sugarbush stein’s run trail widening project...

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Green Mountain National Forest United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service Eastern Region Sugarbush Stein’s Run Trail Widening Project Town of Warren Washington County, Vt Decision Memo Prepared by: Eastern Region Winter Sports Team June, 2011 For Information Contact: Tom Paquette Special Use Permit Administrator Green Mountain National Forest 99 Ranger Road, Rochester, VT 06767 (802) 767-4261 x 521 FAX (802) 767-4777 E-mail: [email protected] Responsible Official: Susan Mathison Eastern Region Winter Sports Team Leader 71 White Mountain Drive, Campton, New Hampshire 03223 (603) 536-6245 FAX (603) 536-3685 E-mail: [email protected]

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Gre

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onal Fore

st

United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service Eastern Region

Sugarbush Stein’s Run Trail Widening Project

Town of Warren

Washington County, Vt

Decision Memo

Prepared by:

Eastern Region Winter Sports Team

June, 2011

For Information Contact: Tom Paquette Special Use Permit Administrator Green Mountain National Forest

99 Ranger Road, Rochester, VT 06767 (802) 767-4261 x 521 FAX (802) 767-4777

E-mail: [email protected]

Responsible Official: Susan Mathison Eastern Region Winter Sports Team Leader

71 White Mountain Drive, Campton, New Hampshire 03223

(603) 536-6245 FAX (603) 536-3685

E-mail: [email protected]

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and

activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs,

sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information

(Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice

and TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W,

Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-

5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

This document can be made available in large print.

Contact Tom Paquette at (802) 767-4261

or e-mail [email protected]

Sugarbush Stein’s Run Trail Widening Project - Decision Memo

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Table of Contents

1 Summary.........................................................................................................................4

2 Decision To Be Implemented .......................................................................................4

2.1 Background and Project Area ............................................................................4

2.2 Purpose and Need ...............................................................................................5

2.3 Description of Decision………………………………………………………...6

3 Rationale for Categorically Excluding the Decision .................................................7

3.1 Category of Exclusion .........................................................................................8

3.2 Relationship to Extraordinary Circumstances .................................................8

4 Public Involvement .....................................................................................................12

5 Findings Required By and/or Related to Other Laws and Regulations ..............12

6 Project Mitigation Measures…………………………………………………...14

7 Administrative Review or Appeal ............................................................................15

8 Implementation Date and Contact ............................................................................16

Sugarbush Stein’s Run Trail Widening Project - Decision Memo

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1 Summary

After careful consideration of public input, the recommendations of appropriate resource

specialists, and the requirements of applicable laws and regulations, I have decided, as Team

Leader of the Eastern Region Winter Sports Team, to authorize Sugarbush Resort to

implement the Stein’s Run Trail Widening Project. Activities authorized as part of this

decision include the removal of trees in a 0.2 acre area at the top of the Stein’s Run ski trail and

the drilling of a hole in ledge to locate a groomer winch point. The trail widening will allow

safer approach to the trail for grooming operations. The project is located on National Forest

System land in the Town of Warren, Washington County, Vermont on the Rochester Ranger

District of the Green Mountain National Forest (GMNF) (see attached map).

2 Decision to be Implemented

2.1 Background and Project Area

Sugarbush has been operated and managed as a commercial ski resort since 1958.

The area is currently authorized under a Special Use Permit issued to Summit

Ventures NE, LLC. The resort consists of two mountains with ski facilities:

Mount Ellen and Lincoln Peak. The ski resort’s summit is 4,083 feet with a 2,600

vertical drop; the ski resort has 111 ski trails consisting of approximately 53

miles, and many gladed areas. The mountain operates 16 ski lifts. Over 70% of

the mountain has snowmaking capabilities and average snowfall exceeds 250”.

On the average, Sugarbush is visited by over 250,000 guests annually, primarily

in the winter months. About 50% of the total skiing acreage is located on

National Forest System lands.

Stein’s Run trail is a 2,248 foot long trail with a 977 vertical foot drop and a 48%

to 59% grade. The trail averages 129’ in width and is rated as an expert trail. The

trail is allowed to bump up and is only occasionally groomed. The current

entrance to Stein’s is less than 60’ wide on the skier’s far left side of the trail and

is accessed from the Reverse Traverse trail after making a sharp turn off of Valley

House Traverse trail. This intersection area, along with the Valley House lift

unload area and The Mall trail entrance, has been identified as a complex high

traffic merge area of skiers with all ability levels. Currently, in order to groom

Stein’s, the operator must free-groom (not anchored) the top section in order to

get in position on the skier’s right side of the trail. The operator then must leave

the groomer on the steep section of trail to hook the winch cable to a tree. After

Sugarbush Stein’s Run Trail Widening Project - Decision Memo

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grooming is completed, the operator then gets out again to unhook the winch

cable, and exits the trail at the narrow entrance at the top.

Sugarbush Resort has submitted a request for authorization to create and

maintain a new direct approach to the trail that would allow the groomer

operator to attach the winch cable to a anchor in a safer location, and to directly

access the trail for grooming operations. The project is located within the

Sugarbush Resort Special Use Permit Area, Town of Warren, Washington

County, Vermont on the Rochester Ranger District. The project area is located

within an area designated as Alpine Ski Areas, Management Area (MA) 7.1, in

the Green Mountain National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan

(Forest Plan).

2.2 Purpose and Need

The Green Mountain National Forest administers the Sugarbush Special Use

Permit in order to maintain the range of recreation opportunities for alpine

skiing, snowboarding, and year-round outdoor based recreation activities,

managed by the permit holder. This is a major emphasis of the Alpine Ski Areas

MA as provided in the Forest Plan (p. 63). Management and operating practices

are designed to enhance permitted recreation activities at the area while

protecting the natural resources and visual characteristics (Forest Plan, p. 63).

The purpose of and need for the project is to create a safer entrance to Stein’s

Run for both skiers and for grooming operations by creating a direct trail access

from its intersection with Reverse Traverse and Valley House Traverse trails.

The new access would allow skiers to enter Stein’s Run directly from Valley

House Traverse without an additional turn in the complicated trail merge area,

and without additional mixing with beginner skiers using Reverse Traverse trail.

By creating this second direct access to Stein’s Run, the trail could be groomed

more frequently if the Resort desires, by providing a safer approach for the

groomer. The winch cable would be hooked up directly above the entrance to a

point anchored into the bedrock. The operator would not have to leave the

groomer on the steep trail in order to hook the winch cable around the tree.

The entire trail would be groomed from this one anchor point.

Sugarbush Stein’s Run Trail Widening Project - Decision Memo

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2.3 Description of Decision

My decision is to authorize Sugarbush Resort to create a new direct entrance to

Stein’s Run trail. The new entrance will be created by removing all the trees and

vegetation in a 0.2 acre area beginning at the intersection with Valley House

Traverse ski trail. The opening will be about 60’ wide at the top, 200’ in length

on skier’s right side, and 170’ in length on the left side blending in with the

existing trail. An island of trees will remain at the top between the new and

existing entrances to Stein’s Run. All trees will be flush cut and then dispersed in

the adjacent woods, or chipped and blown into the woods. Any large rocks in

this new opening will be moved off the new trail by an excavator, if necessary. A

steel winch anchor point will be created above Valley Traverse Trail by drilling a

hole in ledge and placing a post in concrete in the hole. The existing trail sign

and snowmaking hydrant will be relocated. No further earth disturbance is

anticipated. The project area is at about 2850’ in elevation and is located below

the mapped Bicknell’s thrush habitat area. The project is expected to be

completed by September 15, 2011.

It is my determination that based on the project analysis and including the

specified mitigation measures, the project complies with the Green Mountain

National Forest management plan (Forest Plan) and meets the permit holder’s

purpose to expand the range of recreation opportunities provided at the Ski

Area.

This decision contributes to accomplishment of the Forest Plan Major Emphasis

for MA 7.1 to provide alpine winter sports opportunities and year-round

recreation opportunities at the alpine ski areas managed by the private sector

under Special Use Authority (Forest Plan, p. 63).

This decision contributes to accomplishment of the Forest Plan Desired Future

Condition for MA 7.1 including: Management and operating practices will be

aimed at enhancing permitted recreation activities of the area while protecting

the natural resources and visual characteristics. (Forest Plan, p. 63).

This decision complies with Forest-wide and MA 7.1 Standards and Guidelines

(Forest Plan, p. 19 through p. 44 and p. 63 through p. 65).

Sugarbush Stein’s Run Trail Widening Project - Decision Memo

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Non-native Invasive Species

In keeping with Forest Plan standards and guidelines (S-1 and S-2, page 33), and

in accordance with the Biological Evaluation for Non-native Invasive Species for

this project, to prevent the spread of wild chervil onto these new trails, the

following project design criteria are needed:

Wild chervil infestations at Sugarbush have been mapped, so it is clear

which trails are infested and which trails are not.

Mow wild chervil prior to seed set, including using a weed-whacker in

places the mower won’t reach AND monitor the cut-back material to

make sure neither the cut stems lying on the ground nor the remaining

cut plants go to seed. These steps should be repeated annually until wild

chervil is no longer present in these locations.

To prevent introduction of new NNIS or spread of existing NNIS, the following

project design criteria are needed:

1. Any equipment brought in to implement the project should be cleaned of

all mud, seeds, or other debris prior to accessing each construction site

2. Mud and plant debris should be removed from equipment after the work

is completed and before the equipment leaves one site to go to the next

site

3. If re-vegetation is needed, a native seed mix and weed-free hay should be

used; the Forest botanist can help choose a suitable mix

This decision is based on my review of the project record, including input from

appropriate resource specialists. The record shows a thorough review of

relevant scientific information, a consideration of responsible opposing views,

and the acknowledgement of incomplete or unavailable information, scientific

uncertainty, and risk. My decision is also based on my past experiences with

permit administration of this and similar activities on the Green Mountain

National Forest.

3 Rationale for Categorically Excluding the Decision

Decisions may be categorically excluded from documentation in an

environmental impact statement or an environmental assessment when they are

within one of the categories found at 36 CFR 220.6(d) or (e), and there are no

extraordinary circumstances related to the decision that may result in a

significant individual or cumulative environmental effect.

Sugarbush Stein’s Run Trail Widening Project - Decision Memo

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3.1 Category of Exclusion

Based upon the environmental analysis contained in the project planning record

and on experience with similar activities on the GMNF, I have concluded that

this decision can be categorically excluded from further analysis and

documentation in an environmental impact statement or environmental

assessment.

I have determined that the selected action is a routine activity within the

following category of exclusion found at 36 CFR 220.6(e)(1): Construction and

reconstruction of trails.

3.2 Relationship to Extraordinary Circumstances

Based on information presented in this document and the entirety of the project

record, I have evaluated the resource conditions listed in 36 CFR 220.6(b)(1) and

determined there are no extraordinary circumstances related to this project. As

indicated in 36 CFR 220.6(b)(2), the mere presence of one or more of the listed

resource conditions does not preclude use of a categorical exclusion. It is the

existence of a cause-effect relationship between a proposed action and the

potential effect on these resource conditions and if such a relationship exists, the

degree of the potential effect of a proposed action on these recourse conditions

that determines whether extraordinary circumstances exist.

I have considered the potential effects from the project associated with the

resource conditions listed at 36CFR 220.6(b)(1) and conclude they are not

significant. As a result, there are no extraordinary circumstances related to this

action. My conclusion is based on information presented in this document and

the entirety of the project planning record. A summary of the project’s potential

effects on each resource condition is as follows:

Federally listed threatened or endangered species or designated critical habitat,

species proposed for Federal listing or proposed critical habitat, or Forest

Service sensitive species.

Threatened and Endangered species

The Endangered Species Act requires that federal activities not jeopardize the

continued existence of any animal or plant species federally listed or proposed as

threatened or endangered, or result in adverse modification to such species’

Sugarbush Stein’s Run Trail Widening Project - Decision Memo

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designated critical habitat. As required by this Act, potential effects of this

decision on listed species have been analyzed and documented in a Biological

Evaluation (project record).

The Forest Service Wildlife Biologist technician and Forest Botanist have

determined that the likelihood for occurrence of any threatened and endangered

(T&E) species in the project area is Low. The Green Mountain National Forest

has historic occurrence records of three T&E species (eastern cougar, gray wolf,

and Canada lynx), and current occurrence records for one specie (Indiana bat).

The site is more than five miles from the nearest known Indiana bat

hibernaculum and is at elevations of over 1600 ft. The project area does not

include potential or critical habitat for T&E species.

As detailed in the Biological Evaluation, this decision will have ‘no effect’ on

listed animal or plant species or designated critical habitats because no listed

species or critical habitats have the potential to occur in the area that would be

affected by this project.

Sensitive species

Forest Service Manual (FSM) 2670 direction requires analysis of potential impacts

to sensitive species, those species for which the Regional Forester has identified

population viability is a concern. These species are listed as Regional Forester’s

Sensitive Species (RFSS).

The Interdisciplinary Team has noted that the upper most section of the trail lies

below the area known to be suitable for Bicknell’s thrush nesting habitat. Forest

Service biologists have reviewed the site and have determined that there will be

no adverse effect to Bicknell’s thrush habitat.

This project will have ‘no effect’ on any of the RFSS or their preferred habitats,

and thus is not likely to lead to loss of viability or trend toward federal listing for

any animal or plant on the RFSS list (Wildlife Biological Evaluation, June 10,

2011; Plant Biological Evaluation, June 10, 2011).

Floodplains, Wetlands, or Municipal Watersheds

Executive Orders 11988 and 11990 direct federal agencies to avoid adverse

impacts to floodplains or wetlands, which are defined in the executive orders.

Based on map and site review, the project is not located within or directly

adjacent to floodplains, wetlands, or municipal watersheds (project record).

Therefore, effects from this decision on floodplains and wetlands will be non-

existent. (Nancy Burt, Soils and Water Specialist, Small Projects Day, March 22,

2011).

Sugarbush Stein’s Run Trail Widening Project - Decision Memo

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Congressionally designated areas, such as wilderness, wilderness study areas, or

national recreation areas

Wilderness

Congressionally designated Wilderness is allocated to the Wilderness

Management Area in the Forest Plan (Forest Plan, p. 49). The Project is not

within or directly adjacent to any Wilderness. This decision does not affect

Wilderness. This decision, with impacts limited to the immediate area of activity

and similar in nature, intensity and appearance as current activities, will not

affect Wilderness Areas elsewhere on the Forest or the values for which they

were designated (Donna Marks, Recreation Planner, Small Projects Day, March

22, 2011).

National Recreation Areas

The GMNF contains two National Recreation Area: the Moosalamoo NRA and

the Robert T. Stafford White Rocks NRA. The project is not located within or

near these areas as validated by the map and site-review. As a result, there will

be no effects associated with the National Recreation Area resource expected

from this project. (Donna Marks, Recreation Planner, Small Projects Day, March

22, 2011).

Long National Recreation Trail (Long Trail)

The Long Trail traverses the ridge top adjacent to the Special Use Permit

boundary and affords viewpoints from nearby peaks. The proposed trail

widening project is located about 1200’ in elevation lower than the ridge. The

project will not adversely affect visitors to the Long Trail or the values for which

it was designated. There will be no effects to the Long Trail or its visitors

(Donna Marks, Recreation Planner, Small Projects Day , March 22, 2011).

Wild and Scenic Rivers

Although the GMNF does not contain any Congressionally designated Wild and

Scenic Rivers, there are many river segments that are eligible to be further

considered for addition to the National Wild and Scenic River System. These

river segments and their associated corridors are within the Eligible Wild, Scenic,

and Recreational Rivers Management Area (Forest Plan, pp. 105 to 107). The

project is not located within or near these eligible river segments. This has been

validated by map and site-review. This decision will not affect the outstandingly

remarkable values identified for any eligible Wild, Scenic, and Recreational

Rivers (Donna Marks, Recreation Planner, Small Projects Day, March 22, 2011).

Sugarbush Stein’s Run Trail Widening Project - Decision Memo

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Inventoried roadless area or potential wilderness area

There are no inventoried roadless areas (2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule

or 2006 Forest Plan Inventoried Roadless Areas) in the project area. This decision

will not affect inventoried roadless areas (Donna Marks, Recreation Planner,

Small Projects Day, March 22, 2011).

Existing and Candidate Research Natural Areas

There are no Existing or Candidate Research Natural Areas (Forest Plan, pp. 90

to 93) within or directly adjacent to the project area. This decision, with impacts

limited to the immediate area of activity, will not affect Existing or Candidate

Research Natural Areas (Forest Ecologist, Diane Burbank, Small Projects Day,

March 22, 2011).

American Indian and Alaska Native religious or cultural sites; and

archaeological sites, and historic properties or areas

The Federal government has trust responsibilities to Tribes under a government-

to-government relationship to insure that the Tribes’ reserved rights are

protected. Consultation with tribes helps insure that these trust responsibilities

are met. There are no potentially affected tribes. No tribal concerns were

identified for this project. This decision complies with the National Historic

Preservation Act, the Archaeological Resources Protection Act, and the Native

American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (Melissa Reichert, acting for

Forest Archaeologist, Small Projects Day, March 22, 2011).

Other Resources

In addition to resource conditions that could lead to extraordinary

circumstances, I also have considered the direct, indirect, and cumulative effects

to other resources such as soil/water, fisheries, visuals, recreation, and non-native

invasive species. The project is not expected to result in any adverse effects

associated with these resources, particularly because all applicable Forest Plan

Standards and Guidelines will be implemented (communication with Resource

Specialists at Small Projects Day, March 22, 2011).

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4 Public Involvement

This project was listed in the quarterly Green Mountain National Forest Schedule of

Proposed Actions (SOPA) beginning in April 2011, and will remain in the SOPA

until the project is authorized for implementation, and posted on the GMNF

Internet site. Additional scoping was done internally with Forest Service

specialists at the Small Projects Day meeting on March 22, 2011.

A scoping package was mailed out to 11 interested individuals and

organizations. In response, one e-mail response was received which contained

substantive comments regarding the project.

The commenter was concerned about additional wind scour at the top of Stein’s

Run trail due to additional exposure and would require more snowmaking to

keep the trail snow covered. Response to the comments: the prevailing wind at

this site is westerly, the trail opening is northeast-southwest, and not expected to

be impacted by wind scour. Also, trees will remain on both sides of the new

clearing. The additional opening would add 0.2 acres to the snowmaking terrain.

The capacity of the snowmaking system is not expected to be impacted by the

addition of this small acreage. The commenter also thought the project would

lead to additional skier traffic conflicts at the complicated intersection. In

response, the new opening to Stein’s Run at this intersection is expected to allow

for skiers to more quickly get out of the main flow of traffic at the intersection,

resulting in better skier traffic patterns.

5 Findings Required By and/or Related to Other Laws and

Regulations

My decision will comply with all applicable laws and regulations. I have

summarized some pertinent ones below.

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

This Act requires public involvement and consideration of potential

environmental effects. The entirety of documentation for this decision supports

compliance with this Act.

Forest Plan Consistency (National Forest Management Act)

The National Forest Management Act (NFMA) requires the development of long-

range land and resource management plans, and that all site-specific project

Sugarbush Stein’s Run Trail Widening Project - Decision Memo

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activities be consistent with direction in the applicable Land and Resource

Management Plan (Forest Plan). The Stein’s Run Trail Widening project

implements the 2006 GMNF Forest Plan, and its consideration is guided by

direction for the Alpine Ski Area Management Area (Forest Plan, pp. 63 to 67).

My decision is based on the best available science, including a review of the

record that shows a thorough review of relevant scientific information, a

consideration of responsible opposing views, and the acknowledgment of

incomplete or unavailable information, scientific uncertainty, and risk. As

required by NFMA Section 1604(i), I find this project to be consistent with the

Forest Plan including goals, objectives, desired future conditions, and Forest-

wide and Management Area Standards and Guidelines.

Endangered Species Act

See 3.2, Federally Listed Species, in this document.

Clean Water Act

The intent of the Act is to restore and maintain the integrity of waters. The Forest

Service complies with this Act through Forest Plan Standards and Guidelines,

specific project design criteria, and mitigation measures to ensure protection of

soil and water resources.

Wetlands (Executive Order 11990) and Floodplains (Executive Order 11988)

See 3.2, Floodplains, Wetlands, or Municipal Watersheds, in this document.

Wilderness Act

See 3.2, Congressionally Designated Areas

National Trails System Act

See 3.2, Congressionally Designated Areas

National Historic Preservation Act, Archaeological Resources Protection Act,

Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act

See 3.2, Native American Cultural Sites, and Archaeological / Historic Sites, in

this document.

Wild and Scenic Rivers Act

See 3.2, Congressionally Designated Areas, this document.

Sugarbush Stein’s Run Trail Widening Project - Decision Memo

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Federal Noxious Weed Act of 1974 and Executive Order 11312 (Non-Native

Invasive Species)

The Federal Noxious Weed Act requires cooperation with State, local, and other

federal agencies in the management and control of non-native invasive species

(NNIS); Executive Order (EO) 11312 requires all pertinent federal agencies

(subject to budgetary appropriations) to prevent the introduction of NNIS. This

project’s decision meets the intent of this law and EO by incorporating all

pertinent Forest Plan Standards and Guidelines to ensure the management and

control of NNIS. See Standards and Guidelines discussion in section 2.3, page 7

of this document.

Migratory Bird Treaty Act

This decision is consistent with this Act, Executive Order 13186, and the

Memorandum of Understanding between the Forest Service and U.S. Fish &

Wildlife Service to promote the conservation of migratory birds. The Biological

Evaluation evaluates the likely effects to migratory birds of management concern

that are known to nest and breed on the Green Mountain National Forest and

finds there would be no adverse effects to any of these species.

Environmental Justice (Executive Order 12898)

This order requires consideration of whether projects would disproportionately

impact minority or low-income populations. This decision complies with this

order. Public involvement occurred for this project, the results of which I have

considered in this decision-making. Public involvement did not identify any

adversely impacted local minority or low-income populations. This decision is

not expected to adversely impact minority or low-income populations.

6 Project Mitigation Measures

• Implementation will occur within 36 months of this decision,

• Avoid cutting hemlock trees throughout the project area;

• Cut vegetation will remain on site; stems will be chipped, piled or scattered

within the permit area,

• Prior to project implementation, the Permit Administrator will approve in

writing the project’s erosion control plan and associated construction dates,

• Woody stems will not be removed or burned; down woody debris will remain

on site and will provide habitat for a variety of species,

Sugarbush Stein’s Run Trail Widening Project - Decision Memo

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• Ground disturbance will be limited to the immediate vicinity of the trail

construction,

The introduction and spread of non-native invasive plants will be avoided with

techniques discussed in section 2.3, p. 7.

7 Administrative Review or Appeal

This decision is not subject to an administrative review or appeal pursuant to 36

CFR 215.

This decision is subject to appeal pursuant to 36 CFR 251 by those who hold or,

in certain instances, those who apply for written authorizations to occupy and

use National Forest System lands. An appeal for initial review may be filed by

those who hold or, in certain instances, those who apply for written

authorizations to occupy and use National Forest System lands. To appeal this

decision under 36 CFR 251, a written Notice of Appeal, meeting the content

requirements at 36 CFR 251.90, must be postmarked or received within 45

calendar days after the date of notice of this decision to applicants and holders of

written authorization to occupy and use National Forest System land. However,

when the 45-day filing period would end on a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal

Holiday, the filing time is extended to the end of the next Federal working day.

The Notice of Appeal must be sent to: USDA Forest Service, Green Mountain

and Finger Lakes National Forests, ATTN: Forest Supervisor, Colleen Madrid,

231 N. Main St. Rutland, VT 05701 (fax: 802-747-6766). The Notice of Appeal may

alternatively be faxed to: USDA Forest Service, Green Mountain and Finger

Lakes National Forests, Region 9, ATTN: Forest Supervisor, Colleen Madrid,

(fax: 802-747-6766). A copy of the appeal must simultaneously be sent to the

Eastern Region Winter Sports Team Leader, Susan Mathison, (fax: 603-536-3685).

If an appeal is filed, I am willing to meet and discuss concerns. Additionally, if

an appeal is filed, an oral presentation concerning the appeal (36 CFR 251.97)

and/or stay of implementation (36 CFR 251.91) of the decision may be requested

at any time prior to closing the appeal record.

Sugarbush Stein’s Run Trail Widening Project - Decision Memo

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8 Implementation Date and Contact

Implementation of this decision may begin immediately.

For additional information concerning this decision, contact: Tom Paquette at

email: [email protected], or by phone at (802-767-4261, extension 521), or by

FAX (802-767-4777).

Additional information about this decision also can be found on the Green

Mountain National Forest web page at:

http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/greenmountain/htm/greenmountain/links/project

s/nepa_project.htm?project=35267.

/s/ Susan H. Mathison

SUSAN H. MATHISON Date: June 22 , 2011

Team Leader

Eastern Region Winter Sports Team