LosPadresForest
Source: Los Padres National Forest
Los Padres National Forest officials are seeking public comments on a proposal to remove three artificial lakes as part of a restoration project within the Rose Valley Creek watershed on the Ojai Ranger District. This public scoping period will commence May 11 and conclude on June 9, 2022.
The purpose of the Rose Valley Creek restoration project is to remove non-native invasive species and improve habitat for native species within the watershed. The creation of the Rose Valley Lakes by the U.S. Navy in the 1950s altered the watershed such that nonnative fish species eventually outcompeted native species such as trout and southern Steelhead. The aim of this project is to restore the Rose Valley Creek channel, floodplain, and riparian vegetation to pre-1950s conditions while providing a sustainable level of public access and recreational use. Additional information is available on the project webpage: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=61838
The Forest Service will accept public comments on the proposed restoration project and potential issues of concern related to the restoration project for 30 days until June 9, 2022. Comments may be submitted orally during the public workshop or in writing via email or U.S. Postal Service mail. Emailed comments may be sent to RoseValleyCreekComments@ce.solutions. Please note in the subject line “Rose Valley Creek Restoration Public Comment.” Written comments may be mailed to Los Padres National Forest, Attn: Dr. Kristie Klose, 1980 Old Mission Drive, Solvang, CA 93463.
Comments received in response to this solicitation, including names and addresses of those who comment, will be part of the public record for this proposed action. Comments submitted anonymously will be accepted and considered; however, anonymous comments will not provide the Agency with the ability to provide the respondent with subsequent environmental documents.
Site-specific comments are requested to help identify the pertinent issues and evaluate the proposed action. A public scoping meeting to solicit comments will be held Tuesday, May 24, from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The public can access the meeting through Microsoft Teams via the QR code or by clicking this Public Meeting Link. A recording of the meeting will subsequently be posted on Los Padres National Forest’s public website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf.
