By Brandt Mannchen
In 2016, the U.S. Forest Service (FS) will begin a four-year process to revise the existing National Forests and Grasslands in Texas (NFGT) forest plan. Usually, forest plans are revised every 10-15 years. However, our existing forest plan is already 19 years old! To say we are overdue for a change, is an vast understatement. Sam Houston, Davy Crockett, Angelina, and Sabine National Forests and LBJ and Caddo Grasslands all deserve a revised plan with better and more protective environmental measures.
The revised forest plan will occur in three phases and include an assessment of existing information; revision of the plan; and monitoring that ensures the forest plan does what it says it will do.
The forest plan must use the best scientific information and contain desired conditions (a snapshot of what the forest will look like in the future with plan implementation); objectives that provide measurable progress using a reasonable budget; standards and guidelines to constrain projects or activities; suitability of lands for multiple use activities (wildlife, range, water, timber, and recreation); and goals which provide broad statements of intent.
Some of the issues that will play a role in the forest plan revision include protection of water quality (for our cities, recreation, and fish) and stream-side vegetation (called riparian areas); continued protection and an increase in the number of federally endangered Red-cockaded Woodpeckers (RCW); trail uses, locations, and impacts; protection of wilderness and scenic areas; management of unique areas, like blackland prairies; other recreational uses; adequate law enforcement; and a budget sufficient to implement the forest plan.
The Sierra Club wants people who love forests and want to get involved. If you want to visit and get to know Sam Houston National Forest and if you want to be part of the team that provides input into the revised forest plan please contact Brandt Mannchen at 713-664-5962 or brandtshnfbt@juno.com.
Our National Forests and Grasslands in Texas are too important not to speak up for wildlife, wilderness, water, landscapes, plants, and compatible recreation. See you in the forest!
Brandt Mannchen is Chair of the Forestry Subcommittee for the Houston Regional Group and Chair of the Lone Star Chapter Forest Management Issue Committee.