Moose-Gypsum DEIS meeting Dec. 6
Changes proposed for management of Upper Green area
December 4, 2005
(Pinedale) The Pinedale Ranger District of the Bridger-Teton National Forest (BTNF) is proposing significant modifications to the Moose-Gypsum area of the Upper Green over the next ten years. The Forest Service has released a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) addressing the proposed treatments and inviting input from the public.
The Pinedale Ranger District will be hosting an Open House on December 6th at the Amerihost Inn in Pinedale from 5-8 pm to answer questions and give more information on the project.
The DEIS is available at local libraries and can be downloaded online at http://www.fs.fed.us/r4/btnf/projects/.
In addition to the usual ground treatments of timber harvest, prescribed burns and fisheries/erosion projects, the preferred treatment alternative includes closing 29 dispersed campsites along the Green River and relocating a portion of a snowmobile trail.
The Forest Service wants to remove 29 of 149 available dispersed recreation sites in the study area that are within 100 feet of the Green River. Closing these specific dispersed sites will reduce erosion of the riverbank, sediment delivery to the river, and visual disruptions along the river corridor. The Proposed Action would also relocate a small section of Snowmobile Trail #GL away from the Upper Green River Elk Feedground.
In addition, the Proposed Action includes habitat enhancement for Colorado River cutthroat trout in Gypsum Creek; Harvest 1,451 acres, 11.5 million board feet of timber to generate $1.5 million on revenue; Prescribed fire and mechanical treatments for fuels reduction on 6,023 acres; 21,220 acres of wildlife habitat treatments in sagebrush, grass and aspen with prescribed fire and mechanical treatments; Treatments to rejuvenate aspen growth and discourage encroaching conifers for vegetation diversity; Add 22.5 miles of designated travel routes to create loop routes for motorized travel opportunities; Decommission 9.5 miles of designated travel routes that have significant environmental effects.
Public comments on the DEIS and proposed alternative must be postmarked by January 2, 2006. Comments should be specific and address the adequacy of the DEIS ande merits of the alternatives discussed. Comments should be sent to: Pinedale Ranger District, Bridger-Teton National Forest, Attn: Moose-Gypsum DEIS Comments, PO Box 220, Pinedale, WY 82941.
Comments can also be e-mailed to: comments-intermtn-bridger-teton-pinedale@fs.fed.us. Commenters should include: Name, Mailing Address, Telephone Number, Organization Represented and any specific facts and supporting reasons that should be considered.
The DEIS identifies the Proposed Action and two additional alternatives, including a No Action Alternative. The Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and Record of Decision (ROD) are expected to be completed in the winter of 2006. Copies of the FEIS and ROD will be mailed to those who comment on the DEIS and be available to those who request it.
For more information, contact Craig Trulock, District Ranger, Pinedale Ranger District, 307-367-4326.
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