Document Actions
National Forest Management Act (NFMA)
Forest Service rules guiding management of National Forests in Oregon and across America
Update March 23, 2012:
The final rule is released by the Obama administration:
On February 10th, 2011, the Obama Administration released a proposal to revise rules guiding the management of 191 million acres of National Forests from Mount Hood in Oregon to the New Hampshire's White Mountains.
These National Forest Management Act (NFMA) rules guide the development individual forest management plans and how they US Forest Service balances protections for clean water, fish & wildlife, and traditional quite recreation against logging, mining, and other forms of development.
Last updated by the Reagan administration, these proposed rule changes are likely to be the most lasting conservation legacy of the Obama administration. The rule's "mission statement" is full of promise, but has been largely criticized by conservationists of falling short.
Follow the links below to learn more about the Rule.
The Rule:
- Description of the Rule from the Pacific Rivers Council
- Pre-proposal checklist from Defenders of Wildlife
- Forest Service webpage on proposed changes
- Heritage Forest Campaign
The Reaction
- Oregon Wild's initial press statement (February 2011)
- Reactions from faith, science, recreation, and conservation interests
- Letter from Oregon leaders & organizations calling for stronger protections
- New York Times Editorial
- Geos Institute op-ed on use of science
Analysis
Analysis compares current practice with proposed changes, unanswered questions, and recommendations for improvement
Bullet point analysis on:
Detailed analysis:
- Oregon Wild's Comments
- Topline concerns from NRDC
- Water concerns from Earth Justice
- Defenders of Wildlife wildlife concerns and readable version
- Geos Institute concerns on the use of science
- Independent scientific review by the Society for Conservation Biology
A Little Fun:
Click the image above to watch the story of bear as he tries to comment on the new rules.
The official public comment period for this rule has closed. Thanks to the nearly 300,000 people who took action around the country.
