USFS rejects 3 NW forest management plans

LEWISTON, Idaho (AP) – The U.S. Forest Service has rejected the recently completed management plans for three national forests in the Pacific Northwest, restarting the 15-year process to revise the plans.

The Lewiston Tribune reported Wednesday that the plans for the Malheur, Umatilla and Wallowa-Whitman national forests were issued last summer, promising to support more than 2,800 jobs and provide about $133 million in annual income.

Objections to the plans were filed by more than 300 organizations and individuals, including the timber and livestock industries, environmental groups and state wildlife management agencies.

Umatilla National Forest supervisor Eric Watrud says Forest Service officials want to produce plans that are easily understood and support local communities as well as the environment.

Watrud says the agency plans to chart a path forward over the next several months.