Russell Ridge (Rimrock) Management Project - EA

[Grumpy]

The area for the Russell Ridge Project, 7979 acres, is located north of Rimrock Lake; west of the town of Naches; from the boundary of the William O Douglas Wilderness in the north - to Rimrock Lake in the south.

(Township 13 North, Range 13 East, Sections 1.2.3.4.5 and 6. Township 14 North, Range 13 East, Sections 24,25,26,27,28,29,31,32,33,34,35 and 36; and Township 14 North, Range 14 East, Sections 30 and 31.)

The Russell Ridge Vegetation & Fuels Management Project Environmental Assessment (EA) document contains:

) Purpose and need for action ( reduce potential large wildland fires; reduce potential introduction or spread of invasive species; reduce road density within the project area);

) Addresses travel and access management (recommended 4.81 miles road closures - ie: logging road spurs); Trail corridors would be kept open for recreational travel over the weekend period; if a trail must be closed for safety reasons, the trail (s) would be posted closed and a temporary alternate route may be established.

) Dispersed Campsites/Trailheads; areas would not be used as landings, for slash piling, or parking of heavy equipment during logging operations.

) Special Uses/Permit Holders - permit holders would be encouraged to call the district office before event to check on the status timber sales and/or other vegetation management activities.

On page III-23 of the EA it is noted - "currently, an area to the south of Rimrock Lake is being analyzed for a vehicle oriented use area (Rock Crawl), decision espected in 2009."

There is a 30 day comment period on this project - deadline is May 24th. Comments on this EA should be addressed to Randall D. Shepard, District Ranger, Naches Ranger District, 10237 Highway 12, Naches, WA 98937 OR
sent by email < comments-pacificnorthwest-wenatchee-naches@fs.fed.us. >.
Either written or email comments should reference Russell Ridge Vegetation & Fuels Management Project.

As always, those making comments the name, address, and comments become part of the record for the project.

For additional information regarding this action, information may be obtained by contacting Jim Bailey during office hours at the Naches Ranger District office (509) 653-1400 or written questions can be submitted to the Naches District office stated above.

Arlene Brooks, WA. State Director (pnw4wda -c)