Retraction of Salt River Allotments Vegetative Management EIS, 10662-10663 [2015-04073]

Download as PDF 10662 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 39 / Friday, February 27, 2015 / Notices mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Quarantine (PPQ) Treatment Manual.1 Section 305.3 sets out a process for adding, revising, or removing treatment schedules in the PPQ Treatment Manual. In that section, paragraph (b) sets out the process for adding, revising, or removing treatment schedules when there is an immediate need to make a change. The circumstances in which an immediate need exists are described in § 305.3(b)(1). They are: • PPQ has determined that an approved treatment schedule is ineffective at neutralizing the targeted plant pest(s). • PPQ has determined that, in order to neutralize the targeted plant pest(s), the treatment schedule must be administered using a different process than was previously used. • PPQ has determined that a new treatment schedule is effective, based on efficacy data, and that ongoing trade in a commodity or commodities may be adversely impacted unless the new treatment schedule is approved for use. • The use of a treatment schedule is no longer authorized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or by any other Federal entity. A treatment schedule currently listed in the PPQ Treatment Manual (T101–i– 2–1) requires baby kiwi (Actinidia arguta), fig (Ficus carica), grape (Vitis spp.), and pomegranate (Punica granatum) to be treated with methyl bromide (MB) to prevent the introduction into the United States of external pests, including Chilean false red mite (Brevipalpus chilensis). The treatment as originally approved required the use of 1.5 lb b 4.0 lb of MB gas per 1,000 ft3 for 2 hours at temperatures of 40 °F or above. However, in 2006, APHIS determined that this treatment was insufficient to mitigate the risk from the mite on grapes. Therefore, as an emergency measure, the treatment was amended to require a longer exposure time of up to 3 hours under tarpaulin or 2.5 hours in chamber. As an emergency measure, this action was done administratively and was not meant to be permanent. On April 4, 2011, APHIS published a notice 2 in the Federal Register (76 FR 18511–18512, Docket No. APHIS–2009– 0097) that approved the use of this revised treatment to treat figs from Chile 1 The Treatment Manual is available on the Internet at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_ export/plants/manuals/ports/downloads/ treatment.pdf or by contacting the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Plant Protection and Quarantine, Manuals Unit, 92 Thomas Johnson Drive, Suite 200, Frederick, MD 21702. 2 To view the notice and the comments we received, go to https://www.regulations.gov/ #!docketDetail;D=APHIS-2009-0097. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:05 Feb 26, 2015 Jkt 235001 in order to meet U.S. entry requirements. Since publication of that notice, we have determined that figs have a higher sorption rate of the MB gas than other commodities. Therefore, in order to achieve 100 percent mortality of Chilean false red mite on figs, the figs must be exposed to a higher dose of MB. In accordance with § 305.3(b)(2), we are providing notice that we have determined that it is necessary to add new treatment schedule T101–i–2–22, which provides for a MB treatment schedule for figs during an exposure period of 3 hours in a chamber at a dosage rate of 3.5 lbs gas/1,000 ft3 at a temperature between 50 °F and 59 °F, 3 lbs gas/1,000 ft3 at a temperature between 60 °F and 69 °F, and 2.5 lbs gas/1,000 ft3 at a temperature of 70 °F or above. Since the efficacy of new schedule T101–i–2–2 was not verified under tarpaulin, the new treatment schedule is applicable only in chambers. This action also amends treatment schedule T101–i–2–1 by removing figs from the schedule and making the revised treatment schedule permanent. Revised treatment schedule T101–i–2–1 will continue to be applicable both in chambers and under tarpaulin for grapes, baby kiwis, and pomegranates. APHIS’ experience with successful importation of these commodities using the existing treatment schedule has provided sufficient evidence to prove the effectiveness of the treatment. In order to have minimum adverse impact on the ongoing trade of figs and using the immediate process as provided in § 305.3(b), these changes are effective immediately upon publication of this notice. The new treatment schedule will be listed in a separate section of the PPQ Treatment Manual, which will indicate that T101–i–2–22 was added through the immediate process described in paragraph (b) of § 305.3 and that it is subject to change or removal based on public comment. The reasons for the addition of this treatment schedule are described in detail in a treatment evaluation document we have prepared to support this action. The treatment evaluation document may be viewed on the Regulations.gov Web site or in our reading room (see ADDRESSES above for instructions for accessing Regulations.gov and information on the location and hours of the reading room). You may request paper copies of the treatment evaluation document by calling or writing to the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. Please refer to the subject of PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 the treatment evaluation document when requesting copies. After reviewing the comments we receive, we will announce our decision regarding the new treatment schedule that is described in the treatment evaluation document in a subsequent notice, in accordance with paragraph (b)(3) of § 305.3. If we do not receive any comments, or the comments we receive do not change our determination that the treatment is effective, we will affirm the treatment schedule’s addition to the PPQ Treatment Manual and make available a new version of the PPQ Treatment Manual in which T101–i–2– 2 is listed in the main body of the PPQ Treatment Manual. If we receive comments that cause us to determine that T101–i–2–2 needs to be changed or removed, we will make available a new version of the PPQ Treatment Manual that reflects changes to or the removal of T101–i–2–2. Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7701–7772 and 7781– 7786; 21 U.S.C. 136 and 136a; 7 CFR 2.22, 2.80, and 371.3. Done in Washington, DC, this 23rd day of February 2015. Kevin Shea, Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. [FR Doc. 2015–04172 Filed 2–26–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–34–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service [EIS No. 2011–13640] Retraction of Salt River Allotments Vegetative Management EIS Forest Service, USDA. Retraction of NOI. AGENCY: ACTION: The Forest Service has published a Notice of Intent (NOI) on May 25, 2011 for Salt River Allotments Vegetative Management EIS. This Environmental Impact Statement was first designed due to complexities encountered with a variety of current activities and environmental conditions that interconnect along Salt River. These activities include: White water rafting, wilderness values, critical habitat of aquatic and terrestrial species. Planned livestock grazing project included a desire by term-grazing permittees to graze livestock (i.e., cattle) along river. DATES: Not Applicable. ADDRESSES: No further comments will be received on this project. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: A. Jamie Wages 7680 South Sixshooter Canyon Road Globe, Arizona 85501, SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\27FEN1.SGM 27FEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 39 / Friday, February 27, 2015 / Notices ajwages@fs.fed.us or 928–402–6222. Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service at (800) 877–8339 between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Selecting to do an EIS upfront was a shortcut for doing an EA and then not being able to certify proposed action did not have a significant impact in a FONSI. However, through discussions with term-grazing permittees, it was determined that if livestock were allowed to graze along river that neither Forest Service nor term-grazing permittees had time or money to conduct monitoring necessary to determine appropriateness of this proposed action along river corridor. By withdrawing complexity inherent in proposed action to graze along river, need for an EIS evaporated. Therefore, project planning will continue through an EA process. Environmental Impact Statement will be retracted on February 18, 2015. Dated: February 17, 2015. Richard Reitz, Globe Ranger District, Tonto National Forest. Dated: February 18, 2015. Kelly Jardine, Tonto Basin Ranger District, Tonto National Forest. [FR Doc. 2015–04073 Filed 2–26–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–11–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE by the Final EIS and Draft Record of Decision (ROD) in May 2016. A final decision is expected in August 2016. ADDRESSES: Comments may be: mailed to the Stanislaus National Forest; Attn: Rim Reforestation; 19777 Greenley Road; Sonora, CA 95370; delivered to the address shown during business hours (M–F 8:00 am to 4:30 pm); or, submitted by FAX (209) 533–1890. Submit electronic comments, in common (.doc, .pdf, .rtf, .txt) formats, to: comments-pacificsouthwest-stanislaus@ fs.fed.us with Subject: Rim Reforestation. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Maria Benech, Stanislaus National Forest; 19777 Greenley Road; Sonora, CA 95370; phone (209) 532–3671; or email: mbenech@fs.fed.us. A scoping package, maps and other information are online at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/ project/?project=45612. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: General Background The Rim Fire started on August 17, 2013 in a remote area of the Stanislaus National Forest near the confluence of the Clavey and Tuolumne Rivers about 20 miles east of Sonora, California. Over the next several weeks it burned 257,314 acres, including 154,430 acres of NFS lands, becoming the third largest wildfire in California history. The Rim Fire Reforestation project is located within the Rim Fire perimeter in the Stanislaus National Forest on portions of the Mi-Wok and Groveland Ranger Districts. Forest Service Purpose and Need for Action Stanislaus National Forest, CA; Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for Rim Fire Reforestation The primary purposes of the project are to: (1) Return Mixed Conifer Forest to the Landscape; (2) Restore Old Forest for Wildlife Habitat and Connectivity; (3) Reduce Fuels for Future Fire Resiliency; (4) Enhance Deer Habitat; and, (5) Eradicate Noxious Weeds. Forest Service, USDA. Notice of intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement. AGENCY: ACTION: mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Proposed Action The Stanislaus National Forest proposes about 42,000 acres of reforestation, plantation thinning, additional deer habitat and noxious weed treatments on National Forest System (NFS) lands within the 2013 Rim Fire in order to: Return mixed conifer forest to the landscape; restore old forest for wildlife; reduce fuels; enhance deer habitat; and, eradicate noxious weeds. DATES: Comments on the proposed action should be submitted within 45 days of the date of publication of this Notice of Intent. Completion of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is expected in November 2015 followed SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:05 Feb 26, 2015 Jkt 235001 The Forest Service proposed action includes about 42,000 acres of reforestation, plantation thinning, additional deer habitat and noxious weed eradication treatments on NFS lands within the 2013 Rim Fire. Reforestation treatments (30,065 acres) include: Hand, mechanical and manual herbicide site preparation (Glyphosate); prescribed burning; planting a diversity of conifer tree species using various patterns and densities (trees per acre) across the landscape (up and down slopes with fewer on ridges and more in drainage bottoms) to develop resilient mixed conifer forest and enhance wildlife PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 10663 (including deer) habitat; manual herbicide release (Glyphosate) when vegetation competition begins to inhibit survival and growth; and, noxious weed eradication as described below. The reforestation treatment (30,065 acres) includes thinning and planting on 7,307 acres of existing plantations currently under-stocked due to high burn severity from the 2013 Rim Fire. Plantation Thinning treatments (11,359 acres) include: Hand and mechanical site preparation; prescribed burning and thinning to achieve an Individual, Clumpy, Open (ICO) pattern to maximize heterogeneity and wildlife (including deer) habitat while creating more fire resilient stands; and, noxious weed eradication as described below. Additional Deer Habitat treatments (407 acres) include: Prescribed burning; and, noxious weed eradication as described below. Noxious Weed Eradication treatments (4,160 acres) include: Weed treatments with a variety of EPA approved herbicides (such as Glyphosate, Clopyralid, Aminopyralid, Clethodim and Fluazifop-P-butyl). These noxious weed treatments overlap (within and up to 100 feet adjacent to) the reforestation, plantation thinning and additional deer habitat treaments described above. No treatments are proposed within Wilderness, Inventoried Roadless Areas, or the wild classification segments of Wild and Scenic Rivers or Proposed Wild and Scenic Rivers. Project design will incorporate Best Management Practices (BMPs) according to regional and national guidance. Implementation is expected to begin in fall 2016 and continue for up to 10 years. Possible Alternatives In addition to the Proposed Action, the EIS will evaluate the required No Action alternative and likely consider other alternatives identified through the inderdisciplinary process and public participation. Responsible Official Jeanne M. Higgins, Forest Supervisor; Stanislaus National Forest; 19777 Greenley Road; Sonora, CA 95370. Nature of Decision To Be Made The responsible official will decide whether to adopt and implement the proposed action, an alternative to the proposed action, or take no action with respect to the Rim Fire Reforestation project. Scoping Process Public participation is important at numerous points during the analysis. The Forest Service seeks information, E:\FR\FM\27FEN1.SGM 27FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 39 (Friday, February 27, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 10662-10663]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-04073]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service

[EIS No. 2011-13640]


Retraction of Salt River Allotments Vegetative Management EIS

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Retraction of NOI.

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SUMMARY: The Forest Service has published a Notice of Intent (NOI) on 
May 25, 2011 for Salt River Allotments Vegetative Management EIS. This 
Environmental Impact Statement was first designed due to complexities 
encountered with a variety of current activities and environmental 
conditions that interconnect along Salt River. These activities 
include: White water rafting, wilderness values, critical habitat of 
aquatic and terrestrial species. Planned livestock grazing project 
included a desire by term-grazing permittees to graze livestock (i.e., 
cattle) along river.

DATES: Not Applicable.

ADDRESSES: No further comments will be received on this project.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: A. Jamie Wages 7680 South Sixshooter 
Canyon Road Globe, Arizona 85501,

[[Page 10663]]

ajwages@fs.fed.us or 928-402-6222. Individuals who use 
telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal 
Information Relay Service at (800) 877-8339 between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 
p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Selecting to do an EIS upfront was a 
shortcut for doing an EA and then not being able to certify proposed 
action did not have a significant impact in a FONSI. However, through 
discussions with term-grazing permittees, it was determined that if 
livestock were allowed to graze along river that neither Forest Service 
nor term-grazing permittees had time or money to conduct monitoring 
necessary to determine appropriateness of this proposed action along 
river corridor. By withdrawing complexity inherent in proposed action 
to graze along river, need for an EIS evaporated. Therefore, project 
planning will continue through an EA process. Environmental Impact 
Statement will be retracted on February 18, 2015.

    Dated: February 17, 2015.
Richard Reitz,
Globe Ranger District, Tonto National Forest.
    Dated: February 18, 2015.
Kelly Jardine,
Tonto Basin Ranger District, Tonto National Forest.
[FR Doc. 2015-04073 Filed 2-26-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-11-P
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