The U.S. Forest Service has finalized the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests revised land management plan and final environmental impact statement after a comprehensive planning and public engagement process. The record of decision for the revised plan will be signed today (Fri).
According to a press release from the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, the plan aligns with the agency’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy by treating nearly 65,000 acres annually, including up to 10,000 acres of timber harvest, to promote forest health and forest resource resilience. It’s estimated to support 4,000 jobs and provide $163 million in labor income to local and regional economies.
The plan also focuses on restoring aquatic and riparian habitat, adapting to a changing climate, nearly doubling potential timber harvest levels, and recommending 263,357 acres for wilderness designation. It also identifies 11 rivers in the forest as suitable for inclusion as Wild and Scenic Rivers.
