The Eldorado National Forest is seeking comments as it prepare an environmental impact statement for the King Fire restoration project.

In order to be considered, comments must be submitted by Jan. 23.

An open house to discuss the project is on Jan. 13 at the Best Western Plus Placerville Inn, 6850 Green Leaf Drive, Placerville from 6-8pm. A presentation on the proposed action will be followed by questions and answers with the planning team, and an opportunity to talk to specialists about specific aspects of the project including fuel reduction, tree salvage, reforestation, wildlife, watershed protection, and research.

The purpose of the King Fire restoration project is to maintain the ecological integrity of post fire habitat; reduce future fuel loadings in strategic areas important to fire control; increase resiliency of the vegetation in the project area to future fire; reduce risk from dead, falling tree hazards to people, structures and cultural resources; recover some of the economic value of dead trees to help pay for restoration activities and contribute to societal needs for wood products; take advantage of opportunities for research to increase knowledge regarding effects on the environment from large fires and post-fire tree removal; and protect watersheds by reducing sediment input to streams and large woody fuel accumulation in sensitive areas.

A complete description of the proposed action, including project maps can be found by going online.