In a draft report (Resource Planning Act Assessment) issued for public comment at the end of last month, the U.S. Forest Service reports that residential and commercial sprawl, along with other land use changes, are the primary factors shrinking natural forests and rangelands. Climate change, wildfires, insect infestations, bacteria, and fungi are cited as additional threats. The draft report projects trends in the nation’s renewable resources to 2060, finding population and economic growth shrinking the resource base connected to rural areas.
The Resource Planning Act Assessment is required to be completed every ten years pursuant to the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act, a 1974 law (Pub. L. 93-378). The latest RPA Assessment draft is available for public comment through Sept. 30.
The draft report can be accessed at: http://www.fs.fed.us/research/rpa/2010rpa/2010_RPA_Assessment_Public_Comment.shtml
Public comments on the draft 2010 RPA Assessment can be filed at: http://www.fs.fed.us/research/rpa.
