Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests Publish Final Environmental Impact Statement
KAMIAH, Idaho:—December 6, 2024. The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests have completed the final environmental impact statement for the End of the World Project.
“The focus of this project is fuel reduction and decreasing the risk and impacts of high-intensity wildfire,” Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest Acting Supervisor Heath Perrine stated. “This project is of vital importance to many small communities—including Grangeville and Elk City—and dispersed private property and lands in Idaho County.”
The final environmental impact statement incorporates feedback and addresses concerns related to old growth and cumulative effects raised in District Court Judge Candy W. Dale’s unpublished order issued June 24, 2022. To expedite critical wildfire mitigation efforts, the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest secured an Emergency Action Determination on May 16, 2024, pursuant to the Secretary of Agriculture's authority in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This determination, granted due to the project's location in a high-risk fireshed, allows for streamlined environmental review.
Because of the Emergency Action Determination, the End of the World project is not subject to the pre- decisional objection review process. However, as an environmental impact statement project, it must still be filed with the Environmental Protection Agency to fulfill the necessary regulatory requirements.
The project aims to reduce the risk of wildfires for communities and ecosystems near Grangeville, Idaho, by thinning trees, conducting controlled burns, and creating firebreaks. These treatments will help create a more resilient landscape and protect homes and businesses from the devastating effects of wildfires.
The project will also improve forest health and resilience, protect communities and private property, enhance wildlife habitat, restore meadows, and improve water quality.
The project area spans approximately 49,565 acres and includes a variety of treatments designed to reduce fuel loads and create a more fire-resistant landscape.
Please visit the End of the World Project webpage for additional information and to review the final environmental impact statement https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=52541.
A signed Record of Decision is expected in January 2025.