The United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service (Forest Service or Agency), is proposing new directives to clarify the Agency’s policy for the mitigation of adverse impacts involving National Forest System lands. The Forest Service has been incorporating mitigation into its decision making for decades, under many different statutory authorities; however, implementation has been inconsistent across the Agency. A national policy for the mitigation of adverse impacts to resources across the National Forest System would improve consistency, transparency, and effectiveness, and result in better overall conservation outcomes.
The Forest Service values public participation. Communications from the public regarding this project, including commenters' names and contact information, will become part of the public record. Comments, including anonymous comments, will be accepted at any time. However, comments posted after the close of a designated comment period may not be able to be given full consideration.
Steven Lewis
