Inyo National Forest releases revised land management plan and draft decision

BISHOP, Calif., Aug. 3, 2018— The Inyo National Forest is releasing a revised land management plan and draft record of decision for a 60-day objection filing period. When approved, the plan will provide guidance for managing 2 million acres of the forest’s resources for the next 10-15 years.

The forest supports about 3,400 jobs in recreation, tourism and generating electricity and clean water. An estimated $120 million of annual labor income is generated by the forest. The revised plan guides grazing, mining and renewable energy. More than four million people visit the Inyo National Forest each year.

The plan recognizes that fire is integral to forest health, while still taking proactive measures to protect communities and mitigate smoke impacts, which affects residents, visitors, and tourism. The plan strikes a balance of treating fuels, protecting our communities from wildfire, and allowing fire to provide ecological benefits, including fuel reduction, when safe to do so.

Every national forest is required by federal law to have a land management plan that is periodically revised with public involvement. The Inyo National Forest has worked with the public, area tribes, and local, state and federal agencies since 2012 to revise its plan. Public input shaped direction for recreation, aquatic resources, eligible wild and scenic rivers, and species of conservation concern.

“In 1907 the Inyo National Forest was established to protect lands that provide clean water to Los Angeles,” said Forest Supervisor Tammy Randall-Parker. “Since then the forest has become an international destination for people seeking exceptional landscapes and recreation opportunities. The revised plan will help balance these uses with maintaining a healthy forest.”

More about the plan and its associated documents can be found on-line: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/inyo/landmanagement/planning.