Forest Service hosts open house in Minden

Staff Reports

The U.S. Forest Service will sponsor an open house in Minden 6 p.m. Thursday at the Douglas Campus of Western Nevada Community College.

Foresters are seeking public comment on wilderness evaluations, the wild and scenic rivers eligibility report and special area maps for nine ranger districts as part of its Humbolt-Toiyabe National Forest Plan Revision.

A forest plan provides guidance on all the uses on the Humbolt-Toiyabe, and is similar to county and city master plans. National Forest Land and Resource Management Plans are updated every 10 to 15 years; the current Humbolt-Toiyabe Forest Plans were approved in 1986. The two forests were combined into one administrative unit in 1996.

"I hope that as many as possible of our neighboring community residents and forest visitors review our Wilderness Evaluations, the Wild and Scenic Rivers Eligibility Report, and the mapped Special Areas," said Forest Supervisor Robert Vaught. "We welcome all interested partners to provide their feedback to our Rangers at the upcoming Revision Open Houses," he said.

n Wilderness Evaluations identify areas that are capable for wilderness consideration; only Congress has the authority to designate areas as wilderness.

n The Wild and Scenic Rivers Eligibility Report lists river segments that meet the Wild and Scenic Rivers criteria. Wild and Scenic River designations are also only designated by congress.

n Special Areas are identified for their unique or special characteristics. This Forest Plan Revision designates areas as special for their paleontological (pre historic plant or animal fossils), zoological (animals), botanical, historical, geological, recreational or scenic values.

While the revision is focused on identifying suitable land uses, it will also be coordinated with Ranger Districts' Travel Management planning. The Travel Management process addresses designation of travel routes for various types of motorized vehicle, such as off-highway vehicles. These two related efforts provide many opportunities for public dialogue on the management of the Humbolt-Toiyabe.

If you go

What: Forest Service open house

When: 6-8 p.m. Thursday

Where: Western Nevada Community College, Douglas Campus in Minden, 1685 Bently Parkway South

Information: Bridgeport/Carson Planner Dave Loomis at 884-8132

Bridgeport/Carson Public Affairs Specialist Franklin Pemberton at 884-8150