The Sequoia and Sierra National Forests Prescribed Fire Project proposes forestwide fuels reduction prescribed burning. The proposed action is needed to expand the beneficial role of prescribed fire and reduce the risk of large and severe wildfires, across both national forests. Over the past several years, we have engaged with many of you as we shared concerns over wildfire impacts to communities and the loss of forests due to large and severe wildfire. We are focused on taking action to reduce wildfire-related risks to our communities and infrastructure. We also hope to build resilience in our forested stands. By proposing this project, we are looking to facilitate an increased pace and scale of prescribed burning and associated fuels reduction actions across our shared landscapes.
The proposed action includes a commitment to future communication and collaboration as we assess and determine particular areas for prescribed fire actions in the future and in the context of dynamic environmental conditions.
Based on the nature of activities being proposed, we intend to document the National Environmental Policy Act environmental analysis for these activities within one environmental assessment covering both the Sequoia and Sierra National Forests. The environmental assessment will be made available for public review during the upcoming 30-day comment period per 36 CFR 218.22. Ultimately, the Forest Supervisors will decide whether to implement the proposed actions on each forest, implement an alternative action that meets the purpose and need, or take no action.
