MISSOULA, Mont. —In anticipation of an official launch in January 2023, the Lolo National Forest and Plan Revision Team is asking for public and stakeholder input on a Public Engagement and Participation Strategy that outlines engagement goals, objectives, and tools for the upcoming Land Management Plan Revision process. The Revision Team welcomes informal input on the strategy through the end of the year. Public feedback will help to refine the strategy to ensure that initial outreach efforts are thorough, deliberate, and inclusive.
“Many people, partners, and stakeholder groups have been eagerly awaiting the start of the revision process,” said Carolyn Upton, Lolo National Forest Supervisor. “Before we officially launch, it’s important that we understand how the public would like to engage with us. The input we receive will help us tailor the strategy and upcoming engagement opportunities which will begin early next year.”
Additionally, the Lolo National Forest Revision Team is asking those who are interested in receiving regular communication about the Revision process to visit the Lolo National Forest Revision Web Hub and subscribe to GovDelivery through email. Those that subscribe, will receive news, updates, and information on upcoming engagement opportunities and critical points in the process.
How to Provide Feedback: The Public Engagement and Participation Strategy is available for download at this link. Please send input to the below email address by Dec. 31, 2022. Please note, this is not an official comment period. Official comment periods will occur after a Notice of Intent has been published in the Federal Register which is anticipated in the spring of 2023.
- Public Feedback and Inquiries Email: SM.FS.LNFRevision@usda.gov
The Forest Service recognizes and values the many diverse perspectives regarding the management of the Lolo National Forest. This process will include everyone, beginning with this first step which will gather input on how the public would like to be involved in the process. More information on how to connect and engage will be available over the coming months at the Lolo National Forest Revision Web Hub.
Background on the Land Management Plan Revision Process: A Land Management Plan, commonly known as a Forest Plan, is the overarching document that guides the management of a National Forest for approximately 15 years. Land management plans set the overall management direction and guidance; the Plan does not approve site-specific projects or activities. The revision process is expected to take multiple years and will include extensive public involvement. The responsible official is Carolyn Upton, Lolo National Forest Supervisor. A dedicated Plan Revision Team has been working over the past year to gather data and prepare for public engagement on this process. This team will work under the leadership of Carolyn Upton, in close coordination with Lolo National Forest staff, cooperators, stakeholders, rightsholders, Tribes, partners, and all interested members of the public.
For more information, please visit the Lolo National Forest here https://www.fs.usda.gov/lolo or on Facebook and Twitter.