Opportunity to Object to Verde Trails and Access Plan
Todd Willard of the Prescott National Forest Verde Ranger District has prepared an environmental assessment (EA) finding of no significant impact (FONSI) and draft decision notice (DN) for the Verde Trails and Access Plan. The project proposes to improve trail opportunities expand public access and increase connectivity in the Verde Valley. This will be accomplished through the construction of new trails and dispersed staging areas and by decommissioning some existing trails and forest system roads..
The EA FONSI and draft DN are available on-line at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=51507. These documents are also available for review at the Verde Ranger District 300 E. Hwy 260 Camp Verde Arizona 86322. Additional information can be obtained from: Tom Palmer at (928) 567-1114 or by email at tpalmer01@fs.fed.us.
The Verde Trails and Access Plan 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 email hand-delivery express delivery or messenger service (Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. excluding holidays) to the Reviewing Officer Dale Dieter Prescott National Forest 344 S. Cortez St. Prescott AZ 86303 or to the Verde Ranger District 300 E. Hwy 260 Camp Verde Arizona 86322 or email to objections-southwestern-prescott@fs.fed.us. Electronically filed objections may be submitted by email in word (.doc) rich text format (.rtf) text (.txt) portable document format (.pdf) and hypertext markup language (.html).
Objections must be submitted within 45 calendar days following the publication of this notice in the Verde Independent. 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. 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.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is an equal opportunity provider employer and lender.
Dale Dieter
