New Mexico Geological Society Annual Spring Meeting — Abstracts

Each of the six National Forests in New Mexico are developing precedent-setting land management plans. These plans, called "Forest Plans," will set direction for management of all natural resources (including mineral/geologic resources) on 9,347,473 acres of National Forest land in New Mexico.

Public participation is the prime mover in the planning process. The course and final destination of planning i s a response to various public interests (recreation, environment, industry, professions, etc.) and to the resource issues and opportunities they raise. If an interest group "misses the boat," the Forest Plan may miss or treat inadequately their particular resource interest. In contrast, if an interest group gets "on board," the Forest Plan will be influenced by their interest, information and insight.

Will Forest lands give due consideration to mineral/geologic resources along wi th other natural resources? The answer depends on how much interest, information, and insight about mineral/geologic resources emerges during the planning process.

The Forest Service encourages public comments on draft Forest Plans. Your comments are invited.