The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service invites the public to comment on a draft plan that will guide forest management practices for the 1.1 million-acre Lincoln National Forest in Southern New Mexico for the next 10 to 15 years.

According to the USDA, the draft revision process will be conducted in two phases, the first of which is complete. The first phase assessed the condition of forest resources to determine the "Need for Change." The second phase is underway and involves developing the forest plan and an environmental impact statement.

The draft forest plan will be used to guide how forest resources will be managed and the EIA explains how management activities will impact the environment and forest. 

"It is time for us to revise our existing plan," the USDA wrote on its website. "We invite you to work with us to develop a new plan that promotes a healthy, diverse, and productive Lincoln National Forest. Our goal is to remain inclusive and efficient as we move through the collaborative planning process. Our goal is to remain inclusive and efficient as we move through the collaborative planning process."

The forest plan and the EIA are open for public comment until Nov. 5. To submit comments visit the Lincoln National Forest website.

"Your feedback will help us incorporate how the public would like to see their National Forest managed," the USDA stated.

According to its Wikipedia page, Lincoln National Forest is managed under the U.S. Forest Service and is located in Southern New Mexico. The Lincoln Forest Reserve, spans 1,103,897 acres and begins near the Texas border and spreads to parts of Chaves, Eddy, Lincoln and Otero counties.

The Lincoln Forest Reserve was established by presidential proclamation in 1902.

The forest headquarters is located in Alamogordo, New Mexico.