WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, has asked for more time for the public to review and comment on the new U.S. Forest Service Forest Planning Rule that would establish the framework for land management plans on 193 million acres of federal land in 155 national forests.

“This is a significant  planning proposal that will directly touch the lives of thousands of Montanans,” said Rehberg.  “From jobs and recreational opportunities, to environmental concerns, the new planning document sets the tone for how the public manages its forests, and it requires a full assessment by the public before the next steps are taken.”

The Forest Service released the proposed rule change in early February, and set a 90-day comment period that expires May 16.  However, a critical supporting document for the plan, the 112-page Scientific Review, was not released until April 27.  Rehberg’s letter to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack requests a 30-day comment period extension.

“The ramifications on the multiple-use of our forest lands as proposed in the planning rule are likely sweeping and potentially drastic,” Rehberg stated in his request. “In light of past Forest Service efforts to implement a planning rule that failed to withstand public and judicial scrutiny, it is imperative that the current effort provides every possible avenue for public collaboration and comment.”

The current planning process has been in place since 1982.  The new proposal is intended to create a more modernized framework.  To view the planning document, to comment, and for other related material, visit the Forest Service’s Planning Rule Homepage on their website at http://www.fs.fed.us.

Rehberg’s Letter:

Dear Secretary Vilsack:
We are writing to request that the Forest Service extend by 30 days the comment period on the national planning rule from May 16 to June 16, 2011.  It is our view that the alternatives to the proposed planning rule are sufficiently complex and far-reaching to merit an extension.
 
The rule will impact the management of 193 million acres on 155 national forests.  No matter its outcome, the decisions made in this rule will have far-reaching impacts on millions of forest users for years to come.  In 35 forums held across the country, over 3000 concerned citizens attended and voiced their opinions.  Further, the Forest Service has already received some 26,000 comments.  While these numbers clearly demonstrate the intense public interest in the planning rule and its outcome, we believe that an extension will permit all those affected by the proposed rule the additional time necessary to more thoroughly digest the document and provide meaningful feedback to the Forest Service.

It is also important to note that the Forest Service released the accompanying 112-page Scientific Review for public comment on April 27, 2011, after the comment period for the planning rule itself was well underway.  An extension would permit the public extra time to carefully consider and respond to this document.

The Forest Service is currently engaged in no other activity of this magnitude.  The ramifications on the multiple-use of our forest lands as proposed in the planning rule are likely sweeping and potentially drastic.  In light of past Forest Service efforts to implement a planning rule that failed to withstand public and judicial scrutiny, it is imperative that the current effort provide every possible avenue for public collaboration and comment.

Thank you for your time and attention to our request.  We look forward to your expeditious reply.
                                                                                              
Sincerely,