WALDPORT — The Siuslaw National Forest is seeking public comment on uses, values, and interests relating to its four designated wilderness areas.
Public comments on the wilderness areas will help guide an upcoming amendment to the Siuslaw’s current land and resource management plan, which will steer future wilderness management decisions on recreation, wildlife habitat, and a range of other topics.
Forest Service staff are seeking preliminary public input prior to beginning the environmental review process.
“Wilderness landscapes are ecologically important and meaningful to our surrounding communities,” said Siuslaw forest supervisor Robert Sanchez. “We want to hear from the public before formally initiating this planning effort.”
The Siuslaw currently manages four designated wilderness areas: Cummins Creek Wilderness, Devil’s Staircase Wilderness, Drift Creek Wilderness, and Rock Creek Wilderness. As described in the Oregon Wilderness Act of 1984, these areas possess “outstanding natural characteristics which give them high value as wilderness.” These characteristics include old growth forest habitat, free flowing waterways and various opportunities for backcountry recreation.
Feedback about the use and management of these places can be emailed to comments-pacificnorthwest-siuslaw-centralcoast@usda.gov. In addition to general feedback, the Forest Service is interested in any ideas or suggestions for improving the stewardship of the Siuslaw’s wilderness areas. Please include “wilderness feedback” in the subject line. Input will be most helpful if received by Aug. 19.
For more information about the feedback opportunity, the current forest plan and the potential amendment the agency’s website.
