Relentless scrutiny by a host of special interests is reflected in environmental groups, timber and wood products groups, recreation livelihoods, Congressional, County, State and other agency interactions. The scope of this attention is both local and National, with international interest expressed around specific project proposals and land use policies. The Forest is regarded by some activists as a fitting candidate for National Park status. Many local communities in turn depend upon the Siskiyou for their livelihoods and press for a sustained volume of timber harvest. Add to this stir the values and agendas of the host listed above, and the result is a hotbed of political and social turmoil in the 1990's.
Media attention is ardent.
Siskiyou employees respond to this call for public debate through a vital public involvement strategy. They are on the leading edge of collaborative communications with a diverse range of people engaged in determining the future of the Forest. Healthy relationships, communications and public education are the cornerstones of the Public Affairs program. The Siskiyou National Forest gained National attention when timber harvest and road construction were proposed in the Kalmiopsis Roadless Area after the Silver Fire of 1987. The Silver Fire Recovery was ultimately resolved through Congressional action.