From Chief Randy Moore:
Over the past two and a half years, we have worked to better understand mature and old-growth forests, where they are located across the National Forest System, assess the threats they face, and learn more about how we can better steward these forests and the values they represent for current and future generations. Our goal has been to improve our ability to consistently steward old growth forests so that they are present, high-functioning and resilient into the future and can contribute to ecological integrity, alongside other key elements of ecological integrity.
Since this work started, we have learned much through this process. We have gained a wealth of information and perspectives, and we deeply appreciate the input we received from so many. This process has helped us to identify the best available scientific information and given us the opportunity to engage with various individuals and groups to gain important insights that can help to guide our future stewardship of these special forests.
I have decided to withdraw the notice of intent to prepare a National Old Growth Amendment environmental impact statement. A notice will be published in the Federal Register on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025. However, the learning and insights we have gained will help us to better steward old growth forests into the future.
Moving forward, we have the opportunity to identify where old growth conditions may be departed from desired conditions or vulnerable to reasonably foreseeable threats, versus where conditions are high-functioning and less vulnerable to threats. Understanding these differences will enable us to make intentional management decisions so that we can provide for ecological integrity and maintain, conserve, recruit and steward old growth forest conditions with ecologically appropriate representation, distribution and abundance, based on place-based assessments of what is most needed.
I am sharing some of the learning and feedback we gained, with the intent that we can make use of this learning to inform place-based conversations for planning and project management to successfully steward old growth forests into the future.
I would be remiss in failing to recognize the dedicated team of leaders from across the Forest Service who have contributed their time, energy and expertise over the past two and half years as we embarked on this work. Your dedication and professionalism have been invaluable. The information gleaned and the lessons learned will continue to benefit our agency long into the future.
I continue to appreciate the conservation values at the heart of our stewardship of our nation’s forests and grasslands. Thank you for your continued commitment to protecting these vital forest resources for future generations.
From U.S. Senator Steve Daines:
U.S. Senator Steve Daines issued the following statement today after the U.S. Forest Service announced it is withdrawing the National Old Growth Amendment draft environmental impact statement:
“Montanans are sick of breathing in smoke and the Forest Service heard their concerns loud and clear. Today is a victory for commonsense local management of our forests. Now the folks on the ground can get back to managing our forests rather than bowing to the green lobby and getting bogged down in needless paperwork. Montana’s old growth forests are already protected by each individual Forest Plan, so this proposal would have simply delayed work to protect them from wildfire which is the number one threat facing our old growth forests.”
Background:
This proposal would have added an unnecessary additional layer of prescriptive guidelines on local forests that would have halted much needed forest management work and increased the risk of wildfires. Senator Daines has highlighted issues with this proposal since it was announced.
From Governor Greg Gianforte:
Governor Greg Gianforte today released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) withdrew the National Old Growth amendment:
“Today’s announcement from USDA to withdraw the National Old Growth Amendment is welcome news to the State of Montana. Over the course of the last three years, USDA and the U.S. Forest Service have failed to adequately engage with governors and states to address flaws in this plan. I look forward to a new era of collaboration with our federal partners once President Trump’s nominees are confirmed by the Senate.”
In February 2024, Gov. Gianforte led a coalition of six governors in criticizing federal agencies for plans to adopt new forest management rules without addressing state concerns. In addition to criticizing the agencies for their blatant disregard for state interests, the governors noted that the proposed amendment would run counter to State Forest Action Plans adopted to address forest health and wildfires. Read the full letter here.
