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Opportunity to Object the Desert Vista Area Improvement Project

Micah Grondin of the Tonto National Forest, Cave Creek Ranger District, has prepared an environmental assessment (EA), finding of no significant impact (FONSI), and draft decision notice (draft DN) for the Desert Vista Area Improvement Project. The project includes improvements to Wildcat Staging Area and construction of one trailhead parking lot in the Desert Vista area. Motorized trail segments would be constructed or rerouted to improve the existing designated route system. Four individual areas would be designated and developed for Trials bike use. Three motorized forest access points would be improved, one motorized access point would be relocated, and one access point would be closed to motorized use and maintained for pedestrian and equestrian use.

The EA, FONSI, and draft DN are available on-line at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=58215. These documents are also available for review at the Cave Creek Ranger District office. Questions about this project should be directed to Eric Norman at (480) 595-3372 or comments-southwestern-tonto-cave-creek@usda.gov.

The Desert Vista Area Improvement Project 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 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.

Objections, including attachments, must be submitted to the reviewing officer: Neil Bosworth, Tonto National Forest Supervisor. Objections may be submitted in person (Supervisor’s Office hours may vary; visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/tonto/about-forest/offices or call 602-225-5200 for specific times), via mail to: 2324 E. McDowell Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85006, or by facsimile to: (602) 225-5295. Electronic objections, in common (.doc, .pdf, .rtf, .txt) formats, may be submitted to: objections-southwestern-regional-office@usda.gov with Subject: Desert Vista Area Improvement Project

Objections must be submitted within 45 days following the publication of this legal notice in the Arizona Capitol Times. 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. Objector's name and address as defined in §218.2, with a telephone number, if available;
2. Signature or other verification of authorship upon request (a scanned signature for electronic mail may be filed with the objection);
3. When multiple names are listed on an objection, identification of the lead objector as defined in §218.2. Verification of the identity of the lead objector must be provided upon request or the reviewing officer will designate a lead objector as provided in §218.5(d);
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;
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 the connection between prior specific written comments on the particular proposed project or activity and the content of the objection, unless the objection concerns an issue that arose after the designated opportunity(ies) for comment (see paragraph §218.8(c)).

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.