The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service has approved a land management plan amendment for six national forests in Oregon and southeast Washington. This amendment focuses on replacing the previous 21-inch diameter tree standard with a new guideline highlighting the importance of preserving both old and large trees. The decision reflects input from a public comment period and results in no significant environmental impact. James Hubbard, Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment, signed the final decision, which is now effective immediately.
Simple Explanation
The USDA has decided that trees in some forests in Oregon and southeast Washington don't need to be super huge and old to be important, and they listened to what some people had to say before deciding. But, they didn't explain some big words or how they will check if the plan is working, and there's no way for people to say they don't like this decision.