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The 2012 Planning Rule requires that assessments rapidly evaluate existing information about relevant ecological, economic, and social conditions, trends, and sustainability and their relationship to the land management plan within the context of the broader landscape. The responsible official shall consider and evaluate existing and possible future conditions and trends of the plan area, and assess the sustainability of social, economic, and ecological systems within the plan area, in the context of the broader landscape (§ 219.6). (36 CFR 219.5(a)(1)).

As part of the Lolo National Forest Land Management Plan Revision the Responsible Official and the Revision Team completed the revised assessment in September 2023.

Resources

• Preliminary Draft Need to Change
• Revised Assessment Executive Summary
• Revised Assessment
  • Without appendices
  • With appendices attached
• Revised Appendices
  • Revised Appendix 1 Maps
    • Low Resolution
    • High Resolution
  • Revised Appendix 2: Carbon Assessment
  • Revised Appendix 3: Natural Range of Variation Methods and Results
  • Revised Appendix 4: Evaluation of Forest Health Monitoring Data
  • Revised Appendix 5: Data Sources and Adjustments Used to Estimate Forest Attributes
  • Revised Appendix 6: Scenery Management System Inventory Overview

Draft Assessment & PSCC List Comment Summary

Draft Assessment and PSCC List Comment Period Reading Room

• Draft Assessment Executive Summary [PDF, 0.5 MB]
• Draft Assessment
  • Without appendices [PDF, 6.9 MB]
  • With appendices attached [PDF, 39.4 MB]
• Appendices
  • Appendix 1 Maps
    • Low Resolution [PDF, 32 MB]
    • High Resolution [PDF, 53.6 MB]
  • Appendix 2: Carbon Assessment [PDF, 1 MB]
  • Appendix 3: Natural Range of Variation Methods and Results [PDF, 0.9 MB]
  • Appendix 4: Evaluation of Forest Health Monitoring Data [PDF, 1.9 MB]
  • Appendix 5: Data Sources and Adjustments Used to Estimate Forest Attributes [PDF, 0.5 MB]
  • Appendix 6: Scenery Management System Inventory Overview [PDF, 0.9 MB]

Background Materials

FAQ The Role and Content of Assessment in Plan Revision

The Notice of Intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement in the federal register was published on January 31, 2024. The legal notice was published in the Missoulian February 1, 2024. Due to technical difficulties with the inbox for accepting comments, the Lolo National Forest extended the scoping period for the Proposed Action to April 7, 2024. The comment period is now closed. 

Supplemental Information on the Proposed Action

• May 8, 2024 Supplemental Information on the Proposed Action Webinar Fact Sheet
• New interactive map which allows users capability to select different layers.

Proposed Action Scoping Comment Summary

Scoping Comments are available in the CARA reading room. The reading room was not activated during the comment period because of the need to screen comments for inappropriate and/or sensitive information (e.g. public identification of sensitive archeological sites, threats, personally identifiable information, etc.).

Scoping Letter [PDF, 0.4MB]

Proposed Action [PDF, 2.0MB]

• Appendix 1 Maps [PDF, 70.1MB]
  • Appendix 1 Maps: 01 Forestwide Maps [PDF, 14.7MB]
  • Appendix 1 Maps: 02 Geographic Area Clearwater Upper Blackfoot [PDF, 7.4MB]
  • Appendix 1 Maps: 03 Geographic Area Greater Missoula [PDF, 6.6MB]
  • Appendix 1 Maps: 04 Geographic Area Lolo Creek [PDF, 6.4MB]
  • Appendix 1 Maps: 05 Geographic Area Lower Clark Fork [PDF, 9.1MB]
  • Appendix 1 Maps: 06 Geographic Area Middle Clark Fork [PDF, 7.7MB]
  • Appendix 1 Maps: 07 Geographic Area Ninemile/Petty Creek [PDF, 6.6MB]
  • Appendix 1 Maps: 08 Geographic Area Rock Creek [PDF, 6.7MB]
  • Appendix 1 Maps: 09 Geographic Area Saint Regis River [PDF, 6.5MB]
• Appendix 2 Suitability Summary [PDF, 0.2MB]
• Appendix 3 Proposed and Possible Actions & Potential Management Approaches [PDF, 0.8MB]
• Appendix 4 Priority Watersheds and Conservation Watershed Network [PDF, 0.4MB]
• Appendix 5 Scenery Management [PDF, 0.9MB]
• Appendix 6 Vegetation Classification [PDF, 0.2MB]
• Appendix 7 Wild and Scenic Rivers Study [PDF, 6.9MB]
• Appendix 8 Wilderness Evaluation [PDF, 1.9MB]
• Appendix 9 Grizzly Bear Plan Direction [PDF, 0.4MB]
• Appendix 10 Lynx Plan Direction [PDF, 0.6MB]
• Appendix 11 Reader's Guide [PDF, 0.5MB]

Preliminary Need to Change [PDF, 0.6MB]

Information Sheets

Proposed Action Fast Facts [PDF, 0.4 MB]

Proposed Action Orientation [PDF, 0.3 MB] - How can you comment and what are the next steps?

Preliminary Issues [PDF, 0.2 MB]- What is an issue, and what preliminary issues have been identified so far?

Context for Topics Under Development [PDF, 0.3MB]

Maps from 2023 Plan Development Workshops

• Lolo NF base map with Designated Wilderness and Inventoried Roadless Areas (IRAs)
• Greater Missoula Geographic Area Map Packet
• Lolo Creek Geographic Area Map Packet
• Lower Clark Fork Geographic Area Map Packet
• Middle Clark Fork Geographic Area Map Packet
• Ninemile Petty Creek Geographic Area Map Packet
• Rock Creek Geographic Area Map Packet
• St Regis River Geographic Area Map Packet
• Upper Blackfoot Clearwater Geographic Area Map

Read the April 2, 2024 News Release

Leader's Message on March 25, 2024

As the comment period draws to a close, I continue to be impressed and grateful for the hard look that you are taking on the Lolo plan revision proposed action. I have heard concerns and public dialogue related to the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area (RNRA). I am reaching out to you to clarify the intent of the proposed action direction with respect to this special and important area.

First, I must emphasize that it was not the intent of the proposed action to substantially change the current management of the RNRA. While I am still considering the nuances of this issue, I believe that some of the concern is related to the way that the proposed action is organized to meet the intent of the 2012 rule with respect to integrated plan content.

In the proposed action, the RNRA has its own delineation with plan components in the Greater Missoula Geographic Area section (Chapter 3). In addition, management areas (Chapter 4) overlay this, as does the Forestwide desired recreation opportunity spectrum (ROS) (Chapter 2). I can appreciate that this structure of overlapping allocations is complex. To be clear, the most restrictive plan components apply when allocations overlap. The team and I are taking a harder look at all plan content relevant to the RNRA to ensure that the management guidance is clear and fully supportive of the law that established this area (Public Law 96-476, Rattlesnake National Recreation Area and Wilderness Act of 1980).

I have also heard concern that 1986 Appendix O4 and the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area and Wilderness Limits of Acceptable Change Management Direction (1992) were not included in the proposed action, indicating that this guidance is being removed. Again, this was not the intent. The revised plan provides broad, overarching guidance. Specific management plans, such as the RNRA and Wilderness Limits of Acceptable Change Management Direction, are not part of the plan itself. However, they will be recognized in the revised plan and continue to be used appropriately to guide management of this special place.

Lastly, there is a connection with the issues I addressed in my previous leader’s message with respect to the mapping of desired recreation opportunity spectrum (ROS). The proposed action ROS shows a semi-primitive motorized corridor along a closed, administrative use-only route. The proposed action did not intend to indicate this corridor as open to motorized use.

I look forward to reading your comments and working with the team to improve the clarity of plan content for the RNRA. I am carefully evaluating all the information to consider how best to ensure that the RNRA is managed appropriately and that the plan is organized in a clear way. As I have previously stated, I am committed to ongoing and meaningful engagements throughout this process.

Remember, scoping comment period will end April 1, 2024. Please visit the Lolo Plan Revision Web Hub (https://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/lolo/planrevision) to comment using our online tool, find supporting materials and information, and the schedule of engagement opportunities. We plan on continuing engagement with you in April and throughout the spring to review what we heard in scoping and to share how we are developing alternatives for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement. Stay tuned!

Again, thank you for your time, attention, and insightful input.

Carolyn Upton, Forest Supervisor

Leader's Message on March 12, 2024

I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who is taking time to review and comment on the proposed action for the Lolo's plan revision. The information we provided is complex; your efforts to provide input is appreciated and vital to the process. I have been listening carefully during our engagements and I visit frequently with the team to ensure that we are responsive and transparent – values that I continue to emphasize through this planning process.

We are just past the half-way point of the comment period, which closes April 1, and have already received input that will help us refine our efforts in the next phase of plan revision. For example, we heard concerns that the desired recreation opportunity spectrum maps in the proposed action remove substantial amounts of existing winter motorized recreation opportunities. This was not our intent; the team and I took a closer look and discovered data processing errors. The intent was for the proposed action to approximately reflect the current condition of motorized and non-motorized recreation opportunities. We have also received a variety of requests for additional information, data, and more detailed or comparative maps. We are taking these requests into consideration as we analyze all the input that will be received from the comment period and work on products for the future. To limit confusion and promote consistency, we do not plan to share any new information or data during this comment period.

I have received requests to extend the scoping comment period due to issues described above. These issues are expected during scoping – the recognition of errors in data, requests for better communication products, submission of additional information, issues, and options. This input is the purpose of scoping and does not require an extension of the scoping period. Rather, I have committed to taking these scoping comments seriously and will provide updated products, as appropriate, as soon as our team can work through the necessary processes. Our team and I will continue to engage with all of you as we provide updated and additional information throughout the upcoming months. Public involvement is ongoing and continuous.

To that end – please check back on the Web Hub soon for information about updated plan revision products and webinar opportunities for you to learn about them and ask questions. Also, we are planning on hosting events at our Ranger Districts in late spring to check in with all of you on our preliminary development of alternatives reflecting your scoping input. Stay tuned for more information, dates and times!

I am committed to ongoing and meaningful engagements throughout the entire process, not just the scoping period. The team and I will continue to listen, engage, and be available to talk with you. Please let us know if you we can help you, your group, or your organization understand and engage with us.

The scoping comment period will end April 1, 2024. Please visit the Lolo Plan Revision Web Hub ( https://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/lolo/planrevision) to comment using our online database, find supporting materials and information, and the schedule of engagement opportunities. Again, thank you for your efforts on this important planning process.

Carolyn Upton, Forest Supervisor

Materials for Revision Issues and Alternatives Engagements in May/June 2024

• Issues and Alternatives Workshop Participant Guide
• Preliminary Modified Proposed Action Desired Recreation Opportunity Spectrum Maps
• Recommended Wilderness Alternatives Workshop Handout

Additional Resources

• Summary of Proposed Action Scoping Comments
• Supplemental Information on the Proposed Action Factsheet
• Interactive Web Map

Leader's Message on July 01, 2024

Greetings-

As we continue to develop alternatives and work towards a Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Lolo Plan Revision, I wanted to reach out to you regarding another planning process occurring at the national level: the National Old Growth Amendment (NOGA). This effort is being undertaken in response to Executive Order 14702 and may result in amendments to existing land management plans nationwide to address the management of old growth and mature forests. Please refer to the National Old Growth Amendment website for information on this effort and how you can be involved. There is currently an open comment period on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the NOGA.

I would like to acknowledge that we on the Lolo recognize the importance of NOGA and, more broadly, the high level of public interest around how mature and old growth forests are managed. I also want to clarify that the NOGA planning process is separate from the Lolo plan revision process; to submit comments on the NOGA, please refer to the website above.

The proposed action for the Lolo Plan Revision, released for scoping in February of this year, included draft plan components from the Notice of Intent for the NOGA effort. We received a variety of comments with respect to mature and old growth forest management. We are considering the comments on this topic and will continue to examine the NOGA work as it unfolds as we progress through the revision effort. I anticipate that our Draft Forest Plan and accompanying DEIS will contain language that is in alignment with the final NOGA decision. The public will have an additional opportunity to comment on how NOGA applies to the Lolo revision as part of our comment period on the draft documents currently scheduled for early 2025. Ultimately, I will ensure that the plan revision is in alignment with the final outcomes of the NOGA.

I remain open to your continued input and involvement. If you have additional questions, please reach out to us at SM.FS.LNFRevision@usda.gov.

Carolyn Upton, Forest Supervisor

Forest management, including vegetation management, includes activities such as timber harvest, prescribed fire and other fuel reduction treatments, reforestation activities, and other stand tending activities such as precommercial thinning. Chapter 60 of the planning directives (FSH 1909.12) provides direction for forest vegetation resource management. 

Background materials

Timber Process Paper

FAQ Timber Harvest

The below information is from the page Species of Conservation Concern in the Northern Region

The Regional Forester identifies species of conservation concern (SCC) for land management plans developed under the 2012 planning rule. SCC are species for which the Regional Forester has substantial concern regarding their long-term persistence in the plan area. All SCC must be native and known to occur in the plan area. Additional information about how SCC are defined and identified is provided through links below that describe the SCC identification process.

Land management plans approved under the 2012 planning rule must provide the ecological conditions necessary for long-term persistence of SCC, within the authority of the Forest Service and the inherent capability of the land. An SCC list may be updated at any point during the planning process.

Lolo National Forest

Updated October 30, 2023

• Regional Forester’s letter identifying SCC for development of the Lolo National Forest’s revised land management plan. [PDF, 0.2 MB]
• Process for identifying Lolo National Forest’s SCC [PDF, 0.3 MB]
• SCC List and Rationale - Executive Summary [PDF, 0.5 MB]
• Animals SCC List and Rationale [PDF, 1.5 MB]
• Plants SCC List and Rationale [PDF, 1.4 MB]
• Comments on the SCC and related plan components can be submitted during public comment periods associated with the Lolo National Forest planning process. Visit the Lolo Planning Hub Collaboration page for more information.

As part of the Lolo National Forest Land Management Plan Revision, the Forest Service completed a wild and scenic river eligibility study evaluating all named, free-flowing rivers and streams wholly or partially within the Lolo National Forest administrative boundary (planning area).

Resources

Wild and Scenic Rivers Draft Preliminary Evaluation and Outstandingly Remarkable Values (ORVs) Framework

Wild and Scenic Rivers Draft Inventory

Wild and Scenic Rivers Preliminary Inventory Maps [PDF 18.6 MB]

Summary of Public Comments

Wild and Scenic Rivers & Wilderness Inventories Comment Period CARA Reading Room

Background materials

FAQ Wild and Scenic Rivers Eligibility Study

Wild and Scenic Rivers Eligibility Process

2012 Planning Rule Directive for Wild and Scenic Rivers  

USDA 1991 Lolo Forest Plan Amendment 12

USDA 1995 Draft Suitability Study Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)

USDA 1996 Lolo Wild and Scenic Rivers Suitability Study and Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS)

Note: The USDA 1991 Lolo Forest Plan Amendment 12, USDA 1995 Draft Suitability Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), and USDA 1996 Lolo Wild and Scenic Rivers Suitability Study and Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS)documents are scanned versions of hard copy documents. As such, if you have any problems accessing or reading the materials, please reach out to the plan revision team via email or call 406-329-3430.

As part of the land management plan revision effort for the Lolo National Forest, the Responsible Official must identify and evaluate lands that may be suitable for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System and determine whether to recommend any such lands for wilderness designation. The process occurs in four primary steps: inventory, evaluation, analysis, and recommendation. Public involvement will occur with each step of this process and will coincide public engagement strategy associated with the Lolo National Forest Plan Revision efforts.

Resources

Step 1: Inventory

Wilderness Recommendation Process- Step 1: Inventory of lands that may be suitable

Wilderness Recommendation Process- Step 1: Draft Inventory Map

Summary of Public Comments

Wild and Scenic Rivers & Wilderness Inventories Comment Period CARA Reading Room

Step 2: Evaluation:

Wilderness Recommendation Process- Step 2: Map Packet of Updated Inventory of lands that may be suitable (8/25/2023)

Wilderness Recommendation Process- Step 2: Evaluation Criteria Template for Wilderness Inventory (8/25/2023)

The Forest Service will release a draft of recommended wilderness along with a complete appendix of how each polygon in the wilderness inventory was evaluated in the Proposed Action.

Background materials

Wilderness Recommendation Process FAQ- Updated March 2023

2012 Planning Rule Final Directives- See chapter 70 for agency guidance specific to Recommended Wilderness

Wilderness Recommendation Process Overview