Forest Service extends National Monument comment period to August 11, welcomes feedback on all aspects of forest management

The U.S. Forest Service has extended the comment period on the “Need for Change” document, a brief but concise overview of the physical and management boundaries of the newly created San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, which shifts over 300,000 acres of the Angeles National Forest into a new National Monument.

This designation required the USFS to develop a strategy and management plan for the region and to address specific issues outlined by President Obama in the creation of the Monument. The “Need for Change” document describes the present considerations of USFS staff in adopting and adapting to National Monument status.

The public comment period provides a rather rare and unique opportunity to offer commentary and feedback on all aspects of management in the Angeles National Forest. All comments will be considered. While most comment periods are specific to a much narrower subject range, all issues regarding the Angeles National Forest, whether within or outside of the boundaries of the National Monument, may be addressed at this time.

If a person comments at any of the public meetings starting in June 2015, or sends in a comment during the public comment periods, they will have standing to object to the draft forest plan amendment after the environmental assessment is released and before the final decision on the amendment is signed.

Comments may be submitted via email to the link below. They may also be submitted via US mail, or hand delivered between 8 AM and 4:30 PM, to the USFS, care of Justin Seastrand, at 701 N. Santa Ania Avenue, Arcadia, CA 91006. Paper copies of the Need for Change document and additional information may be requested from Justin Seastrand via phone at (626) 574-5278 or by email at jseastrand@fs.fed.us

To submit comments online and to access documents:

https://cara.ecosystem-management.org/Public/CommentInput?Project=46964