JACKSON, Wyo. — Work on an assessment report marks Bridger-Teton National Forest’s first step in the process to revise the 1990 Land and Resource Management Plan.
The land management plan, or forest plan, provides strategic direction to “care for the land and serve people.” Forest Plans establish the management emphasis for different parts of the Forest and sideboards for future projects.
“There has been tremendous change socially, economically and ecologically over the past 30 years,” said Forest Supervisor Chad Hudson. “Updating the forest plan provides a great opportunity to explore what needs to change to promote sustainability for the next 15-20 years.”
The assessment report functions like a “state of the forest” and will present information about existing ecological, economic and social conditions, as well as trends affecting various forest uses and functions. The fifteen topic areas are terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, wildlife, water, fire, range and forest management, air quality, roads and trails, access, recreation, designated areas, areas of tribal importance and cultural resources.
The report is not a decision document but provides a foundation to understand what might improve guidance for the management of the national forest in the future.
“We know that many people care deeply about their national forest,” said Hudson. “We are committed to listening and learning from many perspectives, including tribal governments, county, state and federal agencies, research and non-governmental organizations, as well as citizens. Updating the forest plan is about the future we collectively want to create to care for the land, water and wildlife and to serve people.”
The Bridger-Teton National Forest aims to have the draft assessment report available for public review by late fall. A webpage dedicated to the plan revision effort will contain information about upcoming public events, documents produced as part of this effort and supporting resources. The public is encouraged to check this page for updates.
