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District Ranger Debbie Cress of the Tonto National Forest Payson Ranger District has prepared an environmental assessment (EA) finding of no significant impact (FONSI) and draft decision notice (DN) for the Payson Off-Highway (OHV) Recreation Project. The proposed action for the OHV Recreation Project is to 1) Prohibit motorized vehicle use within 200 feet for stream corridors identified in the EA; 2) Designate three OHV staging areas; and 3) Identify a potential future OHV campground site as detailed in Chapter 2 of the Final EA. The three main components of the proposed action will be implemented in a manner that is consistent with the management goals and objectives identified for Management areas 4D and 4F in the Tonto National Forest Plan and maintains or improves natural resource conditions.

The EA FONSI and draft DN are available for review on-line at: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=43717. These documents are also available for review at the Payson Ranger District Office. Questions about this authorization should be directed to Anne Thomas at (602) 225-5213 or mariannethomas@fs.fed.us.

How to file an Objection and Timeframe

Objections will only be accepted from those who have previously submitted specific written comments regarding the proposed action during scoping or other designated opportunity for public comment in accordance with 36 CFR 218.5(a). Issues raised in objections must be based on previously submitted timely and specific written comments regarding the proposed action unless based on new information arising after the designated comment opportunities.

Objections including attachments must be submitted to the reviewing officer: Neil Bosworth Tonto National Forest Supervisor 2324 E. McDowell Rd. Phoenix AZ 85006; FAX: 602-225-5295. Objections may be submitted via mail FAX or delivered during business hours (Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). Electronic objections in common (.doc .pdf .rtf .txt) formats may be submitted to: objections-southwestern-tonto@fs.fed.us with subject: Payson Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Project

Objections must be submitted within 45 days following the publication of this legal notice in the Payson Roundup newspaper. 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. Regulations prohibit extending the time to file an objection.

At a minimum an objection must include the following (36 CFR 218.8(d)):

1. Objector’s name and address as defined in 218.2 with a telephone number if available;
2. Signature or other verification of authorship upon request (a scanned signature for electronic mail may be filed with the objection);
3. When multiple names are listed on an objection identification of the lead objector must be provided as defined in 218.2. Verification of the identity of the lead objector must be provided upon request or the reviewing officer will designate a lead objector as provided for in 218.5(d);
4. The name of the proposed action (project) the name and title of the responsible official and the name(s) of the national forest(s) and/or ranger district(s) on which the action will be implemented;
5. A description of those aspects of the proposed action addressed by the objection including specific issues related to the proposed action; if applicable how the objector believes the environmental analysis or draft decision specifically violates the 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 action and the content of the objection unless the objection concerns an issue that arose after the designated opportunity(ies) for comment (see paragraph 218.8(c)).

Incorporation of documents by reference is permitted only as provided in 218.8(b). It is the objector’s responsibility to insure a 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.