Comment on FR Doc # 2026-13281
AnonymousOpposeIndividual
Summary: The commenter is a private individual who opposes the proposed rule change that would limit public comment on Forest Service Manuals and Handbooks. They argue that these documents are critical for land-use planning and that removing public oversight would prevent the identification of poor management decisions.
I’m writing to oppose this rule change, which would cut the public out of decisions about how the Forest Service manages the land we all rely on.
[Put here what forest you personally connect with and describe what you do there and why you want to be included in decisions on that land]
Forest Service Manuals and Handbooks set the rules for grazing allotments, timber sales, mining exploration, and land-use planning on the ground. They shouldn’t be treated as advisory texts.
Rolling back comment access on directive changes removes one of the only tools the public has to catch bad decisions before they’re locked in. Changes to a Forest Service Handbook can shape everything from mining review to trail access and the public deserves a say in that.
I’m asking the Forest Service to withdraw this proposal and keep directive changes, Manual and Handbook alike, open to public comment.