Public Comment: Sierra Nevada Framework Comments

The Draft EIS to amend Sierra Nevada Forest Plans was released on May 2, 2000 and is open for public comment until August 11, 2000. The Sierra Nevada Framework for Conservation and Collaboration is an effort by the USDA Forest Service to better integrate the latest science and a collaborative approach into national forest management. The EIS will allow the forest service to update forest plans for the eleven national forests in the Sierra Nevada and Modoc Plateau. The Draft EIS proposes eight action alternatives to address five problem areas.

Do you enjoy hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, birding, off-road vehicle use, mountain biking, backpacking, nature photography, horseback riding, rock hounding, climbing, or any other recreational use in the Sierra Nevada Mountains? If so, you need to comment on this important document! COMMENTS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY AUGUST 11TH.

The Forest Service is accepting public comments until August 11, 2000 on the Sierra Nevada Framework. The 4x4Wire is providing the following comments ready to send via e-mail. A copy of these letters will be forwarded to the Sierra Nevada Framework Project Office.

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Sierra Nevada Framework Project PO Box 7669 200E Broadway Rm. 301 Missoula, MT 59807 E-mail: mailroom_wo_caet@fs.fed.us Subject: Comments on Sierra Nevada Framework DEIS (Opposition) None of the eight alternatives allow reasonable public involvement in the effects of possible closures of trails, camp sites, trailheads and meadow grazing caused by the projected desired conditions. There is no base line to draw a comparison in the DEIS to evaluate the implied degradation of the Aquatic and Riparian areas. All of the questions ask at information meetings "Where is this degradation so we can go look" were answered with "The Sierra Nevada systems are in good condition". If the Sierra Nevada systems are in good condition, why are millions of acres needed in set backs? Access roads are to be generally reduced in all the alternatives based on ecosystem impact and need, not the need of recreational users to reach desired locations. There is no public review process outlined to allow the general public comment when roads are to be closed or removed. The SNFPAA Preferred Alternatives (Alt 6 and 8) aquatic and riparian areas will have restricted usage 300 feet either side of perennial streams (continuous flow), 150 feet either side of intermittent streams and 75 feet either side of ephemeral streams (any area showing scouring from water passage). Even though statements have been made "that recreation is not anticipated to be affected", how can the standards and guideline setbacks be applied and not have an effect on hundreds of miles of trails, camp sites, trailheads and meadows that fall in these zones? According to Forest Service estimates, recreational users of the forest are expected to increase over time. This document does not address how the increase in recreational users will be provided a recreational opportunity. The basic assumption is that one set of directives will be applied throughout the 11 National Forests. Given that these forests cover diverse ecosystems across a widely dispersed geographic area, one set of directives is insufficient to manage the diversity. I urge the adoption of Alternative 1: Continue exiting management direction. Sincerely,

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Contacts:	Related Links:
US Forest Service SNFP USDA Forest Service Sierra Nevada Framework Project Room 419 801 I Street Sacramento, Ca 95814 Phone Number 916-492-7554 TTY via PacBell relay (800) 735-2929 Ask Yourself......	4x4Wire's Environmental Policy Links from the 4x4Wire Link Index Blue Ribbon Coalition Tread Lightly!