The Manti-La Sal National Forest is seeking public comment on an environmental assessment for the Restoration and Fuels Reduction Prescribed Fire project. The proposed action would authorize prescribed burning where it is needed to restore fire-dependent ecosystems on National Forest System (NFS) lands in the Manti-La Sal National Forest. The proposed project would authorize multiple prescribed burns across the Forest annually, up to 31,248 acres per year. This project would provide a range of prescribed fire opportunities that can be prioritized and scheduled as necessary in any given year. Prescribed burning would be conducted in accordance with all law, regulation, and policy. This proposed project does not apply to lands within the boundary of the Bears Ears National Monument at the time of implementation, any congressionally designated wilderness areas, any lands covered by the Colorado Roadless Rule, sage-grouse seasonal occupied habitat, research natural areas, alpine areas, or any non-NFS lands within the National Forest boundary.
The proposed project information and an environmental assessment are available on-line at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60392. Additional information regarding this project or the public comment period can be obtained from: Russ Bigelow, Forest Fuels Planner, Russell.bigelow@usda.gov, 435-636-3313.
The proposed project is an activity implementing a land management plan and is subject to pre-decisional objection process at 36 CFR 218 Subparts A and B.
How to Comment and Timeframe
The opportunity to comment ends 30 days following the date of publication of this legal notice. Only those who submit timely and specific written comments §218.2 regarding the proposed project or activity during a public comment period established by the responsible official are eligible to file an objection §218.24(b)(6). For issues to be raised in objections, they must be based on previously submitted specific written comments regarding the proposed project or activity and attributed to the objector. The publication date of the legal notice in the newspaper of record is the exclusive means for calculating the time to submit written comments on a proposed project or activity. The time period for the opportunity to comment on a proposed project or activity to be documented with an environmental assessment shall not be extended. It is the responsibility of all individuals and organizations to ensure that their comments are received in a timely manner. For objection eligibility, each individual or representative from each entity submitting timely and specific written comments regarding the proposed project or activity must either sign the comments or verify identity upon request §218.24(b)(8).
We request that you submit your comments online at https://cara.ecosystem-management.org/Public/CommentInput?Project=60392. Attachments to comments must be submitted only in one of the following three formats: Microsoft Word, rich text format(rtf), or Adobe Portable Document format (pdf). Emails submitted to email addresses other than the one listed above or in other formats than those listed or containing viruses will be rejected. Comments received in response to this initial request, including names, addresses, and any other information provided with the comments, will be considered a part of the public record and will be subject to the Freedom of Information Act and will be released if requested.
If you are not able to access the online form, comments may also be submitted by regular mail to Manti-La Sal Forest Supervisors Office, Manti-La Sal National Forest, 599 W. Price River Dr., Price Utah, 84501 or by fax at 435-637-4940.
Published in the ETV Newspaper January 26, 2022.