Forest plan revision underway on Salmon-Challis

The Salmon-Challis National Forest has released a draft assessment as part of a forest plan revision.

The assessment looks at 15 ecological, social and economic topics. The assessment examines existing conditions resources, uses, and influences on the forest.

The draft was developed during a series of public meetings that involved federal, state, local, and tribal governments.

Some of the issues identified for further discussion included firewood collection, tribal treaty rights, changing derogatory place names, wildfire response, habitat conditions, old growth timber management, climate change impacts, grazing, general forest health and local community, economic and social sustainability.

“This is a critical juncture in the Forest Plan Revision process because I need validation that we are focusing on what the greatest needs for change are,” said Forest Supervisor Charles Mark. “The assessment provides the foundation from which we will build the new Salmon-Challis Forest Plan together. I want to build relationships and develop an understanding around these Needs for Change because this information will inform future decisions surrounding plan components.”

He said the plan would help form the framework that will manage the forest for the next 10 to 20 years.

A series of meetings will be scheduled in November to gather public comment.