Comments concerning the scope of the analysis should be received in writing by January 31, 2000. The stands being considered for treatment are widely scattered across the Coeur d'Alene River Ranger District and are declining due to damage incurred during recent ice storms and the resulting Douglas-fir bark beetle infestation. Some of the stands adjacent to private ownership are currently managed for their old-growth characteristics. Adjacent landowners have expressed concern with the increased fire risks associated with the amount of dead or dying timber in these areas.
Several stands are within an inventoried roadless area.
Other specific treatment areas and treatment methods will be identified during scoping. The scope of this analysis is limited to activities related to the purpose and need, and measures necessary to mitigate the effects these activities may have on the environment. The decision will identify if, when, how and where the schedule activities to meet these goals. While public participation in this analysis is welcome at any time, comments received within 30 days of the publication of this notice will be especially useful in the preparation of the draft EIS, which is expected to be filed with the Environmental Protection Agency and available for public review in March 2000. The comment period on the draft environmental impact statement will be 45 days from the date the Environmental Protection Agency publishes the notice of availability of the draft EIS in the Federal Register.