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How to Object and Timeframe

The objection period extends 45 calendar days beginning the day after publication of the legal notice published in the White Mountain Independent. If the 45th day falls on a Saturday Sunday or Federal holiday the end date will move to the next Federal working day. The publication date of this notice is the exclusive means for calculating the time to submit objections. Those wishing to object to this proposal should not rely upon dates or timeframes provided by any other source. Objections must be submitted in writing and can be emailed in an email message plain text (.txt) rich text (.rtf) or Word document (.doc or .docx) format to objections-southwestern-regional-office@fs.fed.us with the subject title of “West Escudilla Restoration Project EA Objection;” faxed to 505-842-3110; or hand delivered Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. or mailed to Calvin Joyner Regional Forester US Forest Service Southwestern Regional Office 333 Broadway SE Albuquerque NM 87102. If unable to write objections submission of transcriptions from oral statements or presentations is accepted but it is objector responsibility to obtain and validate transcriptions. Timely submission of objections is on the 45th day of the period by 11:59 p.m. MST for emailed and faxed objections; before 4:30 p.m. for hand-delivered objections and by postmark date for mailed objections. Objectors are responsible for ensuring timely receipt of any objections submitted. The regulations prohibit extending the time to file an objection.

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

1. The objector’s name and address with a telephone number if available.
2. A signature or other verification of identify upon request (a scanned signature for email may be filed with the objection).
3. When multiple names are listed on an objection identification of the lead objector (verification of the identity of the lead objector must be provided upon request).
4. The name of the proposed 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 proposed project will be implemented.
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; and supporting reasons for the reviewing officer to consider.
6. A statement that demonstrates 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.
7. Name and title of the responsible official and the name(s) of the national forest(s) and ranger district(s) on which the proposed action will be implemented.

All objections are available for public inspection during and after the objection process and names and contact information submitted will become part of the public record and may be released under the Freedom of Information Act. Responses to objections will be in writing within 45 calendar days beginning after the last day of the objection period. This period can be extended by the reviewing officer another 30 days if necessary to provide adequate responses to objections or participate in resolution discussions. For any questions or additional information regarding this objection process see 36 CFR Subparts A and B or contact Sheila Williams Apache Zone NEPA Planner at 928-339-5055 or sheilawilliams@fs.fed.us.