The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) is moving forward with amendments to the Northwest Forest Plan, a sweeping land management strategy that affects millions of acres of public lands across Washington, Oregon, and Northern California. The agency claims these amendments are necessary to adapt to climate change, wildfire risk, and ecological shifts, but the reality is that this process is a waste of time, money, and resources—especially when so many other agency projects are frozen due to budget constraints and policy shifts.
Why This Plan Should Be Put on Hold
- Federal Agencies Are Already Under a Project Freeze – The USFS and other agencies have put critical projects on hold, including recreation improvements, land management updates, and infrastructure repairs. Why should this amendment process be exempt?
- The Climate Change Directive (Executive Order 14008) Behind This Plan Has Been Rescinded – The Northwest Forest Plan Amendment cites Executive Order 14008, which directed agencies to take broad action on climate policy. That order has now been rescinded, making this plan inconsistent with current federal directives.
- Waste of Resources – Instead of focusing on pressing land management issues such as trail maintenance, wildfire mitigation, and recreation access, the USFS is spending taxpayer dollars on an unnecessary amendment process that contradicts federal policy.
- Public Lands Should Be Managed for Multiple-Use – The Northwest Forest Plan already restricts access, limits active forest management, and prioritizes preservation over sustainable land use. Moving forward with further amendments could increase road closures, restrict recreation, and negatively impact rural economies.
Use the link below to contact the USFS and demand they halt the Northwest Forest Plan Amendment. Tell them to focus on real land management needs, not unnecessary bureaucratic processes that waste resources and restrict access. Comments are excepted through March 17, 2025.
