• Public comments on the proposed land management plan are open until September 20, 2024.
• The plan aims to conserve and manage old-growth forests across the U.S.
• The Forest Service emphasizes science-based, adaptive management strategies.
• The plan addresses climate change threats and promotes resilience and wildfire risk reduction.

July 25, 2024 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service has called for public comments on a new land management plan to conserve old-growth forests. The proposed plan, detailed in a draft environmental impact statement published in the Federal Register on June 21, 2024, will remain open for public input until September 20, 2024. This initiative is part of President Biden’s commitment to environmental conservation and climate action.

Key Aspects of the Plan.

The primary goal of the proposed amendment is to provide consistent guidelines for the stewardship, conservation, and recruitment of old-growth forests across national forests. The plan underscores the importance of proactive measures to manage threats to these forests, particularly in light of climate change and wildfire risks. The strategies will be adaptive, utilizing local 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.”

Significance of Old-Growth Forests.

Old-growth forests combat climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide, filtering water, and providing diverse habitats. “Our old growth forests breathe in carbon pollution, cleaning up the air, and filter our water, cleaning up rivers and streams,” noted National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi. “These forests are an essential partner in tackling climate change.”

Current Inventory and Threats.

As part of President Biden’s directive, the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) conducted the first nationwide inventory of old and mature forests, revealing that they manage approximately 112 million acres of such forests. This inventory informed the new plan and highlighted the urgent need for action due to climate-driven disturbances like wildfires, insects, and diseases.

Public Engagement and Next Steps.

The Forest Service evaluated feedback from an initial scoping period and incorporated it into the draft environmental impact statement. The agency will continue to seek input through public engagements, field tours, virtual information sessions, and formal consultations with Tribes and other stakeholders.

The public is encouraged to participate in the comment period by visiting the Forest Service National Old Growth Amendment website, where additional information on engagement opportunities is available. This collaborative approach aims to ensure that the conservation efforts are comprehensive and effective in maintaining and enhancing the nation’s old-growth forests.

For further details on the proposed amendment and to submit comments, visit the Federal Register or the Forest Service’s Old-Growth Forest website.

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