While we learn more about that over the next 5-10 years, it is prudent from a scientific and budgetary standpoint to prioritize thinning in the areas closest to human populations. This will also reduce flammable material in these areas to the point that prescribed fire can be used safely. Meanwhile, prescribed fire will be used more in areas further from communities, particularly in areas that emphasize protection of old forests. The old forest areas will be managed to protect and increase old forest conditions, with an emphasis on use of prescribed fire. Limited mechanical treatments such as thinning will be used when necessary.
Clean water is another key part of the decision.
Critical areas near streams, meadows and lakes will receive special protection, Powell said. This will provide a healthy ecosystem to support wildlife that depend on these riparian zones, and help ensure a continuing supply of water for the public. Additional efforts will also be made to protect areas near the dens of Pacific fishers and other small carnivores, along with areas needed by California spotted owls, northern goshawks and great gray owls. Nowhere in the affected 11.5 million acres will live conifers greater than 30 inches in diameter be cut, except where threats to human safety exist. In lands on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada, the maximum diameter will be a 24 inches.