Forest Planning Rule
As someone who cares about protecting America's natural treasures for future generations, I strongly oppose the proposed national forest management rule.
Our national forests have been a treasured American legacy since they were established 120 years ago. They provide vital fish and wildlife habitat, protect clean drinking water, and offer world-class outdoor recreation opportunities for millions.
Unfortunately, the proposed planning rule is significantly weaker than current wildlife standards and moves away from accountability and enforcement.
The Forest Service has allowed itself significant discretion in all decision-making regarding wildlife and habitat conservation. This will likely lead to more political rather than science-based decisions.
Despite this administration's declarations of support of sound science in decision-making processes, this proposed rule gives only lip service to the role of science, making it only one of the things forest managers should "consider".
The Forest Service must strengthen this rule to include mandatory wildlife sustainability standards and monitoring protocols, and clear accountability measures.
The rule also must guarantee safe, clean water by creating enforceable management standards to protect and restore streams, rivers and watersheds, which provide drinking water to millions of Americans. After all, it was a concern for protecting watersheds against over-use and irresponsible development that first prompted the creation of the US National Forests.
Failure to include enforceable standards will threaten fish and wildlife populations, jeopardize clean water, and inhibit the recreational opportunities and other important benefits provided by these lands.
Thank you for considering my comments.
Our national forests have been a treasured American legacy since they were established 120 years ago. They provide vital fish and wildlife habitat, protect clean drinking water, and offer world-class outdoor recreation opportunities for millions.
Unfortunately, the proposed planning rule is significantly weaker than current wildlife standards and moves away from accountability and enforcement.
The Forest Service has allowed itself significant discretion in all decision-making regarding wildlife and habitat conservation. This will likely lead to more political rather than science-based decisions.
Despite this administration's declarations of support of sound science in decision-making processes, this proposed rule gives only lip service to the role of science, making it only one of the things forest managers should "consider".
The Forest Service must strengthen this rule to include mandatory wildlife sustainability standards and monitoring protocols, and clear accountability measures.
The rule also must guarantee safe, clean water by creating enforceable management standards to protect and restore streams, rivers and watersheds, which provide drinking water to millions of Americans. After all, it was a concern for protecting watersheds against over-use and irresponsible development that first prompted the creation of the US National Forests.
Failure to include enforceable standards will threaten fish and wildlife populations, jeopardize clean water, and inhibit the recreational opportunities and other important benefits provided by these lands.
Thank you for considering my comments.