The Objection Period is 10/30/2021 through December 14, 2021, for those eligible.
The USDA Forest Service, San Juan National Forest, has prepared an Environmental Assessment and a Draft Decision Notice for the Southern HDs Landscape Restoration Project. District Ranger James Simino is the Responsible Official for this project, and it is his intention to select the Proposed Action. The decision will authorize a combination of vegetation thinning and fuels reduction methods on about 35,000 acres in the HD Mountains.
The EA and Draft Decision Notice are available on-line at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=58742 . These documents are also available for review at the Columbine Ranger District Office at 367 Pearl Street, Bayfield, Colorado. For more information call 970-884-2512.
This draft decision is subject to administrative review (objection) pursuant to 36 CFR 218 Subparts A and B. Objections will be accepted only from those who have previously submitted specific written comments regarding the proposed project during scoping or other designated opportunity for public comment in accordance with §218.5(a). Issues raised in objections must be based on previously submitted timely, specific written comments regarding the proposed project, unless based on new information arising after the designated comment opportunities.
Objections, including attachments, must be in writing. Electronic filing is preferred and should be submitted at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=58742 . Other options are fax to 970-375-2331, or via postal service or courier service to: Objection Reviewing Officer, Forest Supervisor Kara Chadwick, San Juan National Forest, 15 Burnett Court, Durango, CO 81301. Because of the current office closure due to covid-19, personal hand-delivery at this address should be coordinated by calling Mark Lambert 970-799-2331.
Objections must be submitted within 45 calendar days following the publication of this notice in the newspaper of record (Durango Herald). The publication date in the newspaper of record is the exclusive means for calculating the time to file an objection. Those wishing to object should not rely upon dates or timeframe information provided by any other source. The regulations prohibit extending the time to file an objection.
Objections must contain the minimum content requirements specified in §218.8(d); incorporation of documents by reference is permitted only as provided in §218.8(b). It is the objector’s responsibility to ensure timely filing of a written objection with the reviewing officer pursuant to §218.9. All objections are available for public inspection during and after the objection process.
James Simino
