PUBLIC LANDS -- The public comment period on the Idaho Panhandle and Kootenai National Forest Draft Forest Plans has been extended 30 days to May 7, the Forest Service announced today.

The original comment period on the massive forest plan proposals was Jan. 3 through April 5.

“We understand that these documents are long and complex, so we agreed to extend the comment period after receiving requests from several local communities,” said Idaho Panhandle National Forests Supervisor Mary Farnsworth. “The plans reflect 10 years of working with our partners, communities, and interested publics and we want to ensure they all have ample time to digest what is contained in these documents and provide meaningful comments.”

See the Forest Service documents online.

See an S-R story highlighting the forest plan revisions.

See my story about the draft forest plan proposals' affect on recommended wilderness.