The Forest Service values public participation. Communications from the public regarding this project including commenter’s names and contact information will become part of the public record.
The draft decision notice finding of no significant impact and environmental assessment for the Cold Elk Range Analysis Project are available for public review and comment. The Cold Elk Range Analysis project area is located in Wallowa County approximately 48 miles north of Enterprise Oregon. Analysis has been completed and the Cold Elk Range Analysis Project is now subject to pre-decisional administrative review; a requirement of 36 CFR 218 subparts A and B. A copy of the Environmental Assessment and draft Decision Notice and additional information can be obtained online at http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php?project=54613.
Only individuals or organizations that submitted specific written comments during opportunities for public participation (scoping or the 30-day public comment periods) may object (36 CFR 218.5). Notices of objection must meet the requirements of 36 CFR 218.8(d); incorporation of documents by reference is permitted only as provided for at 36 CFR 218.8(b).
Objections must be submitted within 45 days following the publication of the legal notice in the Wallowa County Chieftain Enterprise OR. The date of this legal notice is the exclusive means for calculating the time to file an objection. Those wishing to object should not rely upon dates or timeframes provided by any other source. It is the objector’s responsibility to ensure evidence of timely receipt (36 CFR 218.9).
The preferred objection submission platform is via our webpage. Electronic objections must be submitted on the Wallowa Whitman National Forest’s project webpage (see link above) selecting the “Comment/Object on Project” link in the “Get Connected” group at the right hand side of the project webpage.
If you are unable to submit objections electronically then hardcopy objections must be filed by way of regular mail hand-delivery express delivery fax 541-278-3730 or e-mail to the Objection Review Officer: Forest Supervisor Tom Montoya Attn.1570 Appeals and Objections 1550 Dewey Ave Suite A Baker City OR 97814. The office business hours for those submitting hand-delivered objections are: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday excluding holidays. Comments directed to other Forest staff and email comments containing viruses or malware will be rejected.
Issues raised in objections must be based on previously submitted specific written comments regarding the proposed project or activity and attributed to the objector unless the issue is based on new information that arose after the opportunities for comment. The burden is on the objector to demonstrate compliance with this requirement for objection issues.
For additional information about how to object contact Andrea Holmquist at andrea.holmquist@usda.gov or 541-426-5533.
Thank you for your interest in this project.
Tom Mantoya
