US Forest Service press release

We have your next preview of the Inyo National Forest’s final environmental impact statement and forest plan. Today we’re sharing the updated wild and scenic rivers (WSR) eligibility study. Previously we shared updated plan direction for sustainable recreation and aquatic and riparian resources. Soon you’ll see updated information for species of conservation concern as well. All this information will be on-line at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/r5/FPRPreview.

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When you see the final forest plan later this year, you’ll notice we made a few changes based on many of the suggestions, ideas and comments you provided us on the draft forest plan (published May 2016). As for wild and scenic rivers, we heard from the public that our eligibility determinations did not consider information previously provided by the public regarding river-related values and outstandingly remarkable values. Other commenters questioned our rationale in determining why some river-related values were not outstandingly remarkable values.

In response we’ve re-evaluated previously submitted information and other comments received regarding the wild and scenic rivers eligibility determinations process. We have updated the values listed for all rivers inventoried, including for those rivers that eligibility did not change. Additionally we updated our regions of comparison criteria, and also refined the criteria for historic and pre-historic river values. As a result several rivers are now eligible that were not previously due to additional outstandingly remarkable values provided by the public.

Ready to see what we’ve developed? Please visit our website for more information including an overview, frequently asked questions, and maps.

This, and other previews, offer a glimpse into plan development as it is happening. Each preview is about information sharing. We are not receiving formal comments at this time. The completed, final EIS and Inyo plan will be available for a 60-day objection period this fall. If you have questions feel free to contact Deb Schweizer, Public Affairs Officer for the Inyo National Forest, at 760-873-2427.

Don’t forget that we’re continuing to address public comments in a revised draft EIS for the Sequoia and Sierra National Forests. We’ll share updates on that progress in the coming months as well.

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