As the Responsible Official, District Ranger Christopher Mattrick prepared a draft Decision Notice and Finding of No Significant Impact for the Telephone Gap Integrated Resource Project Final Environmental Assessment. The project area is located on the Green Mountain National Forest, Rochester and Middlebury Ranger Districts. The project decision would approve management activities within the project area to provide resource and public benefits. These include improved wildlife habitat, restored soils and wetlands, a sustained network of roads and trails, increased recreation opportunities, and timber harvesting to provide wood products for the local and regional economy while enhancing forest health and diversity. The draft decision is subject to objection pursuant to 36 CFR 218, Subparts A and B. Objections will only be accepted from those who submitted timely project-specific written comments during designated comment opportunities. Issues raised in objections must be based on previously submitted comments unless they are specific to new information arising after the designated comment opportunities. Objections must meet the minimum requirements of 36 CFR 218.8(d). Incorporate documents by reference only as provided for at 36 CFR 218.8(b). Written objections may be mailed or hand-delivered during normal business hours (Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Central Time, excluding holidays) to: John Sinclair, Reviewing Officer; Attn: EPS Objections, Suite 800, USDA Forest Service, Eastern Region, 626 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53202. Written objections may also be submitted by facsimile (FAX) at 414-297-3700, Attn: EPS Objections. Objections must be submitted within 45 days following theDecember 3, 2024,publication of the objection notification legal notice in the Rutland Herald.
Jay Strand