Vilsack

PORTLAND — The U.S. Department of Agriculture released a list of appointed members to the Federal Advisory Committee on Friday, July 7, which will provide counsel on modernizing land management of national forests within the Northwest Forest Plan area, according to a USDA Forest Service press release.

The committee will focus on “climate-informed” recommendations that will amend the Northwest Forest Plan first implemented in 1994, and steer it into a new direction to ensure that the 17 national forests in the region — which includes areas in Western Oregon, Washington and Northern California — are managed sustainably, resilient to threats such as wildfire, insects and disease, while meeting the needs of local communities.

“Establishing this committee is another way for us to embrace climate-smart science, ensure we hear from diverse voices and get a range of perspectives on how to best confront the wildfire crisis and climate change,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “This committee will also be asked to help reshape ways we engage with communities and deepen our connections with tribes as we go through the Northwest Forest Plan amendment process.”

Traditional ecological knowledge, the latest science and climate resilience will inform the committee’s recommendations, and these recommendations will complement the USFS Wildfire Crisis Strategy.

Establishing this committee is in line with President Biden’s Executive Order 14072 and Vilsack’s memorandum on climate resilience, the press release said.

The forests in the region have valuable water resources, wildlife, carbon and old growth and provide social and economic utility to their communities.

According to the press release, the committee represents a diverse group from tribes, local communities, environmental groups, industry and academia across Northern California, Oregon and Washington.

The Forest Service will be working with committee members to plan and conduct its first meeting later this year.