19483 7/8/25 PUBLIC NOTICE Opportunity to Comment on

19483 7/8/25 PUBLIC NOTICE Opportunity to Comment on Forest Service Road 512 (Young Road) project The Tonto National Forest, Pleasant Valley Ranger District, has prepared a preliminary environmental assessment for the Forest Service Road 512 (Young Road) project, which is located in rural Gila County, AZ., approximately 33 miles east of Payson, three miles south of State Route 260 (SR 260), and four miles northeast of the unincorporated community of Young, AZ. The proposed action for this project includes authorizing permanent easement and temporary construction easements for construction and maintenance of Young Road from milepost 316.44 to milepost 329.91. This would reduce the frequency and severity of crashes on this road and allow all-weather access to the newly established Veteran’s Retreat in Young. More information about this project, including maps and supporting documents, can be found electronically at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/tonto/projects/68424 or at the Payson District Office. Questions about this project should be directed to: Michelle Tom, Forest Engineering and Minerals Staff Officer at 480-826-7660 or comments-southwestern-tonto-pleasant-valley@usda.gov. The Forest Service is combining the scoping and comment period as part of the public involvement effort for this project. We are inviting your input on this project, which is an activity implementing a land management plan and subject to the objection process described in 36 CFR 218 Subparts A and B. How to Comment and Timeframe Specific written comments on the proposed project will be accepted for 30 calendar days following publication in the Payson Roundup. The publication date in the newspaper of record is the exclusive means for calculating the comment period. The regulations prohibit extending the length of the comment period. Comments may be submitted in person at the Payson Ranger District Office, via email at comments-southwestern-tonto-pleasant-valley@usda.gov with Subject: Forest Service Road 512, or via postal mail Tonto National Forest, Attn: Michelle Tom, 2324 E McDowell Rd., Phoenix, Az, 85006. It is the responsibility of persons providing comments to submit them by the close of the comment period. Only those who submit timely and specific written comments will have eligibility to file an objection under 36 CFR 218.8. Individuals and organizations wishing to be eligible to object must meet the information requirements in 36 CFR 218.25(a)(3). Names and contact information submitted with comments will become part of the public record and may be released under the Freedom of Information Act. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is an equal opportunity provider and employer.