by Caroline Pufalt
Send Comments Regarding Mark Twain National Forest Planning
The Mark Twain National Forest (MTNF) is starting Forest Plan revision. This is an important step that will guide management decisions on the forest for the next 10-15 years. The Forest Service is asking for input now in the first step of this process. Your comments are needed.
What is a Forest Plan? Federal law requires each National Forest to have a plan, spanning 10-15 years, that will set the priorities and philosophical framework for more specific decisions that are made on the forest. A Forest Plan includes important “management prescriptions” which describe what range of activities are appropriate for a given region of the forest. For example, one area may be open to motorized recreation and clear cut logging. Another area may be protected from those activities. But when individual actions are proposed, such as a timber sale in a certain area, the Forest Service will provide more specific information. Also the Forest Plan is a dynamic document that can be updated by amendments. But it remains a very important document that will help shape management choices for the forest for many years.
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The first step is to gather comments on priorities for the forest. Later there will be a draft plan also needing your comments. But this first step is very important, especially since the Forest Service is trying to limit the scope of planning to exclude comments on mining.
The agency has established its own priorities which do not included mining. Forest Service personnel have stated at preliminary public meetings that they do not plan to consider changes in mineral exploration and mining designations on the forest. Mining is a major threat to the MTNF, especially in the Scenic River watershed. The forest’s primary mining “customer” is Doe Run lead mining company. Doe Run is the company responsible for contaminating the town of Herculaneum, Missouri, and threatening the health of many residents. Doe Run has a long history of pollution and exploitation. There is no reason why our public lands should continue to be open to this irresponsible business. Through forest planning some areas of National Forests can be put off limit to mining. But the current agency leadership does not want the public to consider this. Through its written and verbal statements the Forest Service is trying to mislead the public on this important option.
Thus it is important to let the Forest Service know that the public is not well served by additional lead exploration or mining in the Mark Twain National Forest. Tell the Forest Service they should include a review of all mining activities and designations on the MTNF as part of the forest planning process.
Of course there are many other important aspects of good management on the forest. If you have a special area or use of the forest you are interested in, let the agency know now.
Suggested comments are:
• Removal of forest service lands from consideration for mineral, oil and gas leasing.
• Protection of wilderness, roadless and natural areas.
• Better enforcement of rules regarding Off Road Vehicles (ORVs). No new ORV areas and reassessment of existing ones.
• More ecological restoration of areas such as glades and savannas. Better camping facilities, more rustic camping areas.
• No expansion of recreation fees.
• End commercial timber sales.
• Improved and expanded hiking trails.
• Protection and restoration of habitat for native forest species. Greater protection for threatened and endangered species
Send your comments to:
Mark Twain National Forest
NOI Forest Plan Revision
401 Fairgrounds Road
Rolla, MO 65401
Comments should be submitted by August 2.
More information on the planning process can be found at the agency web site: www.fs.fed.us/r9/marktwain/