Still time for public commentary on the Statewide Forest Resource Assessment & Strategy (FRAS)
The following is a reminder sent out by BuckeyeForestCouncil.org:
The following notice regarding a new Division of Forestry planning process called Statewide Forest Resource Assessment & Strategy was recently released to Ohioans. Please pass this information along to your network(s) and plan on attending one of the sessions to speak your mind about the future of our public forests.
From the ODNR notice:
ODNR Division of Forestry is seeking your help to identify key issues, threats, and opportunities associated with Ohio’s forest resources. Your input will contribute to a statewide forest resource assessment & strategy that spans public and private forestlands, and urban and rural areas. The Statewide Forest Resource Assessment & Strategy (FRAS) is being developed as required by the 2008 Federal Farm Bill.
More details about the FRAS project will be posted here by December 11th. The webpage will include draft FRAS documents and a stakeholder survey on issues, threats, and opportunities for Ohio’s forests.
Surveys and comments will be accepted until January 15, 2010.
Please submit questions, comments, &/or completed surveys by one of the following methods:
1. E-mail Ohio’s FRAS Coordinator Cotton Randall at: Cotton.Randall@dnr.state.oh.us .
2. Attend one of five regional stakeholder meetings (please RSVP if attending; the webpage has more details):
• Findlay ODNR Office, 952 Lima Ave., December 16, 2009 at 1:00-4:30pm
• Akron ODNR Wildlife Office, 912 Portage Lakes Dr., December 18, 2009 at 9:00-12:30pm
• Columbus ODNR Office-Fountain Square, 2045 Morse Rd., Building E-1, January 5, 2010 at 1:00-4:30pm
• Athens ODNR Office, 360 E. State St., January 7, 2010 at 1:00-4:30pm
• Cox Arboretum in Dayton, 6733 Springboro Pike, January 13 at 12:30-4:00pm
3. Mail completed survey to:
Cotton Randall
Ohio Division of Forestry
2045 Morse Road, Building H-1
Columbus, Ohio 43229-6693
Phone: 614-265-6667
Email: Cotton.Randall@dnr.state.oh.us
Let your network members and friends know that if they do not have internet access, they can contact Mr. Randall at 614-265-6667 to have a hard copy of survey mailed.
