Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Lands Forestry topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners say Forest Service is holding back NEPA-ready timber sales
Summary
County officials told the commission that several timber sales described as NEPA-ready remain unpublished by the Forest Service Cedar City office; the regional forester has been contacted and the county may ask the congressional delegation for help.
Commissioners warned that local sawmill owners and contractors face delays because the Forest Service Cedar City office has not put several NEPA-ready timber sales out for bid despite completion of environmental reviews.
A county official reported contacting Mary Farnsworth, the regional forester who oversees four states, and said Farnsworth has connected local owners to the appropriate Forest Service contacts to try to expedite the process. Commissioners said they may involve the county’s congressional representative if the backlog continues.
Speakers framed the issue as a significant economic and resource concern for local contractors and the timber industry in the county; the commission asked staff to continue follow-up and to escalate the matter if necessary.
Next steps: staff will monitor the Forest Service response and, if delays persist, seek assistance from the county’s congresswoman.
