PRESCOTT, AZ – Dec. 13, 2022 – The Bradshaw and Chino Valley Ranger Districts of the Prescott National Forest are seeking comments on the Upper Verde Wild and Scenic River Suitability Study Draft Environmental Assessment (DEA). The purpose of this draft environmental assessment is to determine whether the eligible portions of the Upper Verde River continue to be suitable for and should be recommended to Congress for inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic River System (NWSRS).

Comments received will inform Responsible Officials from the Prescott and Coconino National Forests of the best alternatives available for preserving the river’s free-flowing condition and Outstanding Remarkable Values (ORVs), in relation to a proposal by the Bureau of Reclamation to construct two fish barriers in NWSRS-eligible sections of the Upper Verde River.

To comment on this draft environmental assessment, written and electronic formats will be accepted. Comments must be submitted by January 10, 2023, for the commenter to have standing to object. Only those who submit timely and specific comments during this comment period will be eligible to object. This project implements the Prescott Forest Plan and is not authorized under the Healthy Forests Restoration Act. The proposal is subject to the objection procedures at 36 CFR 218 Subparts A and B.

Specific written comments must be submitted via mail, fax, or in person (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding Wednesdays & holidays) to: John Kava, Acting Deputy District Ranger, Bradshaw and Chino Valley Ranger Districts, Prescott National Forest, 344 S Cortez St., Prescott, AZ 86303, 928-443-8000, or may be hand-delivered to the above address during the listed dates and times, Please reference the “Upper Verde WSR Suitability Study DEA” in the subject line. Electronic comments including attachments may be submitted by email in word (.doc), rich text format (.rtf), text (.txt), and hypertext markup language (.html).  Comments may be submitted via CARA by accessing the project website: http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61191.

Input received in response to this solicitation, including the names and addresses of those who comment, will be considered part of the public record on this proposed action and will be available for public inspection.