Objections being heard on Tiger-Mill Project
By Terry Murry on Thursday, September 19th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON — (News release from the Umatilla National Forest) The Walla Walla Ranger District of the Umatilla National Forest started the 45-day objection period for the Tiger-Mill Project on Wednesday. Objections will only be accepted from those who have previously submitted timely and specific written comments on the Proposed Action during the designated opportunity in January 2023. Issues raised in objections must be based on those previously submitted, timely specific written comments regarding this proposed project unless the issue is based on new information arising after the designated comment opportunity.
The project record, including the Environmental Assessment, Finding of No Significant Impact, Draft Decision Notice for the Tiger-Mill Project is available at http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62658.
The Tiger-Mill Project is located approximately 13 miles east of Walla Walla, Washington and is within and adjacent to the Mill Creek Municipal Watershed. The purpose of the Tiger-Mill Project is to increase opportunities to safely and effectively manage the spread of wildland fires (natural and prescribed), manage forest stands for resilience to future disturbances, and reduce the potential for wildfires to degrade the municipal water supply of the city of Walla Walla, WA. The project area is approximately 38,000 acres. Proposed actions include commercial thinning, non-commercial thinning, and prescribed burning within the project area.
The Mill Creek Municipal Watershed plays a vital role to the residents of Walla Walla and surrounding communities, providing nearly 90% of the City’s water needs. The watershed also provides important habitat for wildlife and fish. The Umatilla National Forest and City of Walla Walla have co-managed the Mill Creek Watershed since 1918 under a unique agreement signed by the Secretary of Agriculture and the City. Protecting the health and resiliency of forested landscapes within the watershed is crucial for maintaining ecosystem services.
Information on the Tiger-Mill Project and access to CARA for objection submission are available on the website at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62658 or for more general information see our story map at https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/4784d4f4f9a94346aee7d22a192ee5d3.
For information about the Tiger-Mill Project, contact Joseph Sciarrino, at the Ranger District at (509) 522-6290. Additional information about the Umatilla National Forest is available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/umatilla.
