CORONADO NATIONAL FOREST EXTENDS SCOPING PERIOD ON ROSEMONT
COPPER COMPANY PROPOSAL, SCHEDULES OPEN HOUSE IN VAIL, CONSIDERS
HOSTING LISTENING SESSION IN MAY

TUCSON, AZ, (March 25, 2008) – The Coronado National Forest has extended the official scoping period for the proposed Rosemont Copper Project Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).  Comments are being accepted at open house meetings, via U.S. mail, facsimile, and online.  Citizens do not need to be present at any meeting to submit comments. Although the scoping period runs through May 19, comments will be accepted throughout the process.
 
A fourth Open House is scheduled in Vail, Arizona on Saturday, April 5, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the Auditorium at Cienega High School, 12775 E. Mary Ann Cleveland Way.  The meeting will be an open house format, not a “hearing.”  The open house format is designed to allow attendees to view informational displays, ask specialists about the Rosemont Copper Project and the environmental impact statement (EIS) process, and submit written comments onsite.  Attendees may arrive at any time during the meeting.

Forest Service officials are also planning a public listening session (hearing) some time in May, prior to the close of the official scoping period.  During the session, participants may sign in as speakers, and take up to three minutes to provide comments to Forest Service personnel and a recorder. 

“We may consider additional open house meetings to assure the public has ample opportunity to learn about this project and to provide input,” said Jeanine Derby, Forest Supervisor.  “Those who cannot attend public meetings can still provide us with comments by mail, email, or FAX.  Comments submitted in these ways are given equal consideration to comments made at public meetings.”

Citizens are urged to read the Notice of Intent prior to attending meetings or submitting comments.  The Notice of Intent is available online at www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado/rosemont.  Those without Internet access may request a hard copy by calling (520) 388-8300.  Copies of the Notice of Intent will also be available at all public meetings.

The comments most useful for the EIS process should be directly related to issues associated withthe proposed action described in the Notice of Intent, rather than general advocacy for or opposition to the project. Comments on the scope of the impacts analysis are welcome during the NEPA review until the draft EIS is issued for public comment (scheduled for March, 2009).  However, they will be most useful if received during the public scoping period, which ends May 19, 2008.

Alternatively, for those who do not attend meetings, agencies or individuals can submit comments by mail, FAX, or email as follows:

• Mail comments to Team Leader, Rosemont Copper Project, Coronado National Forest, 300 W. Congress St., Tucson, Arizona 85701
• FAX comments to (520) 388–8305, ATTN:  Rosemont Team Leader
• Or email to comments-southwestern-coronado@fs.fed.us

For questions about the public meetings or the comment period, the public can call (520) 388-8300.

Questions about the EIS process should be directed to Ms. Andrea Campbell, Forest NEPA Coordinator, at 300 W. Congress St., Tucson, AZ 85701, or telephone (520) 388-8300.

Additional information about the proposed Rosemont Copper Project is available online at www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado/rosemont.

CORONADO NATIONAL FOREST SCHEDULES ADDITIONAL PUBLIC MEETINGS
FOR ROSEMONT COPPER PROJECT

TUCSON, AZ, (April 10, 2008) – The Coronado National Forest has extended the official scoping period for the proposed Rosemont Copper Project Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).  Comments are being accepted at open house meetings, via U.S. mail, facsimile, and online.  Citizens do not need to be present at any meeting to submit comments. Although the scoping period runs through May 19, comments will be accepted throughout the process.

A fourth Open House is scheduled in Vail, Arizona on Saturday, April 5, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the Auditorium at Cienega High School, 12775 E. Mary Ann Cleveland Way.  The meeting will be an open house format, not a “hearing.”  The open house format is designed to allow attendees to view informational displays, ask specialists about the Rosemont Copper Project and the environmental impact statement (EIS) process, and submit written comments onsite.  Attendees may arrive at any time during the meeting.

Forest Service officials are also planning a public listening session (hearing) some time in May, prior to the close of the official scoping period.  During the session, participants may sign in as speakers, and take up to three minutes to provide comments to Forest Service personnel and a recorder. 

“We may consider additional open house meetings to assure the public has ample opportunity to learn about this project and to provide input,” said Jeanine Derby, Forest Supervisor.  “Those who cannot attend public meetings can still provide us with comments by mail, email, or FAX.  Comments submitted in these ways are given equal consideration to comments made at public meetings.”

The comments most useful for the EIS process should be directly related to issues associated withthe proposed action described in the Notice of Intent, rather than general advocacy for or opposition to the project. Comments on the scope of the impacts analysis are welcome during the NEPA review until the draft EIS is issued for public comment (scheduled for March, 2009).  However, they will be most useful if received during the public scoping period, which ends May 19, 2008.

Alternatively, for those who do not attend meetings, agencies or individuals can submit comments by mail, FAX, or email as follows:

• Mail comments to Team Leader, Rosemont Copper Project, Coronado National Forest, 300 W. Congress St., Tucson, Arizona 85701
• FAX comments to (520) 388–8305, ATTN:  Rosemont Team Leader
• Or email to comments-southwestern-coronado@fs.fed.us

For questions about the public meetings or the comment period, the public can call (520) 388-8300.

Questions about the EIS process should be directed to Ms. Andrea Campbell, Forest NEPA Coordinator, at 300 W. Congress St., Tucson, AZ 85701, or telephone (520) 388-8300.

Additional information about the proposed Rosemont Copper Project is available online at www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado/rosemont.

CORONADO NATIONAL FOREST SCHEDULES ADDITIONAL PUBLIC MEETINGS
FOR ROSEMENT COPPER PROJECT

TUCSON, AZ, (April 11, 2008) –  In an ongoing effort to encourage public participation in development of an environmental impact statement for the Rosemont Copper Project, five more public meetings have been scheduled as follows:

The open house format is designed to allow attendees to view informational displays, discuss the proposal and the environmental impact statement process with specialists, and submit written comments onsite.  Attendees may arrive at any time during the meeting.

The hearing format will allow attendees to make oral comments, not to exceed three minutes in length, which will be transcribed for the record.

Alternatively, for those who do not attend meetings, agencies or individuals can submit comments by mail, FAX, or email as follows:

• Mail comments to Team Leader, Rosemont Copper Project, Coronado National Forest, 300 W. Congress St., Tucson, Arizona 85701
• FAX comments to (520) 388–8305, ATTN:  Rosemont Team Leader
• Or email to comments-southwestern-coronado@fs.fed.us

Comments submitted by mail, FAX, or email, are given equal consideration to comments made at public meetings.  Comments are welcome during the National Environmental Policy Act review until the draft environmental impact statement is issued for public comment (scheduled for March, 2009);  however, comments will be most useful if received during the public scoping period, which ends July 14, 2008.

Participants are urged to read the Notice of Intent prior to attending meetings or submitting comments.  The Notice of Intent is available online at www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado/rosemont.  Those without Internet access may request a hard copy by calling (520) 388-8300.  Copies of the Notice of Intent will also be available at all public meetings.

The comments most useful for the EIS process should be directly related to issues associated withthe proposed action described in the Notice of Intent, rather than general advocacy for or opposition against the project..

For questions about the public meetings or the comment period, the public can call (520) 388-8300.

Questions about the EIS process should be directed to Ms. Andrea Campbell, Forest NEPA Coordinator, at 300 W. Congress St., Tucson, AZ 85701, or telephone (520) 388-8300.

Additional information about the proposed Rosemont Copper Project is available online at www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado/rosemont.

PUBLIC HEARING IN ELGIN, ARIZONA
FOR PROPOSED ROSEMONT COPPER PROJECT

TUCSON, AZ, (May 9, 2008) –  The public is invited to make oral comments regarding the proposed Rosemont Copper Project on May 12, 2008 at Elgin Elementary School, 93 Upper Elgin Rd, Elgin, Arizona.  The meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m., and will continue until [?].  Spoken comments will be transcribed by a court reporter and will become part of the "scoping" record used to develop an Environmental Impact Statement.

While five previous public meetings were designed to inform the public about the project and to collect written comments, the next series of three meetings will be conducted as hearings.   Speakers who sign in, will be given a maximum of three minutes to address Forest Service officials who oversee the National Environmental Policy Act process, including Ms. Jeanine Derby, Coronado National Forest Supervisor, who is the deciding official. 

Two future hearings will occur June 7, 2008 at Sahuarita High School, and June 30, 2008 at a Tucson location.

Speakers will be selected on a first come, first served basis.  However, entrance onto school grounds will not be permitted prior to 5:00 p.m.

Alternatively, for those who do not wish to attend the hearing, agencies or individuals can submit comments by mail, FAX, or email as follows:

• Mail comments to Team Leader, Rosemont Copper Project, Coronado National Forest, 300 W. Congress St., Tucson, Arizona 85701
• FAX comments to (520) 388–8305, ATTN:  Rosemont Team Leader
• Or email to comments-southwestern-coronado@fs.fed.us

Comments submitted by mail, FAX, or email, are given equal consideration to comments made at public meetings.  Comments are welcome during the National Environmental Policy Act review until the draft environmental impact statement is issued for public comment (scheduled for March, 2009);  however, comments will be most useful if received during the public scoping period, which ends July 14, 2008.

Participants are urged to read the Notice of Intent prior to making oral or written comments.  The Notice of Intent is available online at www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado/rosemont.  Those without Internet access may request a hard copy by calling (520) 388-8300.  Copies of the Notice of Intent will also be available at all public meetings.

The comments most useful for the EIS process should be directly related to issues associated withthe proposed action described in the Notice of Intent, rather than general advocacy for or opposition against the project..

For questions about the public meetings or the comment period, the public can call (520) 388-8300.

Additional information about the proposed Rosemont Copper Project is available online at www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado/rosemont.

NEXT PUBLIC HEARING
FOR PROPOSED ROSEMONT COPPER PROJECT

TUCSON, AZ, (May 30, 2008) –  The public is invited to make oral comments about the proposed Rosemont Copper Project at a hearing on Saturday, June 7, 2008 at Sahuarita High School Auditorium, 350 W Sahuarita Road, Sahuarita, Arizona. 

Those who wish to speak must sign-in between 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.  The meeting will begin at 9:00 a.m.

Speakers will be given three minutes to address Forest Service officials, including Coronado National Forest Supervisor Jeanine Derby, who is the deciding official.  Spoken comments will be transcribed by a court reporter and will become part of the "scoping" record used to develop an Environmental Impact Statement.

Another hearing is planned for central Tucson, June 30, 2008, at a location to be announced.

Written comments may be submitted by mail, FAX, or email as follows:

• Mail comments to Team Leader, Rosemont Copper Project, Coronado National Forest, 300 W. Congress St., Tucson, Arizona 85701
• FAX comments to (520) 388–8305, ATTN:  Rosemont Team Leader
• Or email to comments-southwestern-coronado@fs.fed.us.  (Please type “Rosemont” in the subject line.)

Comments submitted by mail, FAX, or email, are given equal consideration to oral comments made at hearings. 

Comments are welcome during the National Environmental Policy Act review until the draft Environmental Impact Statement is issued for public review (currently scheduled for March, 2009);  however, comments will be most useful if received during the public scoping period, which ends July 14, 2008.

Participants are urged to read the Notice of Intent prior to making oral or written comments.  The Notice of Intent is available online at www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado/rosemont.  Those without Internet access may request a hard copy by calling (520) 388-8300.  Copies of the Notice of Intent will also be available at all public meetings.

The comments most useful for the EIS process should be directly related to issues associated withthe proposed action described in the Notice of Intent, rather than general advocacy for or opposition against the project..

For questions about the hearings or the comment period, please call (520) 388-8300.

Additional information about the proposed Rosemont Copper Project is available online at www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado/rosemont.

NEXT PUBLIC HEARING
FOR PROPOSED ROSEMONT COPPER PROJECT

TUCSON, AZ, (June 20, 2008) –  The public is invited to make oral comments about the proposed Rosemont Copper Project at a hearing on Monday, June 30, 2008 at Rincon High School Auditorium, 422 N. Arcadia Avenue, Tucson, Arizona.  The Auditorium is located at the northeast corner of the campus.  Public parking access is from Arcadia Avenue, which is one block east of Swan Road.
. 
Those who wish to speak must sign-in between 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.  The hearing will begin at 6:00 p.m.

Speakers will each be given three minutes to address Forest Service officials, including Coronado National Forest Supervisor Jeanine Derby, who is the deciding official.  Spoken comments will be transcribed by a court reporter and will become part of the "scoping" record used to develop an Environmental Impact Statement.

Written comments may be submitted by mail, FAX, or email as follows:

• Mail comments to Proposed Rosemont Copper Project, Coronado National Forest, 300 W. Congress St., Tucson, Arizona 85701
• FAX comments to (520) 388–8305, ATTN:  Proposed Rosemont Copper Project
• Or email to comments-southwestern-coronado@fs.fed.us.  (Please type “Rosemont” in the subject line.)

Comments submitted by mail, FAX, or email are given equal consideration to oral comments made at hearings. 

Comments are welcome during the National Environmental Policy Act review until the draft Environmental Impact Statement is issued for public review (currently scheduled for March, 2009);  however, comments will be most useful if received during the public scoping period, which ends July 14, 2008.

Participants are urged to read the Notice of Intent prior to making oral or written comments.  The Notice of Intent is available online at www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado/rosemont.  Those without Internet access may request a hard copy by calling (520) 388-8300.  Copies of the Notice of Intent will also be available at the hearing.

The comments most useful for the EIS process should be directly related to issues associated withthe proposed action described in the Notice of Intent, rather than general advocacy for or opposition against the project..

For questions about this hearing or the comment period, the public is invited to call (520) 388-8300.

Additional information about the proposed Rosemont Copper Project is available online at www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado/rosemont.

ANNOUNCING THE "ROSEMONT MINE COMMENT LINE"
PHONE 888-726-7176 TO RECORD A COMMENT

TUCSON, AZ, (June 27, 2008) – Effective immediately, the public is invited to comment about the proposed Rosemont Copper Mine by telephone.  The toll-free Rosemont Mine Comment Line allows anyone to call and have their oral comment electronically recorded.  This recorded comment will then be transcribed and added to the official “scoping” record for development of an environmental impact statement for the proposed copper mine 30 miles southeast of Tucson. 

The toll free Rosemont Mine Comment Line number is 888-726-7176.

Those who use the Comment Line should be aware that their comments, as well as any personal contact information stated in their comment, may be made public.  In addition, each caller’s telephone number will be electronically documented by the automated recording system.  Comments made using the Rosemont Comment Line are limited to three minutes duration, and will be given equal consideration to comments made at public hearings or submitted in writing.

As a reminder, a public hearing will take place Monday, June 30, 2008 at Rincon High School Auditorium, 422 N. Arcadia Avenue, Tucson, Arizona.  The Auditorium is located at the northeast corner of the campus.  Public parking access is from Arcadia Avenue, which is one block east of Swan Road.  Those who wish to speak must sign-in between 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.  The hearing will begin at 6:00 p.m.

Written comments may be submitted by mail, FAX, or email as follows:

• Mail comments to Proposed Rosemont Copper Project, Coronado National Forest, 300 W. Congress St., Tucson, Arizona 85701
• FAX comments to (520) 388–8305, ATTN:  Proposed Rosemont Copper Project
• Or email to comments-southwestern-coronado@fs.fed.us.  (Please type “Rosemont” in the subject line.)

Comments are welcome during the National Environmental Policy Act review until the draft Environmental Impact Statement is issued for public review (currently scheduled for March, 2009);  however, comments will be most useful if received during the public scoping period, which ends July 14, 2008.

Participants are urged to read the Notice of Intent prior to making oral or written comments.  The Notice of Intent is available online at www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado/rosemont.  Those without Internet access may request a hard copy by calling 520-388-8300.

The comments most useful for the EIS process should be directly related to issues associated withthe proposed action described in the Notice of Intent, rather than general advocacy for or opposition against the project..

For questions about how to comment, the public is invited to call 520-388-8300.

Additional information about the proposed Rosemont Copper Project is available online at www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado/rosemont.

“WORKING GROUP” HALTED
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS OF PROPOSED ROSEMONT COOPER PROJECT
REMAINS ON SCHEDULE FOREST SERVICE CONSIDERS OTHER OPPORTUNITIES FOR PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT

TUCSON, ARIZONA ( November 26, 2008) – Coronado National Forest officials were notified by the U.S Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution of their decision to halt formation of  a public “working group” to participate in an independent review of the environmental analysis for the proposed Rosemont mine. 

The U.S. Institute decision will not affect the Forest Service schedule to complete the legally mandated Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed mine, currently estimated for July 2010, nor will the decision affect other forms of public involvement already planned.

The working group concept, first proposed to the Forest Service by Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and agreed to by Forest Supervisor Jeanine Derby in March 2008, would have brought together people representing the spectrum of public opinion to review the work of government specialists developing the Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed mine.

“It was an innovative, ambitious idea,” said Deputy Forest Supervisor Reta Laford. “The U.S Institute’s professional judgment that the working group is not feasible for this particular project means we’ll continue assessing other opportunities to maintain public involvement.”

Since March, 2008, the Forest Service has conducted nine public meetings and received over 11,000 comments about the proposed Rosemont Copper Project in the Santa Rita Mountains approximately thirty miles southeast of Tucson.

The next public comment period will collect input about the draft Environmental Impact Statement, which is planned for publication in the fall of 2009.  The Forest Service has already announced plans to extend this legally required 45-day comment period to 90 days to ensure the public will have adequate time to review the document.  Public hearings will also be held at that time.

For more information about the Rosemont Copper Project Environmental Impact Statement, the public is invited to visit http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coronado/rosemont or call 520-388-8300.