Info session set for Telephone Gap projects

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service invites comments for the proposed Telephone Gap Integrated Resource Project located on the Rochester and Middlebury Ranger Districts of the Green Mountain National Forest. The 72,250-acre project area includes National Forest System lands within Rutland, Windsor, and Addison counties, including the towns of Brandon, Chittenden, Goshen, Killington, Mendon, Pittsfield, Pittsford, and Stockbridge. The Telephone Gap project proposal is now available for public review and the Forest Service is seeking public comment before preparing an environmental assessment. 

The Telephone Gap project proposed management activities are the culmination of nearly three years of field inventory and public involvement conducted by Forest Service staff. Resource and public benefits of the project include improved wildlife habitat, restored soils and wetlands, a sustainable network of roads and trails, increased recreation opportunities, and timber harvesting to provide wood products for the local and regional economy while enhancing forest health and diversity.

Written comments will be accepted during the 45-day public comment period ending March 13. A public open house to learn more about the project proposal is scheduled for the evening of Feb. 9 from 6-8:30 p.m. at the Barstow Memorial School, located at 223 Chittenden Road, in Chittenden. After a brief introduction, the open house will provide an informal opportunity to ask Forest Service staff questions regarding proposed activities. Maps and information will be available for review.

Comments received from the public will be used to help focus the environmental analysis on resource issues of concern. A preliminary environmental assessment is anticipated to be complete by June 2023 that will be available for a 30-day public comment period. 

A final environmental assessment is anticipated to be complete by fall 2023.

For more information, a detailed description of the Telephone Gap project proposed action, associated maps and direction on how to submit comments can be found on the project website at:
fs.usda.gov/project/?project=60192