A reality based independent journal of observation & analysis, serving the Flathead Valley & Montana since 2006. © James Conner.
The Flathead National Forest “proposed action” is out for comment. My hackles already are beginning to rise. That’s because the timber beast has risen, and clearly had a heavy hand in writing the proposed action.
Consider just this paragraph (p.90):
Scenic and recreational river corridors are not suitable for timber production; however, timber harvesting for other multiple-use purposes, for salvage logging, and to achieve desired vegetation conditions could occur.
In other words, a scenic river’s corridor cannot be officially designated as sawmill fodder, but it can be subject to vegetation management schemes that serve the same purpose. You can bet the ranch that logging friendly managers will attempt to exploit the loophole.
The proposed action is full of this kind of language.
In theory, as the schedule below indicates, the proposed action is not a done deal. In practice, the further along in the process one goes the more difficult making changes becomes. That’s especially true when some of the preliminary decisions enjoy an exalted status derived from involvement in so-called collaborative processes that are designed to coerce conservation organizations into blessing logging.
Those who fail to submit comments during the official comment period will lose their ability to challenge revisions to the plan:
The decision to approve the revised forest plan for the Flathead National Forest and the amendment for the Helena, Lewis and Clark, Kootenai, and Lolo National Forests will be subject to the objection process identified in 36 CFR Part 219 Subpart B (219.50 to 219.62). Only those individuals and entities who have submitted substantive formal comments related to the Flathead NF plan revision and the four amendments during the opportunities provided for public comment (beginning with this comment period), will be eligible to file an objection (36 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 219.53(a)).