​ “The decision will not affect our ability to protect the national forest and adjacent communities from wildland fires.” SBF Supervisor Jody Noiron.

 

  Record of Decision for 
Land Management Plan Amendment 

 

SAN BERNARDINO, CA, November 4, 2014 ___ Forest Service officials today announced the signing of the Record of Decision for the San Bernardino National Forest Land Management Plan (LMP) Amendment.

The Amendment to the Land Management Plan is part of the Settlement Agreement approved January 3, 2011, in the case of California Resources Agency, et al vs. United States Department of Agriculture, and Center for Biological Diversity, et al vs. United States Department of Agriculture, which challenged the San Bernardino National Forest 2006 Land Management Plan.

The Record of Decision maintains the 18,200 acres currently zoned as Recommended Wilderness while re-zoning 10,000 acres as Back Country Non-Motorized.  The decision allows for continued fuels treatments around communities to reduce the threat of wildland fires.  The amendment also maintains existing public motorized access, and does not amend any permits or contracts.

“My decision brings a higher level of protection to the additional acres, yet allows for continued public recreational use,” said San Bernardino Forest Supervisor Jody Noiron. “The decision will not affect our ability to protect the national forest and adjacent communities from wildland fires.”

To view all documents please visit the Southern California National Forests Land Management Plan Amendment webpage at: http://go.usa.gov/76Xz 

For additional information, contact Forest Resource Officer Mary Beth Najera at 909-382-2720.

About the U.S. Forest Service:

The mission of the Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity and productivity of the nation's forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, and maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world. Public lands the Forest Service manages contribute more than $13 billion to the economy each year through visitor spending alone. Those same lands provide 20 percent of the nation's clean water supply, a value estimated at $7.2 billion per year. The agency has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 80 percent of the 850 million forested acres within the U.S., of which 100 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.  Learn more athttp://www.fs.usda.gov/sbnf