Jackson Forest Advisory Group

Hikers in Brandon Gulch on Jackson Celebration Day

The Jackson Demonstration State Forest Advisory Group, known affectionately as the JAG, was authorized by the management plan for Jackson Forest approved in January, 2008. Charter.

The advisory group will play a key role in defining the future of Jackson Forest. It has up to three years to consider how best to manage the forest in the public interest and to recommend changes to the management plan to the Director of Cal Fire and the Board of Forestry.

Members were appointed by the Director and confirmed by the Board. The JAG currently has 13 members (out of 14 authorized). Members represent a broad cross section of  interests in Jackson Forest.  Members were drawn from the timber and logging industry, environmental and conservation organizations, scientific and research fields, and recreation representatives. All members are to represent the public, not the interests with which they may be affiliated. Members.

All meetings will be open to the public, and the advisory group will organize subcommittees that will include non-group members with relevant interest and expertise. Calendar and Agenda.

John Helms Appointed JAG Chair

April 29, 2008. Cal Fire Director Ruben Grijalva announced the appointment of John Helms to the Chair of the Jackson Advisory Group (JAG). Director Grijalva noted, "Dr. Helms is a Professor Emeritus of silviculture from the University of California, Berkeley. He has had a long and distinguished career of research, teaching, and professional service in his field. For example, he recently completed a term as President of the Society of American Foresters."

Cal Fire Announces Plans for Resuming Timber Harvesting in Jackson Forest

April 29, 2008. In a letter to newly appointed Jackson Advisory Group members, Cal Fire Director Ruben Grijalva outlined the department's plans for resuming timber operations in Jackson State Forest under the management plan approved earlier this year. Logging has been halted by court order since 2001.

The first timber harvest plan (THP) to be submitted will be for Northfork Spur and will have an "Option (a)" document attached. Director Grijalva explained, "This is a document we are required to prepare under the Forest Practice Rules to demonstrate how management of JDSF [Jackson Demonstration State Forest] will achieve 'maximum sustained production of high quality timber products.' ... [A] typically lengthy review of the Option (a) is conducted, resulting in a slow review process for the THP."

It is unlikely that Northfork Spur will get into operation in 2008. It should be noted, also, that the Option (a) requirements are very loose and don't really require "maximum timber production". Rather, the central requirement is that the level of logging be sustainable.

Northfork Spur is an area of old second growth redwoods, unentered since the original logging about 100 years ago. This stand has potential high values for restoration, habitat, and recreation. Director Grijalva recognizes its importance, "This harvesting plan is in an area identified as "sensitive" according to the Management Plan and other public comment. As such, we will bring the Northfork Spur THP forward for JAG review and comment. If I determine that changes to the Northfork Spur THP are necessary, based on the JAG's recommendations, CAL FIRE will file an amendment to the THP."

Review by the JAG, with ample opportunity for public input, is one of the benefits to the public built into the new management plan. It will be important for members of the public to express their views on Northfork Spur.

Cal Fire plans to submit a second THP for approval this year, 14 Gulch, without JAG review. Director Grijalva explains, "While this THP also is in an area designated as sensitive in the Management Plan, CAL FIRE will not be bringing this THP to the Advisory Group for review. The Management Plan permits THPs in sensitive areas to skip Advisory Group review if necessary to allow resumption of the Forest's harvesting program in the 2008 operating season. I have determined that this faster track approach for the 14 Gulch THP is necessary to ensure that it can be operated on in this year's operating season.

Although lack of JAG review is a loss to the public, it needs to be viewed in perspective. This is the only THP that is likely to go without JAG review during the three year initial period. It will still be subject to the strict initial-period harvest restrictions, which prevent clearcuts or mini-clearcuts ("group selection"), limit the volume removed to 30% of the stand outside of stream zones, and require that the average size of trees be maintained.

On the plus side, Cal Fire needs to demonstrate to the timber community that the compromises embedded in the new management plan will not continue to prevent timber harvesting, and Cal Fire needs the revenue from the 14 Gulch timber sale to finance staffing and operations of Jackson Forest. Overall, the decision to go forward with 14 Gulch without JAG review seems understandable and reasonable.