Public’s Aid Sought for Forest Plan

The U.S. Forest Service is seeking public input as it begins to update its management plan for the Cleveland National Forest and three other Southern California forests. The plan, scheduled to be completed in 2003, will govern rare species protection, cellular phone antennas, off-road vehicle use and other issues in the national forests for 10 to 15 years.

“The land management plan will be sort of like our bible,� said Clem Lagrosa, Trabuco district ranger.

The first Orange County session will be held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa.

Comments from that meeting and about 30 others throughout Southern California will help shape policies on recreation, wildlife protection, endangered species, roadless areas and prescribed burns for the Cleveland National Forest, said Kathy Bacon, forest spokeswoman.

The management plan will not decide specific projects. But proposals, including a plan to build a road through the Cleveland National Forest linking Riverside and Orange counties, could be discussed.

In a change from previous plans, public comment is being gathered before and after the plan is formulated, not just afterward.

Environmentalists say the update will allow federal officials to address issues, such as newly endangered species, that have arisen since 1985, when the current management plan was approved.

Federal officials and environmentalists agree that Endangered Species Act compliance will be a major issue. The four forests are home to 64 endangered and threatened species, said Tim Allyn of the Sierra Club.

More information is available at https://www.r5.fs.fed.us.