Submitting public comments on proposed federal actions and projects or agency rules and regulations is one of the best and most effective ways to shape public policy. Here are some tips for writing comments on forest management projects and agency rules and regulations.
How to write useful comments on Forest Service projects
Most of the public comments Bark solicits pertain to specific forest management projects on Mt. Hood National Forest. Therefore, the agency we deal with most often is the Forest Service or its parent agency, the U.S. Department of Agriculture. While the Forest Service has hitherto been required to consider public comments, some comments are more effective than others.
Support with Specific Suggestion
- Ex.,”I support the proposed [ACTION OR STRATEGY] to address [ISSUE OR CONCERN] in this region. [EXPLANATION OF WHY THIS ACTION IS BENEFICIAL]. However, I recommend including [ADDITIONAL ACTION OR PLAN] to ensure *[EXPECTED OUTCOME OR IMPROVEMENT].”
Disagreement with Proposed Measures
- Ex., “I disagree with the proposed [ACTION OR STRATEGY] for addressing [ISSUE OR IMPACT]. While [CURRENT STRATEGY] is important, it may not fully address [SPECIFIC CONCERN OR GAP]. I suggest incorporating [ADDITIONAL STRATEGY OR IMPROVEMENT] to better protect *[RESOURCE OR OUTCOME].”
Support with Justification
- Ex., ”The project’s focus on [ACTION OR STRATEGY] seems aligned with [ECONOMIC OR ENVIRONMENTAL GOAL]. [EXPLANATION OF HOW THE ACTION SUPPORTS THIS GOAL]. By implementing [SPECIFIC IMPROVEMENT OR ADDITIONAL STRATEGY], the project could benefit both [GROUP OR COMMUNITY] and [ENVIRONMENTAL OR ECONOMIC OUTCOME].”
Concern and Suggestion for Improvement
- Ex., “While I appreciate that the project acknowledges [ISSUE OR CONCERN], I am concerned that it does not fully integrate [MISSING COMPONENT OR STRATEGY]. [EXPLANATION OF WHY THE COMPONENT OR STRATEGY IS IMPORTANT]. I suggest [ACTION TO INCORPORATE OR IMPROVE THE PLAN] to address this aspect effectively.”
Generally speaking, unique, individualized comments that convey the impact of the agency’s actions on you or your community are more effective than signing on to a standardized form letter.
Types of comments that are not useful for the process
Vague and Unclear
- ”You need to stop all [ACTION OR STRATEGY]—it’s too [NEGATIVE EMOTION OR OUTCOME]!”
- This comment is unclear and does not provide any evidence or alternatives to address [ISSUE OR CONCERN], making it difficult for decision-makers to respond meaningfully.
Generalized and Lacking Specificity
- ”You should [ACTION OR STRATEGY] more. It’s important and should be included.”
- This comment is vague and lacks specificity. While it highlights an important issue, it does not provide clear examples or recommendations on how [ACTION OR STRATEGY] could be better integrated into the project, making it less actionable.
Unrelated Complaint
- ”[ISSUE OR CONCERN] doesn’t matter as much as [UNRELATED ISSUE]. Stop all [ACTION OR STRATEGY]!”
- This comment dismisses [ISSUE OR CONCERN] entirely without offering data or alternatives, making it less constructive. It also doesn’t acknowledge the project’s focus on [SPECIFIC GOAL OR OUTCOME].
Additional guidance on best practices for public comments can be found here.