AUGUST 19, 2015
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests supervisor signs Larson Restoration Project Environmental Assessment decision notice
SPRINGERVILLE - The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests (ASNFs) Supervisor Tom Osen signed the final decision notice for the Larson Environmental Assessment (EA) on August 13, at the Black Mesa Ranger District. His approval came after two years of ASNFs specialists preparing formal analysis and review process required by the National Environmental Policy Act.
Osen spoke to ASNFs’ employees and stated prior to the signing, “Completing an EA in two years on a project of this scale is highly unusual, and something we should be proud. The list of positive impacts the Larson Project will generate over the next 10 years consists of: vegetation treatment, thinning, supply of material to industry, benefits to the watershed and wildlife habitat, stream channel work, and road improvements across 30,000 acres.”
Black Mesa District Ranger Chris James stated, “We have worked in tandem with environmental groups and in coordination with Navajo and Coconino Counties during the process. We are happy with the final product. In addition, we are pleased we were able to address the White Mountain area industry’s needs, as well as the need for forest restoration to meet desired conditions.”
Work will continue as the Forest will move forward with planning efforts to mark, inventory and prepare for a timber sale that will be advertised in 2016 and beyond.
For more information about this project click here: http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=42876&exp=overview or contact the Black Mesa Ranger District at (928) 535-7300.
