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Show THE OGDEN VALLEY NEWS Page 16 Volume III, Issue IV December 15, 2000 SCOPING DOCUMENT Forest Service Fire Facility Improvements Huntsville Administrative Site Pineview Reservoir USDA Forest Service Wasatch - Cache National Forest Ogden Ranger District Weber County, Utah The Purpose of this Scoping Document This document is to inform you that the Ogden Ranger District is initiating an environmental analysis and review of proposed facility improvements at the Forest Service Administrative Site located in Huntsville, UT, along Pineview Reservoir. The proposal includes: utilizing National Forests System Lands across the street and to the southwest of the current Huntsville Guard Station as a Helibase for the Forest’s Fire Helicopter as well as for a National Contract Fire Helicopter; construction of a new warehouse facility and bunkhouse within the existing Guard Station; and permit the Town of Huntsville to construct a warehouse facility on the National Forest System Lands associated with the Helibase. We would like to hear your comments, concerns, and suggestions regarding management of the government owned facilities at Huntsville Guard Station. What is being proposed? The Forest Service is proposing the following new fire related facilities at the Forest Service Administrative Site located in Huntsville, UT: To operate a seasonal Fire Helibase from the National Forest System Lands located across the street to the southwest from the existing Huntsville Guard Station. More specifically, the following is proposed: Construction of two 30’ round concrete helicopter landing pads. Installation of associated utilities (telephone, electrical power, water lines, natural gas, and septic system). Construction of an access road (12’) to each pad for helicopter service trucks. Construction of a single story office and storage building for flight operations (Approximately 2000 sq. ft.). Installation of a 30’ rappel tower for crew training. Installation of security fencing of the area. Minimal disturbance of natural vegetation. To construct additional administrative facilities at the current Huntsville Guard Station for Fire personnel: Construction of an additional warehouse for fire equipment storage (approximately 1200 sq. ft.). Construction of an additional 6 to 8 person bunkhouse. To issue a Special Use Authorization to the Town of Huntsville for the construction of a warehouse facility on National Forest System lands in vicinity of the proposed Helibase, identified in item 1 above. Construct a warehouse facility/town maintenance shed. Share in utilities to the site, mentioned in item 1 above. The Helibase will be operated seasonally, with use generally May through October as fire season dictates. Sixteen to twenty employees will be based out of this location to staff the two helicopters. The Helibase will also be available for utilization by Life Flight Helicopters during medical emergencies. Flight paths to the Helibase will be restricted to minimize noise and disturbance to town residents. The expanded facilities at Huntsville Guard Station will provide necessary storage for fire fighting related equipment, and provide housing for increased fire personnel. Where are we proposing this project? The projects are located at the existing Huntsville Guard Station and on National Forest System Lands across the street and to the southwest of the current Guard Station, along Pineview Reservoir, in the NE ¼ NW ¼ of Section 13, T6N, R1E. A vicinity map of the area is included. Access is by First Street through the Town of Huntsville. Why are we proposing this project? Huntsville is a central location on the Wasatch-Cache National Forest for fire fighting resources. This Helibase location will enable the Helitack crews to access fires on the National Forest quickly, potentially resulting in smaller fires. Existing facilities are inadequate to safely accommodate the increased fire fighting resources. Preliminary issues As we have begun to discuss this proposed use of National Forest System Lands, the following preliminary issues have been raised. These and other concerns you may have regarding the proposal outlined above will be addressed as we proceed with the environmental analysis. people, aircraft and vehicles that may occupy the site at any one time; Associated improvements and measures to mitigate environmental and social impacts. Who will make the decision? The Ogden Ranger District Ranger, Ruth Monahan, is the official responsible for making the decision whether or not to authorize the proposed use, and if so, at what level. When will the decision be implemented? The decision will be implemented spring and summer of 2001. A Helibase Operations Plan will be developed prior to use. We want to hear from you . . . We welcome any comments, in person, by phone or in the mail. We would like to know whether you have additional issues you believe need to be addressed or specific concerns with the proposal. Specific questions regarding the proposal should be directed to Robert Tonioli, North Zone Fire Management Officer, at (801) 625-5112; FAX (801) 625-5914; Email: rtonioli@fs.fed.us A comment form is available from the Forest Service for ease responding but feel free to use any format you prefer. Submissions you make and identifiers therein will be available for public review, and may be released in their entirety if requested pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act. When do we need your response? To be most useful, we would appreciate receiving your comments by December 30, 2000. You may call or respond in writing. Comments should be directed to: Ruth Monahan District Ranger Ogden Ranger District 507 25th Street, Suite 103 Ogden, UT 84401 (801) 625-5112 The Street Glide II Scooter $89 99 Huffy X-Game Scooter $96 99 540 S. Hwy. 39, Huntsville, UT 745-4200 effects on the environment (water quality, wildlife, vegetation, scenery). The effects on adjacent landowners (noise, traffic, safety, compatible uses). The effects on community services. The effects on Forest Service programs. What is the decision to be made? As a result of the analysis, a decision will be made whether or not to authorize the proposed expanded use of the Forest Service administrative site and Huntsville Guard Station and for what purposes. If yes, the decision will include: Which facilities may be utilized and for what purpose; Season of use; Approximate number of dickd@wardleygmac.com |