SEATTLE — The U.S. Forest Service is taking public comments in Seattle on a proposed management rule for about 193 million acres of national forests and grasslands.
Today’s public forum at the Sheraton Hotel is the only one in Washington state.
The agency says the proposed forest planning rule would support ecological sustainability and provide rural jobs. It includes new provisions for habitat protection, recreation and timber and other uses.
Conservation groups in Washington state say the policy fails to safeguard all fish and wildlife species and watersheds that are the source of drinking water for millions. Tom Uniack with Washington Wilderness Coalition says it should provide more protection for national forests.
The new agency rule would direct management of about 9 million acres of land in Washington state.
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