Document ga6YnzX4BmqOZp60q7xzjd503

From: Goode, Ann E -FS Sent: 21 Jun 2017 18:21:25+0000 To: Weeks, Andria -FS Cc: Snieckus, Mary -FS Subject: FW: Thank you and follow up Attachments: 2017-06-12 EO 13781 collab letter.pdf, economics Ietterv2.pdf, WildernessSociety_etal_E013781_Junel2.pdf, Outdoor Industry comment on EO 13781.pdf, Outdoor Alliance comment on EO 13781.pdf, NGO_Letter_EO_USDA_May_2017.pdf FYI, A From: Vera Smith [mailto:vera_smith@tws.org] Sent: Wednesday, June 21, 2017 1:12 PM To: Goode, Ann E -FS <aegoode@fs.fed.us>; Velasco, Robert -FS <robertvelasco@fs.fed.us> Cc: josh_hicks@tws.org Subject: Thank you and follow up Dear Robert and Annie, Thank you very much for taking the time to meet two weeks ago, and being so generous with your time. In regard to the Forest Service's implementation of the executive orders, as we discussed, we are looking forward to opportunities to engage in the conversation and review draft products. In that vein, I am attaching a copy of a letter that a number of conservation organizations sent to Chief Tidwell and Acting Deputy Undersecretary Dan Jiron in May asking for transparency and inclusion in the review processes associated with the Executive Orders. In addition, FYI I wanted to share with you the attached letters that were submitted to the OMB Director by various entities in response to the open comment period (closed June 12) on Executive Order 13781: Comprehensive Plan for Reorganizing the Executive Branch. These letters express support for the federal lands agencies, emphasize the benefits they provide the country, and highlight the high return on investment to the taxpayer. As a FYI, we also provided copies of these letters to the Department. Letter from 30 economists across the United States, in support of the public lands agencies explaining how Federal public lands and waters are integral to sustaining healthy local economies. Letter from about 126 recreation organizations and another letter from about 60 recreation businesses from across the U.S. in support of the public land agencies. The letters emphasize the economic value of our federal public lands from a conservation and recreation standpoint. Letter from 51 diverse entities across North Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee in support of Forest Service programs that hugely benefit the communities and economies across the Southern Appalachian region. While the people signing the letter represent diverse interests, they all agree that increased funding for the Forest Service and its collaborative/infrastructure/stewardship programs is a good investment for the American taxpayer. Letter from national conservation organizations - The Wilderness Society, Defenders of Wildlife, Western Environmental Law Center, and Sierra Club - in support of the public land agencies and their conservation and recreation programs. Please let me know if you have questions. With regards, Vera P.S. Please note that b)(6) (josh hicks(5)tws.org) will be the point of contact in my absence. Vera Smith National Forest Planning and Policy Director The Wilderness Society 303.650.5942 www.wilderness.org #OurWild Facebook | Twitter | Instaqram | Medium Josh Hicks We protect wilderness and inspire Americans to carefor our wildplaces