MONTE VISTA, Colo. – The U.S. Forest Service and National Forest Foundation will hold two public meetings during the week of July 13th to discuss and receive public input for the Rio Grande National Forest’s plan revision.
 
The first meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 15, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the South Fork Community Building, 254 CO State Highway 149, South Fork. The focus of this meeting will be on wilderness and special designated areas. Participants will:
·  Discuss management of existing wilderness and special designated areas.
·  Discuss criteria to be used when considering proposed designation of new wilderness areas smaller than 5,000 acres.
·  Engage in a map-based discussion concerning existing and potential wilderness and special designated areas.
 
The second meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 16 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Saguache County Road and Bridge building, 305 3rd Street, Saguache. The focus for this meeting will be on management of fish, wildlife and rare plants. Participants will:
· Discuss existing conditions and future trends of fish, wildlife and rare plants.
· Review the standards and guidelines of the current forest plan.
·  Engage in a map-based discussion concerning wildlife habitat.
 
Both meetings will feature an open house for the first half hour allowing the opportunity to view maps and engage in one-on-one discussion with RGNF staff. A short presentation by forest service staff will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by interactive discussions designed to provide input for the plan revision. Light refreshments will be provided.
 
The forest plan is the overarching document that guides all management decisions and activities on the entire Rio Grande National Forest, including activities such as preservation of cultural and historic resources, grazing, timber production, recreation, wildlife management, firewood cutting and gathering of special forest products.
 
For more information, visit the RGNF plan revision website at http://riograndeplanning.mindmixer.com/ or contact Mike Blakeman at the Rio Grande National Forest Supervisor’s Office at 719-852-5941.