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The Allegheny National Forest has released a draft decision notice for the Upper Mill project. Related documents are available for review and may be downloaded here https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/allegheny/projects/65828. Acting District Ranger Josh Bridge is the responsible official and proposes to implement the proposed action alternative detailed in the Upper Mill Environmental Assessment.

The draft decision is subject to the objections process of 36 C.F.R. part 218 subparts A and B. Objections will be accepted only from those who have previously submitted specific written comments regarding this project during the designated opportunity for public comment in accordance with 36 C.F.R. § 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 comment opportunities. The burden is on the objector to demonstrate compliance with this requirement for objection issues.

The objection filing period will begin the day after this notice is published in The Kane Republican newspaper, and objections must be filed within 45 days. The publication date of this notice 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. It is the objector’s responsibility to ensure timely filing of a written objection with the reviewing officer.

At a minimum, an objection must include the following:

• Objector’s name and address, with a telephone number, if available. When multiple names are listed on an objection, identification of the lead objector.
• Signature or other verification of authorship upon request.
• The name of the project, the name and title of the responsible official, and the name of the national forest on which the project will be implemented.
• A description of those aspects of the project addressed by the objection, including specific issues related to the 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 the connection between prior specific written comments on the project or activity 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 not allowed, except for the list of items identified at 36 C.F.R.§ 218.8(b).

Objections, including attachments, must be filed in one of the following ways:

• Mail, express delivery, or messenger service to USDA Forest Service, Allegheny National Forest, 4 Farm Colony Dr, Warren, PA 16365.
• Hand delivery to the address above during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., excluding federal holidays).
• Online: Go to https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/allegheny/projects/65828. Click on “Comment/Object on Project,” located on the right side of the webpage under the “Get Connected” sidebar. If uploading attachments, please use formats compatible with Microsoft Office or Adobe Acrobat applications.

If no objection is received, a final decision may occur on, but not before, five business days from the close of the objection filing period. If an objection is received, a final decision will not occur before all instructions identified by the Reviewing Officer have been addressed. Additional information can be obtained by contacting the Marienville Ranger District at (814) 927-6628.