The public is invited to participate in a Roadless Rule Citizen Advisory Committee meeting and teleconference on Tuesday, October 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Wednesday, October 3 from 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to discuss the roadless rulemaking process in the Tongass National Forest.  The meeting is being scheduled in anticipation of an announcement later this week that will name the members of the Advisory Committee. 

Topics for the advisory committee meeting include: 

• An overview of the AK roadless rulemaking process and review of lessons from roadless rulemaking processes in other states
• Committee structure, process and operating protocols
• Discussion of member interests and shared principles
• Discussion of opportunities and challenges for the rulemaking process
• Overview of public comments received to date
• Discussion of possible alternative frameworks

Other roadless rulemaking matters may be included on the agenda. The meeting is intended to comply with the requirements of AS 41.17.047(b) and (d).  Public comment is scheduled for 2:45 -3:45 p.m. on October 3.  

The meeting will be held in the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council, Centennial Hall, at 101 Egan Drive, Juneau, Alaska 99801. On Tuesday evening there will also be an informal opportunity for members of the public to “meet and greet” the Committee members from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm at The Prospector Hotel (375 Whittier St).

For anyone interested in providing public comment but not able to attend can use the following conference line: (855) 803-2032; Passcode 9703894438#.

For a copy of the agenda, see the attachment below, go to http://forestry.alaska.gov/whatsnew.htm or contact Diana Portner at DPortner@merid.org or 970-296-3060. For additional information about the meeting, or for special accommodations due to audio or visual impairment, contact Diana using the contact information above. Any individuals wishing to receive announcements of future Roadless Rule Citizen Advisory Committee meetings by e-mail or in hard copy should contact Liz Duxbury to be added to the mailing list.  

For more information, visit: http://www.merid.org/AKroadless

CONTACT: Diana Portner, 970-296-3060, DPortner@merid.org