Public meetings for Northwest Forest Plan Amendment

“Much has changed in society and science since the Northwest Forest Plan was created nearly 30 years ago,” according to Jacque Buchanan, regional forester for the Forest Service’s Pacific Northwest Region. He was referring to proposed amendments to the Northwest Forest Plan Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) released in November 2024, adding that “We’re amending the plan to address today’s challenges in ways that honor the plan’s original goals while adapting to changing conditions and enhancing wildfire resilience.”

The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) released in November 2024 will allow the public to learn about and comment on it. On-site meetings will be held at various locations throughout January and February 2025. A local session will be held at 5:30 p.m. at the Willamette National Forest office, 3106 Pierce Parkway in Springfield.

The proposed amendment includes topics such as wildfire resilience, economic opportunities, improved forest stewardship, adapting to a changing climate, and tribal inclusion. Officials say the discussions will include an introduction to the Northwest Forest Plan, an overview of the proposed amendment to land management plans, key details about the proposed action and alternatives outlined in the DEIS, and information on how to engage during the 120-day public comment period.

Details and updates regarding the schedule and meeting locations can be found at tinyurl.com/2ey2hzbx

The public comment period for the DEIS will remain open until March 17, 2025. The Forest Service is encouraging interested parties to attend these meetings to learn more about the proposed amendment and to provide input during this time. Comments can be submitted at tinyurl.com/63hmyu68

The Forest Service says it will review and incorporate feedback to develop a final environmental impact statement, anticipated later in 2025.