The U.S. Forest Service, White Mountain National Forest, will host a public meeting on March 29 in Plymouth, New Hampshire, to present the draft management alternatives that are part of the on-going efforts to revise the current Forest Plan, adopted in 1986. The meeting will be in Hyde Hall on the Plymouth State College campus from 8:30 am-2:30 pm. Be sure to bring a lunch for a short break at noon.

The meeting will focus on explanation of the draft alternatives. There will be time for group discussion about how the alternatives relate to land allocations, vegetation management, and recreation management in the national forest. People are invited to come learn about whats been accomplished so far and how to stay involved through the remaining phases of Forest Plan revision. Comments will be accepted at the meeting and will be accepted until April 18.

The Forest Service developed the alternatives using the latest science, current data, and the input from thousands of people who attended meetings, identified issues, read working papers, wrote letters, and provided comments in the last several years.

The Forest Plan sets direction for management of the national forest for the next 10-15 years. By law, Forest Plans must be reviewed and updated periodically to keep current with new laws, policies, and science, and to reflect changes in public sentiment about public land management.

It is important that people are involved in the planning for management of their national forest,said Forest Supervisor Tom Wagner. Although we are not required to hold public meetings about the draft Forest Plan Revision alternatives, we are making this extra effort to keep people informed and involved. We hope anyone interested will join us on March 29.

National Forests are managed for multiple uses, including recreation, wildlife habitat, wilderness, timber production, and water quality.

No prior involvement is necessary to attend this meeting, just an interest in the management of the White Mountain National Forest. Sign language interpreters are available if requested by March 10. For directions to Plymouth State College, visit www.plymouth.edu or call 603-535-5000. For meeting information, contact White Mountain National Forest Public Affairs Officer Mary Stoll at (603) 528-8777, TTY (603) 528-8722.