Forest Releases Final SERAL Projects Environmental Impact Statement
Sonora, CA – Knowing that not everyone will be happy, Stanislaus National Forest has released the Social and Ecological Resilience Across the Landscape, or SERAL 2.0 FEIS (Final Environmental Impact Statement).
It is the final environmental impact statement examining the proposed project to improve the natural and ecological conditions of the forest. The project aims to reduce fuels, shift forest structure towards a range of variations, enhance habitat, reduce wildfire risk, and support the local economy.
“The publication of this FEIS is the culmination of the hard work and dedication of tribes, an incredibly diverse group of stakeholders, government agencies, and our community,” said Stanislaus National Forest Supervisor Jason Kuiken. “We truly have a product that all of us can be proud of. While not everyone got everything they were looking for and trade-offs have been made in a collaborative effort to serve the greatest good, this decision represents a huge step forward in rebuilding forest resilience and reducing the risk to our communities from catastrophic wildfire.”
The forest uses the Western Firesheds Emergency Action Plan to expedite work and analyze public concerns. The decision will only include actions that fit the criteria for using the emergency authority, with additional decisions based on the SERAL 2.0 EIS addressing various aspects of implementation and allowing for administrative review.
