The future of the nation’s first national forest is being debated, and an analysis of public comments shows a skew towards conservation. Connie Wilbert at the Sierra Club-Wyoming Chapter helped analyze more than 23-thousand comments on the Shoshone National Forest management plans – which are being redone. Ninety-eight percent supported conservation priorities, and when Wyomingite-only comments were assessed, she found that nearly 70 percent favored conservation. Eighteen percent wanted more development.
Wilbert says the analysis was provided to forest managers. Other interesting notes: Ninety-eight percent of Wyoming comments opposed oil and gas surface development within the national forest, and 75 percent didn't want more motorized access – but 25 percent did.
Comments came in from all over the country, but Wilbert has found that local comments are usually weighted more strongly by forest managers.
Wilbert adds that comments were separated according to whether they were a form letter or an individual letter. Conservation support was strongest among the form letters. It was at 70 percent in the individual letters. The Forest Service is expected to issue its final Environmental Impact Statement this fall.
Wilbert says the analysis was provided to forest managers. Other interesting notes: Ninety-eight percent of Wyoming comments opposed oil and gas surface development within the national forest, and 75 percent didn't want more motorized access – but 25 percent did.
Comments came in from all over the country, but Wilbert has found that local comments are usually weighted more strongly by forest managers.
Wilbert adds that comments were separated according to whether they were a form letter or an individual letter. Conservation support was strongest among the form letters. It was at 70 percent in the individual letters. The Forest Service is expected to issue its final Environmental Impact Statement this fall.
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