The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) is proposing a plan to conserve and steward old-growth forest conditions on national forests and grasslands.
The agency said the proposal will provide consistent direction related to old-growth forest conditions by “using the best available science, including Indigenous knowledge.” The proposal is part of President Joe Biden’s spring 2022 executive order to conserve and restore old and mature forests.
“The amendment would prohibit vegetation management within old-growth forest conditions when the primary purpose is to grow, tend, harvest, or regenerate trees for economic reasons,” USFS said. A 2023 initial inventory report showed that the agency manages nearly 25 million acres of old growth and more than 68 million acres of mature forests, USFS said.
To view the proposal and to submit public comments by Feb. 2, visit tinyurl.com/594ste5a.
