| | Sequoia National Forest Travel Management FEIS Released
Oct 15, 2009The Sequoia National Forest Motorized Travel Management Final Environmental Impact Statement (FElS) is completed and published.USDA
United States Department of Agriculture
Forest Service
Sequoia National Forest
Giant Sequoia National Monument
1839 South Newcomb Street
Porterville; CA 93251-9353
(559) 784-1500
(559) 781-6650 TDD
File Code: 1950
Date: October 9, 2009
Dear Interested Party:
The Sequoia National Forest Motorized Travel Management Final Environmental Impact Statement (FElS) is completed and published. Enclosed is either a bound copy or a CD of the FEIS.
The FEIS describes six alternatives, five that propose changes to the National Forest Transportation System (NFTS) and would prohibit cross-country travel. The FEIS responds to the comments received On the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) and addresses some concerns raised during the comment period for the DEIS, A Modified Alternative 3 was added to the FEIS to address public concerns including access at Lake Isabella and impacts to condor roost areas. The FEIS also includes limited changes to existing transportation roads and trails and identifies mitigation efforts that must be completed prior to designating certain routes for motor vehicle use. Motorized travel in the Kern River and a portion of the Western Divide Ranger Districts would be restricted to a designated system of roads, trails and areas, This transportation, system is outside of the Giant Sequoia National Monument. At this time, Modified Alternative 3 is the preferred alternative.
Additional paper copies are available upon request. Due to its size, we are asking those interested to view and read the document at the Sequoia National Forest website: www.fs.fed.us/r5/sequoia/projects/ohv_route_designation_strategy/index.html or with a CD ROM, also available upon request. The FEIS contains color images displaying information in graphs. tables and pictures that are better viewed electronically.
The Notice of Availability in the Federal Register and legal notices In the Porterville Recorder and the Bakersfield CalifOrn.ian are expected to be published on or about October 9, 2009. The release of the FEIS begins a 30~day public comment period which ends on November 9, 2009. Many individuals have participated and commented on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement which is documented in the FEIS. ThisnHew 30-day comment period d0es not require the public to again submit the same comment. Comments recieved on the Draft EIS were considered and have been incorporated into the FEIS as appropriate. A response to comments appendix is included with the FEIS.
How to comment on the FEIS:
All comments on the Motorized Travel Management Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), including those submitted electronically, must be received by November 9, 2009. Hand delivered comments must be received at the Forest Supervisor's office no later than 4:30 p.m. on this date. Please send your comments to: Travel Management, Sequoia National Forest, 1839 S. Newcomb Street, Porterville, CA 93257. Electronic copies should be e-mailed to:
comments-pacificsouthwest-sequoia@fs.fed.us, Subject: Travel Management.
If you commented On the DEIS please do not send those comments again.
How to obtain copies of the documents-
To request a copy of the Final EIS. please contact Sequoia National Forest Headquarters at (559) 784-l500. The FEIS and maps can also be viewed and downloaded from the Sequoia's website at:
www.fs.fed.us/r5/sequoia/projects/ohv_route_designation_strategy/index.html. The file sizes of the maps are quite large. If high-speed internet is not available please contact us and request a CD.
Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) Leader Chris Sanders is available to discuss the changes to the FEIS and can be contacted at 559-784-1500, extension 1131.
I appreciate your interest in the Sequoia National Forest and the Motorized Travel Management project. Over the past two years the Sequoia National Forest has been working with a variety of interested stakeholders on the development of this Travel Management FEIS, The Record of Decision (ROD) will be issued after we review comments on the FEIS. I truly appreciate all the comments. critiques, and perspectives from those who have been involved in this process from the beginning.
The FEIS and the ROD that will be developed and submitted to the public later are a starting point for how travel management will be managed on the Forest. Your input and assistance will be needed for us to be successful in managing roads, trails, and areas on the Forest.
Sincerely.
TINA J. TERRELL
Forest Supervisor
Sequoia National Forest Travel Management/Motorized Vehicle Route Designation Project [details]  Sequoia National Forest Travel Management FEIS Released - USFS letter 10/9/09 [details]
Sequoia National Forest |
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