The Monongahela National Forest (Forest) is preparing an environmental assessment (EA) for the Big Rock Project. The project area is within the Gauley Ranger District north of Richwood , West Virginia, in southern Webster and northern Nicholas C_ounties. The Forest proposes to construct wildlife openings/savannahs and vernal pools, decommission roads (does not include National Forest System roads), conduct upgraded maintenance of National Forest System roads, restore/maintain large woody material in streams and riparian areas, restore/maintain aquatic organism passage, conduct nonnative invasive plant control treatments, harvest timber and conduct ancillary activities,. and construct and reconstruct National Forest System roads.
The proposed project is subject to predecisional administrative review also known as the objection process (36 GFR 218 Subparts A and B). In accordance with §218.25, individuals or organizations wishing to be eligible to submit objections must provide the following information: a) Your name and address; b) Title of the Project; c) Specific comments (§218.2) on the proposed action, along with supporting reasons; and d) Your signature or other means of verification of identity upon request and identification of the individual or entity who authored the comment(s).
Although comments are accepted at any time before a final decision is made, they must be postmarked or received within 30 days beginning the day after publication of the legal notice in The Inter-Mountain in order to be eligible for the objection process. To submit comments, please send written responses to Clyde Thompson, Forest Supervisor, Monongahela National Forest, 200 Sycamore Street, Elkins, WV 26241 or fax to 304-637-0582. Electronic comments should be submitted to comments-eastern-monongahela@fs.fed.us. Please state “Big Rock Project” in the subject line when providing electronic comments, or on the envelope when replying by mail. For more information, a copy of the draft EA, and maps please go to https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=44762 or call 304-635-4480 to receive information by mail.
