Update: Draft environmental assessment for proposed Jellico Mtn. logging job to be released

The Stearns Ranger District of the Daniel Boone National Forest has announced that they will release a draft environmental assessment for the Jellico Vegetation Management Project on Wednesday, April 24, 2024. The project, now open for public comment, proposes to conduct silvicultural treatments, including timber harvest, intermediate treatments and associated road work, on approximately 9,600 acres of National Forest lands in McCreary and Whitley counties.

“Survey work and analysis during the 2022 Jellico Integrated Resource Management Strategy process made it clear that the Jellico area is not on track to produce the variety of forest types and habitat conditions desired by our Forest Plan,” said Tim Reed, Stearns District Ranger. “After further analysis and a preliminary public comment period, we’ve drafted a set of proposed actions to help the Jellico area transition to a more biodiverse forest with a variety of forest types and habitat conditions present.”

The draft Jellico Vegetation Management Project environmental assessment and supporting documentation are available online for review and public comment at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/dbnf/jellico.

“Public feedback is a vital part of finding the best management actions for the Jellico area,” said Reed. “I encourage everyone with an interest in the area to take time to review the proposed actions and share your thoughts. If there are any questions about the comment process, please call our office and we will be happy to help.”

For questions about this project or to schedule a time to meet and/or deliver an official comment, contact Project Team Leader John Hull at john.hull@usda.gov or 606-376-5323.

Learn more about the Daniel Boone National Forest at www.fs.usda.gov/dbn.