"The National Forests and Grasslands in Texas (NFGT) are initiating their Forest Plan Revision.

Forest Plans are the overarching documents that guide all management decisions and activities on lands managed by the United States Forest Service.

The existing Forest Plan for the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas was written in 1996 and no longer represents the current needs of the forests, grasslands, and neighboring communities. For instance, demographics and development patterns have changed, new technologies have emerged, budgets have declined, and values and expectations for public lands have changed over time. Completion of the revision will provide strategic direction to guide management of forest and grassland resources and be a framework for decision making for site specific projects and activities.

We invite you to attend one or more public meetings as we begin our Forest Plan Revision; times and dates are listed below. Remember, you don't need a degree in forestry or resource management to be involved. We want you involved and we value your opinions! The NFGT will be hosting six meetings between March 20th and April 6th 2017 in communities near the National Forest and Grassland units. During this first round of public meetings, we will be asking for your thoughts on issues or concerns you may have about the forests and grasslands as well as existing management that you would like to see carried forward through plan revision. Please bring your past experiences from the forests and grasslands to share with the group and think about how you would like to see the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas managed over the next 10-20 years."

Dan,
I live in Houston and regularly hunt SHNF, DCNF, Orange and Crockett areas. Where and when will any of these meetings be for our region and where can I find the agenda? I have several people asking me to attend and present as I have been very vocal for years to no avail. I have written the TP&W, Forestry office..., I can't seem to get any feedback on how we can make a difference in hunting the forest and changing the rules. As you said, they have been in effect since 1996 97 and many things have changed. For example, we can not hunt any land not ours without written permission in hand. It used to be acceptable that if the land was not fenced or posted there was an assumption that it was o.k. by the owner to hunt but pack out what you packed in. Now, we can be arrested just for walking across property not our own if we don't have the permission slip in our hand. And you simply can not find the owners of unposted or unfenced property anymore that a corral of lawyers don't step in the way.

March 27, 6-8pm
North Montgomery County Community Center,
600 Gerald St.
Willis, TX