Meeting targets proposed wilderness

U.S. Forest Service is identifying lands in the national forests that could be designated wilderness areas and will hold a meeting for public comments at the Palomar Ranger District office on May 31.

Palomar Ranger District is part of the Cleveland National Forest. The meeting will be from 4 to 7 p.m. in the district office, 1634 Black Canyon Road.

Once an area is designated as wilderness, no motorized roads will be allowed, said Brian Harris, public affairs officer for Cleveland National Forest. Trails are allowed and new trails can be built in designated wilderness areas, he said.

Congressional approval is required for an area of a national forest to be designated as wilderness, said Harris.

Areas with lands recommended for wilderness designation include Cedar Creek, Upper San Diego River, Eagle Peak, Black Mountain, Barker Valley, Caliente, and Sill Hill. The forest service’s proposed amendment to land management plans is available for public review at www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=35130. The public comment period closes June 11.