Ephrata, Wash. – The Bureau of Reclamation invites the public to identify issues or alternatives for consideration in the development of a programmatic environmental assessment as part of the National Environmental Policy Act for the Ephrata Field Office Emergency Stabilization and Burned Area Rehabilitation Plan. This plan addresses recovery efforts on EFO managed lands in the state of Washington impacted by wildfire. The 15-day public comment period is open until July 11, 2025.
The proposed post-wildfire recovery plan addressed in the environmental assessment, aims to reduce risk of resource damage and restore landscapes impacted by wildfire, and to promoting long-term restoration and recovery objectives. Post-fire recovery includes multiple phases, such as emergency stabilization, long-term recovery, and burned area rehabilitation. Associated activities are intended to protect and sustain ecosystems, public health and safety, community infrastructures, and operational and water storage/conveyance facilities or features. Emergency stabilization actions focus on preventing further damage to natural and cultural resources, reducing threats to life and property, and repairing infrastructure within one year of wildfire containment. Burned area rehabilitation activities, which may occur within five years of containment, include seeding, treating noxious weeds, and repairing fire-damaged fences to support long-term recovery.
Written comments can be sent to Shawna Castle, Reclamation NEPA lead, Bureau of Reclamation, Columbia–Pacific Northwest Region, 1150 Curtis Road, Boise, ID 83706-1234, or via email at scastle@usbr.gov. All comments must be submitted/post-marked by July 11.
For more information, please visit https://www.usbr.gov/pn/programs/ea/wash/esr/index.html.
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