Objections to the Revised Forest Plan
The Kootenai National Forest is using a Pre-decisional Administrative Review Process, also known as an “objection process.” The objection period for the revised plan began September 28 (the day after notice was published in the newspapers of record, the Daily Interlake and Missoulian) and ended November 26, 2013. The Forest Service’s Washington Office received valid objections from 22 individuals or groups regarding the Revised Forest Plan. A complete list of objections received is available at the bottom of this web page. An objection resolution meeting was held on April 30, 2014. The agenda and transcripts from this meeting are also available below.
The objection resolution period ended on September 8, 2014, with the reviewing officer’s release of his response to objections. The response to objections is the final decision by the U.S. Department of Agriculture on the objections. The reviewing officer’s response to objections also contains directions to the deciding official, which will be implemented prior to signing the final Record of Decision for the Revised Forest Plan. The Forest Service anticipates the final Record of Decision will be signed this winter if the additional work indicates the forest does not need to go back out to the public.
Reviewing Officer’s Response to Objections
Revised Forest Plan Objection Meeting Held April 30, 2014
The reviewing officer conducted a meeting with objectors at 9:00 am at the Memorial Center on April 30, 2014. The meeting focused solely on discussions of proposed remedies related to the following areas of concern: county coordination, Wild and Scenic River eligibility determinations, recommended Wilderness and Wilderness Study Areas, and Management Indicator Species. Meeting participation included agency personnel, objectors and recognized interested persons, and was observed by members of the public.
Objections Received
The Kootenai NF has created a “Summary of Objections” table, linked below. This document summarizes and paraphrases the individual objections described in each objection letter. This document is intended only to help members of the public determine which objection letters they may be interested in reading and is not intended to replace or interpret the objector’s specific objections.
Additionally the summary provides a preliminary ruling on whether or not the objector has standing for each of their specific objections based on whether or not the objector has ever provided formal comments on that issue in the past. The final determination of standing will be made by the Reviewing Official.
Summary of Objections Received
Objections
- Greg Munther, representing Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, Montana Chapter
- Robyn King, representing Yaak Valley Forest Council
- John Finney, individual
- Dan R. Dinning, representing Boundary County Commissioners
- Paul C. Fielder, individual
- Jim Voyles, representing Ten Lakes Snowmobile Club
- Jennifer Fielder, Montana State Senator
- Paul R. McKenzie, representing F. H. Stoltze Land and Lumber Company
- Anthony Berget, representing Lincoln County Commissioners
- Philip Hough, representing Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness
- Keith Olson, representing Montana Logging Association
- Michael Garrity, representing Alliance for the Wild Rockies
- Greg Beardslee, representing Montana Mountain Bike Alliance
- Butch Gwynn, individual
- Kevin R. Colburn, representing American Whitewater
- Brian Peck, representing Natural Resources Defense Council
- McKinley Raines, individual
- Steve Curtiss, representing Glen Lake Irrigation District
- Gary Aitken, Jr., representing Kootenai Tribe of Idaho
- Dave Hadden, representing Headwaters Montana
- John Trochmann, representing Sanders Natural Resource Council
- John Gatchell, representing Montana Wilderness Association, The Wilderness Society, and Headwaters Montana
- Mike Peterson, representing The Lands Council
- Marc McCully, individual
- Peter Nelson, representing Defenders of Wildlife and Headwaters Montana
- Mike Cuffe, Montana State Representative House District 2
- Greg Hinkle, individual
- Jerry Wandler, representing the Troy and Libby Snowmobile Clubs
- Dave Vogelman, individual
- Gary W. Mason, individual
- Kurt West, individual
- Scott Mattheis, representing Montanans for Multiple Use – North Lincoln County Chapter
- Scott M. Baney, individual
- Kerry White, representing Citizens for Balanced Use
- Josh Letcher, individual
- J. Mike Powers, individual
- Edwin Fields, individual
- Mary Crowe Costello, representing Rock Creek Alliance
Interested Persons
The Kootenai National Forest received 38 requests from individuals or organizations who wished to be considered as interested persons for one or more of the objections received. Please view the Interested Parties Table for a complete listing.