2009-12-03_REVISION - M1998022 (4)

Home Browse Search

Prescription up to standard before any projects in this area that could be impacted by this standard are considered any farther. 2. "Also to be decided is whether the project is in the public's interest in terms of forest wide goals and objectives." (L&P Preface P-4). So we now go to the forest wide goals and objectives and we find the following: "Chapter 1 Forest-wide Goals and Objectives Introduction In contrast, objectives provide these means in the form of measurable steps, referred to as strategies, taken to accomplish goals. Objectives generally are achieved by implementing projects or activities. However, objectives are not targets, which are a measure of annual outputs dependent upon budgets. Budget allocations may or may not correspond to areas that have been emphasized by the forest plan." (L&P Page 1-1) This introduction explains how the Goals & Objectives are to be used. Next we have the specific goal & objective that appears in conflict: "Goal 2 Multiple Benefits to People Provide a variety of uses, products, and services for present and future generations by managing within the capability of sustainable ecosystems. Objective 2c Improve the capability of national forests and rangelands to sustain desired uses, values, products, and services. Strategy 2c.7 Over the life of the plan, provide for mineral materials when the national forest is the only available source for these materials." (L&P Page 1-11) So to determine if the project is in the public's interest, it appears that we must first determine if this rock source " is the only available source for these materials". There is no mention in the EA that this determination was made either by the USDA Forest Service or the applicant. So one can only assume that this was not done, and that would be a screening done prior to even starting the NEPA process. Since the