The Forest Service recently issued standards allowing timber projects to eschew environmental assessments and impact statements -- normally required under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) -- provided that the affected area poses a risk of wildfire or contains insect-infested or diseased trees. The measures outline three categorical NEPA exemptions that would allow the harvesting of up to 70 acres of live trees (up from 50 in the proposal), the removal of up to 250 acres of dead or dying trees, and the removal of up to 250 acres of insect-infested or diseased areas. The Forest Service recently conducted a review of 154 similar forest management activities and claims to have found no significant effect on the environment from these kinds of projects. “These new categorical exclusions will save the Forest Service time, energy, and money in preparing small, routine timber harvest projects that contribute to healthy forests and healthy economies,” Forest Service Chief Dale Bosworth said. However, the public will no longer be able to initiate administrative appeals -- which are provided for under NEPA -- to block unneeded and destructive projects in such cases. The move is the latest in a series of actions by the Bush administration eliminating requirements for environmental review and public participation when considering logging projects.