The USFS is accepting public comments on a proposal to curtail pre-decisional objections to actions planned on National Forests. This may sound like a wonky bureaucratic detail, but it has serious implications for the public and public lands. Pre-decisional objections allow folks to challenge a proposed Forest Service action like a timber sale before a final decision is made. Those objections then go to a higher-ranking Forest Service official who facilitates a 'resolution meeting' with Forest Service staff and the objector(s) to see if the parties can resolve the objections without needing to litigate. Across the region, people have used this process to improve bad projects, like by getting the Forest Service to remove certain areas from the proposed timber sales. While not perfect, it was an important tool in the public's toolbox and resulted in improved projects on public lands.

The Forest Service just proposed new rules that would limit the type of project that can be objected to, dramatically shortens the period in which to object - just 10 days for a project analyzed in an Environmental Assessments and 20 days for projects analyzed with an Environmental Impact Statements. It also limits public notice, limits the page length of the objection, and eliminates both the objection resolution meeting, and review by a higher-ranking Forest Service official.

This is yet another example of this Administration trying to re-write the rules & processes the public has successfully used to protect PNW forests, and an attempt to cut the public out of public lands management that will especially impact grassroots people and organizations with limited time and capacity. Here is an action toolkit with information on how & where to submit public comments demanding the Forest Service withdraw this proposal, including talking points and template action alerts you can use to help spread the word. Comments are due by March 9th.