The USDA Forest Service, National Forest and Grasslands in Texas (NFGT), is beginning the preparation of an environmental impact statement (EIS) to analyze and disclose the effects of identifying NFGT lands administratively available for oil and gas leasing. The proposed action will identify lands available for leasing, leasing stipulations, and necessary amendments to the 1996 NFGT Forest Plan.

 

Scoping is a process used to identify issues of importance to the public. Scoping begins with the publication of a Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare the EIS in the Federal Register. The NOI, which was published in the Federal Register on August 27, 2019, has a public comment period of 45 days. Public comments are analyzed to develop alternatives addressing issues raised by the public.

 

“We will be holding an open house on Thursday, October 3, 2019, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. followed by a public meeting from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the San Augustine Senior Center,” said Kimpton Cooper, District Ranger for the Angelina and Sabine National Forest. “We value the public’s input and we are looking forward to engaging and listen to them.”

 

The San Augustine Senior Center is located at 405 South Bolivar, San Augustine, TX 75972.