Greater Tahoe Community Townhall on Roadless Forests
Sierra Club is helping organize upcoming Townhalls near Sacramento and in Tahoe in defense of the Roadless Rule, a Forest Service protection approved in 2001 that is now being targeted for repeal. The expected rollback would mark a massive change in forest policy, opening up to 45 million acres nationwide to potential development. These events are an excellent opportunity to report on the response, concerns and actions of local community members, including conservation groups, former USFS employees and experts on forest ecology and fire.
Comments from former Forest District Manager, Trout Unlimited, Tahoe Backcountry Alliance and more.
Reporting logistics: Each event are expecting large attendance, with opportunities to take photos, interview experts and local leaders, and take photos/videos of public turnout.
Background: The U.S. Forest Service's Roadless Rule protects roughly 4 million acres across California from the construction of roads, which are used by industry for logging, mining and development. After proposing a rollback of the rule last year, Trump's Forest Service hasn't held any public hearings in communities that would be effective. Conservation and public interest groups are responding with "DIY" Townhalls across the country, many receiving large turnout.
Can't make these events? Let me know if you're interested in remote reporting or if you'd be available for future Townhalls, which include LA on May 18, and Bishop, Ojai, Ventura and Santa Barbara at the end of the month.
