MUIRNet-News

Subcommittee to Hold Hearing on Forest Service Regulatory Roadblocks to Productive Land Use and Recreation

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Tuesday, November 15th the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forest and Public Lands will hold an oversight hearing on “Forest Service Regulatory Roadblocks to Productive Land Use and Recreation: Proposed Planning Rule, Special-use Permits, and Travel Management.”

The U.S. Forest Service released a proposed planning rule in February that would replace the current planning rule, implemented in 1982, by revising the planning process for 155 national forests and 20 grasslands under the National Forest Management Act of 1976.  The proposed planning rule is expected to be finalized within the year.  There is great concern that the proposed rule will further complicate the planning process and result in greater detriment to multiple-use of national forest land.  Finally, there is growing concern with conditions being placed on special-use permits that will impact many longstanding Forest Service permitees as well as the 2005 Travel Management Rule that is reducing popular access on many national forests.

WHAT:
Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands
Oversight Hearing on “Forest Service Regulatory Roadblocks to Productive Land Use and Recreation: Proposed Planning Rule, Special-use Permits, and Travel Management.”

Witnesses to be announced.

WHERE:
1324 Hearing Room, Longworth House Office Building

WHEN:
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
10:00 A.M.

Visit the Committee Hearings webpage for testimony and additional information, once it is made available.  The hearing is open to the public and a live video stream will be broadcast at http://naturalresources.house.gov/live.

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