The Smokey Bear Ranger District is proposing changes to the management of lands near Hale Lake that would improve the access to a variety of recreation uses within the Hale Lake area, while addressing issues with travel management and recreation.

Opportunity to Object the Hale Lake Area Management Project

Jodie Canfield, District Ranger of the Lincoln National Forest, Smokey Bear Ranger District, has prepared an environmental assessment (EA), finding of no significant impact (FONSI), and draft decision notice (DN) for the Hale Lake Area Management Project. The project would improve the access to a variety of recreation uses within the Hale Lake area, while addressing known issues with travel management and recreation, and reducing environmental impacts from unauthorized motorized use in the area. The proposed action includes but is not limited to: The addition of six OHV motorized trails that will be designated for motorized use. The elimination and restoration of unauthorized roads. Restricting the use of administrative use only roads with gates and fencing. The future construction of two new single-track trail networks: One for non-motorized use, and another for motorcycle use. The construction of 3 gravel parking areas. The construction of a short, non-motorized single-track trail from forest road 443 to the historic Tunstall murder site. Complete details are available on the project page below.

The EA, FONSI, and draft DN are available on-line at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=56577

The Hale Lake Area Management Project is an activity implementing a land management plan 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, 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@usda.gov 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.

Project documents are also available for review at the Smokey Bear Ranger District. Additional information can be obtained from Peggy Luensmann, NEPA Coordinator, 3463 Las Palomas Road, Alamogordo, NM 88310; email Peggy.Luensmann@USDA.gov.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

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