WASHINGTON, Oct. 25, 1999 -- The USDA Forest Service issued a notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement as the first step toward implementing President Clinton's direction to further protect remaining roadless areas within National Forest System lands.
The notice of intent, published in the Federal Register, begins the public rulemaking process. The public has until December 20, 1999, to comment on the proposed rulemaking.
The resulting environmental impact statement (EIS) will analyze the effects of eliminating road construction in the remaining un-roaded areas of the National Forest System. In addition, the EIS will analyze the effects of establishing social and ecological values that will guide the management of roadless areas.
"We welcome and encourage public involvement, comment and debate in the analysis of this historic opportunity to secure our national forests and grasslands as national treasures," said Forest Service Chief Mike Dombeck.
The draft EIS and a proposed rule are expected to be available for public review and comment in spring 2000. A final EIS and rule will follow.
Written comments on the proposed rulemaking should be sent to:
USDA Forest Service-CAET
Attention: Roadless Areas NOI
P.O. Box 221090
Salt Lake City, UT 84122
Electronic mail comments may be sent to: roadless/wo_caet-slc@fs.fed.us
All comments will be part of the public record.
-FS-
Contact: Cindy Chojnacky, 202-205--1596
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