425mag
05/08/07, 5:17 PM
I try to routinely check up on the Coconino National Forest website in order to keep up to date on fire restrictions, road closures, politics, etc.
In my latest visit: I found this bulletin:
---------------------------------------------------------------------
"RECENT COURT RULING ON 2005 PLANNING RULE
April 5, 2007
The United States District Court in northern California has ordered the Forest Service not to utilize the 2005 Planning Rule in on-going forest planning processes.
Currently, the Office of General Counsel is reviewing this matter and will provide legal advice to the agency on how to proceed with forest planning.
All public collaboration efforts specific to forest planning are postponed until further direction is available.
As we know more on how to proceed with forest planning we will share this information."
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Consequently, I decided to do some research to try to find out what exactly this means, and I am still confused. The best I could find was this quote on a mountain biking website:
---------------------------------------------------------------------
"The 2005 Planning Rule
As explained in Chapter 1, in December 22, 2004 the Bush Administration approved a new set of rules governing forest plans, their scope, content, and process. The "2005 Planning Rule" is meant to streamline the planning process and make forest plans more general in nature. Forests already engaged in plan revisions can continue using the old rules or adopt the new ones. Forests that begin their planning process in 2005 or later are required to abide by the new rules. Here's a timeline and description for both sets.
Sample Forest Plan Process (2005 Planning Rule)
Notice of Intent to Initiate Planning Process Month 1
Release Draft Forest Plan Month 13
Public Comment Period - 90 Days Months 14-16
Release Final Forest Plan Month 22
Public Objection Period - 30 Days Months 22-23
Resolve Objections and Release Final Decision Varies
Sample Forest Plan Process (old rules)
Notice of Intent to Initiate Planning Process Month 1
Scoping Comments Period Months 1-2
Publish Summary and Analysis of Comments Month 11
Release Draft of Alternatives Month 30
Release Complete Draft Forest Plan Month 36
Formal Public Comment Period Months 36-38
Publish Response to Comments on the Draft Plan Month 40
Final Forest Plan Month 43"
---------------------------------------------------------------------
However, based on the amount of info I found on anti-access websites against the 2005 Planning Rule and the fact that the notice came out of northern California, I am going to guess this is a bad thing.
In my latest visit: I found this bulletin:
---------------------------------------------------------------------
"RECENT COURT RULING ON 2005 PLANNING RULE
April 5, 2007
The United States District Court in northern California has ordered the Forest Service not to utilize the 2005 Planning Rule in on-going forest planning processes.
Currently, the Office of General Counsel is reviewing this matter and will provide legal advice to the agency on how to proceed with forest planning.
All public collaboration efforts specific to forest planning are postponed until further direction is available.
As we know more on how to proceed with forest planning we will share this information."
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Consequently, I decided to do some research to try to find out what exactly this means, and I am still confused. The best I could find was this quote on a mountain biking website:
---------------------------------------------------------------------
"The 2005 Planning Rule
As explained in Chapter 1, in December 22, 2004 the Bush Administration approved a new set of rules governing forest plans, their scope, content, and process. The "2005 Planning Rule" is meant to streamline the planning process and make forest plans more general in nature. Forests already engaged in plan revisions can continue using the old rules or adopt the new ones. Forests that begin their planning process in 2005 or later are required to abide by the new rules. Here's a timeline and description for both sets.
Sample Forest Plan Process (2005 Planning Rule)
Notice of Intent to Initiate Planning Process Month 1
Release Draft Forest Plan Month 13
Public Comment Period - 90 Days Months 14-16
Release Final Forest Plan Month 22
Public Objection Period - 30 Days Months 22-23
Resolve Objections and Release Final Decision Varies
Sample Forest Plan Process (old rules)
Notice of Intent to Initiate Planning Process Month 1
Scoping Comments Period Months 1-2
Publish Summary and Analysis of Comments Month 11
Release Draft of Alternatives Month 30
Release Complete Draft Forest Plan Month 36
Formal Public Comment Period Months 36-38
Publish Response to Comments on the Draft Plan Month 40
Final Forest Plan Month 43"
---------------------------------------------------------------------
However, based on the amount of info I found on anti-access websites against the 2005 Planning Rule and the fact that the notice came out of northern California, I am going to guess this is a bad thing.