Sierra/Sequoia NF comment period

The Sierra and Sequoia National Forests are currently in the comment period for their plan revisions. Both plans are very similar and contain the same language regarding packgoats. The comment period ends September 26th and one comment covers both plans.

These plans and info about how to comment can be found at this web address: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r5/ landmanagement/planning/?cid=stelprdb5444003

Sequoia Plan: https://www.fs.usda.gov/nfs/11558/www/nepa/3403_FSPLT3_4658766.pdf

Sierra Plan:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/ FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd640160.pdf

Both contain the same language regarding packgoats, found on page 61 of the Sequoia plan and pages 59/60 of the Sierra plan. As usual, we must urge them to stop referring to “sheep and goats” as if they were the same species. For packgoats, the plans state that they should not be allowed in high risk bighorn sheep habitat “unless risks can be adequately mitigated.” With packgoats, we know that risks can be mitigated, so it’s important to emphasize our Best Management Practices.

We can also link them to Dr. Highland’s 2016 M.ovi study, the results of which can be found here:
https://napga.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/NAPgA-Summary-of-Understanding-4.16.19.pdf

There are several good supporting documents under the Resources tab on this webpage that might help you with your comments.

Comments can be submitted electronically here: https://cara.ecosystem-management.org/Public/ CommentInput?Project=3375

Or you can email comments to: r5planrevision@fs.fed.us

Or snail mail them to:

Planning Team Leader, Forest Plan Revision
1323 Club Drive
Vallejo, CA 94592