San Bernardino National Forest Signs Record of Decision for Land Management Plan Amendment

Forest Service officials announced the signing of the Record of Decision for the San Bernardino National Forest Land Management Plan (LMP) Amendment. The Amendment to the Land Management Plan is part of the Settlement Agreement approved Jan. 3, 2011, in the case of California Resources Agency, et al vs. United States Department of Agriculture, and Center for Biological Diversity, et al vs. United States Department of Agriculture, which challenged the San Bernardino National Forest 2006 Land Management Plan. The Record of Decision maintains the 18,200 acres currently zoned as Recommended Wilderness while re-zoning 10,000 acres as Back Country Non-Motorized. The decision allows for continued fuels treatments around communities to reduce the threat of wild land fires. The amendment also maintains existing public motorized access, and does not amend any permits or contracts. “My decision brings a higher level of protection to the additional acres, yet allows for continued public recreational use,” said San Bernardino Forest Supervisor Jody Noiron. “The decision will not affect our ability to protect the national forest and adjacent communities from wild land fires.” To view all documents please visit the Southern California National Forests Land Management Plan Amendment webpage at: http://go.usa.gov/76Xz For additional information, contact Forest Resource Officer Mary Beth Najera at 909-382-2720.