Vicente Ordonez of the Gila National Forest Glenwood Ranger District has prepared an environmental assessment (EA) finding of no significant impact (FONSI) and draft decision notice (DN) for Restoration of Gila trout and Other Native Fishes to Whitewater Creek. In cooperation with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMDGF) and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) the Glenwood Ranger District proposes to restore native Gila trout as well as the native speckled dace desert sucker and Sonora sucker to Whitewater Creek and its tributaries. The project includes removal of all non-native salmonids (other trout) prior to restocking the creek with Gila trout and the three other specified fishes that are endemic to the San Francisco River Drainage in New Mexico and Arizona. The Regional Forester is responsible for approving the NMDGF proposed use of the piscicide Rotenone through a pesticide use proposal in the wilderness area where the project is located. This environmental analysis and subsequent decision will inform the Regional Forester in the review of the pesticide use proposal from NMDGF. The purpose of the project is to re-establish a viable and self-sustaining population of Gila trout in Whitewater Creek to provide for species recovery and recreational fishing opportunities. As part of the Proposed Action approximately 12 miles of Whitewater Trail (#207) from Hummingbird Saddle to the Gold Dust Trail (#41) would be re-established. The Proposed Action would be implemented on the Glenwood Ranger District of the GNF.
The EA FONSI and draft DN are available on-line at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/projects/gila/landmanagement/projects. These documents are also available for review at the Glenwood Ranger District in Glenwood and the Forest Supervisor’s Office in Silver City NM. Additional information can be obtained from: Dustin Myers 3005 E. Camino del Bosque Silver City NM dustinmyers@fs.fed.us.
The Restoration of Gila trout and Other Native Fishes to Whitewater Creek is an activity implementing a land management plan and not authorized under the HFRA and is subject to 36 CFR 218 Subparts A and B.
How to file an Objection and Timeframe
Objections will only be accepted from those who have previously submitted specific written comments regarding the proposed project during scoping or other designated opportunity for public comment in accordance with §218.5(a). Issues raised in objections must be based on previously submitted timely specific written comments regarding the proposed project unless based on new information arising after the designated comment opportunities.
Objections including attachments must be filed via mail fax email hand-delivery express delivery or messenger service (Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. excluding holidays) to: Forest Supervisor Gila National Forest 3005 E. Camino del Bosque Silver City NM 88061; FAX: (575) 388-8222 objections-southwestern-gila@fs.fed.us. Electronically filed objections may be submitted by email in word (.doc) rich text format (.rtf) portable document format (.pdf) text (.txt) and hypertext markup language (.html).
Objections must be submitted within 45 calendar days following the publication of this notice in the Silver City Daily Press. The publication date in the newspaper of record is the exclusive means for calculating the time to file an objection. It is the responsibility of objectors to ensure that their objection is received in a timely manner. Those wishing to object should not rely upon dates or timeframe information provided by any other source. 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 authorship 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 shall 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; and 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 connection between prior specific written comments on the particular proposed project or activity and the content of the objection. Incorporation of documents by reference is permitted only as provided in §218.8(b). It is the objector’s responsibility to ensure 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.
In compliance with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) please be advised that all information provided with your objection will become part of the public record and will be available for public inspection. This includes your name and all contact information provided.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is an equal opportunity provider employer and lender.
Adam Mendonca
