INITIAL & FINAL PUBLIC NOTICE

INITIAL & FINAL PUBLIC NOTICE

Winkleman NRCD Pinal Rural Fuels Reduction Project

Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management

FMAG-AZ-5086-2

 

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) intends to provide federal financial assistance under the Fire Management Assistance Grant Program to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management for the Winkleman NRCD Pinal Rural Fuels Reduction Project (proposed action). Pursuant to Executive Orders 11988 (Floodplain Management) and 11990 (Wetlands Management) and FEMA’s implementing regulations at Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 9, FEMA hereby provides interested parties with a notice of its final decision and an explanation of the alternatives that were considered.

The proposed action would involve fuels reduction work to remove invasive salt cedar in six municipally-owned parcels totaling approximately 80 acres along the southwestern edge of the Town of Kearny.  Treatment will occur within the floodplain, but not adjacent to the existing stream or immediate area where soils are noticeable wet on the surface. Surviving native trees and shrubs that were spared by recent fires will be left in place to provide wildlife habitat and recreational amenities (shade). Maps of the project areas within the floodplain are available for public inspection. All parties interested in receiving a copy of the maps should contact the FEMA Region IX Environmental Officer at the address or phone number below.

The alternative to completing the fuels reduction work is taking no action. The amount of vegetative fuels needs to be reduced in areas adjacent to development to protect them from future wildfires. Removing trees in another location would not provide the hazard reduction. FEMA has determined that the proposed action is the only feasible alternative available to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management; thus, the proposed action must occur in a floodplain and wetlands. The proposed action would not adversely affect the floodplain and wetlands and is necessary to preserve life and property. There would be no impacts beyond short-term, temporary impacts during the implementation of the proposed action. Best management practices will be implemented for erosion and sedimentation control and disturbed areas will be restored to preexisting grade. Native riparian tree species like cottonwood and willow will not be removed in wetland areas. The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management is responsible for implementing and monitoring the proposed action and ensuring it conforms to floodplain and wetland standards.

Additional information about FEMA’s proposed action may be obtained by writing the FEMA Region IX Environmental Officer at FEMA, 1111 Broadway, Suite 1200, Oakland, California 94607; fema-rix-ehp-documents@fema.dhs.gov; or calling (510) 627-7027. All requests must be received no later than 15 days after publication of this notice. No action will be taken before this time.