Two environmental impact studies done by the Forest Service on Salt Creek Canyon and Gardner Canyon are available for study and public comment.
Copies of the two studies were presented to the Juab County Commission and are available in the county clerk's office. Tom Tidwell, district forest ranger, said the two documents are in different stages of development.The Forest Service, said Tidwell, is interested in the public's comments. The Nebo Loop Road, designated as a scenic byway, is included in the draft EIS.
"The final statement is due out in about three weeks," said Tidwell. The appeal period allows comments by the public to be added.
Final appeals should be filed immediately, said Tidwell.
Commissioners objected to the short period allowed, but Tidwell said a copy of the draft should have been received late last fall and commissioners should have had time to respond.
"We will see your comments are included if you hurry them to us," said Tidwell.
Following the printing, said Tidwell, there will be a 45-day public review period.
Tidwell said most of the ranchers who have permits to allow grazing of cattle have not objected to the allotments and all those directly involved have received copies of the EIS and been given the opportunity to comment.
Commissioner Richard Brough said he feared the allotments might gradually be reduced until they "had dwindled to zero," and he also called the language used in the EIS "calculated to confuse."
Comments are still being taken on Gardner's Canyon, said Tidwell.
"We will include all written comment," said Tidwell.
While the deer population is low, said Tidwell, the elk population has continued to grow. Sheep and cattle allotments are also discussed in the documents, as is rotation as a grazing management tool.