Forest Plan Revision Sparks Community Engagement and Debate

During a recent government meeting, officials provided an update on the ongoing revision of the Manta LaSalle National Forest management plan, which has been in process since 2016. The forest spans 1.3 million acres across central and southeastern Utah and a small portion of southwest Colorado, encompassing five ranger districts and two designated wilderness areas.

The meeting highlighted the extensive public involvement in the forest plan revision, which began with an assessment of the existing 1986 plan that has undergone 23 amendments. The assessment received approximately 900 comments, with a significant focus on wilderness evaluation. In 2021, a draft environmental impact statement (EIS) was released, prompting over 6,300 comments, which were categorized into 200 themes. Key concerns from local governments and communities included road access, local economies, watershed health, and wildlife habitat. There were also discussions around traditional uses, grazing, and recreational opportunities.

The planning team is currently analyzing the comments received and preparing the final EIS and forest plan, which will incorporate feedback from various stakeholders, including state and local governments, tribes, and conservation districts. The timeline indicates that the final documents are expected to be completed by 2025, pending the outcomes of related planning efforts, including the Barristers National Monument Plan.

In a separate agenda item, the Price River Water Improvement District requested a waiver of approximately $8,952 in fees associated with the construction of a new maintenance building. This request aligns with the district's practice of waiving fees for governmental agencies. The meeting concluded with an emphasis on maintaining open communication between officials and the community as the forest plan revision progresses.