For Immediate Release October 7, 1998	Contacts: Al Matecko Shandra Smith Phone: (503) 808-2241

Joint Environmental Assessment Released

(Portland, Ore.) -- Guided by the tenets of the 1994 Northwest Forest Plan, the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) have published an Environmental Assessment concerning portions of their Survey and Manage programs. Now these agencies are seeking public comment on the Assessment, which calls for a one-year delay prior to surveying and managing a unique group of 32 species.

Thus far, more than 300 species have been studied in forests under the management of the Northwest Forest Plan. However, the group of 32 species requires specialized study techniques. The Environmental Assessment proposes delaying for one year the requirement that agencies survey prior to authorizing ground disturbing activities. Species include various snails and mushrooms.

According to Interagency Group Leader Greg Cox, "We've been working hard to fulfill our obligation under the Northwest Forest Plan to properly survey and manage these species. The 32 species need effective survey techniques developed. At this time, only a select number of trained specialists can identify these species and in some cases it takes several years to prove the presence of these species."

During the last four years, Forest Service and the BLM have developed survey protocols for more than 300 species. Survey protocols are the methods the agencies use to locate species. These species are not listed as threatened or endangered, but are species considered rare and unique to late successional forests. Late successional forests include trees that are 80 years and older.

The public will have an opportunity to comment on the proposal during the next 30 days. Based on the comments, a decision will be made in February. Until then, there will not be any decisions authorizing ground disturbing activity within the range or conditions where these 32 species may occur. Projects that were authorized prior to October 1, 1998, will continue with implementation.

Activities which would be affected by this proposed action include recreational development, timber sales, and any other site disturbing activity. It is anticipated authorizations for these activities could resume by March 1999.

The public may address their comments to: Bill Torgersen, Bureau of Land Management, Oregon State Office, P.O. Box 2965, Portland, Oregon 97208.

Copies of the Environmental Assessment are available on the internet: www.or.blm.gov/information.htm.

Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Revised: 10/10/98