The Sunny Oaks Project

District Ranger Tim Slone has signed the Final Decision Notice and Finding of No Significant Impact for the Sunny Oaks Project. Prior to this seven objections were received during the objection period. An independent team of FS specialists reviewed the objection points in the context of applicable laws, regulations, policies, and the project record. Four instructions were identified requiring clarification, correction, or better connection of information that was presented in the EA presentations or DDN/FONSI. Objection information can be found here. These instructions have been addressed and the project may now begin implementation

Final Decision Documents

Draft Decision Notice Documents

Draft Decision Notice and Finding of No Significant Impact

A map of areas in Jackson, Gallia, and Lawrence counties west of Pedro and north towards Oak Hill

Vicinity map of the project area. Click to view larger version.

About the Sunny Oaks Project

This project is intended to create young, brushy forests that are largely composed of oaks and hickories, respond to insect and disease threats, and contribute to local economies through commercial timber harvests. Taking action will provide habitat for wildlife and plants that is lacking in the area.

The Sunny Oaks project is located on the Ironton Ranger District, east of State Route 93, west of State Route 141 in Jackson, Gallia, and Lawrence Counties in the Symmes Creek watershed.

We shared our initial proposal for the project on April 1, 2018. We shared the purpose of the project, the proposed action, and maps with the public and asked for initial thoughts from those interested in the project.

The project analysis was shared with the public for the comment period on the environmental assessment. The comment period was December 13, 2018 - February 14, 2019.

Project Presentations

Presentation 1: Introduction

Tim Slone, Ironton District Ranger

Presenter: Tim Slone-Ironton District Ranger

View the Video (Duration: 3:15)

Download a Transcript (95 KB Link opens in a Pdf Document )

Video Summary

This presentation introduces the Sunny Oaks Project and describes the different approach the planning team took in preparing the analysis for public review.

Presentation 2: Project Development Framework

Rachel Reed, Forest NEPA Planner

Presenter: Rachel Reed, Forest NEPA Planner

View the Video (Duration: 10:56)

Download a Transcript (97 KB Link opens in a Pdf Document )

Download Slides with Notes (posted 01/17/2020)

Video Summary

This presentation describes the foundation that directs the U.S. Forest Service to manage national forests for multiple benefits to the American public.

Presentation 3: Decision Framework

Presenter: Rachel Reed, Forest NEPA Planner

View the Video (Duration: 9:55)

Download a Transcript (108 KB Link opens in a Pdf Document )

Download Slides with Notes (posted 01/17/2020)

Video Summary

This presentation describes the framework for making decisions to implement projects on the national forest. Brief discussion is included on what types of effects are analyzed and how agency Responsible Officials determine if those effects are significant in terms of the National Environmental Policy Act.

Presentation 4: Purpose & Need, Proposed Action, Alternatives, and Design Criteria

Presenter: Rachel Reed, Forest NEPA Planner

View the Video (Duration: 1:12:59)

Download a Transcript (167 KB Link opens in a Pdf Document )

Download Slides with Notes (updated 11/20/2020)

Video Summary

This presentation explains why the project is needed, where it would take place if implemented, what activities are included in the Proposed Action and Alternative 2, what design criteria are included to minimize potential adverse effects, and what alternatives to the Proposed Action were considered but not analyzed in detail.

Presentation 5: Watersheds

Danding Gan, Forest Hydrologist

Presenter: Danding Gan, Forest Hydrologist

View the Video (Duration: 40:52)

Download a Transcript (134 KB Link opens in a Pdf Document )

Download Slides with Notes (posted 01/17/2020)

Video Summary

This presentation explains the consideration of effects related to watershed resources if the Proposed Action or Alternative 2 were implemented.

Presentation 6: Soils

Presenter: Danding Gan, Forest Hydrologist

View the Video (Duration: 23:13)

Download a Transcript (106 KB Link opens in a Pdf Document )

Download Slides with Notes (updated 11/20/2020)

Video Summary

This presentation explains the consideration of effects related to soils if the Proposed Action or Alternative 2 were implemented.

Presentation 7: Wildlife

Lynda Andrews, Wildlife Biologist

Presenter: Lynda Andrews, Wildlife Biologist

View the Video (Duration: 33:20)

Download a Transcript (135 KB Link opens in a Pdf Document )

Download Slides with Notes (posted 01/17/2020)

Video Summary

This presentation explains the consideration of effects related to plants if the Proposed Action or Alternative 2 were implemented. Wildlife species considered include those listed under the Endangered Species Act as Federally Endangered or Threatened and those that are Regional Forester Sensitive Species.

Presentation 8: Plants

Trey Scott, Forest Botanist

Presenter: Trey Scott, Forest Botanist

View the Video (Duration: 37:10)

Download a Transcript (164 KB Link opens in a Pdf Document )

Download Slides with Notes (posted 01/17/2020)

Video Summary

This presentation explains the consideration of effects related to plants if the Proposed Action or Alternative 2 were implemented. Plants considered include those listed under the Endangered Species Act as Federally Endangered or Threatened, those that are Regional Forester Sensitive Species, and non-native invasive plants.

Presentation 9: Heritage

Chris Euler, Archaeologist

Presenter: Chris Euler, Archaeologist

View the Video (Duration: 13:44)

Download a Transcript (108 KB Link opens in a Pdf Document )

Download Slides with Notes (posted 01/17/2020)

Video Summary

This presentation explains the consideration of effects related to cultural resources if the Proposed Action or Alternative 2 were implemented.

Presentation 10: Recreation & Scenery

Chad Wilberger, Forest Recreation Manager

Presenter: Chad Wilberger, Forest Recreation Manager

View the Video (Duration: 25:44)

Download a Transcript (211 KB Link opens in a Pdf Document )

Download Slides with Notes (posted 01/17/2020)

Video Summary

This presentations explains the consideration of effects related to recreation and scenery resources present in the project area if the Proposed Action or Alternative 2 were implemented.

Presentation 11: Air Quality