Community Protection - Eastside

CP Eastside DN-FONSI Final 251223 Signed

Introduction

Describes thinning, prescribed burning, reforestation and road work on about 57,462 acres, and the emergency determination under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act used to expedite it.2

Background

Recounts increasing wildfire size and intensity, with 65 percent of the Forest affected in seven years and heavy losses from the Camp, Dixie and other fires.2

Decision

Selects Alternative 1 and authorizes mechanical thinning, fuels reduction, hand treatments, reforestation and prescribed fire; the project is exempt from 36 CFR Part 218 objections.2

Decision Rationale

Explains that surrounding watersheds burned in the Dixie Fire and Beckwourth Complex, so Alternative 1 best reduces fire risk to communities and improves forest resilience.2

CommunityProtectESC CoverLetter 30dayComment CC

Comment solicitation letter

Invites comments on the EA for the 57,462-acre project, proposing 21,622 acres of mechanical thinning, 291 manual and 6,802 reforestation, and notes a possible emergency determination.4

How to comment

Gives the email and mailing address for comments and says the comment period ends 30 days after newspaper publication in The Mountain Messenger.4

CP Eastside Final EA 251219

Proposed Action and Alternatives

Alternative 1 covers forest thinning, mechanical fuels, hand treatments, prescribed fire, fire control lines, reforestation, water drafting sites, road work and temporary roads; Alternative 2 is no action.3

Environmental Impacts

Analyzes air quality, botany, cultural resources, economics, fire and fuels, hydrology and soils, silviculture, special management areas, wildlife and roads for both alternatives.3

Emergency Situation Determination

Covers the emergency determination used for this project, followed by consulted agencies and persons, the interdisciplinary team and literature cited.3