Four Forest Restoration Initiative: 1st 4FRI Environment Impact Statement
The 1st 4FRI Environmental Impact Statement was developed between 2011 and 2015 and covers the southern portion of the Kaibab National Forest and the northern portion of the Coconino National Forest.
Status: Complete (2010 to 2015)
Location: Southern portion of the Kaibab National Forest and the northern portion of the Coconino National Forest.
Analyzed 1 million acres; approved restoration activities in 580,000 acres
Documents
Final Record of Decision
The Final ROD for the 1st 4FRI EIS was signed April 17, 2015 by Kaibab National Forest Supervisor Mike Williams and Coconino National Forest Supervisor Earl Stewart.
- Cover Letter, 81.8 KB
- Record of Decision, (includes Appendix 1, Table of Objection Resolutions), 1.86 MB, 74 pages
- Web Map (ArcGIS online). This map can be zoomed and various layers can be toggled from the tabs on the left of the window.
Final Environmental Impact Statement
- Errata, 341 kb, 22 pages
- FEIS with Errata and Objection Resolution Modifications, 10.7 MB, 605 pages
FEIS Appendices
- Appendix A – Map Packet
- Appendix B – Selected Alternative Forest Plan Amendments with Errata and Objection Resolution Modifications, 1.89 MB, 41 pages
- Appendix C – Design Features, Best Management Practices, and Mitigation with Errata and Objection Resolution Modifications, 406 KB, 46 pages
- Appendix D – Selected Alternative Implementation Plan with Errata and Objection Resolution Modifications, 2.8 MB, 95 pages
- Appendix E – Adaptive Management, Biophysical and Socioeconomic, Mexican Spotted Owl and Arizona Bugbane Monitoring Plan with Errata and Objection Resolution Modifications, 1.46 MB, 113 pages
- Appendix F – Cumulative Effects with Objection Resolution Modifications, 1.27 MB, 34 pages
- Appendix G -- Bridge Habitat for Canopy Dependent Wildlife, 1 mb, 18 pages
- Appendix H -- Glossary, 152 kb, 14 pages
- Appendix I -- Summary of Response to Comments on the DEIS, 1mb, 18 pages
- References Cited -- 355 kb, 24 pages
- Index -- 84 kb, 2 pages
Specialist Reports
- Fire Ecology, Fuels and Air Quality Report with Errata and Objection Resolution Modifications, 26.1 MB, 490 pages
- Range Report with Errata and Objection Resolution Modifications, 1.58 MB, 53 pages
- Silviculture Report with Errata and Objection Resolution Modifications, 15.8 MB, 572 pages
- Wildlife Report and Biological Evaluation with Errata and Objection Resolution Modifications, 9.33 MB, 592 pages
- Wildlife Report Appendices, 20.1 MB, 596 pages
- Aquatics, 2.61 mb, 161 pages
- Botany, 14.9 mb, 386 pages
- Heritage, 9.09 mb, 185 pages
- Lands, Special Uses and Minerals, 277 kb, 22 pages
- Recreation, 4.73 mb, 97 pages
- Scenery, 11.6 mb, 98 pages
- Socioeconomics, 465 kb, 42 pages
- Soils, 8.17 mb, 487 pages
- Transportation, 2.51 mb, 65 pages
- Tribal Relations, 189 kb, 20 pages
- Water Quality and Riparian Areas, 7.12 mb, 342 pages
Response Letters and Objections
The Forest Service received nine objections to the 1st FEIS and Draft Record of Decision. In late March and early April 2015, Regional Forester Cal Joyner and the Forest Supervisors met with objectors to explore opportunities to resolve their objections. Meetings were held in person, via teleconference, and by video conference. Members of the 4FRI Stakeholders Group, the 4FRI Interdisciplinary Team, the general public, and other Forest Service resource specialists and staff also attended the meetings. Several follow-up conference calls were held to continue discussions around resolution of the issues.
On April 10, 2015, Regional Forester Cal Joyner sent the following response letters to objectors, marking the end of the Objection Process:
- M Honn – 2.1 mb
- C. Hanson – 2.1 mb
- A. Firstenberg – 2.2 MB
- The Sierra Club – 2.2 MB
- The Center for Biological Diversity – 2.2 MB
- Wildearth Guardians
- Objection Resolution Agreement – 134 kb
- Withdrawal Letter – 89 kb
- Set Aside Letter – 365 KB
- Objection Resolution Agreement – 134 kb
- D. Holasek – 2.1 MB
- S. Dewhurst – 2.2 MB
Objections Received on 1st FEIS and DROD
- M. Honn, 609 kb
- W. Baker, 940 kb
- C. Hanson, 72 kb
- A. Firstenberg, 144 kb
- The Sierra Club, 130 kb
- The Center for Biological Diversity, 2.9 mb
- Wildearth Guardians, 168 kb
- D. Holasek, 793 kb
- S. Dewhurst, 428 kb
Objection Process Information
We are pleased to present you with the First Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and draft Record of Decision (DROD) for the Four-Forest Restoration Initiative (4FRI), Coconino and Kaibab National Forests. Since the comment period for the draft environmental impact statement in 2013, we have continued to work closely with stakeholders and regulatory agencies (such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) to respond to comments and improve the effects analysis, mitigation, and monitoring requirements. The objections process is underway and expected to be completed in the spring of 2015.
Cover Letter, Legal Notice, and NOA
- Cover Letter for First 4FRI FEIS and DROD
- Legal Notice for First 4FRI FEIS and DROD
- Federal Register Notice of Availability for 1st 4FRI FEIS and DROD
FEIS and DROD: Full Documents
- FEIS Vol. 1, 10.3 mb, 590 pages
- FEIS Vol. 2, 8.6 mb, 494 pages
- DROD, 606 kb, 50 pages
FEIS: Chapters and Appendices
- Vol. 1 Abstract, Summary, and Contents, 691 kb, 28 pages
- Vol. 1 Chapter 1 - Purpose and Need for Action, 3.2 mb, 50 pages
- Vol. 1 Chapter 2 - Alternatives, 3 mb, 84 pages
- Vol. 1 Chapter 3 - Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences, 4.6 mb, 308 pages
- Vol. 1 Chapter 4 - Consultation and Coordination, 194 kb, 8 pages
- Vol. 1 Chapter 5 - Preparers and Contributors, 143 kb, 4 pages
- Vol. 1 References, 983 kb, 106 pages
- Vol. 1 Index, 112 kb, 2 pages
- Vol. 2 Contents and Acronyms, 226 kb, 8 pages
- Vol. 2 Appendix A - Map Packet, 12.4 kb, 2 pages
- Alternative B - Proposed Vegetation and Prescribed Fire Treatments Map, 30.6 mb
- Alternative C - Proposed Vegetation and Prescribed Fire Treatments Map, 30.7 mb
- Alternative D - Proposed Vegetation and Prescribed Fire Treatments Map, 30.8 mb
- Alternative E - Proposed Vegetation and Prescribed Fire Treatments Map, 30.7 mb
- Proposed Spring/Stream Channel Restoration, Roads Activities and Aspen Fencing Map, 31.4 mb
- Cumulative Effects Current and Reasonably Foreseeable Projects Map, 27.4 mb
- Cumulative Effects Past Projects Map, 27.3 mb
- Cumulative Effects Fire History Map, 28.3 mb
- Vol. 2 Appendix B - FEIS Forest Plan Amendments, 3.3 mb, 72 pages
- Vol. 2 Appendix C - Design Features, BMPs, and Mitigation, 610 kb, 46 pages
- Vol. 2 Appendix D - Alternative B Through E Implementation Plan, 982 kb, 64 pages
- Vol. 2 Appendix E - 4FRI Adaptive Management, Biophysical and Socioeconomic, Mexican Spotted Owl and Arizona Bugbane Monitoring Plan, 1.48 mb, 110 pages
- Vol. 2 Appendix F - Cumulative Effects, 1.45 mb, 30 pages
- Vol. 2 Appendix G - Bridge Habitat for Canopy Dependent Wildlife, 1 mb, 18 pages
- Vol. 2 Appendix H - Glossary, 152 kb, 14 pages
- Vol. 2 Appendix I - Summary of Response to Comments of the DEIS, 1 mb, 18 pages
- Vol. 2 References Cited, 355 kb, 24 pages
- Vol. 2 Index, 84 kb, 2 pages
Supporting Documents
- Biological Opinion (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service), 720 kb, 49 pages
- Specialist Reports
- Aquatics, 2.61 mb, 161 pages
- Botany, 14.9 mb, 386 pages
- Fire Ecology, Fuels and Air Quality, 17.8 mb, 429 pages
- Heritage, 9.09 mb, 185 pages
- Lands, Special Uses and Minerals, 277 kb, 22 pages
- Range, 1.53 mb, 45 pages
- Recreation, 4.73 mb, 97 pages
- Scenery, 11.6 mb, 98 pages
- Silviculture, 14.8 mb, 565 pages
- Socioeconomics, 465 kb, 42 pages
- Soils, 8.17 mb, 487 pages
- Transportation, 2.51 mb, 65 pages
- Tribal Relations, 189 kb, 20 pages
- Water Quality and Riparian Areas, 7.12 mb, 342 pages
- Wildlife, 8.88 mb, 585 pages
Other Information
- Project Record Index for 1st FEIS and DROD, 366 kb, 67 pages
- Questions and Answers for 1st FEIS and DROD, 390 kb, 4 pages
- Fast Facts for 1st FEIS and DROD, 451 kb, 4 pages
- Disclaimer for 1st FEIS and DROD, 128 kb, 2 pages
Response to Comments
Please note the electronic comment and response analysis (CARA) database appears to have corrupted the spelling of some words in comment letters and e-mails as the response report was generated. Please be assured that we reviewed and responded to your original submissions.
Response to Comments Report on the 1st DEIS, 6.87mb, 1101 pages
The Environmental Protection Agency published the Notice of Availability for the DEIS in the Federal Register on Friday, March 29, 2013. The 60-day comment period was from March 30, 2013, to May 29, 2013. Please refer to the Notification of Change in Planning Regulations from 36 CFR 215 to 36 CFR 218 and the 4FRI DEIS Reader’s Guide below for specific information on submitting comments on the DEIS.
- Cover Letter for 1st 4FRI DEIS, 36 kb, 2 pages
- Notice of change in planning regulations from 36CFR 215 to 36 CFR 218, 843 kb, 2 pages
- Reader's Guide for 1st 4FRI DEIS, updated April 15, 2013, 88 kb, 7 pages
- Interactive map of the proposed activities by alternative: The intent of this map is to provide additional detail not available on printed maps, a simple way to compare alternatives, and the ability to supply a spatial component that you can use during the formal comment period. Map packets that provide treatment details by alternative are available upon request.
1st DEIS
- First Draft Environmental Impact Statement (full document), 9 mb, 744 pages
- Note: The Appendix A Map Packet is available below for download via the web.
1st DEIS: Chapters and Appendices
- Abstract and Summary, 83 kb, 12 pages
- Contents and List of Acronyms, 75 kb, 12 pages
- Chapter 1 - Purpose and Need for Action, 2.2 mb, 46 pages
- Chapter 2 - Alternatives, 1.6 mb, 58 pages
- Chapter 3 - Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences, 2.5 mb, 228 pages
- Chapter 4 - Consultation and Coordination, 53 kb, 8 pages
- Glossary, 112 kb, 16 pages
- References, 483 kb, 80 pages
Appendix A - Map Packet, 21 kb, 1 page
Note: Poster-sized maps (36” x 40”) were included with the printed DEIS. The maps below have been optimized for download via the web.
- Alternative B - Proposed Vegetation and Prescribed Fire Treatments Map, 5.9 mb
- Alternative C - Proposed Vegetation and Prescribed Fire Treatments Map, 5.8 mb
- Alternative D - Proposed Vegetation and Prescribed Fire Treatments Map, 4 mb
- Proposed Spring/Stream Channel Restoration, Roads Activities and Aspen Fencing Map, 4.2 mb
- Cumulative Effects Current and Reasonably Foreseeable Projects Map, 4.6 mb
- Cumulative Effects Past Projects Map, 4.6 mb
- Cumulative Effects Fire History Map, 4.3 mb
- Appendix B - Forest Plan Amendments, 3.1 mb, 126 pages
- Appendix C - Design Features, BMPs, and Mitigation, 283 kb, 36 pages
- Appendix D - Alternative B Through D Implementation Plan, 550 kb, 58 pages
- Appendix E - Alternative B Through D Monitoring and Adaptive Management Plan, 107 kb, 16 pages
- Appendix F - Cumulative Effects, 596 kb, 24 pages
- Appendix G - Bridge Habitat, 387 kb, 16 pages
- Index, 29 kb, 2 pages
Supporting Documents
Files are in portable document format (PDF) unless shown otherwise. A PDF reader is required to read PDF files. Adobe's Acrobat Reader is available as a free download. If you have problems viewing these files, please send an e-mail to 4fri_comments@fs.fed.us to request an alternative format.
- Specialist Reports
- Botany, 6.18 mb, 228 pages
- Fisheries, 1.75 mb, 114 pages
- Fire Ecology, Fuels and Air Quality, 15.3 mb, 332 pages
- Heritage, 248 kb, 54 pages
- Recreation, 4.74 mb, 94 pages
- Scenery, 6.6 mb, 108 pages
- Silviculture, 2.29 mb, 210 pages
- Socioeconomics, 410 kb, 36 pages
- Soils, 5.36 mb, 425 pages
- Transportation, 1.80 mb, 39 pages
- Tribal Relations, 166 kb, 23 pages
- Water Quality and Riparian Areas, 6.10 mb, 191 pages
- Wildlife, 22.2 mb, 848 pages
Other Information
1st DEIS: Legal Notice for the Comment Period, April 4, 2013, 603 kb, 1 pages
Meeting Notes
- 4FRI NEPA Update Public Meeting, August 13, 2012 (92 kb PDF)
- 4FRI NEPA Update Public Meeting, July 9, 2012 (24 kb PDF)
- Canopy Cover Meeting with Commenters, June 13, 2012 (21 kb PDF)
- 4FRI NEPA Update Public Meeting, April 9, 2012 (85 kb PDF)
Other Documents
- Scoping Report, June 10, 2012 (2 mb PDF)
- Alternative C Modified Large Tree Implementation Strategy, Rev. 5, May 23, 2012 (14 mb PDF)
- Analysis Update - Draft Issues and Alternatives, March 19, 2012 (1.51 mb PDF)
- Proposed Treatments Alternative B Map (16.7 mb PDF)
- Proposed Treatments Alternative C Map (17.2 mb PDF)
- Proposed Treatments Alternative D Map (16.4 mb PDF)
- Draft Cumulative Effects, March 19, 2012 (730 kb PDF)
Draft Working Documents
- Draft Chapters 1, 2, 4 and appendices - For information purposes only as a precursor to the Draft Environmental Impact Statement
- Draft Chapter 1 (10.6 mb PDF)
- Draft Chapter 2 (7.12 mb PDF)
- Draft Chapter 4 (61 kb PDF)
- Draft Appendices (11.2 mb PDF)
- Draft Appendix H - Bridge Habitat (294 kb PDF)
- Draft Specialist Reports
- Wildlife (5.68 mb PDF)
- Wildlife Appendices (13.16 mb PDF)
- Fire Ecology & Air Quality (22.54 mb PDF)
- Transportation (1.47 mb PDF)
- Silviculture (1.36 mb PDF)
- Socioeconomic Resource (381 kb PDF)
- Soils (3.14 mb PDF)
- Wildlife (5.68 mb PDF)
Maps of Large Tree Retention Strategy Categories
Final Refined Proposed Action (6.26 mb PDF); Aug. 15, 2011
- Appendix A in Black & White (20 mb PDF)
- Appendix A in Color (30 mb PDF)
- Scoping Cover Letter (52 kb PDF)
- Comment online about the Final Refined Proposed Action
Draft Proposed Action Scoping Report (8.35 mb PDF), June 2011
Scoping Comment Letters, March 20, 2011
Proposed Action, January 2011
- Notice of Intent
- Scoping Comment Letters (99.8 mb PDF)
Background/Supporting Documents
- Threatened and Endangered Species Strata
- Soils Stratification Report
- Watershed Interpretations
- Historic Ponderosa Pine Stand Structure in Mollisol and Mollic Integrades on the Kaibab National Forest
- Historic Ponderosa Pine Stand Structure in Mollisol and Mollic Integrades on the Coconino National Forest
- Silviculture Definitions
- Forest Plan Standards and Guidelines Handout
Draft Proposed Action, Jan. 14, 2011
Presentations from Public Workshops, January 2011
- Why Do We Need Forest Restoration? (PowerPoint)
- Why Do We Need Forest Restoration? (PDF)
- Silviculture (PowerPoint)
- Silviculture (PDF)
- Wildlife (PowerPoint)
- Wildlife (PDF)
- Fire Analysis (PowerPoint)
- Fire Analysis (PDF)