Draft Decision Notice Available and Opportunity to Object USDA Forest Service Mark Twain National Forest, Salem Ranger District Arcadia South Proposal, Iron and Madison Counties, Missouri The Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Arcadia South Proposal is completed and is now subject to a 45-day objection period. As the Responsible Official, District Ranger Christopher Olds has prepared a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), which accompanies the EA, describes the proposed decision to select the Proposed Action, and reasons for the decision. The proposed area is located on the Fredericktown Unit of the Potosi/Fredericktown Ranger District. The project includes an assortment of forest and recreation-based management activities. The benefits of this project include improved forest health, enhanced habitats for wildlife and natural communities, better recreational opportunities, healthier watersheds, and more effective transportation management. These efforts aim to help Mark Twain National Forest users achieve desired conditions across the landscape by restoring ecosystems to the structural compositions of natural communities that align with historic landscape patterns in the area. The EA/FONSI, which includes a draft decision, are available for review at the Potosi/Fredericktown Ranger District Office, 10019 W MO-8, Potosi, MO 63664 and online by scrolling down to Arcadia South on the Mark Twain National Forest website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/marktwain/projects/67294. This proposed decision is subject to objection pursuant to 36 CFR 218, Subparts A and B. Objections will only be accepted from those who submitted project-specific written comments, as defined by 36 CFR 218.2, during any 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 comment opportunities. The Objection Reviewing Officer is the Forest Supervisor. Objections must be submitted within 45 days following the publication of this legal notice in The Democrat News. The date of this legal notice is the exclusive means of calculating the time to file an objection. Those wishing to object should not rely upon dates or timeframes provided by any other source. If the objection period ends on a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal holiday, objections will be accepted until the end of the next Federal working day. It is the responsibility of objectors to ensure their objection is received in a timely manner (36 CFR 218.26(a)). How to Object: Please send written objections through the project website, or mail. Postal delivery may be submitted to Vinci Keeler, Reviewing Officer: Attn: Arcadia South Objections, Mark Twain National Forest, 401 Fairgrounds Road; Rolla, MO 65401; or hand delivered during business hours between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Central Time) Monday through Friday, except on Federal holidays. Electronic/online delivery objections in common format (.doc, .docx, .pdf, .rft, .txt) may be submitted directly through the Comment Analysis and Response Application (CARA) at https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public/CommentInput?Project=67294 or via the project website (above). Please put OBJECTION and the project name on the subject line. Objections must meet the minimum requirements of 36 CFR 218.8(d) and include 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; and a statement that demonstrates the connection between prior written comments on the particular proposed project or activity and the content of the objection, unless the objection concerns an issue that arose after the designated opportunities for comment. Incorporate documents by reference only as provided for at 36 CFR 218.8(b). For additional information, please contact District Silviculturist, Mike Norris, at the Potosi/Fredericktown Ranger District office; call (573) 438-5427; or email at michael.e.norris@usda.gov. “The Mark Twain National Forest is an equal opportunity provider and employer.”
Michael Norris
