The Thorne Bay Ranger District has released a more detailed scoping document and opened another 30-day comment period for the proposed Thorne Bay Basin Integrated Resource Management Project (TBB IRMP). Feedback from the original scoping comment period in the Fall of 2022 identified a need for greater detail in the scoping document.
The TBB IRMP is a comprehensive plan with multiple resource objectives, including identifying and improving wildlife habitat, improving stream connectivity, removing fish barriers, and providing an economically and ecologically sustainable supply of young growth timber to transition away from old growth harvest. The Proposed Action supports a healthy resilient forest, economic benefits to local communities, fish and wildlife habitat, cultural and traditional uses, subsistence, and other authorized uses.
The comment period began September 19, 2023 upon publication in the Ketchikan Daily News, and will run for 30 days. The results of scoping are used to clarify public involvement methods, refine issues, establish analysis criteria, and explore possible alternatives and their probable environmental effects. Comments that propose specific modifications to the proposed action or analyses, and provide reasons are most helpful. Comments can be submitted:
Please refer to the Fall 2023 Scoping Document (in Fall 2023 folder below) to review the purpose and need for the proposal, a summary and full description of the Proposed Action, as well as maps.
How to Comment and Timeframe
Individuals and organizations wishing to be eligible to object must meet the information requirements of 36 CFR 218 Subparts A and B. Specific written comments on the proposed project will be accepted for 30 days following the date of publication of this notice in the Ketchikan Daily News, the newspaper of record for the Thorne Bay Ranger District. The publication date in the newspaper of record is the exclusive means for calculating the comment period for a proposed action documented in an EA. Those wishing to comment should not rely upon dates or timeframe information provided by any other source.
The proposed project is an activity implementing a land management plan and is subject to 36 CFR 218, Subparts A and B. Only individuals or entities who submit timely and specific written comments about this proposed project or activity during this or another public comment period established by the Responsible Official will be eligible to file an objection. Comments must be within the scope of the proposed action, have a direct relationship to the proposed action, and include supporting reasons for the Responsible Official to consider. Persons submitting comments must provide the following information: name and address; title of the proposed project; specific written comments; and signature or other verification of identity upon request. Other requirements to be eligible to submit an objection are listed at 36 CFR 218.25(a)(3). It is the responsibility of the sender to ensure timely receipt of any comments submitted.
Specific written comments for the Responsible Official may be submitted by going to the project website (https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62854) and choosing Comment/Object on Project. Electronic comments shall be in a format compatible with the current version of MS Word. If you cannot enter comments electronically, you may also hand-deliver or mail comments to the Thorne Bay District Office, Attn: TBB IRMP, POB 19001, Thorne Bay, AK 99919.
Based on preliminary analysis, the Forest Service is proceeding with development of an Environmental Assessment. If there is a finding of no significant impact, this may be the public’s final opportunity to comment on this project prior to the release of the draft FONSI and draft decision, at which time there would be the opportunity to submit objections.
For more information about the project, please contact Quentin Hall, Project Lead, at 907-828-3304 or quentin.hall@usda.gov.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
Ken Ostrom
