Confusion about what's really going on.

[Kurtuleas]

I had to post this up becuase after reading many other posts, it seems that people do not REALLY know what is going on.

In regards to the current closure (words from John Stewart from California 4WD)

This is an "emergency closure".

For clarity: This DOES NOT stop the current EA process and can not be used as a "predetermined" outcome of a public process.

As such, the agency can issue an emergency closure at any point they believe they have reason.

The closure does not stop the EA process. They still have to read the comments and respond as appropriate.

This does allow them to extend the time to read and respond.

Basically, the area is "on hold" until they go thru the Enviromental Assessment and the NEPA process.

And since it seems NOBODY understands the NEPA process, here is a great link about what it is on Del's website. PLEASE take the time to read it:

http://www.delalbright.com/access/nepa_intro.htm

While you are on Del's website, I think some of you Tellico guys can gain a lot from his knowledge and his work for the past 30 sumpthin years. Poke around there a little, you may find some stuff that could help you out.

[Southeast Offroad]

Agreed. I just spoke with Candace Wyman again this morning and she said that the emergency closure in only in effect until they have reviewed all the comments and also had a chance to review the independent study that SFWDA offered. She said they still haven't reviewed it in full because Jay Bird just dropped it off at their meeting at the Rangers Station at their last meeting.

[chattfj40]

Originally Posted by Southeast Offroad

She said they still haven't reviewed it in full because Jay Bird just dropped it off at their meeting at the Rangers Station at their last meeting.

It was given to the Forest Service on Feb 27th at the EA meeting....not sure that qualifies as "just"....I mean we were all expected to comment on a 200+ page EA in 30 days, you'd think they could've reviewed our little 50 page study in the same time period...

Todd Shirley
STLCA VP and SFWDA Rescue Tellico member

[k9crazy]

Originally Posted by chattfj40

It was given to the Forest Service on Feb 27th at the EA meeting....not sure that qualifies as "just"....I mean we were all expected to comment on a 200+ page EA in 30 days, you'd think they could've reviewed our little 50 page study in the same time period...

Damn straight! Now is where they drag this out so we lose interest...NOT GOING TO HAPPEN!