Native Plant Society of New Mexico Native Plant Society of New Mexico

SANTA FE, NM; April 4, 2014—Santa Fe National Forest is beginning a four-year process to revise its Forest Plan, the guiding document that serves as a “vision” for land management activities.  Once approved, the Forest Plan will guide activities for the next 10-15 years.

You are invited to provide input and participate in the Forest Plan revision process.  This unique opportunity will allow you to influence the long term strategic management plan for Santa Fe National Forest.

The Forest Plan is a comprehensive document that addresses many activities including hunting, hiking, camping, skiing, grazing, and firewood collection.  As a management goal, the Forest Service aims to balance public uses with the land’s health and capacity.  While the Forest Plan does not authorize specific actions, once approved, all projects and proposals must comply with it, or the plan must be amended to allow the actions.

The Forest Plan is being revised under the US Forest Service’s 2012 Planning Rule, which includes new policy and analytical requirements, uses the best available science, and strengthens the role of public involvement.  The revision will be accomplished in three phases: 1) Assessment, 2) Revision, 3) Monitoring and Implementation.

We are now in the Assessment phase and our intent is to gather baseline information about the ecological, social, and economic conditions and trends of Forest resources.  In the Revision phase, we will develop a draft Forest Plan.  In addition, we will consider potential environmental impacts and create several alternatives to mitigate potential impacts. Once approved, the new Forest Plan will be implemented and all management actions will be monitored to ensure that they meet the goals and objectives of the plan.

Public participation will not be limited to any one phase of the revision process; rather, it will be incorporated throughout the plan’s development and implementation.  We want to create a Forest Plan that is responsive to the people and communities that have an interest in how the forest is managed.  Public participation is an essential part of producing the framework required for making sound decisions on public land.

To kick off the Assessment phase, representatives from Santa Fe National Forest will visit twelve locations to host public meetings throughout April and May.

The meeting schedule is listed below:

The purpose of these meetings will be to provide introductory information about Forest Plan revision and an opportunity to assess current conditions and trends.

A Technical Workshop will be held on April 30 for those interested in learning more about Forest Service directives and requirements.  Additional opportunities to engage in the public participation process will be provided over the next few years.

You are cordially invited to participate in any of the Assessment meetings listed below.  All, except for the April 30 Technical Workshop, will follow the same format.  If you need assistance with verbal translation or accessibility, please contact us several days in advance so that we can plan accordingly.  For additional information about the revision process, including a link to the current Forest Plan, please visit our website at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/santafeforestplan.  If you have questions, please contact the Forest Plan Revision Team at 505-438-5442 or SantaFeForestPlan@fs.fed.us.