Same Script, New Date—Why the 2025 Forest‑Plan Draft Still Misses the Mark

2019 headquarters guidance ignored, 80 % of the old text recycled—and public meetings start this week.

In March 2019 Washington‑Office Reviewing Officer Chris French ordered the Blue Mountains Plan withdrawn because it was confusing, thin on local economics, and nearly impossible to implement. The Forest Service was told: “Scrap it and start clean.”

What’s actually in the “new” 2025 draft? A quick reality check

HQ told them to fix three things—they fixed none

• Simpler, clearer plan? Nope.

• Meeting the Communities Needs? Not Close

• Genuine re‑engagement with Communities on Plan Development? Not happening

  
  

Speak up at this week’s public meetings (Link to Forest Service Schedule -> Click Here

Day	City & Venue
Monday July 21	Enterprise – Cloverleaf Hall, 600 NW 1st
Tuesday July 22	Baker City – County Fairgrounds, 2600 East St.
Wednesday July 23	John Day – Grant County Fairgrounds, Trowbridge Pavilion
Thursday July 24	Burns – Harney County Fairgrounds, Memorial Building

15‑second talking point:“You were instructed in 2019 to scrap this confusing plan and start over. Why are we seeing the same document again? Stop, restart, and work with the communities before you lock in new restrictions.”

Comparison between the 2014 Draft Proposed Plan and the 2025 Preliminary Draft Plan

Does this plan meet the intent of previous agency guidance?

Show up, ask hard questions, and remind the agency we’re paying attention.

#StartOver  #BlueMountains  #AccessMatters