A federal plan to manage more than 13,000 acres of the Laguna Mountains in the Cleveland National Forest is drawing concern from conservation advocates, according to East County Magazine.

The U.S. Forest Service says the Laguna Mountains Forest Restoration Project is intended to improve forest and meadow health, reduce wildfire risk and restore fire-adapted ecosystem processes. Proposed work includes selective tree thinning, shrub density management, hazardous fuel breaks, prescribed fire and meadow restoration.

East County Magazine reported that The Chaparral Lands Conservancy is opposing the plan, arguing that parts of the project would damage montane chaparral and meadow habitat. The story cites concerns about bulldozers, mastication equipment, chainsaws and herbicides, while also noting the Forest Service’s position that long-term fire suppression has left the area more vulnerable to drought, insects, disease and severe fire.

For Santee and East County residents, the Laguna Mountains are not just distant backcountry. They are part of the region’s wildfire landscape and a popular destination for hiking, snow play, camping and mountain drives, making forest management decisions there relevant beyond the immediate project boundary.

Project documents are available through the U.S. Forest Service, and East County Magazine reports that public input is being sought as the environmental review continues.