Environmental Assessment Completed

The Rio Chama Wildlife Management Prescribed Fire Project

Santa Fe National Forest Rio Arriba, New Mexico Coyote Ranger District

Prescribed fire and prescribed natural fire (fire-use) is proposed on approximately 91,000 acres. Of that approx. 500 acres would be mechanically thinned. The project includes prescribed natural fire in the Chama River Canyon Wilderness.

Location

North of NM Highway 96 to the Gallina River. West of the Chama W&S River to the western Santa Fe NF boundary

Project timeline

1
Scoping Start
01/01/2008
2
Comment Period
09/09/2009
3
Decision
01/2010 (Estimated)
4
Implementation
04/2010 (Estimated)

NEPA / regulatory detail

Categorical Exclusion32.2 (6), 36 Cfr 220.6(E)(6)
Special AuthorityNot Applicable / Other
Notice and Comment Regulation215
Project ActivityFuel Treatments (Non-Activity Fuels); Forest Vegetation Improvements; Species Habitat Improvements; Species Population Enhancements; Wilderness Management
Rio Chama Planned Ignitions and Wildlife Management ProjectDecision Signed Date: 01/12/2010 Legal Notice Date: 01/20/2010
ForestsSanta Fe National Forest
DistrictsCoyote Ranger District
Legal Land DescriptionT23N to T25 N and R1E to R3E
Wildlife, fish, rare plantsWatershed managementFuels managementVegetation management (other than forest products)Special area management