Forest Planning Rule Comment Period Extended

On February  27, 2013 the Forest Service initiated a 60-day comment period to provide the public an opportunity to review the Agency’s proposed planning directives.  The public comment period closed on April 29, but the Agency has decided to reopen the comment period for an additional 15 days to provide an opportunity to gather additional public input to inform the final planning directives.  These directives are the key set of agency guidance documents that direct implementation of the 2012 Planning Rule.  The Agency’s goal is to ensure an adaptive land management planning process that is inclusive, efficient, collaborative and science-based to promote healthy, resilient, diverse and productive National Forests and Grasslands.  The proposed directives will support consistent approaches to achieving the broad goals of the 2012 Planning Rule.  A copy of the proposal, along with background information, can be obtained at http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/planningrule/directives, at any regional Forest Service office or by calling (202) 205-1449.  The comment period closes 15 days after publication of a notice of availability in the Federal Register, estimated to be on or about May 8.

Sincerely,

Tony Tooke, Director

Ecosystem Management Coordination

U. S. Forest Service