Opportunity to Object the Public Motorized Travel Management Plan
Robert Lever, Forest Supervisor of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, has prepared a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and draft Record of Decision (ROD) for the Public Motorized Travel Management Plan. The modified proposed action (alternative 2) would designate a system of roads, trails, and areas for motorized use as well as limited motorized access for dispersed camping and limited motorized access for big game retrieval. This proposed action would bring the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests into compliance with the Travel Management Rule (36 CFR 212, subpart B) to provide for a system of National Forest System roads, motorized trails, and motorized areas designed for motor vehicle use. The road system would have 16 percent fewer open roads and 68 percent more motorized trails than the current system. That would result in 2,881 miles of National Forest System roads open to public motorized travel, including 2,141 miles of roads that are open to both highway legal and off-highway vehicles. Also, this would result in 197 miles of motorized trails, with 22 miles open to all vehicles and 175 miles open to vehicles less than 68 inches wide. The proposed action would designate 300 feet from one or both sides of around 34 percent of the designated open roads (970 miles) for the sole purpose of accessing dispersed camping locations with motor vehicles. Where compliant with the forest plan, motorized big game retrieval would be allowed within a 1-mile distance off the designated road and motorized trail system (1.2 million acres) for bear and elk. Motorized big game retrieval would not be allowed in other parts of the Forests because it is not consistent with the Land Management Plan for the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. Both the camping corridors and motorized big game retrieval corridors are measured from the centerline of the road. No other species could be retrieved using motor vehicles. There would be one motorized use area designated (17 acres). All other motorized cross-country travel would be prohibited.
The FEIS and draft ROD are available on-line at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=22692. Additional information can be obtained from: Scott Grunder, Forest Supervisor’s Office, 30 S. Chiricahua Drive, Springerville, AZ 85938, 928-333-6302, scott.grunder@usda.gov.
The Public Motorized Travel Management Plan is an activity implementing a land management plan and not authorized under the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 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 §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 addressed to the Reviewing Official, 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=22692. An automated response will confirm the electronic objection has been received. If an automated response is not received, it is the sender’s responsibility to ensure timely filing by other means. Electronic objections must be submitted in MS Word, portable document format (PDF), or rich text format (RTF). The subject line for electronic submissions should contain Public Motorized Travel Management Plan.
Objections must be submitted within 45 calendar days following the publication of this notice in the White Mountain Independent. 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, unless the objection concerns an issue that arose after the designated opportunity(ies) for comment. Incorporation of documents by reference is permitted only as provided in §218.8(b).
The Reviewing Officer must set aside and not review an objection when one or more of the following applies: (1) they are not filed in a timely manner; (2) the proposed project is not subject to the objection procedures; (3) the individual or entity did not submit timely and specific written comments during opportunities for public comment; (4) except for issues that arose after the opportunities for comment, none of the issues included in the objection are based on previously submitted written comments and the objector has not provided a statement demonstrating a connection between the comments and the objection issue; (5) the objection does not provide sufficient information as required; (6) the objector withdraws the objection; (7) an objector’s identity is not provided or cannot be determined from the signature, and a reasonable means of contact is not provided; or (8), the objection is illegible for any reason, including submissions in an electronic format different from that specified in the legal notice, and (9) the responsible official cancels the objection process underway to reinitiate the objection procedures at a later date or withdraw the proposed project or activity.
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 and employer.
