Planning

The mission of the Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. 

As part of carrying out the mission of the Forest Service, agency resource specialists develop proposals that will enhance or maintain resource values on public lands, as well as generate products. In addition, the public may submit proposals for various uses such as rights-of-way, land exchanges, and recreational events. A necessary part of the planning for these is the environmental analysis and documentation, pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and agency direction.

Each National Forest and grassland are governed by a management plan in accordance with the National Forest Management Act (NFMA). These plans set management, protection and use goals and guidelines.  The Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan) guides all natural resource management activities and establishes management guidance for the Ashley National Forest.