Chippewa National Forest Service seeks public comment on Pennington North Project
Aug. 17—CASS LAKE — The Chippewa National Forest Service is requesting information, comments and other assistance from federal, state, local agencies, tribes and landowners on the Pennington North Resource Management Project.
According to a release, this project was designed to help move the vegetative conditions within the project area toward the desired conditions identified in the 2004 Chippewa National Forest Land and Resources Management Plan (Forest Plan).
The proposed vegetation management activities are designed to improve species, structural and age class diversity within the project area along with providing goods and services for the multiple uses described in the Forest Plan that would benefit current and future generations.
Other proposed activities are focused on improving recreation opportunities and visitor experience within the project area and applying approximately 375 acres of prescribed broadcast burning.
A detailed project description is available for review at the Blackduck Ranger District, 417 Forestry Drive, or
online.
Located south of Blackduck, and north of County Road 20, the eastern boundary of the project area is quite variable following boundaries developed around landscape ecosystems.
The project area is completely outside of the Leech Lake tribal land boundaries. U.S. Highway 71 and scenic Highway 39 lie within the project boundaries as well as Pimushe Lake, Rabideau Lake and the historic Rabideau CCC camp.
The forest service has implemented the new Code of Federal Regulations 218 objection process. The objection period allows the public to object to the project by having the environmental document and draft decision ready for public review before the decision is signed, the release said.
Specific comments are the most useful for the identification of issues and development and analysis of alternatives to the proposal.
Only individuals or entities who submit timely and specific written comments about this proposed project or activity during this or any other designated opportunity for public comment established by the responsible official will be eligible to file an objection.
The comment period ends on Sept. 12. Comments should be within the scope of the proposed action, have a direct relationship to the proposed action, and must include supporting reasons for the Responsible Official to consider.
Other eligibility requirements are defined and include name, postal address, the title of the project and signature or other verification of identity upon request and the identity of the individual or entity who authored the comments.
Names of commenters will be part of the public record subject to the Freedom of Information Act. Submit written comments to Karen Lessard, Blackduck District Ranger, 417 Forestry Drive, Blackduck, MN 56630; fax
(218) 547-3260
; or email:
comments-eastern-chippewa@usda.gov
with "Pennington North Project" in the subject line.
Office hours for hand delivery are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Acceptable formats for electronic comments are text, email, Adobe PDF and formats viewable in Microsoft Office applications. It is the responsibility of the sender to ensure timely receipt of any comments submitted.
For questions or additional information regarding this project contact Douglas Putt at
(218) 507-0960
or at
