Comments Sought on Environmental Assessment for Black Canyon Riparian Restoration Project

Comments Sought on Environmental Assessment for Black Canyon Riparian Restoration Project
Release Date: Nov 7, 2012 Bishop, CA
Contact(s): Nancy Upham

The White Mountain Ranger District of the Inyo National Forest has prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Black Canyon Riparian Restoration Project. This project would occur along motorized trail 34E303, in Black Canyon, which is in the White Mountains of Inyo County. The project would restore degraded riparian conditions along the road, while adding a previously unauthorized route to the transportation system. The EA is now available for a 30-day public review and comment period. The 30-day comment period begins on November 6, and only those who provide comment or otherwise express interest in the proposed action during the comment period will be eligible as appellants.

The EA documents the environmental effects of the proposed restoration project. The Forest Service has determined that the aquatic and riparian habitat could be enhanced by reducing trail-related impacts to natural stream flow. The project is intended to reduce these impacts through five activities:

1) The removal of 0.72 miles of trail 34E303 from the Forest designated trail system and closes it to motorized vehicle use in upper Black Canyon, below Black Canyon Springs. Restoration treatments will be implemented within the closed section of trail and closure barricades will be installed.

2) The construction of a motorized vehicle turn-around area ¼ mile above Black Canyon Springs.

3) The installation of trail stabilizing structures on stream crossings.

4) The removal of stream flow from trail 34E303 in lower Black Canyon returning it to its natural channel.

5) The addition of 0.23 miles of unauthorized trail (U-7S132) to the Forest designated trail system to help maintain motorized vehicle opportunities.

The EA is available in hard copy format or can be viewed on the Inyo National Forest website at http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/fs-usda-pop.php/?project=36719.

To obtain a copy of the EA please contact Casey Shannon at 351 Pacu Ln., in Bishop, by phone at (760) 873-2407, or by email at cshannon@fs.fed.us. Please contact Casey Shannon if you have questions about the EA or commenting procedures.