The Beaverhead-Deerlodge forest plan was almost
complete when two small timber mills and three environmental groups
decided to collaborate on development of their own forest plan for BDNF.
The Final EIS is due to be released this spring or
summer. BDNF has chosen Alternative 5 as their preferred alternative
but they are considering inclusion of the plan developed by the group
of five. Since the public has not had a chance to comment on
this new alternative and BDNF is working under the old planning rules, the
forest should release a supplemental EIS with a full public comment
period.
The preferred alternative (5) of the new B-DNF forest plan is much more restrictive for timber harvest and motorized access than the existing plan. Motorized recreation will lose one third of its use in roadless areas plus all use in existing and additional recommended wilderness. Alt 5 also increases the acreages of roadless areas and recommended wilderness. In short the preferred alternative is very green.
BUT THE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
IS WORSE
