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Version
July 1, 2000
Sierra Nevada
Framework for Preserving the Ecosystem
Environmental Impact Statement
In 1992, the USDA Forest Service
Pacific Southwest Region (PSW) initiated a Sierra Nevada-wide planning effort
in response to a 1991 technical report on the declining status of the California
spotted owl. Interim guidelines for protecting owl habitat were adopted in
January 1993. The Forest Service subsequently began developing a long-term
management plan for owl habitat and other issues. A draft environmental impact
statement (EIS) for this work was released in 1995. A revised draft EIS was
scheduled for release in 1996.
However, release of new scientific information in
the Sierra Nevada Ecosystem Project (SNEP) report influenced the withdrawal
of the revised draft EIS. The Secretary of Agriculture empanelled a Federal
Advisory Committee (FAC) to review and advise on the EIS and SNEP report.
The committee concluded that the revised draft EIS was inadequate in its current
form as either an owl or ecosystem management planning document. The FAC report
offered recommendations for addressing inconsistencies with new scientific
information, identified shortcomings in some key elements of the analysis
process, and stressed the need for more collaborative planning.
The interim guidelines for spotted owl habitat management,
the reports of the Sierra Nevada Ecosystem Project, and the report by the
Federal Advisory Committee are available through The
Sierra Neavada Science Update. In January 1998, in response to the FAC
report and other information, the Forest Service and the PSW Research Station
initiated a collaborative effort to incorporate new information into management
of Sierra Nevada National Forests.
This effort, known as the Sierra Nevada Framework
for Conservation and Collaboration, incorporates the latest scientific information
into national forest management through broad public and intergovernmental
participation in natural resource planning. The Framework includes the Sequoia,
Sierra, Stanislaus, Eldorado, Inyo, Tahoe, Plumas, Lassen and Modoc National
Forests, and the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. In addition, Region 5 (PSW)
is working with personnel from the Humboldt-Toiyabe NF in Region 4 to ensure
coordination and compatibility of management across administrative boundaries.
Along with the emphasis on the latest science, the
PSW Region and the PSW Research Station are paying particular attention to
improving their coordination with and among tribes, county governments, and
state and federal agencies. The Sierra Nevada Forest Plan Amendment Environmental
Impact Statement (EIS) is one of several activities included in the Sierra
Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration. Related efforts are exploring
better ways of working together on near-term projects and longer-term programs
with an emphasis on improved relationships and procedures to encourage better
collaboration.
One such effort is the work of Forest Service personnel and staff
from some of the 35 state and federal agencies, and representatives of county
government who are members of the California Biodiversity Council. This interagency
group is providing advice and ideas on resource management and on improving
public involvement and interagency coordination throughout the Sierra Nevada.
To provide a foundation for the Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and
Collaboration, a team of scientists from the USDA Forest Service, Pacific
Southwest Research Station, produced the Sierra Nevada Science Review in July
1998.
The Science Review summarizes new scientific information
with specific attention to issues of urgent priority at the range-wide scale
of the Sierra Nevada. A companion document, the Summary of Existing Management
Direction was released in August 1998. This document summarizes existing management
direction on Sierra Nevada national forests as it relates to issues brought
forward in the Science Review.
Both reports are available on this website. In an
effort unprecedented in Region 5 (PSW), the Forest Service involved interested
public in the process to update forest plans before developing a proposed
action and initiating a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) planning
process.
One effort by the Forest Service to provide more
information and to hear people's issues and concerns is this website, which
included an electronic forum for public input. Between August 1998 and January
1999, over 60 public meetings and workshops were held across California, involving
some 1,500 people. About 3,300 people sent in comments. Special efforts were
made to involve American Indian tribes in a government-to-government relationship,
including consultation and tribal summits. Ideas from these various workshops
and other activities helped the Forest Service develop a proposed action for
updating forest plans, and is influencing the development of the alternatives
and the draft EIS. Informal contacts and outreach continues as the Environmental
Impact Statement (EIS) is developed.
The amendment effort is focused on five problem areas:
old forest ecosystems; riparian, aquatic, and meadow ecosystems; fire & fuels;
noxious weeds; and lower westside hardwood forests. A draft EIS that outlines
alternatives for addressing these problems is posted elsewhere on this site
. Publication of the draft EIS will be followed by a public comment period
ending August 11, 2000. Public comment will help shape the final EIS and Record
of Decision. In contrast to its broad geographic scale, this project relies
on local line officers (Forest Supervisors and District Rangers) being the
key point of contact with tribal representatives, county supervisors, forest
users and interest groups. Participants are building relationships that will
enhance coordination and collaboration on projects to implement plan amendments.
Emphasis on public communication and collaborative involvement, and the integration
of the best science available will continue throughout the process.
Giant
Sequoia National Monument
Standing amidst the giant sequoias, President Clinton announces
the creation of the Giant Sequoia National Monument.
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Message
from the Regional Forester
Regional Forester Brad Powell addresses employees in his first quarterly
NewsLog message.
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Focus
on People
Welcomes new employees to the Pacific Southwest Region and highlights
achievements of award winners.
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Region
5 Roundup
Features articles about events, projects and special programs from
around the region.
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Issues
Update
Includes the latest information on the Roadless Initiative, Sierra
Nevada Framework, the Herger-Feinstein Quincy Library Group and
PG&E Divestiture.
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Letter to the Editor
Copyright
2000 Tollhouse-Shaver Lake Free Press. All Rights reserved.
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