The Bitterroot National Forest has released an environmental assessment and draft decision notice finding of 'no significant impact' for the Darby Lumber Lands Watershed and Improvement and Travel Management Project. 

National Forest Hydrologist Ed Snook said the project is designed to improve watershed and stream health while also creating a sustainable motorized access system and loop-based motorized routes.

"The project encompasses approximately 28,758 acres in the South Fork Sleeping Child and Rye Creek drainages in the Sapphire Mountains east of Darby, Snook said. "If you want to lump it all together, the project is for roads management. Excess roads that are closed or no longer being used are being marked for storage or decommissioning. It's a big push to reduce chronic sediment levels in that watershed."

Find the link to the environmental assessment and draft decision notice here.

The decision is subject to public objection under Code of Federal Regulations §218.  Objections may only be filed by those who previously submitted comments specific to the project.  All objections must be submitted to the Forest Service by May 12, 2015.

Objections may be mailed to: USDA Forest Service, Northern Region, ATTN: Objection Reviewing Officer, P.O. Box 7669,Missoula, MT 59807 OR hand delivered to: USDA Forest Service, Northern Region, ATTN: Objection Reviewing Officer, 200 East Broadway,Missoula,MT59802, Office Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Electronic objections may be submitted to: appeals-northern-regional-office@fs.fed.us. Faxed objections may be submitted to (406) 329-3411.  Please specify “Darby Lumber Lands Project Objection” in the subject line.

 

More From Newstalk KGVO 1290 AM & 98.3 FM