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
Figure: Vicinity map of the project area.

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.