Logging and prescribed burns would reduce hazardous fuels and the risk of mountain pine beetle infestation over a 19,369 acre area in the Bear Lodge Mountains north of Sundance, Wyo., under a U.S. Forest Service proposal.

Foresters propose to reduce fire hazard and the risk of mountain pine beetle infestation through a combination of commercial logging (3,256 acres) and prescribed burning (4,808 acres)in the Snyder project area.

The Forest Service also proposes to close 10,897 acres to off-road motorized use and to take other measures, including treating noxious weeds, according to the Black Hills National Forest Web site.

The proposal would produce a sustainable supply of timber, diversify forest structure, improve wildlife habitat and manage motorized use, according to a Forest Service news release.

A draft environmental assessment describes the proposed action, three alternatives to the proposed action and the effects of these actions.

After considering public comments on the draft environmental assessment, Bearlodge District Ranger Steven Kozel will decide which course of action to take, according to the news release.

Work on the project is scheduled to begin in 2010.

For more information about the project or to obtain a copy of the Environmental Assessment (hard copy or on CD), call Elizabeth Krueger at the Bearlodge Ranger District, at 1-307-283-1361.

The environmental assessment is also available at www.fs.fed.us/r2/blackhills/projects/nepa/ and from the Black Hills National Forest supervisor's office in Custer, 673-9200.

Comments may be e-mailed to comments-rocky-mountain-black-hills-bearlodge@fs.fed.us, mailed to Snyder Project, Bearlodge Ranger District, P.O. Box 680, Sundance, WY 82729 or faxed to 1-307-283-3727.

Comments must be postmarked by March 27.