Bighorn Sheep Population Management Project #44049

Authorize request to land helicopters in five wilderness areas on the forest to survey and monitor bighorn sheep populations and respond promptly to indications that a disease event is threatening bighorn sheep herd viability.

The Tonto National Forest has prepared an environmental assessment (EA), finding of no significant impact (FONSI), and draft decision notice (DN) for the Bighorn Sheep Population Management Project, within five wilderness areas on the Tonto National Forest (Four Peaks, Hellsgate, Mazatzal, Salt River Canyon, and Superstition).

This project is proposed for a 5-year timeframe. Based on information provided by the Arizona Game and Fish Department, authorization of up to 30 helicopter landings per year distributed among the five wilderness areas would meet bighorn sheep population objectives.  For more information on this project, visit the Tonto National Forest Schedule of Proposed Actions or https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=44049.  Project maps and supporting documentation is also available for review at the Tonto National Forest Supervisor’s Office. Questions about this project should be directed to Anne Thomas at comments-southwestern-tonto@usda.gov, Subject: Bighorn Sheep Questions.

The Bighorn Sheep Population Management Project is an activity implementing a land management plan and subject to the objection process described in 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 submitted to the reviewing officer: Calvin Joyner, Regional Forester, 333 Broadway Boulevard SE, Albuquerque, NM, 87102; (505) 842-3173 (fax). Objections may be submitted via mail, FAX, or delivered during business hours (Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). Electronic objections, in common (.doc, .pdf, .rtf, .txt) formats, may be submitted to: objections-southwestern-regional-office@usda.gov with Subject: Bighorn Sheep Management Project.

Objections must be submitted within 45 days following the publication of this legal notice in the Arizona Capitol Times. 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. Objector's name and address as defined in §218.2, with a telephone number, if available;
2. Signature or other verification of authorship upon request (a scanned signature for electronic mail may be filed with the objection);
3. When multiple names are listed on an objection, identification of the lead objector as defined in §218.2. Verification of the identity of the lead objector must be provided upon request or the reviewing officer will designate a lead objector as provided in §218.5(d);
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 the 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 (see paragraph §218.8(c)).

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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