MN Forest seeks comments on proposed project — August Complex Phase 1

The public is invited to submit comments on the proposed Plaskett-keller August Complex Phase 1 project on the Mendocino National Forest (MNF). This proposed project covers approximately 4,500 acres in the middle of the Forest about 15 miles from Covelo and 36 miles from Willows.

The proposed Plaskettkeller project crosses multiple jurisdictional lines (ranger districts, counties, and land ownership) and is an excellent area for partnerships and collaboration on land management. It also contains several campgrounds and major roads used frequently by the public and Forest Service employees. The proposal includes post-fire recovery activities to remove fire-killed and fire-injured trees in order to improve employee and public safety, capture remaining economic value of dead trees, and reduce post-fire fuels to prevent the excessive accumulation of fuels.

The August Complex burned a total of 1,032,648 acres, including 612,634 acres on the MNF. For post-fire recovery, forest resource specialists considered the Rapid Assessment conducted by the Mendocino, Shasta-trinity and Six Rivers national forests as a foundation to develop a three-phase approach for restoration.

Phase 1 will address time-sensitive safety concerns along roadways and campgrounds as well as economic recovery. Phase 2 involves restoration activities such as reforestation, additional fuels reduction work, habitat enhancement, recreation site improvements, and more. Phase 3 will focus on long-term recovery across the landscape using the Watershed Condition Framework approach.

A scoping letter with additional details and maps are available for download from the project website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/ project/?project=59444.

The participation of interested persons, organizations, state and local governments, and tribes is encouraged throughout the process of developing this project. Our desire is to receive comments on the merits of the proposed action, as well as comments that address concerns.

Comments may be submitted via email to comments-pacificsouthwestmendocino@usda.gov (include “Plaskett-keller” in the subject line); via mail to Mendocino National Forest: Attn: Plaskett-keller. 825 N Humboldt Ave., Willows, CA 95988; or via facsimile to (530) 934-7384.