New management plan for Lake Tahoe forest lands

The U.S. Forest Service released a final draft management plan that will guide them for the next 15 years. The plan has entered a 60-day appeal period where written objections will be reviewed through the close of business on January 21, 2014. After the objection resolution period, the Regional Forester will sign a Record of Decision, and the original or revised Forest Plan will take effect.

The final plan added additional land between Blackwood and Ward Canyons called the Stanford Rock Backcountry Area. The Forest Service intends to continue active restoration of watersheds, streams, wildlife habitat, and will continue with prescribed burns and tree thinning to reduce fuel.

Regional Forester, Randy Moore said the Forest Plan “represents the culmination of many years of work for the Forest Service and reflects many of the ideas and views expressed by members of the public and other agencies and groups”.

The Forest Plan is not listed online now, but is expected to be posted online at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/ltbmu/ForestPlanRevision  CD’s or print copies are available at the Forest Supervisor’s office, 35 College Drive, South Lake Tahoe. 530-543-2694.