August 18, 2019 So it seems the President is at it again on our National Forests. The things Teddy Roosevelt created! Now I know people and organizations commented but we have to let everyone know. Because this time its our trees. Like the evil guy in the Lorax!
An article from a local newspaper, submitted here by Eric Zuesse at Greanville Post.
First of all, the following is an abbreviated version of an article from the 15 August 2019. Addison County Independent newspaper in Vermont.
![Most importantly, if a proposed change in federal land use rules goes through [national forests] could see a lot more commercial logging, road building and utility corridors. Mind you and all without environmental review or public input.](https://i0.wp.com/www.greanvillepost.com//srv/htdocs/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/NationalForests1.jpg?quality=89&ssl=1)
Proposed change would cut public input in Green Mtn National Forest, Thu, 08/15/2019 – 12:55pm By Christopher Ross.
Most importantly, if a proposed change in federal land use rules goes through [national forests] could see a lot more commercial logging, road building and utility corridors. Mind you and all without environmental review or public input.
“Basically, the rules would take the ‘public’ out of public land management,” said Jamey Fidel, Forest and Wildlife Program Director for the Vermont Natural Resources Council (VNRC).
At issue is a proposal by the United States Forest Service (USFS) to revise the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). One that which is the foundation of environmental policy making in the United States. It requires agencies like the USFS to analyze the environmental effects of their proposed actions. All prior to making decisions.
In addition, the USFS proposal would drastically alter those requirements. All consequently by greatly expanding the number and type of projects that would count as “categorical exclusions”. These are which can be approved without environmental assessments or impact statements.
Location of surviving national forests. Before the European plague arrived, the whole North American continent was covered in primeval forests teeming with life.
Projects the USFS would reclassify as “categorical exclusions” include:
1. First off, Commercial logging and including clear cutting. Especially on areas up to 4,200 acres at a time.
2. Building new roads through the forest up to five miles at a time.
3. Also reconstructing old roads through the forest up to 10 miles a time.
4. Furthermore, Bulldozing up to four miles of pipeline and utility rights-of-way through the forest.
5. Thereby Closing roads and trails used for recreational purposes.
6. Adding illegally built roads and trails to the official USFS road and trail system.
So the new rules consequently would also allow the USFS to bypass public input. Yes folks as a result, on nearly every project decision.
According to estimates from a number of forestry and environmental organizations. SO the proposal will eliminate public and environmental review from more than 90 percent of all USFS projects.
Finally, the deadline for commenting WAS Aug. 26. [After that time, no public comments will be accepted.]
“Please make your comments specific and unique to your concerns and relate your comments to a particular national forest …
In addition and according to the Forest Service website, comments may be submitted:
1. online via https://www.regulations.gov/comment?D=FS-2019-0010-0001 (Note: This info has been updated from the print version of this article.)
2. or by mail to NEPA Services Group, c/o Amy Barker, USDA Forest Service, 125 South State St., Ste. 1705, Salt Lake City, UT 84138.
3. or by email to nepa-procedures-revision@fs.fed.us.
Reach Christopher Ross atchristopherr@addisonindependent.com
