August 27, 2019 3:45 a.m.
Staff with the North Umpqua Ranger District of the Umpqua National Forest will hold a public meeting to answer questions about the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Calf-Copeland Restoration Project on Tuesday night.
A release from the Umpqua National Forest said the Forest Service is accepting comments on the document for a 45-day period from when the Notice of Availability was published in the Federal Register on August 16th.
The release said the Calf-Copeland Restoration Project is designed to improve resiliency in the event of wildfires, preserve old-growth forest habitat, and save centuries-old ponderosa and sugar pine. Fuels reduction activities around the private inholdings in the Dry Creek area, are also proposed to provide protection to the homes and communities there. The project also includes improvement to aquatic habitat through the placement of logs in Calf Creek, and the repair of two small wetlands. Approximately 27 miles of motorized road and trail access is planned for modification to address issues with aquatic habitat and water quality as well.
Sherri Chambers, North Umpqua District Ranger said there is an urgent need to begin fire risk-reduction and legacy pine protection in the planning area.
The release said the Umpqua North Complex Fire burned through most of the planning area in 2017, highlighting the need for restoration as many of the pine intended for restoration were lost due to the overabundance of surrounding fuels with additional trees still succumbing to post-fire insects.
The meeting will be held at the Glide Community Center from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Forest Service representatives will be available to discuss the project, answer questions and provide information about how to comment on the DEIS.