Hi everyone,
The Forest Service is seeking public comments on the Rapid River Ecosystem Maintenance Burn, which is proposed for the Nez Perce and Payette National Forests. Comment deadline is Monday September 16. The massive project includes both prescribed burning and thinning. You can make a public comment by visiting the project page. Below are some of our concerns:
- The 70,000 acre project area overlaps with the proposed Windy-Shingle Timber Sale, which is currently being challenged in federal court.
- Project area overlaps with Rapid River, an Inventoried Roadless Area that is categorized as Wildlands Recreation under the Idaho Roadless Rule. This category/theme does not permit tree cutting/thinning.
- Project includes portions of an Inventoried Roadless Area (Rapid River) and, yet, the agency has indicated that it does not intend to prepare an Environmental Assessment or Environmental Impact Statement to assess potential impacts to roadless area (potential Wilderness) characteristics. Instead the agency is proposing a Categorical Exclusion.
- Project is proposed for the next 25 years.
Idaho Governor Brad Little’s Salmon Workgroup is hosting an all-day public meeting on Friday September 20 at the Idaho Fish & Game Office in Lewiston, which is located at 3316 16th Street. Public comments can be delivered starting at 2:30pm. Join us in speaking for a free-flowing lower Snake River and salmon recovery. It is time to breach the four lower Snake River dams. Call our office at (208) 882-9755 for carpooling and questions.
The Nimiipuu River Rendezvous is taking place from September 20 – 22 at Hells Gate State Park in Lewiston. Join tribal members, anglers, boaters, and river advocates for a weekend gathering in support of removing the four costly lower Snake River dams. Come ready to learn and engage with a wide host of people from around the region concerning dam breaching, treaty rights, climate change, salmon, orcas and more. There will be field trips, paddles and workshops during the day and music, films and food in the evenings.
Sincerely,
Brett Haverstick
Education & Outreach Director