Two national forests seek public comment regarding sheep grazing allotment in High Uintas
(KUTV) — Two Utah national forests are seeking public comment on a draft environmental impact statement regarding sheep grazing allotments in the area.
The Uinta-Wasatch-Cache and Ashley National Forests are seeking public comment regarding a draft environmental impact statement that analyzes 10 sheep grazing allotments within the High Uintas Wilderness Area to determine if grazing should continue. The forests are also proposing to continue to use the sheep driveway that allows domestic sheep to access these allotments as they move from the winter range.
According to a press release issued Thursday, the project analysis area includes allotments located in the High Uintas Wilderness on both the north and south facing slopes of the central ridge of the Uinta Mountains. These allotments include the following areas:
North
- Gilbert Peak
- Hessie Lake-Henry's Fork
- Red Castle
- East Fork Blacks Fork
- Middle Fork Blacks Fork
South
- Falls Creek
- Ottoson Basin
- Oweep
- Tungsten
- Painter Basin
According to the press release, livestock grazing would be authorized using Forest Plan direction to meet and move toward the desired conditions, which are contained in the forests' respective plans.
One issue during the initial review of the project was the presence of bighorn sheep found in the project area, which were listed as a Regional Forester's Sensitive Species in August 2008, according to the press release. Another issue that was raised was the potential socioeconomic impact to permittees and the communities where they live and ranch, which both of these issues are addressed in the statement.
To view the draft environmental impact statement, click here.
To comment on the project, written comments can be submitted to the following people:
David Whittekiend, Uinta-Wasatch-Cache Forest Supervisor
- 857 W. South Jordan Parkway, South Jordan, UT, 84095
- Facsimile at 801-253-8118
Jeff E. Schramm, Ashley Forest Supervisor
- 355 N. Vernal Ave., Vernal, UT, 84078
- Facsimile at (435) 781-5142
For those who wish to submit hand-delivered comments, the National Forests office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
Comments can also be submitted by email to either intermtn-ashley@fs.fed.us or comments-intermtn-uwc@fs.fed.us. Electronic comments must have an identifiable name attached or verification of identity will be required.
Only those who submit their comments in a timely fashion regarding the project during the public comment period by the responsible official are eligible to file an objection.