The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service has taken the next step to advance the Administration’s commitment to conserve old growth forests, by publishing a draft environmental impact statement for the proposed national old growth forest plan amendment. The proposed amendment is available on the Forest Service website here, and is open for public comment for 90 days following publication in the federal register.
The purpose of this amendment is to provide consistent guidance for the stewardship, conservation, and recruitment of old growth across national forests. The proposed amendment highlights the importance of proactive stewardship actions in managing threats to old growth forests, and to reduce wildfire risk, considering current and emerging climate-driven threats. It also calls for adaptive management strategies to be developed using local, geographically relevant information and the best available science, including Indigenous Knowledge.
“Recent scientific analysis shows us that many old-growth forests are under significant threat from climate change,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “The Forest Service’s plan will help safeguard these iconic stands of trees through science-based management and conservation strategies that can be adapted to unique local circumstances on national forests. USDA is looking forward to receiving feedback on today’s draft proposal from Tribal, state and local governments, industry partners, conservation organizations, and many others; all of whom will be critical partners in the forest management and conservation actions needed to ensure the maintenance and growth of old-growth forests into the future.”
RCRC has participated in the Old Growth Management proposal since it was first announced in December 2023, and will continue to work with member counties, NACo and other partners to ensure the USDA Forest Service properly engages counties in the Old Growth Amendment process. For more information, contact RCRC Senior Policy Advocate Staci Heaton.