The LAC Process

"The Limits of Acceptable Change process focuses on human-induced impacts to the environment. Recreation researchers developed this process to determine how much human-induced change is acceptable. The process relies on a strong relationship between the Forest Service and interested citizens. The objective of LAC is to address impacts of public use and to preserve the environmental setting and resources for future recreational use." From the USFS website, Read the rest

The LAC Progress
Post Date May 27, 2008

We received an update on the Limits of Acceptable Change progress from Tim Eling, who has been coordinating the LAC process for the Red River Gorge. Last year, there was speculation that implementation might begin in the spring of this year, but we are now advised to look for implementation projects later in 2009.

The three years of public meetings and workshops were completed earlier this spring. At this point, Tim is compiling the results into a final product for presentation to the Forest Supervisor of the Daniel Boone National Forest, Jerome Perez. After the Forest Supervisor makes the final approval, they can then begin work on implementing LAC projects in the Red River Gorge. The hope is to have a final report to the Forest Supervisor later this summer.

This year, they have deployed a Backcountry Ranger crew in the Gorge. The crew has already begun work to rehabilitate several campsites and user developed trails, and to increase education efforts in the backcountry. The work that they are doing this year will lead to an even greater implementation effort in 2009 and beyond.

The next update of the LAC section of the DBNF website is also expected later this summer.