As we continue to work for resolution with the state on this old growth forest on the North Arm Trails, we are asking for quick action from you regarding adjacent Forest Service land. The US Forest Service plans to manage large areas of forests within the North Arm Trails, and along the Echo Trail and Burntside Lake, mostly with timber harvest and prescribed burns. This is a different, additional proposal than the one we petitioned here, although many acres are adjacent to that tract. Timber sales and prescribed burns will take place over the next 10-15 years Please take a look at the map link below for more info, then call or email USFS before this coming Monday May 21st if you would like your thoughts to be heard! (If we don't weigh in by then, we loose the opportunity to be a part of the on-going conversation.... so now is the time!) For a detailed interactive map click here: https://usfs.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=5ac14a4a17c549c5b00a2de6b3f00557 There is more information on the "Hi-Lo Project" website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=47208 WHAT TO DO: Contact USFS in Ely: Linda Merriman: Phone 218-365-2095, email: lmerriman@fs.fed.us She wants to hear from us and is receptive and easy to talk with! At this point the USFS would like to hear substantiative, detailed feedback, however they know we may not have formulated all our thoughts and concerns. In that case, you can say "I am concerned" or "I am opposed as it is proposed" and "Please keep me on your mailing list so that I can be involved in ongoing discussions", then you may remain a part of the conversation after May 21st. Here are just a few potential talking points (some more specific to the North Arm Trails) * Because there are known old growth stands in the area, we'd like to request a thorough on-site evaluation for old growth and sensitive species and communities. * This is a very well traveled area with extremely hight visitor value. We ask that the area around the North Arm Trail be re-designated for Trails, Roadless area, or other designation that more appropriately addresses the current recreational/educational/aesthetic use. * Logging roads have been shown to increase presence of invasive species. What steps would be taken to prevent the spread of all invasive and non-native species? There is a proposed new logging road just north of the North Arm Road. Can this be removed? * It appears that there is an opportunity to log even when the soil is not frozen -- is that correct? * Because this is a highly valued area for hikers, skiers, campers and other recreation, we would like to request a public meeting before final decisions are made. * The scope of the entire HiLo project is huge. On a landscape level, this will create a large impact. We ask that the extent and timeframe is adjusted to address the potential impact on intact, mature forests. * We ask for a thorough evaluation of climate change impacts and mitigation for this in the proposal. Feel free to share this with anyone you think would want to know - Thank you for your advocacy! Jennifer Friends of the North Arm Trails