Deputy Regional Forester Reverses Decision
on Maquinita Ecosystem Health Project
Albuquerque, NM (January 26, 2007) – Deputy Regional Forester Abel Camarena reversed the decision yesterday on the Maquinita Ecosystem Health Project on Carson National Forest after a detailed review of the record and recommendations of the Appeal Reviewing Officer.
The purpose of the Maquinita Project, located on the Tres Piedras Ranger District, was to improve overall forest conditions, enhance habitat for wildlife, and reduce the risk of a stand replacing crown fire in the analysis area. The project involved thinning forested stands through sawtimber, fuelwood, and viga sales. It also included construction of 1.5 miles of new road to reroute an existing forest road away from a wet meadow and closing 7 miles of unneeded road to improve wildlife protection and reduce soil erosion.
Acting Forest Supervisor Kendall Clark of the Carson National Forest made the decision to go ahead with the project in September 2006. Subsequently an administrative appeal of the decision was filed by Forest Guardians, Carson Watch, Wild Watershed, and the Center for Biological Diversity. The Forest Service made an attempt to seek informal resolution of the appeal, but informal resolution was not reached.
The formal review found the selected alternative would accomplish the purpose and need of the project and the public was provided ample opportunity to participate in the process. However, it was also determined that additional analysis was needed regarding cumulative effects, roads analysis, 1996 goshawk requirements, and effects analysis for fuels.
The reversal of the decision will give the Carson National Forest an opportunity to complete additional analysis prior to making a new decision on the project. Any new project decision must fully comply with public comment and appeal provisions of the Forest Service’s administrative review process. Carson National Forest Supervisor Martin Chavez stated, “We intend to reinitiate the analysis with a goal of making a new decision on the project in the future.”
For more details on the decision please go to: www.fs.fed.us/r3/appeals/forest_carson/forest_carson_index.htm
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