Crapo Reacts To Planning Regulations

Washington, DC â?? Idaho Senator Mike Crapo, Chairman of the Forestry, Conservation and Rural Revitalization Subcommittee of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee, commented on the Forest Serviceâ??s final National Forest System Land and Resource Management Planning Rule. The final rule provides the framework for individual forest management plans governing the 155 national forests and 20 grasslands. The new rule directs forest managers to take into account the best available science to protect air, water, wildlife, and other important natural resources at a landscape-level. â??The revision of the planning regulations is both overdue and much-needed,â?? Crapo said. â??I applaud the Forest Service for developing a rule that will allow the on-the-ground experts to manage the resources more effectively. With more than twenty million acres of National Forest System land in Idaho, Idahoans are keenly aware of how important it is to have an accountable and efficient planning process. A process that allows for effective public participation, involves the best available science, and provides the flexibility to address changing conditions will result in decisions that are key to healthier forest ecosystems.â?? # # #