Proposed Planning Rule Public Forum in Asheville

The USDA Forest Service, Southern Region, is hosting a public forum on the Proposed Forest Planning Rule. The purpose of the public forum is to increase public understanding of the proposed planning rule, and to provide an opportunity to ask questions and dialogue with other stakeholders.

On February 10, 2011, the USDA Forest Service unveiled its proposed Forest Planning Rule which would establish a new national framework to develop land management plans that protect water and wildlife and promote vibrant communities. The proposed rule is the result of an open, collaborative rulemaking process that began in December 2009.

“This proposed planning rule seeks to conserve our forests for the benefit of water, wildlife, recreation and the economic vitality of our rural communities,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “The proposed rule will provide the tools to the Forest Service to make our forests more resilient to many threats, including pests, catastrophic fire and climate change. Healthy forests and economically strong rural communities form a solid foundation as we work to win the future for the next generation.”

The open forum will take place at the NC Arboretum in Asheville on April 4, 2011, 2:30 - 6:00 p.m. Click here for a draft agenda.

You can also click here for more infomation about the national planning rule.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com