Rim Fire Recovery: FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is NEPA?
What is EA and EIS?
When is the comment period for EA and EIS?
Will the Forest Service harvest burned trees?
Why can't I access the burned area?
When will the closure order be lifted?
What campgrounds are currently open due to the Rim Fire?
How can I volunteer?
How can I help?
How can I get a contract with the Forest Service?
When is the next public meeting?
Who can I call to get more information?
How did the fire start? Has anyone been charged for starting the fire?

1. What is NEPA?

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires federal agencies to integrate environmental values into their decision-making processes by considering the environmental impacts of their proposed actions and reasonable alternatives to those actions.

2. What is an EA and EIS?

Environmental Assessment (EA): An EA is a concise public document that provides sufficient evidence and analysis for determining whether to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement or a Finding of No Significant Impact. It briefly describes the need for the proposal, any alternatives, the environmental impacts of the proposed action and alternatives, and the agencies and persons consulted.

Enviromental Impact Statement (EIS): An EIS is a detailed statement describing the environmental impact of the proposed action, any adverse environmental effects which cannot be avoided, alternatives to the proposed action, the relationship between local short-term uses and the maintenance and enhancement of long-term productivity, and any irreversible and irretrievable commitments of resources.

3. When is the comment period for EA and EIS?

Completion of the Rim Fire Recovery (Rim Recovery) Draft EIS is expected in May 2014 with a 30-day comment period followed by a final decision expected in August 2014. A scoping package, maps and other information are online.

4. Will the Forest Service harvest any burned trees?

The Rim HT project is the first of multiple recovery and restoration projects that may be proposed over the next several years. It includes removal of hazard trees and trees felled during fire suppression or rehabilitation within and adjacent to high use roads and developed facilities. The Rim HT project has independent utility and would be undertaken regardless of any further recovery actions.
The Rim Recovery project is the second project currently in progress. The Forest Service published a Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare an EIS in the Federal Register on December 6, 2013. It includes salvage of dead trees, removal of hazard trees and dead trees along low use roads, fuel reduction for future forest resiliency to fire, and road improvements for proper hydrologic function. The treatment areas do not overlap with the Rim HT treatment areas.
Future projects may address reforestation, ecosystem restoration, fuels treatments, and other forest restoration activities. However, no specific proposals or details are available at this time.

5. Why can't I access the burned area?

Trees snags and burned vegetation in the fire area present unsafe conditions for public use. Crews and equipment will be using the roads and trails in the closure area causing congestion of these areas and a hazardous condition. As a result, the Forest decided to close public access to the Rim Fire area. The closure is based on rehabilitation needs.

6. When will the closure order be lifted?

The order will be in effect until November 18, 2014 or until replaced or rescinded. Link to complete closure order.

7. What campgrounds are currently open?

DEVELOPED RECREATION SITES:

Carlon Day Use Area (Upper, Lower, and Carlon Falls Trailhead)
Dimond O Campground - open for overnight use starting Friday, April 25th
Lost Claim Campground - open for overnight use starting Friday, April 25th
Lumsden Campround
LumsdenBridgeCampground
Merals Pool Boat Launch
Middle Fork Day Use Area
Rainbow Pool Day Use Area
Rim of the World Vista
Sweetwater Campground - open for overnight use starting Friday, April 25th

WHITEWATER BOATING ROUTES:

Tuolumne River at its intersection with Cherry Creek Boat Launch near and Upper Tuolumne River – from Holm Powerhouse to Merals Pool
MainTuolumne River– from Merals Pool to Forest Boundary (including campsites)

RECREATION RESIDENCE TRACTS:

Peach Growers Tract

ORGANIZATIONAL CAMPS AND RESORTS:

San JoseFamily Camp

NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM ROADS:

1N10 (Lumsden Road) – from Ferretti Road to Lumsden Bridge Campground
1N10E (Lumsden Campground)
1S21 (Lost Claim Campground)
1S28 (Rainbow Pool Day Use Area)
1S30Y (Lower Carlon Day Use Area)
1S31Y (Upper Carlon Day Use Area)
1S52 (Lumsden Bridge Campground)
1S63 (Sweetwater Campground)
1S67Y (Dimond O Campground)
1S90 (Middle Fork Day Use Area)

NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM TRAILS:

19E76 (Carlon Falls Trail)The following campgrounds in the Groveland Ranger District are closed due to the Rim Fire (Forest Order STF-2013-15): Cherry Valley, Dimond O, Lost Claim, Lumsden Bridge, Lumsden, South Fork, Sweetwater, Cherry Borrow, Joe Walt Run, and Spinning Wheel.

Groveland Ranger District: Recreation Conditions Report.
Mi-Wok Ranger District: Recreation Conditions Report

8. How can I volunteer?

The Stanislaus National Forest welcomes your interest. Just send a note to: rimfirerecovery@gmail.com. A volunteer coordinator will respond to your message promptly.

9. How can I help?

Please comply with the Forest Closure Order. It is in place to accomplish our most important objective: human health and safety. Keep informed of our progress in accomplishing NEPA work to allow restoration of your public lands. Your interest and involvement at all stages of the recovery and restoration process is critical to our success.

10. How can I get a contract for work with the Forest Service?

Persons interested in contracting should first visit the Federal System for Awards Management at https://www.sam.gov to complete the registration process. Contract work becomes available on the Federal Business Opportunities website at https://www.fbo.gov/