The first SERAL 2.0 record of decision (SERAL 2.0 ROD-1) was signed on July 31, 2024, authorizing most, but not all, of the proposed actions presented in the SERAL 2.0 final environmental impact statement (FEIS). The second SERAL 2.0 record of decision (SERAL 2.0 ROD-2) was signed on January 15, 2025, authoring forest thinning in California spotted owl protected activity centers.
Actions not covered in ROD-1 or ROD-2 include salvage of insect, disease, drought, wildfire, or prescribed fire killed trees and the use of herbicides for fuelbreak maintenance. The SERAL 2.0 team and responsible official have now prepared a DRAFT record of decision to authorize salvage and the use of herbicides to maintain fuelbreaks.
This third draft ROD is titled “Disturbance Response and Maintaining Investments (SERAL 2.0 ROD-3).
Upon publication of the legal notice in the Union Democrat announcing the opportunity to object (expected on March 20, 2025), you will have 45-days to submit written objections regarding the DRAFT decision. Those who have submitted specific written comments related to salvage or the use of herbicides to maintain fuelbreaks are eligible to object.
Objections must be submitted to the Reviewing Officer: Region 5, Regional Forester, USDA Forest Service via this form or if you prefer, written objection may also be mailed to: USDA Forest Service, Region 5, Regional Forester, 1323 Club Drive, Vallejo, CA 94592, Attn: SERAL 2.0 Draft ROD-3.
At a minimum, an objection must include the following: (1) Objector's name and address, with a telephone number, if available; (2) Signature or other verification of authorship upon request (3) When multiple names are listed on an objection, identification of the lead objector; (4) project name, Responsible Official name and title, and name of affected National Forest; (5) A description of those aspects of the proposed project addressed by the objection, including specific issues related to the proposed project; if applicable, how the objector believes the environmental analysis or draft decision specifically violates law, regulation, or policy; suggested remedies that would resolve the objection; supporting reasons for the reviewing officer to consider; and (6) A statement that demonstrates the connection between prior specific written comments on the particular proposed project or activity and the content of the objection, unless the objection concerns an issue that arose after the designated opportunities for comment.
If you would like to discuss SERAL 2.0 Draft ROD-3, ask questions, or seek clarifying information prior to the close of the objection period (estimated to close on Monday, May 5, 2025), please contact Katie Wilkinson, SERAL 2.0 project ID Team Leader and Forest Environmental Coordinator at kathryn.wilkinson@usda.gov.
The form below can be used to submit your comments to the responsible project official.
National Forests have the option to post comments for public viewing on this web site via a public reading room. Active reading rooms allow the public to read or download your letter, including your contact information. If this project has an active reading room, a link labeled “Public Comment Reading Room” will appear on the main project page. The agency may withhold letters containing proprietary information, sensitive cultural or habitat locations, profanity, etc. All letters, including those not posted, will be considered and included as part of the project record.
Disclaimer: All contact information is optional; however, anonymous comments will not provide standing to object.
