Ashley National Forest

The National Forest Management Act of 1976 (NFMA) required all National Forests to prepare an integrated, comprehensive land management plan. It further directed the Forest Service to prepare regulations setting out the process for development and revision of those plans. The first set of planning regulations was completed in 1982. The Ashley National Forest completed its first (and current) land management plan in 1986.

Our 1986 management plan reflected the values, issues, trends and management techniques of that time. It was intended to guide land management activities for 10-15 years, consistent with timelines specified in the NFMA. Although the 1986 Forest Plan served us well for many years, it now needs to be reviewed and revised to reflect current knowledge about resource management as well as today’s social and economic conditions.

Consequently, the Ashley began a revision of its management plan in November 2005. At that time a new set of planning regulations, known as the 2005 Planning Rule, were in place. Revision work conducted from 2005 through the spring of 2007 was guided by the 2005 regulations.

However, a court ruling issued on March 30, 2007 found that the Forest Service’s adoption of the 2005 Planning Rule violated certain existing laws and enjoined the Forest Service from using it. The Ashley immediately halted all planning activities specific to the 2005 rule. The Forest Service is working at the national level to remedy the deficiencies identified by the Court, and intends to issue a new rule for public comment in the near future.

In the meantime, the 2000 Planning Rule is in effect (including transition language which allows plans to be revised under the original 1982 planning regulations). Revision work that has been done to date is being reviewed for consistency with the 2000 Rule. At that same time, certain analyses that are needed under the National Forest Management Act independent of any specific planning rule are continuing. Examples of activities that are independent of the planning rule in effect include analysis of existing conditions and trends, identification of issues, and evaluation of potential wilderness areas.

We also want to maintain the collaborative relationships that were established in the early phases of our revision process. As we develop new drafts of information products related to existing conditions and potential wilderness areas, we will provide opportunities for public review and discussion.

Please check back regularly, since updates and new information related to plan revision will be posted to this website and distributed through our revision mailing list as they become available.