Tongass National Forest

This is a potential concern because problems with NEPA documentation slow the implementation of the Forest Plan. The problems have often been described as “analysis paralysis” when it takes several years to get even the simplest NEPA completed. Once the NEPA is completed, more time is spent on appeals and litigation to respond to certain public concerns. The entire process may take from two to five years until a project can be implemented.

The Forest Plan estimated outputs in many resources including an annual timber sale quantity. If NEPA documentation stays as inefficient as it is currently, these outputs may not be met. The Tongass National Forest has stated goals and objectives in the Forest Plan.

There should be a checklist, templates, or other tools that promote the minimum analysis that should occur for each resource that is necessary to support informed decision making. All NEPA analysis and documents should be issue driven and take advantage of the analyses, LUDs, and standards and guides included in the Forest Plan process.

The Forest has established a policy for Forest-level NEPA review, which is designed to promote consistency and efficiency across the Forest. This policy also includes roles and responsibilities for all involved in the NEPA process, including the role of subject matter experts as a means of fostering communication.

Monitor current policy, evaluate the findings relative to promoting consistency and efficiency, and make recommendations for adjustments to the policy if necessary.

• Forest NEPA Coordinators

• Finalize the templates, checklists, and other guiding tools to provide guidance and help create efficiency opportunities.
• Monitor the NEPA review process