Unique Opportunity to Influence Long Term Strategic Management Plan for Santa Fe National Forest

SFNF News:

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.

The public is invited to provide input and participate in the Forest Plan revision process. This unique opportunity will allow community members 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:

  • Assessment;
  • Revision; and
  • Monitoring and Implementation.

SFNF is now in the Assessment phase and its intent is to gather baseline information about the ecological, social, and economic conditions and trends of Forest resources. In the Revision phase, they will develop a draft Forest Plan. In addition, they 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. SFNF wants 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 12 locations to host public meetings throughout April and May.

The purpose of these meetings is 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.

The public is 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 in need of assistance with verbal translation or accessibility, contact SFNF several days in advance so they can plan accordingly. For additional information about the revision process, including a link to the current Forest Plan, visit www.fs.usda.gov/goto/santafeforestplan. Direct questions to the Forest Plan Revision Team at 505.438.5442 or SantaFeForestPlan@fs.fed.us.

The meeting schedule is listed below:

Community

Date

Time

Location

Española

Saturday

April 19, 2014

2-4 p.m.

Northern NM College, 921 Paseo de Oñate, Room AD101/102,  Española, NM

Las Vegas

Monday

April 21, 2014

5:30-7:30 p.m.

NM Highlands University, 1031 11th St, Room 203, Las Vegas, NM

Santa Fe

Thursday

April 24, 2014

5:30-7:30 p.m.

Santa Fe National Forest Office, 11 Forest Lane, Santa Fe, NM

Abiquiu

Saturday

April 26, 2014

10 a.m.–12 p.m.

Ghost Ranch, Convocation Hall, Highway 84, Abiquiu, NM

Cuba

Saturday

April 26, 2014

2–4 p.m.

Soil and Water Conservation District, 4a County Rd 11, Cuba, NM

Rio Rancho

Monday

April 28, 2014

5:30-7:30 p.m.

Fire Station # 5, 2810 Southern Blvd SE, Rio Rancho, NM

Technical Workshop on the Assessment – Santa Fe

* (pre-registration requested: SantaFeForestPlan@fs.fed.us or 505-438-5442)

   Wednesday

   April 30, 2014

 

   9 a.m.- 12 p.m.

Santa Fe National Forest Office, 11 Forest Lane, Santa Fe, NM

Chimayo

Saturday

May 3, 2014

2-4 p.m.

Chimayo Elementary, 31 County Rd 93, Chimayo, NM

Pecos

Tuesday

May 6, 2014

5:30-7:30 p.m.

Pecos Elementary, Highway 63, Panther Pkwy, Pecos, NM

Santa Fe

Thursday

May 8, 2014

5:30-7:30 p.m.

Santa Fe National Forest Office, 11 Forest Lane, Santa Fe, NM

Jemez Springs

Saturday

May 10, 2014

10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Science and Education Center, 18161 Highway 4, Jemez Springs, NM

Los Alamos

Saturday

May 10, 2014

2-4 p.m.

Senior Center, 1011 Bathtub Row, Los Alamos, NM

Albuquerque

Monday

May 12, 2014

6–8 p.m.

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, 2401 12th St NW, Chaco III Room, Albuquerque, NM

Mora

Friday

May 16, 2014

5:30-7:30 p.m.

Mora Independent Schools, Hwy 518/Ranger Drive MM 29.5, Board Room, Mora, NM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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