Input sought on Kern River Ranger District temporary permit issues

KERNVILLE — The Kern River Ranger District of the Sequoia National Forest is asking for the public to identify any pertinent issues that may affect temporary special use permits on the district in 2013. Each year the Kern River Ranger District receives numerous applications for temporary SUPs for recreation events and other commercial and non-commercial activities on National Forest System lands.

Civic groups, schools, individuals, and companies submit these applications. The activities are minor and short term (one time and/or less than one year) in nature.

Scoping is required for all Forest Service proposed actions including those that would be categorically excluded under the National Environmental Policy Act.

The Forest Service is asking the public for help in identifying potential impacts to resource conditions such as threatened or endangered species, critical habitat, wetlands, cultural or archaeological sites, or special-designation areas including wilderness and wild and scenic river corridors. The responsible official, the district ranger, will determine if significant impacts exist that warrant a higher level of environmental review for each activity. The Forest Service seeks to identify any unforeseen circumstances that may affect these activities.

If no extraordinary circumstances are identified for these proposals, they may be categorically excluded from documentation in an environmental assessment under.

Examples of SUPs issued by the Kern River Ranger District over the years include the following:

-filming and still photography;

-bass tournaments and other water-based recreation events on Lake Isabella and the Kern River;

-a variety of gatherings;

-guided backpacking, rock climbing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, mountain biking, and non-wilderness pack and saddle stock trips;

-weddings;

-and research studies.

Oftentimes, the permits for these events develop under short notice, and the Forest Service is responsible for processing them in a timely manner. This is why it is important for it to gather public input in advance of these requests. The Kern River Ranger District is considering approving applications for these activities in 2013.

To report any extraordinary circumstances, for questions, or additional information regarding the issuance of SUPs, contact Special Use Officer Artie Colson at acolson@fs.fed.us or at (661)303-2914.

Responses should be submitted by March 1.