How to Object and Timeframe
This decision is a project level decision, subject to administrative review (commonly called “objections”) outlined in regulations at 36 CFR Part 218, Subparts A and B. A written objection, including attachments, must be postmarked or received within 45 days after the date that the notice of this draft decision is published in the Pocahontas Times, the newspaper of record for the Marlinton-White Sulphur Ranger District Ranger decisions. The publication date in the newspaper of record is the exclusive means for calculating the time to file an objection, and those wishing to object should not rely on dates or time frame information provided in any other source. It is the objector’s responsibility to ensure timely filing of a written objection with the reviewing officer pursuant to 36 CFR 218. The regulations prohibit extending the time to file an objection. All objections are available for public inspection during and after the objection process.
Forest Service regulations specify that objections will be accepted only from those who have previously submitted specific written comments regarding the proposed project during scoping or other designated opportunity for public comment. Issues raised in objections must be based on issues raised in the previously submitted specific written comments unless the issues are based on new information arising after designated comment opportunities (36 CFR 218.7(c)(2)(ii).
At a minimum, any 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 (a scanned signature for email may be filed with the objection);
3. Identification of the lead objector, when multiple names are listed on an objection;
4. The name of the proposed project (Upper Elk Ecological Restoration Project), the name and title of the Responsible Official (Cynthia Sandeno, District Ranger), and the name of the National Forest (Monongahela National Forest), and the Ranger District (Marlinton-White Sulphur Ranger District) on which the project is located;
5. A description of the issues/aspects of the proposed project addressed by the objection, including 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 the connection between prior specific written comments on the proposed project and the content of the objection, unless the objection concerns an issue that arose after the designated opportunity for comment.
Names and contact information submitted with objections will become part of the public record. It is the objector’s responsibility to ensure evidence of timely receipt (36 CFR 218.26[a]).
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
Cynthia Sandeno
