Opportunity to Object to Rain Tank Allotment Grazing Reauthorization Project
The Williams and Tusayan District Ranger of the Kaibab National Forest has prepared a Final Environmental Assessment (EA) with a Draft Decision Notice (DN) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Rain Tank Allotment Grazing Reauthorization project located on the Tusayan Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest. The purpose of this project is to continue authorization of livestock grazing on the Rain Tank Allotment while ensuring livestock management activities are consistent with other resources in alignment with the Kaibab National Forest Land and Resources Management Plan and the direction to move ecosystems toward their desired conditions. Specifically, the project would allow for adjustment of permitted livestock numbers to increase flexibility for livestock management on the allotment. It also would allow construction of additional rangeland improvements to achieve better livestock distribution. Additional information about the project, as well as its anticipated effects, can be found in the EA and DN/FONSI. The Final EA, draft DN FONSI, are available online at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/kaibab/projects/65491. Additional information can be obtained from Clair Loucks, NEPA Planner, at 928-635-5600 or email at clairisse.loucks@usda.gov. The Rain Tank Allotment Grazing Reauthorization project is an activity implementing a land management plan not authorized under the Healthy Forest Restoration Act and is subject to the objection process pursuant 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 §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 addressed to the Reviewing Officer, Deputy Forest Supervisor, filed via mail, express delivery, or messenger service to 800 South 6th Street, Williams, AZ 86046 or by email to objections-southwestern-kaibab@usda.gov.Electronically filed objections may be submitted by email in word (.doc or .docx), portable document format (.pdf), rich text format (.rtf), text (.txt), and hypertext markup language (.html) and should include “Rain Tank Allotment Grazing Reauthorization” in the subject line To submit via public comment form, use https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public/CommentInput?Project=65491.
Objections must be submitted within 45 calendar days following the publication of this notice in the Arizona Daily Sun. 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)): The objector’s name and address, with a telephone number, if available. A signature or other verification of authorship upon request (a scanned signature for email may be filed with the objection). When multiple names are listed on an objection, identification of the lead objector (verification of the identity of the lead objector shall be provided upon request). 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. 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. A statement that demonstrates connection between prior specific written comments on the particular proposed project or activity and the content of the objection. 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.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
Patrick Moore
