John D. Pierson of the Gila National Forest, Reserve Ranger District, has prepared an environmental assessment (EA) and a draft decision notice and finding of no significant impact (draft DN/FONSI) for the Black Bob and Lower Plaza Allotments EA.
The draft decision authorizes the implementation of Alternative Two (Proposed Action) on the Black Bob and Lower Plaza Allotments under conditions described in detail in the environmental assessment (EA). The Proposed Action dissolves the Black Bob Community Allotment with two grazing permits, creating the Cienega and Henley Allotments each with a single grazing permit, and retains the Lower Plaza Allotment at present size with a single grazing permit. The draft decision authorizes livestock grazing on the Cienega, Henley and Lower Plaza Allotments through issuance of appropriate permit(s) and associated allotment management plan(s) and implementation of a rest rotation management system with conservative grazing intensity standards on each allotment.
The EA and draft DN/FONSI are available on-line at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=53006. These documents are also available for review at Reserve Ranger District office located at 5 Smokey Bear Circle, Reserve, NM, 87830. Additional information can be obtained from: Aaron Baldridge, Range Staff, at the Reserve Ranger District office, by phone at 575-533-6231, or by e-mail at aaron.baldridge@usda.gov.
This EA is an activity implementing a land management plan and not authorized under the HFRA and is subject 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 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 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 4:30 p.m., excluding holidays) to: Forest Supervisor, Gila National Forest, 3005 E. Camino del Bosque, Silver City, NM 88061; FAX: (575) 388-8222, objections-southwestern-gila@fs.fed.us. Electronically filed objections may be submitted by email in word (.doc), rich text format (.rtf), portable document format (.pdf), text (.txt), and hypertext markup language (.html).
Objections must be submitted within 45 calendar days following the publication of this notice in the Silver City Daily Press. The publication date in the newspaper of record is the exclusive means for calculating the time to file an objection. It is the responsibility of objectors to ensure that their objection is received in a timely manner. 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 per 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; and 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 36 CFR §218.8(b). It is the objector’s responsibility to ensure timely filing of a written objection with the reviewing officer pursuant to 36 CFR §218.9. All objections are available for public inspection during and after the objection process.
Please be advised that all information provided with your objection will become part of the public record and will be available for public inspection. This includes your name and all contact information provided.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
