Final Environmental Assessment for “Eastern Sierra Climate and Community Resilience Project” released

Final Environmental Assessment for “Eastern Sierra Climate and Community Resilience Project” released

Bishop, Calif., May 30, 2024 — Inyo National Forest has prepared a Draft Decision Notice and a Final Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Eastern Sierra Climate and Communities Resilience Project (ESCCRP), which includes ecological thinning, fuels reduction and restoration treatments to improve forest health and resiliency to wildfires surrounding the Town of Mammoth Lakes and beyond.

The Final EA/FONSI and Draft Decision Notice are available at:  www.fs.usda.gov/project/inyo/?project=61827

Based upon review of the EA, FONSI, public comments, and Project Record as well as tribal consultation, Forest Supervisor Lesley Yen has decided to authorize all activities included in the Proposed Action in the ‘Initial Decision’ area (see included map).

“We are grateful for the feedback from the public, and we’re excited to release the final EA which has been updated to reflect those comments received,” said Yen.

“In addition to helping reduce wildfire severity by removing fuel loading through mechanical treatments, this project will help pave the way for us to reintroduce prescribed fire back onto the landscape,” said Nathan Sill, Resources and Planning Staff Officer for Inyo National Forest.

This decision does not approve the Proposed Action for the entire ESCCRP (approximately 58,000 acres), however it does approve it for a 42,700 acre portion of it that has had adequate cultural surveys, referred to as the ‘Initial Decision Area.’ Subsequent decisions would be required to approve activities outside the Initial Decision Area (see map below).

How to submit your objection:

Please note, only those who have submitted timely project-specific written comments during a public comment period are eligible to file an objection. The deadline to submit objections is planned for July 14, 2024.

Objections may be submitted on the project website at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/inyo/?project=61827.

Hard copy objections can be mailed or hand-delivered during business hours (M-F 8:00am – 4:30pm) to:

Mammoth Lakes Ranger District
Attn: Eastern Sierra Climate & Communities Resilience Project
PO Box 148, 2510 Main St.
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546

For additional information, contact Elisabeth McElwee at the Mammoth Ranger District at (304) 546-0026 or by email at [email protected].

News Staff