Reid sends letter to U.S. Forest Service to ensure broad input

June 10, 2010

Washington, D.C. – Nevada Senator Harry Reid today requested that the United States Forest Service extend the public comment period for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for travel management in Elko County to provide adequate time for full public participation in the process. 

“The DEIS development process has been controversial from the start for residents in northeastern Nevada,” Reid said.  “I support the County’s request for additional time to consider and respond to the Forest Service’s draft document.  Extending the public comment period will give the local communities and stake holders the opportunity to fully understand and provide feedback on the DEIS.”

Below is the full text of Senator Reid’s letter.

June 10, 2010

Jeanne Higgins

Supervisor, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

1200 Franklin Way

Sparks, NV 89431

Dear Ms. Higgins:

            I am aware that the Elko County Commissioners have asked you to extend the public comment period for the recently released Mountain City, Ruby Mountains, and Jarbidge Combined Travel Management Plan Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS).  I am writing today to encourage you to allow additional time for public comment in order to ensure substantive public participation in this process.

As you know, the development of the DEIS has been highly controversial in northeastern Nevada. I appreciated your efforts to slow the process and to provide more information to the public in response to my March 2009 letter.  The citizens of Elko, however, remain concerned that the Forest Service’s planning process is moving too quickly and the DEIS comment period does not provide enough time for County Commissioners, stakeholders, and local citizens to thoroughly examine and provide feedback on the document.  I believe that in this case an expanded public comment period is necessary to develop a document with broad community support.

Thank you for your continued efforts to expand your public outreach and for your service to the people of Nevada.  If you have any questions, please contact me or my staff at (202) 224-3542.  I appreciate your attention to and consideration of this request. 

                                                        Sincerely,

                                                        Harry Reid

                                                        United States Senator