Status
On January 14th, 2020, Y2U, along with the Alliance for the Wild Rockies and the Native Ecosystem Council submitted scoping comments on the Bridge Creek Forest Management Project was proposed by the Soda Springs Ranger District of the Caribou-Targhee National Forest to improve the condition of the forest ecosystem. The project area is located approximately 29 air miles northeast of Soda Springs, ID, and approximately 20 miles west of Freedom, ID. It is in the Bridge Creek and Tin Cup drainages on the Soda Springs Ranger District in Caribou and Bonneville Counties. This project proposes to treat approximately 11,000 acres with a combination vegetation management activity throughout the project area to improve the condition of the forest ecosystem. This project should be analyzed with an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) not an Environmental Assessment (EA) to assess the cumulative impacts of the proposal along with all other existing and reasonably foreseeable future project impacts in the region, specifically in the Corridor.
Work Plan
- Upon release, Y2U will address whether the Draft Environmental Assessment (DEA) adequately analyzed the potential environmental impacts of the project and addressed potential alternatives.
- Y2U will submit comments on the DEA.
- Y2U will file an Objection if the FEA does not adequately analyze the potential environmental impacts of the proposed project and potential alternatives.
- Y2U will continue to monitor the impact of this project on wildlife and habitat.
- Y2U is considering seeking legal representation to challenge the NEPA process for this “vegetation treatment” or “Aspen restoration” project.
Expected Outcome
Unknown at this time.
See below for full comments and original scoping letter from the U.S. Forest Service.