The U.S. Forest Service is asking for public input on a proposed amendment to land management plans guiding national forests within the Northwest Forest Plan area.

The area spans 24.5 million acres across Northern California, Oregon and Washington. The plan covers 17 national forests (19.4 million acres), seven Bureau of Land Management districts (2.7 million acres) and six national parks (2.2 million acres). National wildlife refuges and Department of Defense lands are also included, although these represent less than 1% of the land covered. 

The public is being asked to comment on the draft environmental impact statement on the amendment, which was published Friday in the Federal Register.

Publishing the amendment starts a 120-day comment period. The Northwest Forest Plan, adopted in 1994 during the Clinton administration, was originally drafted to protect habitat for the northern spotted owl but was widened to include habitat protection for other species. While designed to protect threatened and endangered species, its also meant to contribute to social and economic sustainability in the region.

The proposed amendments seek to balance economic needs, ecological health and community safety across the region. It provides updated guidance on hazardous fuel treatments and amendments to support rural economies by promoting a predictable commercial timber supply. The draft recommends creating connected habitats to support species migration and refuge for vulnerable species.

The amendments also emphasize a commitment to involving tribal governments in land management planning.

Details on the amendment and links to the comments page can be found online at: www.fs.usda.gov/goto/r6/nwfp