Salmon-Challis Forest launches forest plan revision

The Salmon-Challis National Forest is launching an effort to revise its 30-year-old forest plans. The Challis National Forest plan was adopted in 1987 and the Salmon Forest plan in 1988. There have been many changes since then, including the merger of the two central Idaho forests. “Given the ecological and social changes over the last 30 years, it is timely that the Salmon-Challis National Forest is beginning Forest Plan revision in 2017. Our ultimate goal is to produce a Forest Plan that provides useful and relatable direction that improves management of the Forest and allows us to adapt to changing conditions in the future,” according to Forest Plan Revision team leader Josh Milligan. Milligan said the size and intensity of wildfires have also changed dramatically. In addition, he said there has been more demand for new cell phone towers and major changes in market conditions for timber and mining sectors. The first step in the planning process will be an assessment of current conditions and trends. That review will include ecological, social, cultural and economic issues. Public meetings will begin in February to begin outlining strategies for the plan revision. Lemhi County Commissioner Bob Cope said local involvement would be critical. “When it comes to best available information about our forest resources, nobody knows what’s going on out there more than hunters, ranchers, and people who live in these landscapes,” Cope said. “During plan revision, the Salmon-Challis will be receiving nationwide input, much of it from an urban perspective. The Forest absolutely has to hear from citizens who deeply understand the relationship between the people and the land.” The first public meetings have been announced, beginning in Salmon February 13, Mackay February 15, and in Challis on February 21. More information is available here.