The Forest Service and members of a coalition of timber industry leaders and representatives from environmental groups are invited to make presentations and answer questions about the coalition’s alternative plan to Forest Service management.

Commissioners here and elsewhere are raising concerns about public access, fire management, road closures and other interests that are critical to the use of the 3.3 million-acre forest. Providing timber for area sawmills and protecting fisheries are also management goals.

The coalition presented its plan to commissioners in May, but Guay said the complex issues need to be clarified, and many questions still need to be answered.

“We want to be able to hear more about both proposals,” Guay said.

Guay says it’s time for citizens to get involved in the process.

“The commission is trying to formulate an opinion, and they’d like to hear from the public,” Guay said Friday. “If you’ve got concerns about how the forests are managed — and they are your forests — come on out and tell the commissioners what you think.” Reporter Vera Haffey may be reached via e-mail at vera.haffey@lee.net.

Meeting set for Monday A public meeting to discuss the Forest Service’s Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest management plan and alternative proposals submitted by a coalition of environmentalists and timber industry leaders is set for Monday, July 10, at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Service Center building at 118 East Seventh St., Anaconda.