Feds propose changes to Northwest land uses

The Biden administration said it is proposing changes in land uses for public lands from the California border to Washington to balance environmental concerns and economic opportunities. The proposed changes cover lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service (USFS).

BLM plan

BLM approved the Northwest California Integrated Resource Management Plan (RMP), guiding the use of 382,000 acres of public lands and 295,100 acres of federal mineral estate across eight northern California counties. The plan impacts areas managed by the Arcata and Redding field offices, spanning Del Norte to Butte counties. It does not include Headwaters Forest Reserve RMP, King Range National Conservation Area RMP, California Coastal National Monument RMP or the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument RMP.

BLM considered multiple alternatives but identified Alternative D as its preferred plan for balancing resource use and ecological protection.

This alternative emphasizes recreation, motorized and mechanized travel, and livestock grazing while safeguarding habitat connectivity and ecological function. According to the RMP, it designates areas for recreation, habitat preservation and wilderness protection, including four special recreation management areas, eight extensive recreation management areas, and 26 areas of critical environmental concern (ACEC). The plan also identifies eligible river segments for inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.

The RMP incorporates strategies for vegetation management to promote ecosystem resilience and mitigate disturbances such as wildfires. The strategies include livestock grazing; the RMP outlines that 188,700 acres will be available for livestock grazing, with 67,898 acres currently designated as active, pending or vacant allotments.

To evaluate grazing on lands outside these allotments, BLM will adhere to established policies and management directives tied to any overlapping special designations to assess suitability for new allotments. A total of 193,600 acres, including several ACECs and wilderness areas, will only be available for grazing where pre-existing leases were established before those designations.

The approved RMP and record of decision comes after the agency began the scoping process in September 2022 and held outreach meetings with the public, Tribes and local agencies. A copy of the RMP can be found at tinyurl.com/mvth6368, and any questions can be addressed to the BLM Arcata Field Office at 707-825-2300 or the BLM Redding Field Office at 530-224-2100.

USFS plan

USFS is inviting public input on a proposed amendment to land management plans for national forests within the Northwest Forest Plan (NWFP) area, covering Northern California, Oregon and Washington.

The amendment aims to update portions of 17 national forest plans to enhance the agency’s ability to fulfill the original goals of the 1994 NWFP. These include conserving mature and old-growth ecosystems, protecting habitat for the northern spotted owl and other species, safeguarding riparian areas and water resources, and ensuring a sustainable supply of timber and non-timber forest products.

The draft environmental impact statement proposes four alternatives, ranging from the no-action alternative of maintaining the 1994 NWFP to three action alternatives, including the proposed action.

The proposed action under Alternative B is organized around themes such as Tribal inclusion, forest stewardship, fire resilience, climate and ecosystem integrity, and economic opportunities for sustainable communities. A key feature of the alternative is a new approach to Tribal inclusion, moving beyond consultation to integrate Indigenous knowledge into decision-making. This approach seeks to expand co-stewardship opportunities with Tribes on USFS lands, addressing Tribal needs while aligning with forest management goals and trust responsibilities.

Fire resilience is a significant focus of Alternative B, aiming to reduce wildfire risks in areas near communities and infrastructure. The plan prioritizes site-specific fire management strategies to protect people, property and critical infrastructure. It also acknowledges the role of non-forested areas, such as meadows and woodlands, in supporting fire resilience while endorsing wildland fire as a management tool where appropriate. Grazing is not expected to be affected under Alternative B as it primarily occurs west of the Cascade Range and is relatively limited in the NWFP.

Further, Alternative B includes updates to sustain forest benefits essential to people and communities, such as cultural heritage, traditional practices and economic opportunities. By fostering collaboration with local governments, businesses and Tribes, the plan seeks to strengthen workforce capacity, improve timber harvest consistency and enhance forest restoration projects that benefit local economies and livelihoods.

Documents can be viewed, and comments can be made at tinyurl.com/ycyx5szp. USFS will be accepting comments until March 17, 2025, and a final decision is expected in March 2026. — Charles Wallace, WLJ contributing editor