JACKSON - People interested in the future of the Shoshone National Forest should plan on attending one of this and next week's meetings marking the early stages of forest plan revision.

The Shoshone began public meetings about revising the plan in May. Since then, the forest has received about 320 comments about what needs to be changed in the current plan, which was approved in 1986, according to the agency.

The forest's plan revision team used the comments to develop a preliminary list of topics that the new management plan should address and is asking the public to attend these meetings to help refine the list.

A forest plan provides overall direction for where, when and how certain activities on the forest can occur. Key areas that a Shoshone forest plan will address include preservation of roadless areas, timber and minerals extraction, and recreation. Fire use and noxious weed prevention will also be considered, among other topics.

Forest plans do not approve projects. In fact, a recent decision by the Bush administration intends to streamline forest plan processes by developing an overarching guide for forest management, then requiring more detailed environmental analyses as specific applications for forest uses are considered.

The Shoshone's revision planning team and the local district rangers will be available at the meetings to answer questions.

Shoshone National Forest plan meetings:

* Today, Riverton Branch Library, 1330 W. Park Ave., Riverton, 6-8:30 p.m.

* Monday, Big Horn Federal, 1701 Stampede, Cody, 6-8:30 p.m.

* Tuesday, Holiday Inn, 115 E. Park, Thermopolis, 6-8:30 p.m.

* Additionally, the Government Cooperators' Work Group will meet on Wednesday at Big Horn Federal, 1701 Stampede, Cody, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The public is welcome to attend the Work Group meeting to observe the proceedings. At the end of the meeting, there will be time for nonmembers to make statements and ask questions.