Forest Policy - Forest Practice

Federal Register publication of Planning CE Tony Erba

The Planning CE’s official publication in the Federal Register [PDF] is located at:

http://www.fs.fed.us/emc/plan_ce/includes/2006_12_15_Federal_Register_Notice.pdf

For more, see this Forest Service "Planning Categorical Exclusion" site: http://www.fs.fed.us/emc/plan_ce/index.html

FS approves CE for land management planning Tony Erba

The Forest Service has approved a categorical exclusion under NEPA for land management planning.  A pre-release version of the Federal Register notice is now available via the Internet (http://www.fs.fed.us/emc/plan_ce/index.html). This notice will appear in the Federal Register on December 15.

Let the fireworks begin!

Cimarron-Comanche NG releases draft plan under the 2005 planning rule Tony Erba

The first land management plan constructed under the 2005 planning rule - for the Cimarron & Comanche National Grasslands - was released for comment on 30 December 2005. You can read the public notice in the Federal Register at:

http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20051800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/05-24645.htm

The final plan will be approved following a 90 day comment period and a 30 day objection period.

The plan is available for review at http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/psicc/projects/forest_revision

Comments may be sent to ccgrassplan@caet.esassoc.com

It's time to see whether the hand-wringing that has occurred over the Forest Service changing its land management planning regulations is warranted.

Sustainability commentary Tony Erba

Here's a insightful, and perhaps naive, look at sustainability...comments are welcome. When you read this, think about these questions if you don't agree:

OK, and now what?

• What are we giving up?

• What are we exactly gaining in return?

• If we are not satisfied, is there a better way?

Here's the link - http://www.fs.fed.us/sustained/commentary-fall-2005.html

Sustainability in the FS Tony Erba

I'll be writing a commentary on sustainability within the Forest Service. Keep in mind that sustainability can be looked at from three perspectives: ecologic, social, and economic. I like to hear your thoughts on the following questions:

· Where is the Forest Service headed on the pathway to sustainability?

· What should the agency now do to root sustainability in the Forest Service?

· What can the agency do to make sustainability truly part and parcel of the Forest Service?

The forest planning directives are out! Tony Erba

The planning directives, in response to the 2004 planning rule, have been released for public review! Click on this link (http://www.fs.fed.us/emc/nfma/index.htm) to see these directives. The Federal Register notice announcing the start of the 90-day comment period is expected to released next week, tentatively set for Wednesday, March 23.

People wanted details...now they have them. I hope that people take the time to read the directives and offer thoughtful and informed comments rather than firing off comments without reading what they're commenting on.