A new opportunity is about to unfold for those who care about what happens to water, wildlife, wild places, and forest management in the Stanislaus National Forest.
Back in 1990, CSERC was formed as a non-profit in response to a previous Stanislaus Forest Plan process that was proposing widespread clear-cutting, the logging of old growth trees, a high amount of new road construction pushing into wild areas, and other major threats to the Stanislaus Forest ecosystem. Despite defensive efforts by CSERC and other conservation groups, that Forest Plan ended up setting planning direction that was highly negative for the forest environment.
Ensuing lawsuits, appeals of individual projects, and years of tumultuous controversy eventually led to new, improved regional Forest Service policies that halted any road construction in wild areas, stopped most clearcuts, and protected large old growth trees. But the new Forest Plan process that will start soon may re-open many of those forest management issues of concern. Your input can help protect the forest environment.
Starting Spring 2017 spring, CSERC members and all other citizens will have an opportunity to attend Stanislaus Forest Plan meetings, review proposed policies, and submit comments over the years-long planning process (if things move forward as scheduled).
Here are some of the important planning topics that will be decided by the eventual final Forest Plan:
• Which roadless areas will be recommended for permanent protection as Wilderness?
• How much logging and grazing should be allowed?
• Which rivers should be managed as Wild & Scenic?
• What wildlife management policies should be put in place (or which might be weakened)?
• What will be the Forest’s policies for road management, livestock grazing, water protection, chemical treatments, and recreation?
