Pack Goat Ban in the Wind River Range

[Dave-Trinity-Farms]

LOL I love how when people say "I mean no offense" or "I dont mean any disrespect" then follow it with exactly what they "dont mean". cracks me up! I like your enthusiasm!

[vigilguy]

Speaking for the North American Packgoat Association as the Land Use Committee Chairman, NAPgA deeply and sincerely appreciates the outpouring of financial support recently. Thousands of dollars have recently come in to the organization from those who are able to help fund our attorney fees and court costs. Thank you so much! We have received donations as low as $10, and as high as $1000. We appreciate each and every donation, no matter how small. All of us have places to where our money can be allocated, so thank you for sending some of it NAPgA's direction.

NAPgA's membership numbers are pathetically low at the moment. Less than 100 current paid-up members at present, if you can believe it. I would like to see our membership base over 1000 active members by the end of this year.

Let's face it. All of us here LOVE goats. They are kind, affectionate animals, for the most part. I love mine as trail companions. They are smart working animals who have an incredible desire to please me.

So, I would like to invite all of you who are not currently members of NAPgA, to please sign up and become a member of the national organization! All of you have something positive to contribute to goatpacking.

[Dave-Trinity-Farms]

Will there be a speedy sign up process at the rendy? I know the process (down load the PDF file and send it in with a check via mail) is not complicated but when someone is spending money on something like a membership that they dont HAVE to have, you really need to make the process as painless and easy as possible. You add even 1 step that requires them to "work" to do it, they wont be inclined to sign up.

[vigilguy]

I agree, Dave. I really appreciate the suggestion. Seems a little archaic in this day and age of electronics. You are exactly right. I will talk with Larry about it.

[Saph]

The comment period for the Blue Mountain Forest Plan has been extended until August 15. We all need to comment if we want to have legal standing in this process:
BAKER CITY, OR - The time to comment on the Blue Mountains National Forests Proposed Revised Land Management Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Statement has been extended by 60 days; deadline for submitting comments is now August 15th. Regional Forester Kent Connaughton approved the extension in order for the public to have time to review the extensive document and submit comments.

From Malheur, Umatilla, and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests:
The Proposed Revised Forest Plan and DEIS became available for review on March 14, 2014 for a minimum 90-day comment period. The 90-day comment period was originally set to end on June 16, 2014, as identified in the federal register (https://federalregister.gov/a/2014-05674); however is now extended to August 15, 2014. The intent is to have the Extension of the Comment Period notice posted in the Federal Register on April 25, 2014.

The comment period is an opportunity for the public to be involved in the decision making process, to offer thoughts on alternative ways the Forest Service can accomplish what is proposed, and to comment on the agency’s preferred alternative and analysis. Input provided by the public will help determine management direction for the final Forest Plans.

The Proposed Revised Land Management Plan (commonly known as a Forest Plan) and Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) covers the Malheur, Umatilla, Wallowa-Whitman National Forests, and a portion of the Ochoco National Forest (Blue Mountains National Forests).

A Forest Plan is a document that guides land management decisions (project or site-specific level planning) for a period of about 15 years. The Forest Plan is strategic in nature and does not approve projects or actions on National Forest System (NFS) lands; for example it does not close specific roads, trails, or areas – further NEPA and public engagement is required on these types of site-specific level decisions.

Interested parties may submit comments in a variety of ways. The Forest Service encourages the public to use the electronic system for submitting comments, which is available at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/BlueMountain...nComments. Comments may also be submitted in writing to: Blue Mountain Plan Revision Team, P.O. Box 907, Baker City, OR, 97814 or faxed to 541-523-6392. Comments received, including names and addresses of those who comment, will become part of the project record and are available for public review. It is the responsibility of the persons providing comments to submit them by the close of the comment period (August 15, 2014) and ensure their comments have been received.

The DEIS and Proposed Revised Forest Plan can be downloaded from the Blue Mountains Forest Plan Revision website: http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/BlueMtnsPlanRevision. Printed copies and/or compact discs (CDs) are available upon request by emailing: bluemtnplanrevision@fs.fed.us, or by calling 541-523-1302 or 541-523-1246; and also available to read at local libraries and Forest District Offices.

[Dave-Trinity-Farms]

The link to comment on line doesnt load. Just gives a white page. I think its a FS site issue though.

Am looking on the next for the link and this link that I found also doesnt work
http//www.fs.usda.gov/goto/BlueMountainForestPlanRevisionComments

I did find this link. Is it the right one and will it work?
https://cara.ecosystem-management.org/Pu...ject=31195

Ok as far as I can tell this ^^^ link here takes you directly to the downloads AND the electronic submission page.

[Dave-Trinity-Farms]

Blue Mountains Forest Plan Revision #31195
Thank you for Your Comment.

[Curtis King]

TOU TOP OF UTAH
Ken

I have one word to describe every word in your last post.

" Amen "

"Long Live The Pack Goat"
Curtis King

[Nanno]

I'll be attending the Weld County Goat Extravaganza in Greeley this weekend and I'm going to be giving a presentation about packgoats and I'll also have an informational sign and some literature to distribute. I made up a tri-fold leaflet for people to take with them and I'm wondering what ya'll think. This is a rough draft and I'd appreciate any critique/changes/additions/suggestions. The order looks a little goofy in this format, but it's going to be folded into thirds.


  Packgoat.Bans.pdf (Size: 74.06 KB / Downloads: 13)

I made some "Join NAPgA" cards to hand out as well.

[nebs]

Nanno, great job on the pamphlet. I can tell you put a lot of work into it and it will be a great medium to educate others. In the second paragraph of the section titled "Do goats pose a risk to bighorn sheep", I would add the name of the study the Forest Service used and explain a little more as to why their basis is faulty. I think it would give more credibility to the statement. That being said, I really like what you wrote. I would just add to that section. It is refreshing to see so many articulate packgoat members and some really great proactive ideas!