(SitNews) Ketchikan, Alaska - A Draft Decision Notice was released today for a project proposed to help move the Forest towards a cabin program with facilities that fit the interests and needs of the public for recreation that meet health and safety standards and at cost the public can afford. The Tongass National Forest released the Draft Decision Notice and Finding of No Significant Impact for the Tongass National Forest Sustainable Cabin Management project.

“My preliminary decision is to remove ten cabins that were listed in the Environmental Assessment (EA), convert the Distin Lake Cabin back to a historic three-sided shelter, and keep the Checats Lake Cabin open as long as it is used and remains in good condition,” said Forrest Cole, Tongass National Forest Supervisor.

The Decision Notice explains the reason for this draft decision, provides a finding of no significant impact, and describes the public outreach for the project. The Decision Notice also summarizes the concerns the Forest heard from the public on this project and provides a summarized response to those comments.

Cole recognized that many of the comments received on this project could not be dealt with through this project, but could be valuable in the future, “We’ve compiled the comments and suggestions we received on this project and shared them with the team working on strategic cabin planning for the Forest,” said Cole. “Some of ideas brought forward may be used to help us provide more sustainable recreation cabins in the future while reducing the cost of the cabin program.”

The Environmental Assessment (EA) and Draft Decision Notice and Finding of No Significant Impact for the Tongass National Forest Sustainable Cabin Management project are available online at http://go.usa.gov/WQEk . The EA, and associated maps and appendices, are located under the “Project Documents–Analysis” heading. The Decision Notice and its maps and appendix are located under the “Project Documents–Decision” heading. To request a copy of this EA or Decision Notice in hard copy or CD format, please contact: Michelle Putz at 907-747-4278 or at mputz@fs.fed.us.

This project is subject to new regulations (Objection Process - 36 CFR 218, subparts A and B). These new regulations provide for a pre-decision administrative review (objection) rather than a post-decision appeal process. More information on the new regulations and instructions for filing objections may be found at http://go.usa.gov/WQEk (case sensitive) under the “Project Documents–Decision” heading in the Letter Announcing DN is Available.

Objections must be submitted within 45 calendar days following the publication of a legal notice. Objections will only be accepted from those who have previously submitted specific written comments regarding the proposed project during scoping or other designated opportunities 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.

Edited by Mary Kauffman, SitNews

Source of News: 

USFS - Tongass National Forest
www.fs.fed.gov

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