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Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Sale of Payson Ranger District site advances

Payson, Ariz., (Aug. 12) -- Tonto National Forest officials announced today a Decision Notice and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) on the Environmental Assessment (EA) proposal for the sale of 253 acres of the current Payson Ranger district administrative site and construction of new administrative offices. 

The decision is to authorize the sale of 253 acres of the current Payson Ranger district administrative site and the proposed construction of new administrative offices, covered storage and fire facilities, new fire management helitack facilities, and a bunkhouse for seasonal housing. 

“We are very excited about the opportunities this land sale will bring to the Rim country, ” stated Neil Bosworth, Forest Supervisor.  “We appreciate the patience and support of the partners who have worked through this with us.  When we conclude this environmental process as mandated by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), we will know we have done the right things for the right reasons.”

The 45-day public appeal period on this decision begins Friday, August 16,  and ends at close of business (4:30 pm) on Monday, September 30.

Copies of the Environmental Assessment and Decision Notice/Finding of No Significant Impact are available at the Payson Ranger District administrative office, or the Tonto National Forest Supervisor’s Office at 2324 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix, AZ 85006.  They may also be viewed on the forest’s website at www.fs.usda.gov/tonto/projects

Those who provided comment or otherwise expressed interest in the proposed EA during the original comment period are eligible to appeal. 

If you have questions concerning this process, please contact Rebecca Hoffman at 602-225-5257.

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