Forest managers will begin a series of public meetings across the state this week as the US Forest Service continues to take public comment on Colorado’s proposed Roadless Rule.
The draft Roadless Rule would protect some four million acres of rugged and remote national forests in Colorado. But there are a few exceptions for road building to treat beetle killed trees and ski and coal mine expansions that have sparked controversy. The public meetings are more of an open house instead of a forum to speak in favor or against the plan.
But the Forest Service will accept written comments at them, says Rocky Mountain Region spokeswoman Janelle Smith.
"The purpose of the meetings is to help people gain a better understanding about the rule," Smith said. "We’re there to answer questions, to engage with them, to explain more, look at maps so they can see what we’re talking about. "
The 90 day public comment period runs until July 14th.
"At which time there will be an analysis team that sifts through all the public comments, taking those into consideration as the final rule is prepared," Smith said.
The Secretary of Agriculture will actually be the final authority to sign that rule, she added.
The first of nine meetings around the state is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon in Denver. A pair are also scheduled Wednesday and Thursday of next week in Steamboat Springs and Fort Collins.
For the complete schedule, click here.
