New study reveals potential cost avoidance to citizens of Flagstaff.

Potential financial damages avoided in implementing FWPP range from $573 million to $1.2 billion. For full report see: Final FWPP Cost Avoidance October 27

Alternatives 2 and 3 would have the greatest reduction in active crown fire potential: from approximately 57 percent of the project area under the No Action Alternative to 7 percent under Alternatives 2 and 3, compared to approximately

28 percent under Alternative 4. Alternatives 2 and 3 would also result in the greatest reduction in post-fire predicted peak discharge associated with a 100-year storm event (1 percent recurrence interval): 60 percent reduction for Alternatives 2 and 3 versus 30 percent reduction for Alternative 4 as compared to the No Action Alternative. All three action alternatives include a Forest Plan amendment to allow mechanized equipment for thinning on slopes greater than 40 percent (see Forest Plan Amendments in Chapter 2 and Appendix A for more information). For more click here: FWPP DEIS Comparison Summary

Based on input received on the Proposed Action released in April 2013, the US Forest Service (USFS) developed four treatment alternatives, which are analyzed and compared in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) which has been released for public comment July 3rd. The public is encouraged to provide feedback during the 45-day comment period ending August 18^th. The USFS will use the comments received to develop the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and draft Record of Decision (ROD); these will be published later this year.  Once the FEIS and draft decision are published, there will be a 45-day objection period for those who provided comments followed by a 45-day resolution period.  The final ROD, which will contain the final decision for treatment, is expected early next year (2015).

Two open houses are scheduled at the Flagstaff Aquaplex July 17^th and 22^nd from 5:00-7:30 PM to review the DEIS. The DEIS, along with a Reader’s Guide, a Map Packet and other supporting information can be found online at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/FWPP.