For Immediate Release March 17, 2000	Contact: Linda Turner (360) 891-5195

Forest Service Budget Process on
Federal Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda

VANCOUVER, WA -- The Southwest Washington Province Advisory Committee will learn about the Forest Service budget process at its March 22 meeting in Vancouver, Washington.

Other agenda items include updates on rechartering the Advisory Committees, that occurs every 2 years as part of the Northwest Forest Plan, the current status of the Mount St. Helens Visitor Centers, the status of the overnight wilderness permit system, an overview of partnerships and Special Forest Products.

The public is encouraged to attend. An "Open Forum" session will be held at 1 p.m., providing interested citizens an opportunity to address the Advisory Committee. The meeting will be held Wednesday, March 22 at the Gifford Pinchot National Forest Headquarters located at 10600 NE 51st Circle, Vancouver, Washington. The meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. and continue until approximately 4:30 p.m. Province Advisory Committees assist Federal agencies in the implementation of the Northwest Forest Plan.

The Southwest Washington Province Advisory Committee provides policy advice and recommendations for National Forest lands in southwest Washington. The Advisory Committee includes 28 members of local, State, Tribal, and Federal governments, as well as citizens representing a broad variety of interests.

For further information or questions on Committee business, contact Linda Turner (360) 891-5195.

For more news from the Gifford Pinchot visit our Press Room.

Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Revised: 20 March 2000