Notice of Opportunity to Comment Lemon Gulch Trails Project Ochoco National Forest Opportunity to Comment on Environmental Assessment

Notice of Opportunity to Comment Lemon Gulch Trails Project Ochoco National Forest Opportunity to Comment on Environmental Assessment The Ochoco National Forest has completed a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) analyzing the effects of new mountain bike trails in the Lemon Gulch project area. The EA is now available for a 30-day public comment period and this letter will give you information on where to find the EA and how to submit comments. The Lemon Gulch project area is located on the Lookout Mountain Ranger District within the Mill Creek watershed, approximately 20 miles northeast of Prineville, Oregon. The goal of the Ochoco Forest Plan is to provide for a variety of recreational experiences across all areas of the Ochoco National Forest. This project addresses the need for new trail miles designed for mountain biking. The EA assesses and compares six alternatives including No Action. The action alternatives range from 19.1 to 51.3 miles of new multi-use trail plus associated trailheads and signage. These alternatives were developed to address issues by reducing impacts to wildlife habitat and livestock grazing. Each alternative includes a phased implementation and resource protection measures to reduce unwanted effects to natural resources. At this time, the agency’s preferred alternative is Alternative 6. Alternative 6 would include 27.5 miles of single-track dirt trail with a combination of downhill, cross-country and climb options as well as a mix of difficulty levels. The Responsible Official for this project is: Slater Turner, Lookout Mountain District Ranger 3160 NE Third Street Prineville, OR 97754 The Environmental Assessment is available on-line at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=58831 The Environmental Assessment is also available for review on site during regular business hours at: Crook County Library 175 NW Meadow Lakes Drive Prineville, OR 97754 and Ochoco National Forest 3160 NE Third Street Prineville, OR 97754 Additional information regarding this action can be obtained from: Beth Peer, Project Lead Ochoco National Forest 3160 NE Third Street Prineville, OR 97754 elizabeth.peer@usda.gov 541-416-6463 How to Provide Comments and Timeframe The opportunity to provide comment ends 30 days following the date of publication of the legal notice in the newspaper of record. Notice for the opportunity to comment on this EA will be published in The Bulletin (Bend, Oregon), which is the newspaper of record for the Ochoco National Forest. Do not rely on any other sources for the beginning date of the comment period. We anticipate a publication date of November 16. The legal notice will be posted to the project web page after it is published. As a courtesy the legal notice will also publish in the Central Oregonian (Prineville, Oregon); however the timeline begins with publication in The Bulletin. It is the responsibility of the sender to ensure timely receipt of any comments submitted. The time period for the opportunity to comment on this project shall not be extended (36 CFR 218.25(iv). Only those who submit timely and specific written comments regarding this project during a public comment period are eligible to file an objection. Comments must be within the scope of the proposed action, have a direct relationship to the proposed action, and include supporting reasons for the Responsible Official to consider. Persons submitting comments must provide the following information: name and address; title of the proposed project; specific written comments; and signature or other verification of identity upon request. Other requirements to be eligible to submit an objection are listed at 36 CFR 218.25(a)(3). Electronic, written, and oral comments will be accepted. We strongly encourage you to submit comments electronically. Those wishing to provide electronic comments should use the Forest Service online comment system at: https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public//CommentInput?Project=58831 Comments may be typed into the online form, or uploaded as an attachment in Microsoft Word, rich text format (rtf), or portable document format (PDF) only. Comments may also be submitted in writing by mail. Written comments should be sent or delivered to Beth Peer, Environmental Coordinator, Ochoco National Forest, 3160 NE 3rd Street, Prineville, OR 97754. Hand-delivery: comments may be hand-delivered to the Ochoco National Forest address above during regular business hours. Publish: November 22, 2022 PCO265834

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