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Opportunity to Object to the Encino Vista Landscape Restoration Project Environmental Assessment

Shaun Sanchez, Forest Supervisor, of the Santa Fe National Forest, has prepared an environmental assessment (EA), finding of no significant impact (FONSI), and draft decision notice (DN) for the Encino Vista Landscape Restoration Project (EVLRP). The EVLRP is an approximately 130,305-acre project located on the Coyote and Cuba Ranger Districts. The proposed EVLRP was developed after the South Fork Wildfire (2010) and the Diego Wildfire (2014) created severe long-term resource damage to watersheds, wildlife habitat, and forested landscapes within the project area. The SFNF recognized the need to create healthier forest systems, based on desired conditions identified in the 2022 SFNF Land Management Plan, and public safety for the local communities of Cañones, Coyote, Gallina, and Youngsville, NM from uncharacteristic wildfire events. The project area is also a priority landscape for the Santa Fe National Forest, NMED State Forestry Division and the Rio Chama Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program (CFLRP), and one of the nationally identified Wildfire Crisis Strategy high-risk fire sheds (WCS) covers the western portion of the project area.

Proposed project actions are focused on mitigating resource damage by creating a healthy, more resilient forest by reducing stand densities using thinning, reintroducing the natural process of fire to the landscape through prescribed fire, improving and enhancing wildlife habitat through forest and watershed restoration, and managing roads to reduce runoff and watershed damage.

The EA, FONSI, and draft DN are available online at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=54965 or https://www.fs.usda.gov/santafe. Additional information can be obtained from: June Galloway, Forest Environmental Coordinator, via email: june.galloway@usda.gov or phone: (505) 438-5399.

The EVLRP is an activity implementing a land management plan, not authorized under the Healthy Forests Restoration Act, and is subject to the pre-decisional objection process pursuant to 36 CFR 218 Subparts A and B.

How to Object and Timeframe

Objections will only be accepted from those who have previously submitted specific written comments regarding the proposed project during a designated opportunity for public comment in accordance with §218.5(a). Issues raised in the 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, Michiko Martin, Regional Forester, filed via mail or express delivery to 333 Broadway Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM, 87102; by email to objections-southwestern-regional-office@usda.gov, or via online web form at https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public//CommentInput?Project=54965. The subject line for electronic submissions should contain Encino Vista Landscape Restoration Project (or, EVLRP).

Objections on the EVLRP Final EA and draft DN/FONSI must be submitted within 45 calendar days following the publication of this notice in the Albuquerque Journal. Those wishing to object should not rely upon dates or timeframe information provided by any other source. The regulations at 36 CFR 218.26(a) prohibit extending the time to file an objection.

1. 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;
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.

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