September 14, 2024 - As the Responsible Official, I have prepared a Draft Decision Notice (DN) selecting the proposed action described in the Stanislaus National Forest Hazard Tree Management Environmental Assessment (EA). The EA and Draft Decision Notice and other related documentation are available for review on the project website at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63553.

This draft decision is subject to objection pursuant to 36 CFR 218, Subparts A and B. Objections will only be accepted from those who submitted project-specific written comments during either the 30-day combined scoping and comment period for the Determination of NEPA Adequacy and Finding of No Significant Impact or the 30-day comment period for the Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact. Issues raised in objections must be based on previously submitted comments unless based on new information arising after the designated comment opportunities [36 CFR 218.8(c)].  Objections must be submitted within 45 days following the publication of this legal notice in the Union Democrat, the newspaper of record for the Stanislaus National Forest. The date of the legal notice is the exclusive means for calculating the time to file an objection. Once published, the legal notice will be posted on the project website, provided below. Those wishing to object should not rely upon dates or timeframes provided by any other source. It is the objector’s responsibility to ensure evidence of timely receipt (36 CFR 218.9).

Objections must be submitted to the Reviewing Officer: Jennifer Eberlien, Regional Forester, USDA Forest Service. Objections may be submitted online at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63553. From this location, click on the ‘Comment/Object on the Project’ link located on the right-hand side under the ‘Get Connected’ box. Alternatively, you can use the following link to submit objections with a few less mouse clicks: https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public//CommentInput?Project=63553. If you are unable to access the online form, written objection may also be mailed to: USDA Forest Service, Jennifer Eberlien, Regional Forester, Attn: Stanislaus National Forest Hazard Tree Management Project 1323 Club Drive, Vallejo, CA 94592.

At a minimum, an objection must include the following: (1) Objector's name and address, with a telephone number, if available; (2) Signature or other verification of authorship upon request (3) When multiple names are listed on an objection, identification of the lead objector; (4) project name, Responsible Official name and title, and name of affected National Forest; (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 opportunities for comment.

For additional information regarding this project, please contact Benjamin Cossel, Public Affairs Officer, at: Benjamin.cossel@usda.gov


Source: USDA Forest Service