Thursday, 30 August 2007 00:36

Forest Service Extends OHV Discussion Period

slide10Local Supervisors Brian Oneto and Ted Novelli spearheaded a movement for more time and information regarding the Forest Service’s new Off Highway Vehicle Plan- and now their efforts are being rewarded. The Forest Service says the public comment period for the Eldorado National Forest Public Wheeled Motorized Travel Management Draft Environmental Impact Statement has been extended for an additional 45 days. Forest Supervisor Ramiro Villalvazo says the public comment period will end on October 22. The extension is an outcome of public comments the Forest Service received during six public meetings held in July and August that were attended by more than 1,100 people. The DEIS was released for public review on July 20, 2007.
slide11 He says“It was clear that people needed more time to review the five alternatives under consideration in the DEIS and to submit meaningful comments that will help to improve the environmental analysis.” He continues and says, “I hope that people will continue to stay engaged in the environmental decision making process as we work to create a designated system of travel routes in the Eldorado National Forest.” The Eldorado National Forest is under a recently revised court order to complete its decision making process by March 2008, which will include issuing a Final Environmental Impact Statement and a Record of Decision. Copies of the DEIS and other related information are available for viewing and downloading on the Eldorado National Forest website at: http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/eldorado. CD or paper copies of the DEIS can be obtained by contacting Jason Nedlo at 530-621-5276; 100 Forni Road, Placerville, CA 95667.