GLICKMAN REQUESTS NOMINATIONS FOR COMMITTEE OF SCIENTISTS

                                            Release No. 0275.97



                                   Alan Polk     (202) 205-1134
                                   Jim Petterson (202) 720-4623
                                         jim.petterson@usda.gov

GLICKMAN REQUESTS NOMINATIONS FOR COMMITTEE OF SCIENTISTS

     WASHINGTON, Aug. 15, 1997--Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman today
announced nominations are now being requested for membership on the
Committee of Scientists which will provide the Secretary with scientific and
technical recommendations on the Forest Service land management planning
process.

     "It is time to take a fresh look at the Forest Service's land and
resource management planning process in light of emerging ecosystem
mangement efforts,"Glickman said. "We are committed to streamlining
processes while ensuring biodiversity, long-term sustainability, and public
collaboration in current and future forest planning efforts."

     The Committee of Scientists will evaluate the current process and make
recommendations on how to accomplish better sound resource management
planning.  They will consider topics such as biological diversity, use of
recent ecosystem assessments, and sustainable forestry as they pertain to
future Forest Land and Resource Management plans.  The committee will also
provide comments for the Forest Service to consider for incorporation into
the revised planning regulations.

     "Our business on the National Forests is changing,"said Under
Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment Jim Lyons. "We need a highly
credible scientific team to update the planning process to reflect evolving
priorities such as recreation, water quality, public involvement, and
sustainability."

     The Committee of Scientists will consist of 13 individuals from
disciplines including: forest and range ecology, fish and wildlife biology,
silviculture, hydrology, sociology, land management planning, and natural
resource law.

     Nominations for membership on the committee, which is chartered under
the Federal Advisory Committee Act, should be submitted by August 30 via
mail to the Director, Ecosystem Mangement Coordination, Mail Stop 1104,
Forest Service, P.O. Box 96090, Washington, DC, 20090-6090, or by telefax to
the Director, Ecosystem Mangement Coordination at (202) 205-1012.

     Notice of the establishment of the Committee of Scientists and the
request for nominations is published in the Federal Register on Aug. 15. 
Additional information can be obtained by contacting Jonathan Stephens,
Ecosystem Mangement Coordination Staff, Forest Service, telephone: (202)
205-0948.

                                
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