Three More Dates in October to hear from the public on OSV USE Designations in the Plumas National Forest
QUINCY, Calif. – October 7, 2015 – The scoping period will be extended until November 13, 2015 for the Forest Service environmental impact statement (EIS) on a proposal to designate over-snow vehicle (OSV) use on roads, trails and areas on lands within the Plumas National Forest. “I understand the 30 day period would not be sufficient and I am pleased to extend it an additional 15 days,” said Daniel Lovato, Acting Forest Supervisor. “I want people to have time to read our Proposed Action and to provide us with their feedback.” He indicated another public meeting had been scheduled for October 27 in Quincy.
Designating OSV use on the Forest will ensure over-snow vehicle activity (such as snowmobile riding and trail grooming) is effectively managed to: provide access; ensure OSV use when there is adequate snow; promote the safety of all users; enhance public enjoyment; minimize impacts to natural and cultural resources; and minimize conflicts among users.
As an initial step in preparing the EIS, the Forest Service has developed a Proposed Action which serves as a point from which to continue dialog with interested members of the public. People have until November 13 to make comments on the scope of the analysis. Following the scoping phase, an interdisciplinary team will be analyzing the impacts of the proposed action, developing alternatives, and analyzing their impacts. In approximately February 2017, the forest will release a Draft Environmental Impact Statement for public comment, which will describe management alternatives and their impacts. Comments received at that time will be considered in the development of the Final Environmental Impact Statement. A decision on the project will be made following the completion of a final EIS in August 2017.
To assist public understanding of the Proposed Action, the following meetings were scheduled with an added date of October 27:
- October 8 – Plumas-Sierra County Fairgrounds/Mineral Building, 204 Fairground Road, Quincy, CA 5:00 p.m. to 7: 00 p.m.
- October 14 – Chalet View Lodge Conference Room, 72056 Hwy 70, Portola/Graeagle, CA 96122 – 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- October 15 – Feather River Ranger District Office, 875 Mitchell Avenue, Oroville, CA – 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- October 27 – Plumas-Sierra County Fairgrounds/Mineral Building, 204 Fairground Road, Quincy, CA 6:00-8:00 pm (added meeting).
More information, including the proposed action and opportunities for comment, is available at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=47124 .