[11:38 AM] Parker, Bethany - FS, OR Legal Notice USDA Forest Service, Siuslaw National Forest, Hebo Ranger District Sand Lake Restoration Project Notice of Opportunity to Object The Hebo Ranger District has prepared a final environmental assessment (FEA) and draft decision notice and finding of no significant impact (draft DN/FONSI) for Phase 2 of the Sand Lake Restoration Project.The Sand Lake Restoration Project is located on the Hebo Ranger District of the Siuslaw National Forest and includes approximately 7,150 acres on National Forest System lands north of Pacific City on the Oregon coast. The project was proposed to promote the development of late-successional forest, improve the quality and diversity of important habitat, and provide timber products. The Phase 2 draft decision intends to proceed with a portion of the activities proposed in Alternative 2 of the FEA, called Alternative 2 Phase 2, which includesapproximately 220 acres of heavy thinning and early successional treatments, 24 miles of multi-use trail construction, co-designation of 8 miles of roads to multi-use trails, and 2.5 acres of parking areas. The Hebo Ranger District previously released Phase 2 of the Sand Lake Restoration Project for objections in March 2022. The District is reinitiating an objection period on this draft decision due to changes in the effects calls for northern spotted owl and marbled murrelet made during final endangered species consultation with the Fish and Wildlife Service. The environmental consequences of the alternatives considered in the Sand Lake Restoration Project FEA and how each alternative complied with applicable law, regulation, and policy were evaluated in making the draft decision, as well as considering multiple views and social values that are important to the community. The Sand Lake Restoration Project FEA, Draft Phase 2 DN/FONSI, and other relevant documents are available on the Siuslaw National Forest website at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=53176. This Draft DN/FONSI is subject to objection pursuant to 36 CFR Part 218, Subpart B. The objection must be filed by way of regular mail, fax, or e-mail with the Objection Review Officer. Documents cited by the objector in support of their objections must be submitted with objection letters to ensure careful consideration in project planning. Objectors should clearly describe how the cited materials are within the scope of and have a direct relationship to the proposed action, and how it supports their objections and concerns. Specific directions on how to file an objection are provided in 36 CFR 218.8. The regulations can be found athttps://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2013-title36-vol2/pdf/CFR-2013-title36-vol2-sec218-8.pdf. Written objections must be filed with the Objection Review Officer using one of the following methods: Electronic objections including attachments can be submitted through the electronic comment submission form at:https://cara.ecosystem-management.org/Public/CommentInput?Project=53176 Postal mail: Forest Supervisor, Siuslaw National Forest. Attn: Objections. 3200 SW Jefferson Way, Corvallis, OR 97331. FAX: U.S. Forest Service, Siuslaw National Forest, Attn: Objections. (541) 750-7329. If an alternative means of delivering comments is required, please contact Katie Isacksen, Forest Environmental Coordinator,katie.isacksen@usda.gov Objections, including attachments, must be filed within 45 days from the publication date of the legal notice in the Tillamook Headlight Herald, Tillamook, OR the newspaper of record. Objections received after the 45-day objection filing period will not be considered. The publication date in the newspaper of record is the exclusive means for calculating the time to file an objection. Those wishing to object to this project should not rely upon dates or timeframe information provided by any other source. The objection must contain the minimum content requirements specified in §218.8(d) and 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 after the objection process. Names and contact information submitted with comments will become part of the public record and may be released under the Freedom of Information Act. Objections will only be accepted from individuals and entities as defined in 36 CFR 218.2 who have previously submitted specific written comments regarding the proposed project 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, specific written comments regarding the proposed project unless based on new information arising after the designated comment opportunities. If no objections are filed within the 45-day objection filing period, implementation of the project may occur on, but not before, the 5th business day from the close of the objection filing period. If an objection is filed, the responsible official cannot sign the final decision until the reviewing officer has responded in writing to all pending objections, and the decision must be consistent with any instructions issued by the reviewing officer. After the objection process concludes there will be no additional opportunity for administrative review. The final decision will be the final administrative decision by the agency.
Katie Isacksen
