HCCA Thanks You for Helping the Future GMUG National Forest
Photo: Brett Henderson
One of the highlights of our public lands advocacy in 2021 was leading local and regional engagement in the GMUG National Forest Plan revision process. After a long wait, the GMUG’s Draft Forest Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) were released for public review and comment in August. For more than three months, High Country Conservation Advocates (HCCA) staff:
reviewed and analyzed these extensive documents for members, supporters, and interested community members;
provided educational materials and learning opportunities; and
worked with a coalition of groups seeking a better, more conservation-centric GMUG Forest Plan.
Coordinating with other organizations also committed to this process and the future forest, our efforts culminated in a comprehensive technical comment submitted to the agency in November. We encourage you to take a look at it!
Now it’s up to the Forest Service to review the thousands of public comments that were submitted. The GMUG has an optimistic timeline to publish the Proposed Plan, Final EIS, and Draft Record of Decision in Spring of 2022. Will the agency positively address the issues that the community raised, including the Draft Plan’s lack of new wilderness recommendations, full-throttled logging expansions, unsustainable approach to protecting bighorn sheep and other at-risk wildlife, and questionable recreation settings? Rest assured that HCCA will continue to work between now and the release of the Final Plan to encourage the Forest Service to adopt a vision that expands wildlands, protects wildlife, encourages sustainable recreation, and supports this tremendous public lands resource in a warmer, drier, and more unpredictable future.
In the meantime, to the hundreds of people who have met with HCCA staff, attended our events and meetings, and submitted comments since this multi-year process began, we thank you!
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Winter Fundraising Drive
Our winter fundraising drive is still underway, and every donation Counts!
We rely on your generous financial support to continue our work.
This year we have a matching gift of $20,000, double your impact by donating today!
Your donation to HCCA is an investment in the quality of life, economic vitality, and future of our home.. Join our fight to protect why you love it here by donating $5 or more.
Help HCCA send it this holiday season by contributing to our $100,000 year-end fundraising goal!
