California Attorney General Challenges Federal Forest Plan; Local Panel to Discuss Jackson Demonstration State Forest March 19
Some public comment timelines could be cut by more than 50%
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has joined attorneys general from eight other states in opposing a federal proposal that would limit public participation in national forest decisions. The coalition argues the plan would shorten public comment periods and eliminate neutral review of objections to projects such as timber sales and road construction, potentially reducing transparency for communities, tribes, and environmental groups involved in managing California’s roughly 20 million acres of national forest land, including the Mendocino National Forest.
Locally, the Mendocino County Vision Workgroup and the League of Women Voters Mendocino County will host a public panel on Thursday, March 19, from 3–5 p.m. examining proposed legislation—Assembly Bill 2494—that could significantly change the mandate and management of Jackson Demonstration State Forest. Panelists include Scott Alonso from Assemblymember Chris Rogers’ office, Amy Wynn, and J. P. O’Brien, who will discuss the bill’s potential impacts and take questions from the public. More information available here.