Comment period extended

The Daily Inter Lake

A deadline for the public comment period on proposed long-range forest plans for the Flathead, Lolo and Bitterroot national forests has been extended from Aug. 7 to Sept. 7.

The extension was announced by the U.S. Forest Service regional office in Missoula Friday.

"We understand that these plans are being developed under new regulations and that it does take some additional time for people to become familiar enough with the new format to prepare their comments," the press release said.

Only about 200 comments had been received on all three proposed forest plans as of this week. Under new planning rules adopted by the Forest Service last year, the current comment period is the final opportunity for public input on the proposed plans.

Comments will be used to develop final plans that are expected to be released next spring. After those plans are released, there will be a 30-day objection period, and only those who had previously commented on the plans will have "standing" to submit written objections to a final forest plan.

Chuck Sperry, the planning team leader for the three forests, encourages comments that address specifics within the strategic plans.

"It would be most helpful for people to focus their comments on desired conditions, objectives, suitability and guidelines," he said.

Comments should clearly state which section of the proposed plan is being addressed, along with rationale for the comment and recommended changes.

Written comments can be submitted by email wmpz@fs.fed.us.

More information on the plans and providing comments is available online at:

http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/wmpz