Willow Creek Project comments, Bio Assessments being evaluated

Biological Assessments for the Willow Creek Vegetation Project in the Dalton Mountain area have been submitted to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the interdisciplinary team working on the project is addressing the comments received during the public scoping period that ended March 28.

Lincoln District Ranger Michael Stansberry told county commissioners at the April 6 Government day meeting the FWS consultation typically takes about 30 days. Once completed, they'll likely have a signed decision on the project, although no specific date was given.

Stansberry said they have heard from individuals who have been known to litigate Forest Service projects, but noted that implementation isn't schedule to take place until 2020, which provides them time to address issues that may arise.

The Willow Creek Project, developed using a categorical exclusion under the 2014 Farm Bill to address insect infestations as Mountain Pine Beetle and Western Spruce Budworm, is limited to treatment of 3000 acres.