Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Forest Management Watershed topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners told Forest Service will rescind draft watershed decision; NEPA reopens and treatment delayed
Summary
A Baker County commissioner reported that the U.S. Forest Service will rescind a draft decision on watershed fuels work after procedural objections and resubmit corrected materials, reopening NEPA and delaying planned treatments.
A commissioner reported that the U.S. Forest Service plans to rescind a draft decision for fuels treatment in a watershed that supplies drinking water for thousands of Baker County residents, reopen the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process and accept comments and objections again — a step that will delay on‑the‑ground treatment by roughly 60 days at best, staff said.
At the meeting the commissioner said the rescind followed objections from three environmental groups and a fourth objector whose technical objection identified a missing clerical document the Forest Service must add before proceeding. The Forest Service notified county leaders that, after meeting with objectors, legal counsel advised adding the missing material and resubmitting the decision, which triggers another public comment and objection period, the commissioner said.
The commissioner described outreach to federal officials and members of Congress’ offices to urge prompt completion. County staff said they met with the city and the Forest Service and asked for a weekly status report while NEPA reopens. The county also discussed sending a letter urging action and asking for federal resources for suppression and treatment if the schedule slips.
Commissioners discussed the risks posed by litigation from repeat objectors and independent litigators. One commissioner recommended caution in direct outreach to objector groups, saying litigation attorneys are well resourced and that county outreach should be routed through federal or congressional representatives to avoid escalating conflict. The county will continue to press the Forest Service and congressional offices for expedited handling and additional resources.
Ending: County staff will continue outreach to Forest Service leadership and congressional offices, monitor the NEPA schedule and consider a joint letter from local officials requesting prioritization of watershed treatment and, if necessary, additional federal suppression resources.
