Important meeting next Friday! Respond now to help shape national forest management regulations!
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The Forest Service Requests Your Input
The Obama administration has directed the USDA Forest Service to
take a look at the regulations within the National Forest Management Act (NFMA)
that guide forest planning. The agency is using a stakeholder process with meetings across the
country, requesting attendance by citizens and groups with an interest in how our forests are
managed. The meetings are free and the opportunity for ForestWatchers in
the region are in Atlanta
on Friday, April 16, 2010.
We need to turn out as many folks as possible to show support for better rules, so RSVP and join us next Friday despite today's posted deadline. Forest Service background information can be found HERE
Read on for important information!
Our
national forests have been a treasured American legacy since they were
established by President Theodore Roosevelt more than a century ago. They
provide vital fish and wildlife habitat, clean drinking water and world-class
outdoor recreation opportunities for millions. And they're one of our best
tools for combating climate change.
These are the 7 Key
Principles for Forest Planning
1: Apply Sound Science.
Ensure that both the
forest planning rule and subsequent decisions are based on sound science.
2: Protect Fish and Wildlife.
Sustain fish and
wildlife populations and their habitats, provide for species diversity, and
assess the effect of agency actions and changing conditions through population
and habitat monitoring.
3: Address Climate Change.
Protect and restore mature,
old growth and large blocks of intact forests, including those managed under
the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, to serve as carbon stores and to
provide vital safe havens for climate-stressed fish and wildlife.
4: Ensure Accountability to the American
Public.
Guarantee meaningful
public participation and open decision-making through compliance with the
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and maintain the conservation of our
forests through enforceable plans.
5: Preserve Water and Watersheds.
Guarantee safe
drinking water by protecting headwater sources, streams and rivers, and by
restoring damaged watersheds.
6: Save America's Outdoor Legacy.
Employ long-term,
sustainable and restorative management practices to ensure that our national
forests offer recreation and related economic opportunities for current and
future generations.
7: Protect America's Wilderness.
Study and assess
National Forest System wildlands and recommend to Congress all wilderness
quality lands
for preservation as Wilderness.
We must be better
stewards of our national forests and manage these prized public lands to meet
the needs of the present and honor the future by ensuring health and permanent
protections for our forests and our fish & wildlife.
The future of America's national forests lies in our hands.
Take action now
Join us in Atlanta on
April 16th
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