|
The Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) / Decision Notice for the Wildland Urban Interface Fuels Management Environmental Assessment (EA) for Yellowstone National Park was signed by Director Karen Wade of the Intermountain Region of the National Park Service on May 19, 2003.
The FONSI / Decision Notice calls for thinning the forest in 3 developed frontcountry areas (the Lake Utility area, East Entrance, and Northeast Entrance areas) and around 31 backcountry sites within the park, including the Bechler area. Hazardous fuels reduction will occur in treatment areas adjacent to structures that are at risk from wildland fire. Park personnel and contractors will perform fuels reduction with non-motorized, traditional or primitive tools in the park proposed wilderness areas. Motorized tools, such as chainsaws will not be used as originally proposed in the EA unless required in an emergency involving the health and safety of persons within the area. In addition, there will be no helicopter landings. Prescribed fire will not be used. The treatments will lessen the likelihood of a crown fire and increase firefighters’ ability to provide increased protection to human life and property. A complete description of the selected preferred alternative is in the EA.
The FONSI / Decision Notice addressed public concerns by emphasizing the use of primitive hand tools and non-motorized conveyance (stock use and foot travel). The minimum tool analysis will be completed for each activity proposed on a case-by-case basis.
Fuels reduction projects are scheduled to begin during the summer of 2003. Copies of the FONSI / Decision Notice and a summary of comments received during public review of the project and the National Park Service response to those comments will be sent to everyone that commented.
The project was on public review for a 30-day period that began on October 7, 2002, and ended on November 8, 2002. Fifteen letters and 30 e-mails (sent through an organization) were received.
|
