LaVA environmental statement released

In a recent press release from the United States Forest Service (USFS), it was announced that the draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) for the Landscape Vegetation Analysis (LaVA) project for Medicine Bow National Forest has been released. The release of the DEIS provides yet another opportunity for the public to provide input on the project, which will encompass over 300,000 acres of the Medicine Bow National Forest for the next 10 to 15 years.

Comment period on the Medicine Bow National Forest LaVA project will run from July 6 - Aug. 20, 2018. In the press release, it was announced that three open houses will be held “to provide information, answer questions and encourage public input” during the planning process. The open houses are scheduled to take place in Laramie, Cheyenne and Saratoga.

The DEIS also includes a Modified Proposed Action developed with comments and feedback from cooperating agencies and the public. Changes include new maps to explain the project, trigger points for adaptive management, development of post-decision implementation review process, removal of permanent road construction associated with the project as well as future public input mechanisms to track project progress.

A Final Environmental Impact Statement and Draft Record of Decision is anticipated in December 2018. According to the press release, public input and feedback is welcomed at any stage of this and any other projects. Project information, including the DEIS, is available on the USFS website at www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=51255.

The open house in Saratoga will take place from 4 - 7 p.m. on Aug. 2 at the Saratoga-Encampment-Rawlins Conservation District located at 101 Cypress St.