Attachment 3: Sample Letter

Dear Interested Public:

This summer, the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service began a process to determine a course of action for 80 species which have a requirement to survey before ground-disturbing activities in FY 1999 (October 1, 1998). These species are covered by the Survey and Manage Standard and Guideline in the Northwest Forest Plan, which was developed to assist in maintaining the viability of species thought to have some level of risk to their persistence in the range of the northern spotted owl. None of the Survey and Manage species in this proposal are listed under the Endangered Species Act. Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service biologists, botanists, researchers, and scientists have developed methods to survey and/or manage more than 300 Survey and Manage species including amphibians, red tree voles, great gray owls, mollusks, bryophytes, fungi, and lichens, with documents on more species in preparation. However, there are a group of 33 species for which we have been unable to develop effective survey techniques, either because they cannot be identified in the field (only a very few, highly trained specialists can identify these species), or it takes many years of looking at the area to prove the absence of these species.

We are proposing delaying the implementation of surveys for a year for these 33 species. We will continue to survey for the 47 species where surveys are feasible. This will allow us to do additional work to develop ways to survey for these 33 species and to compile existing information to determine whether we have identified appropriate management for these species. A delay in these surveys would allow a substantial portion of the FY 1999 planned projects, including recreational developments, watershed improvements, prescribed fire, and timber sales, to be accomplished. Very little project work would be accomplished without a delay in schedule. Federal scientists have determined that there is little risk to these 33 species from a change in schedule.

We are preparing an Environmental Assessment on the proposed change in schedule. We hope you will take this opportunity to help us identify any issues or concerns you may have with this proposal. We would appreciate receiving your comments by September 30. Please address your comments to Bill Torgersen, Bureau of Land Management, Oregon State Office, P.O. Box 2965, Portland, Oregon 97208. Also, contact us at this address if you would like a copy of the completed environmental analysis.

Additional information on this proposal, including a list of the species prepared for this proposal, can be obtained at any of the westside BLM District or National Forest offices. Information can also be found on the Internet at www5.or.blm.gov.

Signature Block
Forest Supervisor or District or Field Manager