The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service announces that it will prepare additional analysis and alternatives for the Northwest Forest Plan amendment, following extensive public input from stakeholders across the Pacific Northwest.
The Forest Service received over 3,400 public comments on the draft environmental impact statement. Regional Forester Jacque Buchanan stated: "The extensive public input we received was invaluable and underscored the need to explore more options and analysis to ensure the Northwest Forest Plan amendment is as robust as possible."
The agency will refine its analysis regarding wildfire resilience, restoration, active management, timber opportunities, and species protection. The revised effort will follow updated USDA NEPA regulations.
The Forest Service anticipates sharing proposed updates for public comment in Summer 2026, with a final environmental impact statement and record of decision expected in early 2028. "This approach will improve forest health, increase sustainable timber outputs, and help us advance proactive management strategies across Western landscapes," added Buchanan.
Jennifer O'Leary Risdal, Communications
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