Project Links
Big Sandy Creek Unit -- Hazardous Fuel Reduction / Longleaf Pine Restoration Project
Big Thicket National Preserve » Big Sandy Creek Unit -- Hazardous Fuel Reduction / Longleaf Pine Restoration Project » Document List
Dear Friend of Big Thicket National Preserve:
The National Park Service (NPS) is preparing an Environmental Assessment (EA) to address hazardous fuel reduction and longleaf pine restoration in the Big Sandy Creek Unit of Big Thicket National Preserve (Preserve) resulting from increased downed trees and woody debris following Hurricanes Rita and Ike.
In 2005 and 2008, wind from hurricanes caused a significant increase in downed woody debris which has created the potential for higher intensity wildfires during drought conditions. In addition to hurricane wind damage, Southern Pine Beetle infestations in the 1980s contributed to overstory tree canopy loss and downed trees in some areas. Also in the 1980s, the Preserve's fire management program started conducting prescribed burns in efforts to restore and maintain fire dependent ecosystems.
Consistent with NPS management policies, laws, and regulations, the objectives for this project are to 1) Reduce hazardous fuel accumulations to protect both human life and property and the Preserve's natural and cultural resources, 2) Decrease fuels and midstory brush in order to restore longleaf pine habitat, and 3) Prevent impairment of Preserve resources and limit impacts on Preserve operations and management.
The NPS is preparing an EA in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to provide the decision-making framework that 1) explores a reasonable range of alternatives to meet project objectives, 2) evaluates potential impacts to park resources and values, and 3) identifies mitigation measures to minimize the degree of these impacts.
The NPS encourages public participation throughout the NEPA process during which the public has two opportunities to comment on this project; once during initial project scoping and again following release of the EA. We are currently in the scoping phase of this project, and I invite you to voice your ideas, comments, or concerns about this effort. These comments will be considered during preparation of the EA.
Sincerely,
Todd W. Brindle
Superintendent
Chief of Resources Management
Big Thicket National Preserve
6044 FM 420
Kountze, Texas 77625
(409) 951-6820 phone
(409) 951-6714 fax
The National Park Service (NPS) is preparing an Environmental Assessment (EA) to address hazardous fuel reduction and longleaf pine restoration in the Big Sandy Creek Unit of Big Thicket National Preserve (Preserve) resulting from increased downed trees and woody debris following Hurricanes Rita and Ike.
In 2005 and 2008, wind from hurricanes caused a significant increase in downed woody debris which has created the potential for higher intensity wildfires during drought conditions. In addition to hurricane wind damage, Southern Pine Beetle infestations in the 1980s contributed to overstory tree canopy loss and downed trees in some areas. Also in the 1980s, the Preserve's fire management program started conducting prescribed burns in efforts to restore and maintain fire dependent ecosystems.
Consistent with NPS management policies, laws, and regulations, the objectives for this project are to 1) Reduce hazardous fuel accumulations to protect both human life and property and the Preserve's natural and cultural resources, 2) Decrease fuels and midstory brush in order to restore longleaf pine habitat, and 3) Prevent impairment of Preserve resources and limit impacts on Preserve operations and management.
The NPS is preparing an EA in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to provide the decision-making framework that 1) explores a reasonable range of alternatives to meet project objectives, 2) evaluates potential impacts to park resources and values, and 3) identifies mitigation measures to minimize the degree of these impacts.
The NPS encourages public participation throughout the NEPA process during which the public has two opportunities to comment on this project; once during initial project scoping and again following release of the EA. We are currently in the scoping phase of this project, and I invite you to voice your ideas, comments, or concerns about this effort. These comments will be considered during preparation of the EA.
Sincerely,
Todd W. Brindle
Superintendent
Contact Information
David RoemerChief of Resources Management
Big Thicket National Preserve
6044 FM 420
Kountze, Texas 77625
(409) 951-6820 phone
(409) 951-6714 fax