The analysis of livestock grazing permits in the Weminuche Wilderness is moving to an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process.
The Columbine Ranger District is expanding this from a shorter Environmental Analysis (EA) process because of the level of interest.
District Ranger Matt Janowiak said in a letter to interested parties, "As the official who will be signing the decision for this project, I found I could not be sure that the analysis would support the 'Finding of no significant impact' determination that is required for an EA."
The issue, he said, was differing information about possible disease transmission from domestic sheep to wild bighorn sheep.
The EIS has more analysis, especially in the socio-economic section "to reflect not only the value of grazing permits for individuals and the woolgrower industry, but also to reflect the value of bighorn sheep and wilderness recreation to local economies," Janowiak said.
The EIS process will proceed from work already done on the EA, he wrote. People who have already submitted comments don't need to re-submit the same comments. All those comments will be kept in the project record and will be considered as scoping for the EIS.
New comments or better supporting information will be taken in the Draft EIS comment period next year.
The EA process started in 2012. There were two comment periods in May-July 2014. Janowiak listed most frequent comments:
. Against Weminuche grazing - not appropriate in designated wilderness; ruins alpine vegetation and pollutes water; ruins recreational experiences with noise, smell, and confrontations with herd guard dogs; grazing fees are too low; disease threat to bighorns.
. For grazing permits - Forest Service is mandated to manage for multiple uses including grazing; the range is in good condition; grazing is a historical use, a way of life, and rancher livelihoods; the livestock industry contributes to the local economy; scientific literature does not support the disease transmission claim.
Janowiak said the EIS process should start in late fall 2014 with a notice in the Federal Register and a legal notice in the Durango Herald. In the first half of 2015, Janowiak's staff will work to convert the Draft EA to a Draft EIS and add needed analysis. There will be a 45 day comment period and a public meeting when the Draft EIS is released.
The Final EIS and draft Record of Decision with a 45 day period for previous commenters to file objections could happen in mid 2015. The final ROD could be signed by the end of 2015.
For information call Janowiak at 884-1438 or Environmental Coordinator Cam Hooley at 884-1414. The draft EA and a summary listing of comments is at http://www.fs.usda.gov/projects/sanjuan/landmanagement/projects.
