Public Comment: Sierra Nevada Framework Comments

The Draft EIS to amend Sierra Nevada Forest Plans was released on May 2, 2000 and is open for public comment until August 11, 2000. The Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration is an effort by the USDA Forest Service to better integrate the latest science and a collaborative approach into national forest management. The EIS will allow the forest service to update forest plans for the eleven national forests in the Sierra Nevada and Modoc Plateau. The Draft EIS proposes eight action alternatives to address five problem areas.

Do you enjoy hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, birding, off-road vehicle use, mountain biking, backpacking, nature photography, horseback riding, rock hounding, climbing, or any other recreational use in the Sierra Nevada Mountains? If so, you need to comment on this important document! COMMENTS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY AUGUST 11TH.

The Forest Service is accepting public comments until August 11, 2000 on the Sierra Nevada Framework. The 4x4Wire is providing the following comments ready to send via e-mail. A copy of these letters will be forwarded to the Sierra Nevada Framework Project Office.

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Sierra Nevada Framework Project PO Box 7669 200E Broadway Rm. 301 Missoula, MT 59807 E-mail: mailroom_wo_caet@fs.fed.us Subject: Comments on Sierra Nevada Framework DEIS (Opposition) Of the five problem areas covered by the DEIS, the "Aquatic and Riparian Area" problem covers the largest landmass in the 11 National Forests involved. It is estimated that 50% of the total area involved falls in Aquatic and Riparian area conditions. It is also estimated that 50% of the trails, camping areas and trailheads are in these same areas. It seems irrational that the DEIS says so little about the effect these Aquatic and Riparian Area set-asides will have on recreational usage. This is unsatisfactory in that according to Forest Service estimates, recreational users of the forest are expected to increase. This document does not address how that increased user base will be provided with the expected recreational opportunity. When the Protected Activity Centers (PACs) for the many species being considered for protection are examined, there is huge unknown of what area will remain for historic recreational use. Again, this is unsatisfactory in that according to Forest Service estimates, recreational users of the forest are expected to increase. This document does not address how that increased user base will be provided with the expected recreational opportunity. Recreation is discussed but limited, primarily in the context of disturbance and projected future desired conditions of the areas outlined. Ecosystem and habitat preservation is the primary purpose of the SNFPAA Aquatic and Riparian area process listed in the Standards and Guidelines of the DEIS. Given that, it is very difficult to find and determine the projected effect the Sierra Nevada Forest Plan Amendment (SNFPAAA) will have on recreational use in the 12 million acres covered by the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). This is unsatisfactory in that according to Forest Service estimates, recreational users of the forest are expected to increase. This document does not address how that increased user base will be provided with the expected recreational opportunity. The two preferred alternatives are based upon top-down, one-size-fits-all directive that only recognizes Federal agencies as the source for the preferred alternative. Local public input was basically ignored in the selection of the preferred alternatives. I urge the adoption of Alternative 1: Continue exiting management direction. Sincerely,

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Recreational Access and Conservation - Conservation and Public Service Activities	Short Cuts
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Contacts:	Related Links:
US Forest Service SNFP USDA Forest Service Sierra Nevada Framework Project Room 419 801 I Street Sacramento, Ca 95814 Phone Number 916-492-7554 TTY via PacBell relay (800) 735-2929 Ask Yourself......	4x4Wire's Environmental Policy Links from the 4x4Wire Link Index Blue Ribbon Coalition Tread Lightly!