Finding of No Significant Impact: Wildland Fire Management Plan at New Boston Air Force Station, New Hampshire

The U.S. Air Force (USAF) at New Boston Air Force Station (NBAFS), New Hampshire, proposes to implement a Wildland Fire Management Plan. The proposed action is needed to ensure that procedures are in place to safely suppress wildfires and to conduct prescribed burns for fuels and natural resources management. Potential impacts to the natural and human environment associated with the implementation of the Wildland Fire Management Plan at NBAFS are assessed in the accompanying Environmental Assessment (EA), entitled Environmental Assessment for a Wildland Fire Management Plan at New Boston Air Force Station, New Hampshire. The EA was prepared in accordance with specific tasks and procedures of the USAF Environmental Impact Analysis Process (EIAP; Air Force Instruction 32-7061), as it applies to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (Public Law 91-190, 42 U.S.C. Sections 4321-4347). The EA evaluates the environmental consequences of the proposed action and the no-action alternative (i.e., continuing to operate without a wildland fire management plan). The assessment evaluates the potential for impacts to air quality, noise levels, topography, geology, soils, water resources, ecological resources (including threatened and endangered species and wetlands), cultural resources, land use, recreation, visual resources, socioeconomics, and health and safety. The general public was given a 30-day period (December 5, 2003 to January 5, 2003) to comment on the proposed action and the EA. All comments received from the public have been addressed. The proposed action is preferred over the no-action alternative. The no-action alternative would not provide the guidance necessary to safely suppress wildfires and manage prescribed fires in a manner that maximizes natural resource management while minimizing risks to personnel.