FR 2025-05379

Overview

The document announces a public meeting by the Land Between the Lakes Advisory Board, scheduled for April 9, 2025. This board operates under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service. The primary function of the board is to provide advice to the Secretary of Agriculture regarding public participation in planning and managing the Land Between the Lakes Recreation Area, including aspects like environmental education and forest management.

Meeting Details

The meeting will occur both in-person in Golden Pond, Kentucky, and virtually, enhancing accessibility. Interested parties have until April 4, 2025, to register to provide oral comments or submit written comments. The board will discuss several topics, including updates on previous business, current environmental education efforts, natural resource management, approving previous meeting minutes, and planning future meetings.

Significant Issues and Concerns

One concern noted in the notice is the late publication of the meeting due to additional administrative matters. This delay might hinder public participation and transparency for stakeholders wishing to engage with the board's activities.

Additionally, while the USDA states its commitment to non-discrimination, the phrase "not all bases apply to all programs" is rather vague and could cause confusion. More explicit guidance would help ensure that the policy is correctly understood and applied.

The requirement for pre-registration for oral comments and the limitation to one speaking slot per individual can be seen as overly restrictive, potentially limiting public input and engagement in the meeting.

The document also highlights the shared contact for submitting comments, making it unclear who is responsible for managing these submissions and how they are organized. This might lead to logistical issues or confusion for those attempting to participate.

Impact on the Public

The meeting holds importance for those interested in resource management and environmental education at the Land Between the Lakes Recreation Area. By facilitating public involvement, the USDA can gather valuable input for crafting policies.

The late notice, however, raises concerns about whether interested individuals will have sufficient time to prepare, register, and participate, possibly impacting the overall breadth of public engagement and input.

Impacts on Specific Stakeholders

Stakeholders like environmental organizations, local communities, educators, and recreational users may have a considerable interest in the meeting outcomes. The ability to participate virtually represents a positive step toward inclusivity, as it allows broader access and participation.

However, the constraints on comment registration and speaking slots might restrict meaningful engagement from these groups, minimizing their potential impact. Furthermore, stakeholders with disabilities may benefit from the document's emphasis on ADA compliance, ensuring that necessary accommodations will be provided to enable full participation.

Conclusion

While the document outlines an opportunity for public engagement in critical discussions regarding land management and education at the Land Between the Lakes Recreation Area, there are limitations and challenges. These include a tight registration window due to the late notice and potential barriers for comment submissions. Addressing these concerns could enhance transparency and public involvement in the board's advisory processes.