Kernville, CA - The Kern River Ranger District (KRRD) of the Sequoia National Forest is asking for the public to identify any pertinent issues that may affect temporary special use permits (SUPs) on the KRRD in 2013. Each year the KRRD receives numerous applications for temporary SUPs for recreation events and other commercial and non-commercial activities on National Forest System (NFS) lands. Civic groups, schools, individuals, and companies submit these applications. The activities are minor and short term (one time and/or less than one year) in nature.

Scoping is required for all Forest Service (FS) proposed actions including those that would be categorically excluded under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Please help us identify potential impacts to resource conditions such as threatened or endangered species, critical habitat, wetlands, cultural or archaeological sites, or special designation areas including Wilderness and Wild and Scenic River corridors. The responsible official, the District Ranger, will determine if significant impacts exist that warrant a higher level of environmental review for each activity. The FS seeks to identify any unforeseen circumstances that may affect these activities.

If no extraordinary circumstances are identified for these proposals, they may be categorically excluded from documentation in an environmental assessment under 36 CFR 220.6(d)(8) - Approval, modification, or continuation of minor, short-term (1 year or less) special uses of NFS lands. Examples of SUP's issued by the KRRD over the years include:

?? filming and still photography
?? bass tournaments and other water based recreation events on Lake Isabella and the Kern River
?? a variety of gatherings
?? guided backpacking, rock climbing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, mountain biking, and non-wilderness pack and saddle stock trips
?? weddings
?? research studies

Oftentimes, the permits for these events develop under short notice, and the FS is responsible for processing these permits in a timely manner. This is why it is important for the FS to gather public input in advance of these requests. The KRRD is considering approving applications for these activities during the 2013 season. If you know of any extraordinary circumstances, have any questions, or need additional information regarding the issuance of these SUPs, please e-mail Special Use Officer Artie Colson at acolson@fs.fed.us or contact him at (661) 303-2914. Responses would be helpful if received by March 1, 2013.