The National Forests in North Carolina have prepared a final environmental assessment (EA) and draft decision notice and finding of no significant impact (DN/FONSI) for the forestwide Wildlife Openings Management project. This proposal includes the maintenance of approximately 6,000 acres of existing wildlife openings on National Forest Systems lands within the Uwharrie, Croatan, Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests and is consistent with the three Land and Resource Management Plans respective to these forests.
The EA and draft DN/FONSI are available for review on-line at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=55310.
The Wildlife Openings Management project is subject to the objection process pursuant 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 must be submitted within 45 calendar days following the publication of this notice in The Asheville Citizen Times which is expected to print on Wednesday February 16, 2022. 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.
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. 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 and employer.
Tara Anderson
