AMWA submitted comments on May 16 to the Forest Service on its proposed planning rule. According to the Forest Service, the proposed rule would “establish a new national framework to develop land management plans that protect water and wildlife and promote vibrant communities.”
AMWA’s comments highlight the role of water utilities as stakeholders and in some circumstances co-managers of watershed forest lands. The letter urges the Forest Service to work with its federal, state and local governments to coordinate program efforts to make better use of available resources (technical, institutional and financial) and to encourage flexible innovative approaches to meeting water quality objectives.
AMWA’s letter is online.