SUBMITTED NEWS RELEASE
South Lake Tahoe, Calif.– The Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) has the green light to complete its forest plan revision and is inviting the public to hear the latest on the process and comment on possible alternatives that could be considered as planning moves forward.
The LTBMU will hold two meetings: Tuesday, May 11, 2010, at the LTBMU Forest Supervisor’s Office, 35 College Drive, South Lake Tahoe, Calif., 96150, and Thursday, May 13, 2010, at the North Tahoe Conference Center, 8318 North Lake Boulevard, Kings Beach, Calif., 96143. The meetings will run from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.
Each meeting will begin with an overview of the process and timeline for revising the forest plan, after which participants will have the opportunity to talk with staff members regarding alternatives under consideration in the areas of: recreation; forest health, fuels reduction and wildlife habitat; and watershed restoration and aquatic habitat
The LTBMU was in the process of revising its forest plan when the 2008 planning rule was enjoined by the U.S. District Court. The 2000 planning rule, under which the LTBMU is now proceeding, requires the Forest Service to develop a draft environmental impact statement that analyzes several alternatives for forest plan revision.
The LTBMU already has engaged the public extensively to get input on how the plan should be revised. Despite the changes in process, the public’s comments and suggestions remain relevant and will continue to shape the proposed revised plan and the alternatives.
Approximately 75 percent of the Lake Tahoe Basin is managed by the Forest Service on behalf of the American public. The LTBMU Forest Plan provides overall direction for these lands. The LTBMU’s current plan is 20 years old. While much of it is still relevant, several areas require updating to reflect current conditions and policies, new science and changing technologies.
More information on LTBMU forest plan revision is available at http://fs.usda.gov/ltbmu.
