Scientists To Study Framework

The U.S. Forest Service´s top boss in California wants outside input to modify a Sierra Nevada management plan. The Sierra Nevada Framework was approved in the waning days of the Clinton administration. Regional forester Jack Blackwell says it´s basically sound, but limits logging and could inhibit the agency´s efforts to reduce fire risk. Blackwell says he´ll contract with a high-level group of scientists to answer some management policy questions. The move is likely to raise concerns among environmentalists. They largely support the plan and are suspicious of a review.