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News Release

USDA Forest Service

Sawtooth National Forest

GALENA SUMMIT COMMUNICATION PROJECT APPEAL DECISION

TWIN FALLS, IDAHO, October 3, 2008

On September 30, 2008, Deputy Regional Forester, Cathy Beaty, Appeal Deciding Officer on the Galena Summit Communication Project, reversed the decision by Sawtooth Forest Supervisor Jane Kollmeyer. This reversal was based on the failure to provide adequate notice and opportunity for public comment on the non-significant amendment to the Forest Plan to change the Visual Quality Objective for the project area. The Galena Communication Project Decision had been appealed by Idaho Tower Company and two individuals. Forest Supervisor Jane Kollmeyer said, “A reversal means that there were procedural errors that need to be corrected. We missed a step in the process and will work to remedy that situation. We are currently considering our options and I will decide how to proceed in the next few weeks.” For additional information, please contact Forest Supervisor Jane Kollmeyer or Recreation & Natural Resources Staff Officer Terry Clark at 208-737-3200.