The Ward Lake Recreation Improvements Draft Decision Notice was completed and mailed out this week to those who previously requested to be included on the project mailing list or submitted specific written comments related to the project. The Ward Lake Recreation Improvements Project on the Ketchikan Misty Fjords District, Tongass National Forest proposes several actions at the recreation area over the next 5 years to improve recreation experiences, safety, and habitat, including a new cabin at both Signal Creek Campground and Perseverance Lake; repairs to roads, trails, signs, and shelters; stream and native vegetation restoration; and a new day use shelter at the Last Chance Campground. The Responsible Official for this project is Cathy Tighe, Ketchikan Misty Fjords District Ranger. The Environmental Analysis (EA), Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) and Draft Decision Notice and additional information regarding this proposed project are available online at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61319 and also available for review at the Ketchikan Misty Fjords Ranger District, 3031 Tongass Avenue, Ketchikan, AK 99901. For additional information, contact Denise Wolvin at 907-228-4134.
This proposed project is subject to a pre-decisional administrative review (objection) pursuant to 36 CFR 218, Subpart B.
Objections will be accepted only from those who previously submitted timely, specific written comments regarding the proposed project either 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 designated public comment opportunities.
Individual members of organizations must have submitted their own comments to be eligible to object; objections received on behalf of an organization are considered those of the organization only. If an objection is submitted on behalf of a number of individuals or organizations, each individual or organization listed must meet the eligibility requirements (36 CFR 218.5(d)). Names and addresses of objectors will become part of the public record.
Incorporation of documents by reference in an objection is permitted only as provided for at 36 CFR 218.8(b). Minimum content requirements of an objection are identified in 36 CFR 218.8(d) and include: objector’s name and address with a telephone number if available (signature or other verification of authorship must be supplied upon request); identification of the lead objector when multiple names are listed, along with verification upon request; name of project, name and title of the responsible official, national forest/ranger district of project; sufficient narrative description of those aspects of the proposed project objected to, specific issues related to the project, how environmental law, regulation, or policy would be violated, and suggested remedies which would resolve the objection; and statement demonstrating the connection between prior specific written comments on this project and the content of the objection, unless the objection issue arose after the designated opportunity for comment.
The Reviewing Officer is Frank Sherman, Tongass Forest Supervisor. Send objections to: Frank Sherman, Reviewing Officer, Tongass National Forest, Federal Building, 648 Mission Street Suite 110, Ketchikan, AK 99901, Fax: 907-228-6301, Phone: 907-225-3101 or online at https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public//CommentInput?Project=61319.
Written objections, including any attachments, must be filed (regular mail, fax, email, hand-delivery, or express delivery) with the Reviewing Officer within 45 days following the publication date of this legal notice in the newspaper of record. The office business hours for those submitting hand-delivered objections are 8 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Electronic objections must be submitted in a format compatible with the current version of MS Word. It is the responsibility of objectors to ensure their objection is received in a timely manner (36 CFR 218.9).
The publication date in the Ketchikan Daily News, newspaper of record, is the exclusive means for calculating the time to file an objection of this project. Those wishing to object to this proposed project should not rely upon dates or timeframe information provided by any other source.
The USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
Publish: June 9, 2023
Cathy Tighe
