Theresa Fraser is the lead for the Sequoia N.F. Wilderness managers from the Forests are also included in the strategy and development of the revised planning process, they include Joan Benner, Michael Olwyler, Micki Smith, Diana Pietrasanta, Keith Waterfall, Michael Morse, and Rick LaBorde. With that date in mind, work this summer will focus on gathering existing condition data to support the analysis process, including the needs assessment. As we move into this revision of the draft EIS, we are looking closely at the comments we received to guide us in identifying significant issues as well as areas of common ground. One area of common ground is related to commercial outfitting and guiding. Whether from a commercial operator or a non-commercial visitor to these wildernesses, one thing we heard very loudly was the need to do an assessment of commercial uses in these wildernesses.
People are concerned with access and equity of access.
In the first draft EIS, the proposed framework suggested an approach to doing a needs assessment that would be based on the new plan direction, after the EIS was finalized. With the revised draft EIS, we are changing our approach. While conducting this needs assessment and addressing all proposed actions, we will spend considerable effort in gaining an understanding of existing condition use levels and effects of these use levels on natural resources. The University of Arizona will be working with the public to gather data for their study this summer. If you would like more information or would like to participate while on a trip into the John Muir or Ansel Adams Wilderness this summer, contact us at the numbers below.