Hazardous fuels reduction within stands at high risk for insect and disease out break as well as a high risk fireshed.
The Forest Service values public participation. Communications from the public regarding this project, including commenters' names and contact information, will become part of the public record. Comments, including anonymous comments, will be accepted at any time. However, comments posted after the close of a designated comment period may not be able to be given full consideration.
Fuels and Forest Health Emergency Situation Determination
This EA was prepared using the Fuels and Forest Health Emergency Situation Determination. In Section 40807 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (IIJA) (Public Law 117-58 Nov.15, 2021), the Secretary of Agriculture may determine if an emergency situation occurs on National Forest System land for which immediate implementation of one or more emergency actions is necessary to achieve relief from hazards threatening human health and safety or mitigation of threats to natural resources on National Forest System land or adjacent land. The actions to address the emergency include emergency actions, which include, but are not limited to, the salvage of dead or dying trees, the reforestation or replanting of fire-impacted areas, the removal of hazardous trees near roads and trails, and the removal of hazardous fuels.
The Sufferin’ Springs Vegetation Management project (Sufferin’ Springs project) was authorized to use the Secretary’s Memorandum 1078-006 Fuels and Forest Health Emergency Situation Determination (Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), Section 40807) on June 16, 2025. Under this emergency authority, the Sufferin’ Springs Environmental Assessment (EA) was developed to consider only a proposed action and no action alternative in detail, and the EA and draft decision will not be subject to pre-decisional administrative review (Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2012 (Pub. L. 112-74) as implemented by Subparts A and B of 36 CFR part 218).
Thank you for your continued interest in this planning area. We look forward to hearing from you.
Brianna Carollo
