Learn about Forest Planning

The National Forest Management Act of 1976 (This link will open a 59.9 KB pdf) requires national forests or grasslands managed by the Forest Service to develop and maintain an effective land management plan (This link will take you to the Forest Service Land Management Plans webpage). The process of developing and revising forest plans, along with the required contents is outlined the 2012 Planning Rule (36 CFR 219) (This link will take you to the Forest Service Planning Rule Overview webpage). Land managers follow the 2012 Planning Rule to develop land management plans specific to each national forest or grassland.

The Forest Service Manual and Handbook on land management planning can be found in the National Directives (This link will take you to the Forest Service National Directives webpage) under 1900 - Planning. Information on land management planning in the Forest Service Manual is located in Chapter 1920, and the Forest Service Handbook provides further guidance in 1909.12. 

Land Management Plans 

Our national forests and grasslands are guided by land management plans that work as roadmaps to sustain their health, diversity, and productivity. Forest Service land management plans are revised to meet current and future needs while establishing ways to sustain and restore ecosystems and watersheds, protect wildlife, respond to a changing climate, and connect people to public lands. The Forest Service recognizes the rich history and culture of the land, and acknowledges that connection, access, and interaction are critical. As such, land management planning (This link will take you to the Forest Service Land Management Plans webpage) is important to tribal organizations, communities, and people. 

• What is a Land Management Plan? (This link will open an 836kb PDF file.)
• What is an Environmental Impact Statement? (This link will open an 893kb PDF file.)
• Plan Revision Process and the National Environmental Policy Act (This link will open a 1,628kb PDF file.)