HCCA Forest Plan Objection

In October of 2023, 1% for Open Space granted $2,000 to High Country Conservation Advocates (HCCA) for the funding of a contracted employee. HCCA hired Rocky Smith, a Forest Policy Analyst and Consultant, to write an objection the the newly released GMUG Forest Plan. On August 30th, 2023 the Forest Service proposed their final managment plan for the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison national forests. There are many aspects of the plan that do not align with the recommendations from local working groups (including the Gunnison Public Lands Inititive) whose recommendations come from 10 years of research and discussion. Most notable is the use of resources including air, soil, watersheds, wildlife, plants, and open spaces that, as the plan currently proposes, are not sufficiently protected. The plan, if it goes through would be in place for at least the next 15 years, opening up the possibilty for the overuse and extraction of important resources. Objections are written by any and all parties that have previously commented on the Forest Policy during comment periods. If objections are thorough and backed up with evidence, studies and a numbers of people objecting they can have weight and change can happen.

While 1% for Open Space has never funded administrative work in this capaccity, our Board of Directors could not say no to this grant, becuase the importance of this objection could directly impact the health and intergity of the open spaces we have worked so hard and long to protect. HCCA was instrumental in hiring Rocky Smith, who has over 40 years of experience working with Forest Policy, and his integral role in writing an objection to this plan is the best chance we have at changing the current plan as proposed.