The following is a press release issued by the California Department of Forestry:
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), Jackson Demonstration State Forest invites the public to join us for a series of facilitated discussions to inform the development of our new 10-year Forest Management Plan.
Forests provide immense and diverse values to the citizens of California. They supply many benefits that we use and enjoy, including clean water, carbon sequestration and storage, fish and wildlife, forest products, and diverse recreational opportunities. The Forest Management Plan guides our activities to sustain and improve upon these benefits. The plan will address opportunities for Tribal co-management, restoration ecology and economy, research and demonstration, sustainable forestry, recreation, and protection and restoration of wildlife habitat.
The Forest Management Plan is prepared by CAL FIRE and reviewed and approved by the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection (Board). The Board requires CAL FIRE to review Forest Management Plans for JDSF every 10-years with the current plan last approved by the Board in 2016. Once approved, CAL FIRE is responsible for managing JDSF in accordance with the plan. The Jackson Advisory Group advises both CAL FIRE and the Board. They regularly conduct public meetings and review CAL FIRE projects for compliance with the Forest Management Plan.
This first set of meetings, to be held both in Fort Bragg and in Ukiah, are intended to gain public insight prior to the first draft of the updated Forest Management Plan. After public meetings conclude in mid-January 2025, Clifton Environmental LLC, a Mendocino County based forestry and environmental consulting firm, will work with CAL FIRE to prepare an updated draft then seek additional public comment in the late Spring and early summer of 2025 to create the final draft.
These initial meetings will be facilitated by Kitchen Table Consulting, LLC, a Mendocino County based facilitation team, and will include presentations from experts and activities for public engagement.
The public is encouraged to pre-register for each meeting they wish to attend. Pre-registration will ensure people receive materials in advance to help prepare for the workshops at the meetings. A Zoom option for each meeting will also be provided; however, Zoom participants will be in listening mode only, and provided a path for comment after the meeting notes are posted to the public.
The Public Meeting Topics, Schedule, Locations and Times are as follows:
Topic: JDSF History, the Management Plan Process and How to Get Involved
Monday, Oct. 21, 5-7 PM: Fort Bragg – Town Hall
Tuesday, Oct., 22, 5-7 PM: Ukiah – Saturday Afternoon Clubhouse
Topic: Tribal Co-Management
Tuesday, Oct. 29, 5-7 PM: Fort Bragg – Town Hall
Wednesday, Oct. 30, 6-8 PM: Ukiah – Senior Center
Topic: Restoration Ecology
Monday, Nov. 18, 6-8 PM: Ukiah – Saturday Afternoon Clubhouse
Thursday, Nov. 21, 5-7 PM: Fort Bragg – Town Hall
Topic: Restoration Economy
Thursday, Dec. 12: 6-8 PM: Ukiah – Senior Center
Friday, Dec. 13, 5-7 PM: Fort Bragg – Veterans Hall
Pre-register for any or all meetings at https://jacksonstateforestplan.com/register
The JDSF Management Plan, which was last updated in 2016, will provide direction to the next decade of activities on the forest. The process of updating the Jackson Demonstration State Forest Management Plan will also include concurrent engagements with local tribes, which will be led by Alta Archeological Consulting, consultation with the Jackson Advisory Group, and other stakeholders, and will conclude with a presentation to the Board of Forestry, for final approval, in 2026.
CALFIRE values public input on the process and is grateful for continued local interest in the stewardship of Jackson Demonstration State Forest.
Pre-register for any or all meetings at: https://jacksonstateforestplan.com/register
More information www.jacksonstateforestplan.com
Jackson State Forest is a place to have fun. Camp, Swim, Hike, Hunt or plink. It is also a place that Parlin Forks
takes downed trees and makes park tables and benches. Thanks to Jere Melo who brought the Cal Berkeley Mill
to the working prison site. The prison director at that time deserves credit also though his name escapes me. Redwood trees only grow in there limited environment . Redwood trees have a monetary value and the State should keep logging it for preservation and a cash resource for the general fund . Or to off set Prison guard benefits.
Log the forest
Public wants clean restrooms on any road between inland and coast. That’s why I stop at Jackson forest.