Legal Notice Opportunity to Object
Danger Tree Felling and Removal Project Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
Chelan, Cle Elum, Methow Valley, and Naches Ranger Districts
The Danger Tree Felling and Removal Project Draft Decision Notice and Final Environmental Assessment (EA) have been completed. The proposed action includes felling and removal of standing green danger trees along 452 miles of road on approximately 17,102 acres. Felling and removing danger trees reduces the risk of dead trees striking the road and blocking forest access. An analysis of the proposal was conducted in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the implementing regulations of 40 CFR 1508.
The project area includes Chelan, Cle Elum, Methow Valley, and Naches Ranger Districts in Chelan, Kittitas, Okanogan, and Yakima Counties in Washington State.
The EA and draft Decision Notice may be viewed at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62402 To view or request a hard copy write, call, or visit the Methow Valley Ranger Station at 24 West Chewuch Road, Winthrop, WA 98862, (509) 996-4000.
This project is subject to pre-decisional administrative review pursuant to 36 CFR 218, Subparts A and B. The 45-day objection period begins the day following publication of notice Only individuals or organizations who submitted specific written or oral comments (36 CFR 218.2) during the designated opportunity for public participation (notice of proposed action) may object (36 CFR 218.5). Issues raised in objection must be based on previously submitted specific written comments regarding the proposed project and attributed to the objector, unless the issue is based on new information that arose after the opportunity for comment. The burden is on the objector to demonstrate compliance with the requirement for objection issues 36 CFR 218.8(c).
Minimum requirements of an objection are described in 36 CFR 218.8(d). An objection must include a description of the proposed action addressed by the objection, including specific issues related to the proposed action; how the objector believes the environmental analysis or draft decision specifically violates law, regulation, or policy, if applicable; suggested remedies that would resolve the objection; supporting reasons for the reviewing officer to consider; and a statement demonstrating the connection between prior specific written comments on the proposed action and the content of the objection, unless the objection concerns an issue that arose after the designated opportunities for comment. Incorporation of documents by reference is permitted only as provided for at 36 CFR 218.8(b).
Objections can be submitted in several forms, but must be received by the Forest Supervisor, the Objection Deciding Officer, within 45 days from the date of publication of notice of objection in the Wenatchee World. The publication date in the Wenatchee World is the exclusive means for calculating the time to file an objection. Attachments to the objection received after the 45-day objection period will not be considered. Those wishing to object to this Draft Decision Notice should not rely upon dates or timeframe information provided by any other source. It is the responsibility of all individuals and organizations to ensure their objections are received in a timely manner as described in 36 CFR 218.9. For electronically mailed objections, the sender should normally receive an automated electronic acknowledgement from the agency as confirmation of receipt. If the sender does not receive an automated electronic acknowledgement of the objection from the agency as confirmation, it is the senders' responsibility to ensure timely receipt by other means.
Objections may be submitted in the following ways: 1) Electronic Submission: Electronic objections will be accepted through the Forest Service online comment system, web address provided above; 2) Hand Delivered to: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Forest Supervisors Office, 215 Melody Lane, Wenatchee, Washington 98801, between 8:00am and 4:30pm, Monday through Friday, except legal holidays; 3) Fax: Objections may also be faxed to Forest Supervisor, Attn: Objections, at 509-664-9280; or 4) Mailed to: Forest Supervisor, Objection Reviewing Officer, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Attn: Appeals and Objection, 215 Melody Lane, Wenatchee, Washington 98801. Objections delivered by mail must be received before the close of the fifth business day after the objection filing period
Jamey Basye
