LEGAL NOTICE OF OPPORTUNITY TO OBJECT USDA FOREST SERVICE WHITE RIVER NATIONAL FOREST, EAGLE-HOLY CROSS RANGER DISTRICT BOOM BOOM GRAVEL PITS #1 & #2 AND STOCKPILE FACILITIES PROJECT The USDA Forest Service has prepared an environmental assessment (EA) and draft decision notice and finding of no significant impact (DN/FONSI) for the Boom Boom Gravel Pits #1 & #2 and Stockpile Facilities project. The proposed action is in the Flat Tops, 10 miles north-northwest of Dotsero, Colorado on the Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District of the White River National Forest. The proposed action would expand two previously decommissioned gravel pits as a source of crushed gravel for maintenance of local roads and facilities in the area. The Responsible Official for this decision is Leanne Veldhuis, District Ranger, Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District. The Boom Boom Gravel Pits #1 & #2 and Stockpile Facilities project EA analyzed two alternatives: the No-Action Alternative (Alternative 1) and the Proposed Action (Alternative 2), which would conditionally approve the operating plan for in-service use of the two gravel pits. Based on the analysis, the Responsible Official is planning to approve the Proposed Action (Alternative 2). As directed by regulations at Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 228, Subpart C (36 CFR 228 Subpart C), the Forest Service makes mineral materials on NFS lands available to the public and to local, State, and Federal government agencies where reasonable protection of, or mitigation of effects on, other resources is assured, and where removal is not prohibited. The EA and draft DN/FONSI for the Boom Boom Gravel Pits #1 & #2 and Stockpile Facilities project are available upon request at the Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District office, 24747 US Highway 24, Minturn, Colorado. This document is also available on the White River National Forest website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/whiteriver/?project=64501. Additional information regarding this proposed action can be obtained from Mae Watson, NEPA Coordinator at (970)827-5168 or by e-mail at mae.watson@usda.gov. The Boom Boom Gravel Pits #1 & #2 and Stockpile Facilities project is an activity implementing a land management plan. This activity is subject to pre-decisional objection under subparts A and B of 36 CFR Part 218. Objections, including attachments, must be filed with the appropriate reviewing officer within 45 calendar days following publication of this notice in the Vail Daily, the newspaper of record. The publication date in the newspaper of record is the exclusive means for calculating the time to file an objection. Objectors should not rely upon dates or timeframe information provided by 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 218.9. Objections will only be accepted from those who have previously submitted specific written comments regarding the proposed project during scoping or other designated opportunities 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 the issue is based on new information arising after the designated comment opportunities. The objection must contain the minimum content requirements specified in 36 CFR 218.8(d) and incorporation of documents by reference is permitted only as provided in 36 CFR 218.8(b). Objections that do not adhere to these requirements make review of an objection difficult and are conditions under which the reviewing officer may set aside an objection pursuant to 36 CFR 218.10. All eligible objections are available for public inspection. Electronic objections are preferred and must be submitted to the Objection Reviewing Officer online at https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public//CommentInput?Project=64501, with “Boom Boom Gravel Pits #1 & #2 and Stockpile Facilities Project Objection” in the subject line. Electronic submissions must be submitted in a format that is readable with optical character recognition software (e.g., Word, PDF, Rich Text) and be searchable. An automated response should confirm your electronic objection has been received. Note: Any person who wishes to fax an objection, contact Mae Watson, NEPA Coordinator, via phone at (970)827-5168 or email at mae.watson@usda.gov. Written objections may be submitted via regular mail to: USDA Forest Service, Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District, Attn: Reviewing Officer Scott Fitzwilliams, C/O Mae Watson, PO Box 190, Minturn, Colorado, 81645. Objections sent by private carrier or hand delivery must be addressed to: USDA Forest Service, Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District, Attn: Objection Reviewing Officer Scott Fitzwilliams, C/O Mae Watson, 24747 US Highway 24, Minturn, Colorado, 81645. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00am- 4:30pm, excluding Federal holidays, for hand delivery. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Mae Watson
