Opportunity to Object to the Draft Decision Regarding

Opportunity to Object to the Draft Decision regarding the Atlantic Coast Pipeline Project for the Monongahela National Forest and the George Washington National Forest The Southern Region (Region 8) of the USDA Forest Service has prepared an environmental assessment, draft Decision Notice and Finding of No Significant Impact for Regional Slow the Spread Project. to implement, to slow the spread of Lymantria dispar with five treatment options: 1) Mating disruption, 2) Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk), 2b) Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki and mating disruption, 3) Nucleopolyhedrosis virus (NPV), and 3b) Nucleopolyhedrosis virus and mating disruption. The landscape-scale project area includes National Forest System lands within the Chattahoochee-Oconee, Cherokee, Daniel Boone, Sumter, Jefferson, Nantahala, Pisgah, Uwharrie, and Croatan National Forests as well as private, state and other federal lands within 97 adjacent counties (see project area map for county names). The project area for the proposed action encompasses approximately 27,483,074 potential treatment acres within the Southern Region (Region 8) in Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. The EA and draft DN/FONSI are available on-line at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60529. Additional information regarding this project or activity can be obtained from: Stephanie Medlin, phone (423-790-2817) or email( stephanie.medlin@usda.gov.) How to Object and Timeframe This draft decision is subject to objection pursuant to 36 CFR 218, Subparts A and B. Objections will only be accepted from those who submitted project-specific written comments during scoping or other designated comment period. Issues raised in objections must be based on previously submitted comments unless based on new information arising after the designated comment opportunities [36 CFR 218.8(c)]. Objections must be submitted within 45 days following the publication of this legal notice in Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The date of the legal notice is the exclusive means for calculating the time to file an objection. Those wishing to object should not rely upon dates or timeframes provided by any other source. It is the objector's responsibility to ensure evidence of timely receipt (36 CFR 218.9). Issues raised in objections must be based on previously submitted timely and specific written comments regarding the proposed project or activity during a public comment period, unless based on new information arising after designated comment opportunities. Interested individuals or entities who have not previously commented may gain limited eligibility to object based on new information, but only for issues that arise based on new information where that information is truly new and was not available during the designated public comment opportunity. Incorporation of documents by reference is permitted only as provided in §218.8(b). It is the objector's responsibility to ensure timely filing of a written objection with the reviewing officer. At a minimum, the objection (36 CFR 218.8(d)) must include the following: · List the name, address, and if possible, a telephone number of the objector; · Provide a signature or other verification of authorship (a scanned signature for electronic mail may be filed with the objection); · Identify the lead objector, when multiple names are listed on an objection; · Provide the name of the project being objected to, the name and title of the responsible official, and the name of the National Forest(s) and/or ranger district on which the project is located; · A statement of the issues and/or the parts of the project to which the objection applies; · If applicable, a statement explaining how the environmental analysis or draft decision specifically violates law, regulation, or policy; suggested remedies; and supporting reasons; and · A statement that demonstrates the connection between prior specific written comments and the content of the objection, unless the objection concerns an issue that arose after the designated opportunities for comment. Objections must be submitted to the Reviewing Officer: Kendrick Arney, Regional Forester, USDA Forest Service. Objections may be submitted online at the following link: https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public/CommentInput?project=NP-60529. If you are not able to access the online form, objections may be submitted by postal mail to: USDA Forest Service, Regional Forester, 1720 Peachtree Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30309, Attn: Objections Regional Slow the Spread Project. Electronic submissions must be in common formats (.doc, .pdf, .rtf, .txt). Please state "Regional Slow the Spread Project" in the subject line when providing electronic objections, or on the envelope when replying by mail. Objections received in response to this solicitation, including names and addresses of those who object, will be considered part of the public record on these proposed actions and will be available for public inspection during and after the objection process. 1-20-23