Report on Public Consultation for the Blue Mountains Forest Plan Revision and its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction and Context

A public hearing was conducted on July 21 in Enterprise, Oregon, to gather community input on the revision of the Blue Mountains National Forests Land Management Plan. The U.S. Forest Service is overseeing the revision for the 5.4 million acres spanning the Wallowa-Whitman, Umatilla, and Malheur national forests. The current plan, dating from 1990, is being updated to address new scientific information and changed socioeconomic conditions, with a targeted completion by 2027. This revision presents a significant opportunity to integrate the principles of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the long-term management of this vital ecosystem.

Stakeholder Engagement and Governance (SDG 16 & 17)

The meeting exemplified a commitment to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) by providing an inclusive and participatory platform for decision-making. The legal requirement for this revision, mandated by the National Forest Management Act of 1976, underscores the role of effective and accountable institutions. The event fostered collaboration under SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), bringing together key stakeholders including:

• U.S. Forest Service officials
• State and County government representatives
• Local residents and business owners

Concerns were raised by officials, including Sen. Todd Nash and Wallowa County Commissioners, that the existing framework is inadequate, necessitating a comprehensive overhaul to ensure responsive and transparent governance.

Economic and Community Sustainability (SDG 8 & 11)

The discussion highlighted the plan’s direct impact on the local economy and community resilience. Key issues raised relate directly to the following SDGs:

• SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): Stakeholders emphasized the historical importance of the timber industry, which declined in the 1990s. The revised plan is expected to include an “uptick in timber harvest,” which could stimulate job creation and support local economic growth. Additionally, the issuance of grazing permits for livestock was identified as a critical economic factor for Wallowa County.
• SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): The debate over forest road closures is central to community well-being. Public access is desired for recreation, hunting, and firewood collection, which are integral to the local lifestyle and economy. The county’s opposition to further road closures without local approval reflects a demand for management practices that sustain community access and resilience.

Environmental Management and Climate Action (SDG 13 & 15)

A primary focus of the revision is the sustainable management of the forest environment, aligning with key environmental SDGs.

• SDG 13 (Climate Action): Forest health and fire prevention were major topics. Proposed actions, such as clearing land and increasing timber harvesting, are intended to create a more resilient forest ecosystem, better equipped to mitigate the increasing risk of wildfires associated with climate change.
• SDG 15 (Life on Land): The entire plan is an exercise in achieving the sustainable management of terrestrial ecosystems. Central concerns include:
  • Sustainable Forest Use: The Forest Service’s “travel management” process aims to create a sustainable transportation system that balances public access with environmental protection.
  • Biodiversity: The management of wildlife, including discussions around the gray wolf population, is a critical component of protecting regional biodiversity.
  • Ecosystem Health: The overarching goal is to reverse degradation and implement a plan that ensures the long-term health and productivity of the forest lands.

Process and Forward Outlook

The U.S. Forest Service outlined the timeline for completing the plan revision, which is currently one-third complete. The next steps in the process include:

1. A public comment period extending through mid-2025.
2. A subsequent 90-day official comment period.
3. A 60-day period for developing the final environmental impact statement.
4. A final 90-day period for the approval of the revised plan.

The final plan aims to establish a modern management framework that balances economic vitality, community needs, and environmental stewardship in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 15: Life on Land

• The article is centered on the revision of the Blue Mountains National Forests Land Management Plan, which directly concerns the sustainable management of terrestrial ecosystems. It discusses forest health, timber harvesting, wildlife management (wolves), fire prevention, and land access for recreation and grazing, all of which are core components of SDG 15.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

• The article links forest management directly to the local economy. It mentions the historical importance of timber harvesting for providing jobs in mills and the current role of livestock grazing as a “major economic factor.” The revised plan’s potential to increase timber harvest is presented as a way to boost economic activity.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

• The process described in the article exemplifies participatory governance. The U.S. Forest Service is holding public hearings, taking comments, and engaging with local government officials and residents to revise a major public land management plan. This highlights the goal of ensuring responsive, inclusive, and representative decision-making.

What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

SDG 15: Life on Land

• Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.
  • The entire article focuses on revising a plan to manage 5.4 million acres of national forests, balancing uses like recreation, grazing, and timber with environmental protection and forest health.
• Target 15.2: By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally.
  • The revision of the 1990s-era plan aims to implement a more current and sustainable approach to forest management, addressing “new economic and social conditions” and “new scientific information.” The plan includes provisions for an “uptick in timber harvest” and “clearing the land for fire prevention,” which are aspects of active forest management.
• Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity and, by 2020, protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species.
  • The article explicitly mentions wildlife as a key issue, with a specific focus on the management of “gray wolves,” indicating a concern for biodiversity and the interaction between species within the forest ecosystem.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

• Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation, including through a focus on high-value added and labour-intensive sectors.
  • The article discusses the historical reliance on timber harvesting for jobs and the potential for a revised plan to bring an “uptick in timber harvest.” This points to a strategy of revitalizing a traditional, resource-based sector to support the local economy.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

• Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.
  • The article details the public consultation process, including a hearing attended by “about 60 people,” the presence of local government officials, and a formal “90-day comment period.” This process is designed to incorporate the views of locals (“locals airs views on forest plan”) into the final decision.

Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

SDG 15: Life on Land

• Indicator 15.1.1 (Forest area as a proportion of total land area): The article specifies the exact area under management: “5.4 million acres in the Wallowa-Whitman, Umatilla and Malheur national forests.”
• Indicator 15.2.1 (Progress towards sustainable forest management): The primary indicator is the development and implementation of the revised “Blue Mountains National Forests Land Management Plan” itself, which is scheduled for completion by 2027. Specific metrics within this plan would include the volume of “timber harvest,” the number of acres cleared for “fire prevention,” and the number of “grazing permits” issued. The “travel management” plan, which designates roads for specific uses, is also a measurable component.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

• Implied Indicator: The volume of “timber harvest” is mentioned as a key economic driver. An increase in this volume would be a direct measure of progress.
• Implied Indicator: The number of “jobs in mills” that were lost and could potentially be regained is an implied indicator of local employment.
• Implied Indicator: The number of “grazing permits” issued to livestock producers is a direct measure of support for a “major economic factor” in the county.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

• Indicator of participatory decision-making: The article provides metrics for participation, such as the number of people who attended the hearing (“about 60 people”), the existence of formal comment periods (“90-day comment period”), and the active involvement of elected officials (“Sen. Todd Nash,” “Wallowa County Commissioners”).

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

Source: eastoregonian.com