Salmon-Challis forest plan revision enters new phase

Work toward updating the Salmon-Challis National Forest plan will enter a new phase beginning November 1.

The first phase of the 4-year revision process was completed in July.

“We are now looking to work with the public to take those issues that are important for a forest plan to address, and begin to design different scenarios that would meet the needs of a healthy forest and healthy communities,” said Josh Milligan, forest plan revision team leader.

That initial approach will begin with a series of three-hour workshops aimed at identifying desires and outcomes. The sessions will also solicit information about wilderness values, management considerations, and updates on the Wild and Scenic River eligibility process.

“We are still far from diving into the details,” said Milligan. “We are not yet in the environmental analysis phase, so we are not talking about specific alternatives at these workshops. Our goal here is to include our stakeholders in this conversation early and often.”

The forest has scheduled four workshops:

Salmon, Thursday, November 1, 4-7 p.m., Idaho Department of Fish and Game

Challis, Saturday, November 3, 9 – noon, American Legion Hall

Mackay, Tuesday, November 13, 9 – noon, American Legion Hall

Hailey, Wednesday, November 14, 4-7 p.m., Community Campus

A workshop in Arco and topical webinars are planned for after Thanksgiving.