AGFD -- Tonto Draft Land Management Plan

[Outdoor Writer]

GAME AND FISH NEWS       Dec. 23, 2019 Arizona Game and Fish Department     Tonto Draft Land Management Plan released for public comment  Tonto National Forest to hold public meetings beginning Jan. 8; comment period ends March 12, 2020   PHOENIX -- Outdoor recreationists are advised that the Tonto National Forest on Dec. 13 released a draft land management plan (draft forest plan) and draft environmental impact statement for public review and comment.    According to a news release from the Forest, the draft plan reflects changes in social, economic and ecological conditions since the current plan was approved in 1985. It outlines the strategic management for 2.9 million acres of national forest for the next 10 to 15 years.    The Tonto National Forest will hold a series of public meetings to discuss the draft forest plan and draft environmental impact statement and provide opportunities for comment. Maps and other planning materials will be available for review and planning team members will be present to answer questions.   Evening open house public meetings:  Jan. 8, 2020, 5-8 p.m. - Mesa, Franklin Junior High School  Jan. 9, 5-8 p.m., Payson, Julia Randall Elementary School Jan. 22, 5-8 p.m., Payson, Julia Randall Elementary School Jan. 23, 5-8 p.m., Superior, Superior Junior/Senior High School Feb. 5, 5-8 p.m., Cave Creek, Desert Foothills Library Feb. 6, 5-8 p.m., Globe, High Desert Middle School    Public working days at Tonto National Forest offices: Jan. 8, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Globe, Globe Ranger District Office Jan. 10, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Cave Creek, Cave Creek District Office Jan. 16, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.,Phoenix, Tonto National Forest Supervisors Office Jan 22, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Tonto Basin, Tonto Basin Ranger District Office Jan. 23, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Mesa, Mesa Ranger District Office Jan. 30, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Payson, Payson Ranger District Office    All-day technical partner meetings: Jan. 29, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Phoenix, 24th Street Conference Center  Feb. 25, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Phoenix, location to be determined.   Written and electronic comments will be accepted during the comment period, which ends March 12, 2020. The draft forest plan, draft environmental impact statement, frequently asked questions, how to comment guide, and additional details about the public meetings are available at http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/tontoplan.