FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 1, 2010
Now available —Draft Environmental Impact Statement for OESF Forest Land Plan
Public comment welcome until July 15
OLYMPIA — The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced the release of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (Draft EIS) for the Olympic Experimental State Forest (OESF) forest land plan. The Draft EIS examines the potential significant impacts to the environment from two management alternatives being considered for the 250,000 acres of state trust lands on the west side of the Olympic Peninsula in Clallam and Jefferson counties.
Environmental analysis will assist DNR and the Board of Natural Resources in making decisions regarding management of these lands. The resulting plan will assist DNR in sustainably managing these working trust forests to earn revenue for the state’s public schools and other trust beneficiaries, while providing diverse habitat for native fish and wildlife species.
Environmental review is carried out under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA). The Draft EIS may be viewed at www.dnr.wa.gov/ResearchScience/Topics/SEPANonProject/Pages/amp_sepa_nonpro_oesf_flp.aspx .
Last month DNR staff held workshops to provide an overview of the Olympic Experimental State Forest, forest land planning, and Draft EIS to help the public and stakeholders as they review the document.
SEPA Comment Period ends July 15, 2010 and Two Public Hearings are Scheduled
Comments must be received by DNR’ SEPA Center by 5:00 p.m. on July15, 2010. More information is on the factsheet located in first section of the Draft EIS. The public may share their thoughts by mailing comments to: Washington State Department of Natural Resources SEPA Center, MS: 47015 Olympia, WA 98504-7015. Or send e-mails to SEPAcenter@dnr.wa.gov . Phone: (360) 902-2117, Fax: (360) 902-1789
Public Hearings Schedule
Come share your perspective about OESF and Forest Land Planning in person. These Public Hearings are to gather comments regarding a Draft EIS for the OESF Forest Land Planning released on June 1.
Wednesday, June 16, Port Angeles
When: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Port Angeles Senior Center
328 E. 7th Street, Port Angeles, WA 98362
(On the SW corner of 7th & Peabody)
Thursday, June 17, Forks
When: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: DNR Region office Conference Room
411 Tillicum Lane, Forks WA 98331-9271
Media Contact: Jane Chavey, Senior Communications Manager, 360-902-1721, jane.chavey@dnr.wa.gov
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