Re: More Help Please

["Philip Cook" <PCOOK@novell.uidaho.edu>]

After sending my previous reply I checked the Clearwater National 
Forest's web site list of projects (see 
http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/clearwater/NEPA_Qtrly/palouse_nq.htm).
The Elk River Campground required an EA as NEPA 
documentation.  Suzanne Lay of the Palouse Ranger District is 
listed as the responsible official.  She should be able to help you.  
The Palouse Ranger District's phone number is 208-875-1131. 

Hope this helps.

Philip

> Lori Sodorff wrote:
> 
> > What I am wondering is when the Forest Service decides
> > to develop a new campsite do they have to do any sort
> > of impact studies with regard to lands and streams in
> > the surrounding areas?
> 
> The simple answer to your question is "Yes."
> 
> The more complicated answer is "Yes,"  the National 
> Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires all federal agencies, 
> including the Forest Service, to assess the environmental impacts 
> of their actions.  For all proposed projects an environmental 
> assessment (EA) is required.  If the EA finds that there will be 
> significant impact on the environment from the proposed action, 
> then a more detailed and thorough Environmental Impact 
> Statement (EIS) is required.
> 
> I imagine one or both of these documents have been prepared for 
> the campground in question. The Forest Service should have the 
> documents available for you to look at.  I would suggest you call 
> the national forest supervisor's office where the campground is 
> located (I assume the Clearwater).
> 
> Philip Cook