about $210 million dollars across both forests, within 5 counties of California.

“These revised forest plans will guide the work we do with partners, Tribes and stakeholders for years to come,” said Teresa Benson, forest supervisor for the Sequoia National Forest. “With the plans as our foundation, we can work together to make our forests and communities more resilient.”

The revised forest plans will take effect 30 days after publication of the Notice of Plan Approval in the Federal Register.

For more information— and to access the revised land management plan, record of decision, and environmental impact statement — please visit the Sequoia and Sierra Forest Plan Revision website.

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