VANCOUVER, WA--The public is encouraged to attend a September meeting and comment on two proposed 1997 timber sales, on the Mount St. Helens Ranger District of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

The meeting is set for Thursday, September 5, at 7 p.m., at the Mount St. Helens Headquarters office, 42218 NE Yale Bridge Road, in Amboy (Chelatchie Prairie Office).

To help prepare for this meeting, information packets are available upon request. The packet contains the District's proposal for two timber sales. Information will include maps of proposed unit locations, harvest plans, estimated harvest volumes, and other information identified by USDA Forest Service planners.

Proposed timber sales are located outside the legislated National Volcanic Monument.

To obtain a packet, please phone Rick Turnbull at the Mount St. Helens Headquarters. Rick's telephone number is (360)-750-3954. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.