FORKS — The state Department of Natural Resources is taking public comment on the revised draft environmental impact statement for the Olympic Experimental State Forest land plan and has set a public meeting in Forks later this month.
Public comment will taken until 5 p.m. Dec. 16
The Forks meeting will be from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 19 in the DNR Region Office Conference Room at 411 Tillicum Lane.
The revised plan examines the potential significant impacts to the environment from two management alternatives being considered for the 250,000 acres of state trust lands on the west side of the North Olympic Peninsula in Clallam and Jefferson counties.
DNR officials will answer questions and provide information about the revised draft, which outlines the choice under consideration: no change in present management practices or a change to a “forest estate” model.
The agency now designs timber sales one watershed at a time, using maps, databases and other tools.
Under the “landscape” alternative, the agency would design timber sales across state trust lands using a computer model that recommends actions and projects how forested landscape will change over time.
The draft plan says the impact of both the alternatives on the Northern spotted owl is low.
It also examines possible climate change.
The revised draft replaces one published in 2010. Changes were made based on analysis and a review of the comments received, DNR said.
Foresters and managers can use the plan to prepare management proposals for specific sites.
DNR manages trust forests to earn revenue for the state’s public schools and other trust beneficiaries while providing habitat for fish and wildlife.
The revised draft statement may be viewed at http://1.usa.gov/16OUua5.
Another meeting is planned in Olympia on Nov. 21.
Comments can be emailed to DNR’s SEPA Center at SEPAcenter@dnr.wa.gov.
Comments also can be sent to the state Department of Natural Resources SEPA Center at 1111 Washington St. S.E., MS: 47015, Olympia, WA 98504-7015.
The phone number is 360-902-1739; fax number is 360-902-1789.
