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Jodie Canfield Smokey Bear District Ranger has prepared a final environmental assessment (EA) with an attached finding of no significant impact (FONSI) and a draft decision notice (DN) for the Skinner Grazing Allotment Management Project.

The purpose of this action is to reauthorize livestock grazing through the issuance of a term grazing permit and private land grazing permit on the Skinner Allotment. The Proposed Action also includes the installation and repair of new and/or existing range improvements the implementation of erosion controls in possible areas showing acute erosion and the implementation of approximately 1440 acres of vegetation treatments designed to remove encroaching piñon/juniper from deeper soils that historically contained more herbaceous vegetation.

The Skinner allotment covers approximately 3511 acres of U.S. National Forest System land and 1655 acres of private land and represents the project area for this EA. There is also an extension of the project area along the proposed pipeline. The Skinner grazing allotment is located in the central section of the Smokey Bear Ranger District south of US Highway 380 between Carrizozo and Capitan Lincoln County New Mexico. The legal location for the allotment is: T. 8 S. R. 13 E. sec. 35 and 36 and; T. 9 S. R. 13 E. sec. 1 2 9-17 and 22.

The EA FONSI and draft DN are available on-line at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=43170 These documents are also available for review at The Smokey Bear Ranger District 901 Mechem Drive Ruidoso NM 88345. Additional information can be obtained from: Andrew Ellis NEPA Planner 901 Mechem Dr. Ruidoso NM 88345; 575-257-4095; AndrewEllis@fs.fed.us.

The Skinner Grazing Allotment Management Project is an activity implementing a land management plan and not authorized under the HFRA 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 filed via mail fax email hand-delivery express delivery or messenger service (Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. excluding holidays) to: Travis G. Moseley Forest Supervisor Lincoln National Forest ATTN: Objection Reviewing Officer 3463 Las Palomas Road Alamogordo NM 88310 or by fax: 575-434-7218 or by email: objections-southwestern-lincoln@fs.fed.us. Electronically filed objections may be submitted by email in word (.doc) portable document format (.pdf) rich text format (.rtf) text (.txt) and hypertext markup language (.html).

Objections must be submitted within 45 calendar days following the publication of this notice in the Ruidoso News. 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)):

1. The objector’s name and address with a telephone number if available;
2. A signature or other verification of authorship upon request (a scanned signature for email may be filed with the objection);
3. 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);
4. 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;
5. 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
6. 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 (USDA) is an equal opportunity provider employer and lender.