Land Management Planning, Get Involved
Land management plans are developed and revised under the 2012 Planning Rule which requires decision makers, referred to as "responsible officials," to emphasize and provide opportunities for public involvement through every step of the planning process. Specifically, the planning rule focuses on engaging with and listening to the public at all phases of the planning process and requires engaging the youth, low-income, and minority populations along the way to ensure that the public is involved during the review and development of land management plans. The planning rule also emphasizes using collaborative processes where feasible and appropriate. Although this robust approach creates a great responsibility for both the Forest Service and the public, it also presents an important opportunity to help develop land management plans that serve a public interest.
Because land management plan revision can be confusing and complex, the Forest Service has developed A Citizen’s Guide to Forest Planning that provides information about what is necessary under the 2012 planning Rule. This guide is intended to clarify the planning process and distribute information on how to get involved, what to expect, and where to find more information.
In addition, the Forest Service also developed a State, Local, and Tribal Governments Guide to Forest Planning that details opportunities for being effectively involved in the Forest Service’s land management planning process. The guide covers topics such as the roles and responsibilities of participating governments, desired levels, and methods of engagement, assessing the resources needed to participate effectively, and continuing participation in ongoing monitoring and adaptive management once a plan has been approved and adopted.
Visit the links below to get informed and engage with a Forest, Prairie or Grassland that is currently revising their land management plan.
Arizona’s Tonto National Forest
Colorado’s Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests
New Mexico’s Gila National Forest
New Mexico’s Lincoln National Forest
Utah’s The Manti-La Sal National Forest