Tonto National Forest Plan Revision -- Upcoming Meetings for Forest Plan Revision

[hikeaz]

Public meetings for the Tonto National Forest Draft Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) began on January 8th, 2020. These meetings allow for the opportunity to discuss the draft forest plan and DEIS and provide opportunities for comment. Maps for management areas and other planning materials will be available for review and planning team members will be present to answer questions. The schedule of upcoming meetings can be seen below.

Check out the Plan Revision Website for details on the different types of meetings, answers to frequently asked questions, and information on how to comment on the draft plan and DEIS
https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/tonto/land ... t/planning

How to comment > https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DO ... 684466.pdf

Open House Public Meetings (5pm – 7pm*)

Payson, AZ – January 22, 2020, Julia Randall Elementary School
Superior, AZ – January 23, 2020, Superior Junior/Senior High School
Cave Creek, AZ – February 5, 2020, Desert Foothills Library
Globe, AZ – February 6, 2020, High Desert Middle School


Public Working Days (11am – 2pm)

Phoenix, AZ – January 16, 2020, Tonto National Forest Supervisors Office
Tonto Bas! in, AZ – January 22, 2020, Tonto Basin Ranger District Office
Mesa, AZ – January 23, 2020, Mesa Ranger District Office
Payson, AZ – January 30, 2020, Payson Ranger District Office

A couple of TNF 'probable outcome' notes I gleaned that seem counter to an expanding population.
"Every 5 years, decommission 10 miles of motorized and/or non-motorized trails that are deemed unsustainable or low-use"
"Decommission at least 10 miles of roads identified for decommissioning and/or unauthorized user created routes every five years."

Also..
"Consider the use of permit and reservation systems to preserve the integrity of the Tonto National Forest’s natural resources and to reduce visitor conflicts where recreation impacts cannot otherwise be reasonably managed (e.g., wilderness areas, popular recreational shooting locations, popular off-highway vehicle areas).

Not sure how there are many visitor conflicts nor infrastructure or other costs in wilderness areas that would necessitate a permit.

"Evaluate whether new recreation infrastructure developments qualify for recreation fees or can be managed through formal partnership agreements, permits, or other contractual instruments. Periodically evaluate whether existing recreation infrastructure may also qualify to change to these types of management. "

Gub-speak for How do we collect more fees or privatize the national forest?