Monongahela National Forest, WV, Allegheny Wood Products Easement EIS, 19413-19414 [05-7363]
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Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 70 / Wednesday, April 13, 2005 / Notices
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Requests for additional information or
copies of the information collection
form and instruction should be directed
to Lael J. Lubing on 703–305–2048.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Title: Uniform Grant Application
Package for Discretionary Grant
Programs.
OMB Number: 0584–0512.
Expiration Date: May 31, 2005.
Type of Request: Revision of a
currently approved collection of
information.
Abstract: FNS has a number of
discretionary grant programs which
have increased over the last several
years, resulting in an increase in the
number of respondents. (Consistent
with the definition in 7 CFR part 3016,
the term ‘‘grant’’ as used in this notice
includes cooperative agreements.) The
authorities for these grants vary and will
be cited as part of each grant application
solicitation. The purpose of the revision
to the currently approved collection for
the Uniform Grant Application Package
for Discretionary Grant Programs is to
continue the authority for the
established uniform grant application
package and to update the number of
collection hours. The uniform collection
package is usable for all of FNS’
discretionary grant programs to collect
information from grant applicants that
are needed to evaluate and rank
applicants and protect the integrity of
the grantee selection process. All FNS
discretionary grant programs will be
eligible, but not required, to use the
uniform grant application package.
Before soliciting applications for a
discretionary grant program, FNS will
decide whether the uniform grant
application package will meet the needs
of that grant program. If FNS decides to
use the uniform grant application
package, FNS will note in the grant
solicitation that applicants must use the
uniform grant application package and
that the information collection has
already been approved by OMB. If FNS
decides not to use the uniform grant
application package or determines that
it needs grant applicants to provide
additional information not contained in
the uniform package, then FNS will
publish a notice soliciting comments on
its proposal to collect different/
additional information before making
the grant solicitation.
The uniform grant application
package will include general
information and instructions; a
checklist; a requirement for the program
narrative statement describing how the
grant objectives will be reached; the
Standard Form (SF) 424 series that
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18:37 Apr 12, 2005
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requests basic information, budget
information, assurances regarding
Nonprocurement Debarment and
Suspension, the Drug-Free Workplace
rule, general assurances, a lobbying
certification, and an optional survey
form to ensure equal opportunity for
applicants. The proposed information
collection covered by this notice is
related to the requirements for the
program narrative statement. The
requirements for the program narrative
statement are based on the requirements
for program narrative statements
described in section 1.c(5) of the OMB
Circular A–102, and will apply to all
types of grantees—State and local
governments, non-profit organizations,
institutions of higher education,
hospitals, and for-profit organizations.
The information collection burden
related to the SF–424 series, assurances,
certification, and optional survey form
for all applicants, has been separately
approved by OMB. (For availability of
the OMB Circular mentioned in this
paragraph, please refer to 5 CFR 1310.3.)
Affected Public: State and local
governments, non-profit organizations,
institutions of higher education,
hospitals, and for-profit organizations.
Estimated Number of Respondents:
353.
Number of responses per respondent:
1.47.
Estimated Total annual responses:
520.
Hours per response: 62.27.
Number of record keepers: 353.
Estimated Annual hours per record
keepers: 62.27.
Total record keeping hours: 32,380.
Total annual reporting hours: 32,380.
Dated: April 7, 2005.
Roberto Salazar,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 05–7453 Filed 4–12–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–30–P
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service
Monongahela National Forest, WV,
Allegheny Wood Products Easement
EIS
Forest Service, USDA.
Notice of intent to prepare an
environmental impact statement.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
SUMMARY: The USDA Forest Service,
Monongahela National Forest intends to
prepare an Environmental Impact
Statement (EIS) to disclose the
environmental consequences of
authorizing an easement on National
Forest System lands. In the EIS, the
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19413
USDA Forest Service will address the
potential environmental impacts of
authorizing the use of an existing
abandoned railroad grade to provide
reasonable access to a landowner to
private lands in the Blackwater Canyon
area of Tucker County, West Virginia.
See the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
section for the Purpose and Need for
this action.
DATES: Comments concerning the scope
of the analysis must be received by May
31, 2005. The draft environmental
impact statement is expected August,
2005 and the final environmental
impact statement is expected November,
2005.
ADDRESSES: Send written comments to
Bill Shields, NEPA Coordinator,
Monogahela National Forest, 200
Sycamore Street, Elkins, West Virginia
26241. Send electronic comments to
comments-easternmonogahela@fs.fed.fus. See
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for
information on how to send electronic
comments.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bill
Shields, Forest NEPA Coordinator,
Monongahela National Forest, USDA,
Forest Service; telephone: (304) 636–
1800 extension 287. See address above
under ADDRESSES. Copies of the
documents may be requested at the
same address. Another means of
obtaining information is to visit the
Forest Web page at www.fs.fed.us/r9/
monongahela—click on ‘‘Forest
Planning’’ then scroll down to Proposed
Actions, then AWP Easement EIS.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
Purpose and Need for Action
The Alaska National Interest Lands
Conservation Act (ANILCA) states that
the Secretary of Agriculture ‘‘shall
provide such access to non-federally
owned land within the boundaries of
the National Forest System as the
Secretary deems adequate to secure to
the owner the reasonable use and
enjoyment thereof * * *’’ (§ 1323) The
responsibility and authority to grant
access has been delegated from the
Secretary to the Forest Supervisor.
Allegheny Wood Products (AWP) has
requested access consistent with the
ANILCA and the Federal Land Policy
and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA)
to manage the timber resources on their
land between the Blackwater River and
the railroad grade through Blackwater
Canyon. Management activities on the
private land would include timber stand
improvement, commercial thinnings,
and forest protection from insects,
disease, and wildfire. There is no
deeded access to the AWP property. The
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13APN1
19414
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 70 / Wednesday, April 13, 2005 / Notices
land is steep, and is bounded on the
south by the Blackwater River. The only
reasonable access to the AWP property
is via the railroad grade through the
Canyon, a portion of which AWP is a
half owner. The Federal government
owns the other half of the grade, which
is administered by the Forest Service as
part of the Monongahela National
Forest.
Goal XIV of the Monongahela
National Forest Land and Resource
Management Plan (Forest Plan) states
‘‘Permit use of National Forest land by
others, under special use or lease
authorities, that is compatible with
National Forest goals and objectives and
will contribute to the improved quality
of life for local residents.’’
This authorization is needed to move
towards goal XIV of the Forest Plan.
of this road by motorized equipment has
the potential to damage to these historic
properties. In addition, the railroad
grade may be eligible for inclusion in
the National Historic Register.
Proposed Action
Early Notice of Importance of Public
Participation in Subsequent
Environmental Review
A draft environmental impact
statement will be prepared for comment.
The comment period on the draft
environmental impact statement will be
45 days from the date the
Environmental Protection Agency
publishes the notice of availability in
the Federal Register.
The Forest Service believes, at this
early stage, it is important to give
reviewers notice of several court rulings
related to public participation in the
environmental review process. First,
reviewers of draft environmental impact
statements must structure their
participation in the environmental
review of the proposal so that it is
meaningful and alerts an agency to the
reviewer’s position and contentions.
Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Corp. v.
NRDC, 435 U.S. 519, 553 (1978). Also,
environmental objections that could be
raised at the draft environmental impact
statement stage but that are not raised
until after completion of the final
environmental impact statement may be
waived or dismissed by the courts. City
of Angoon v. Hodel, 803 F.2d 1016,
1022 (9th Cir. 1986) and Wisconsin
Heritages, Inc. v. Harris, 490 F. Supp.
1334, 1338 (E.D. Wis. 1980). Because of
these court rulings, it is very important
that those interested in this proposed
action participate by the close of the 45
day comment period so that substantive
comments and objections are made
available to the Forest Service at a time
when it can meaningfully consider them
and respond to them in the final
environmental impact statement.
To assist the Forest Service in
identifying and considering issues and
concerns on the proposed action,
comments on the draft environmental
The Forest Service is proposing to
authorize an easement for the railroad
grade in Blackwater Canyon to
Alleghany Wood Products for the
management of their timbered property.
This authorization would include the
need for additional improvement of
sections of the road to allow motorized
vehicle use.
Responsible Official
Clyde Thompson, Forest Supervisor;
Monongahela National Forest; 200
Sycamore Street; Elkins, West Virginia
26241.
Nature of Decision To Be Made
The decision to be made is how to
provide access for Alleghany Wood
Products to their property adjacent to
National Forest System lands. While the
No Action alternative will be considered
in the analysis, selection of this
alternative is precluded by the
requirements of the ANILCA.
Scoping Process
Scoping will be initiated by the
posting of this notice in the Federal
Register. Scoping letters will be mailed
to interested parties requesting input
from members of the public. Upon
completion of the Draft Environmental
Impact Statement (DEIS), comments will
be solicited through a Notice of
Availability in the Federal Register and
a mailing of the DEIS to those members
of the public who have responded to our
scoping efforts and other interested
parties.
Preliminary Issues
There are several historic properties
along the railroad grade which are
eligible for inclusion in the National
Register of Historic Places. Repeated use
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18:37 Apr 12, 2005
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Comment Requested
This notice of intent initiates the
scoping process which guides the
development of the environmental
impact statement. In November, 2002 a
scoping letter was sent to members of
the public regarding this project. At that
point in time, it was believed that an
Environmental Assessment may be
appropriate. As a result of scoping and
further analysis, it has been determined
that an Environmental Impact Statement
is more appropriate due to the presence
of, and potential impacts to, heritage
resources.
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Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
impact statement should be as specific
as possible. It is also helpful if
comments refer to specific pages or
chapters of the draft statement.
Comments may also address the
adequacy of the draft environmental
impact statement or the merits of the
alternatives formulated and discussed in
the statement. Reviewers may wish to
refer to the Council on Environmental
Quality Regulations for implementing
the procedural provisions of the
National Environmental Policy Act at 40
CRF 1503.3 in addressing these points.
Comments received, including the
names and addresses of those who
comment, will be considered part of the
public record on this proposal and will
be available for public inspection.
(Authority: 40 CFR 1501.7 and 1508.22;
Forest Service Handbook 1909.15, Section
21)
Dated: April 4, 2005.
Michele H. Jones,
Acting Forest Supervisor.
[FR Doc. 05–7363 Filed 4–12–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–11–M
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service
Ochoco National Forest, Lookout
Mountain Ranger District; Oregon;
Maury Mountains Allotment
Management Plan EIS
Forest Service, USDA.
Notice of intent to prepare an
environmental impact statement.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
SUMMARY: The Ochoco National Forest is
preparing an environmental impact
statement (EIS) to analyze the effects of
changing grazing management in six
allotments in the Maury Mountains.
These six allotments are: Double Cabin,
East Maury, West Maury, Klootchman,
Sherwood, and Shotgun. The proposed
action will alter livestock management
to improve stream shade, bank stability,
and livestock distribution. These actions
are needed to promote the recovery of
riparian vegetation which will provide
stream shade and contribute to stream
bank stability.
DATES: Comments concerning the scope
of the analysis must be received by May
1, 2005. The draft environmental impact
statement is expected to be completed
and available for public comment in
August 2005. The final environmental
impact statement is expected to be
completed in December 2005.
ADDRESSES: Send written comments to
Art Currier, District Ranger, Lookout
Mountain District, Ochoco National
Forest, 3160 NE Third Street, Prineville,
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 70 (Wednesday, April 13, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 19413-19414]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-7363]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service
Monongahela National Forest, WV, Allegheny Wood Products Easement
EIS
AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The USDA Forest Service, Monongahela National Forest intends
to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to disclose the
environmental consequences of authorizing an easement on National
Forest System lands. In the EIS, the USDA Forest Service will address
the potential environmental impacts of authorizing the use of an
existing abandoned railroad grade to provide reasonable access to a
landowner to private lands in the Blackwater Canyon area of Tucker
County, West Virginia. See the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for
the Purpose and Need for this action.
DATES: Comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received
by May 31, 2005. The draft environmental impact statement is expected
August, 2005 and the final environmental impact statement is expected
November, 2005.
ADDRESSES: Send written comments to Bill Shields, NEPA Coordinator,
Monogahela National Forest, 200 Sycamore Street, Elkins, West Virginia
26241. Send electronic comments to comments-eastern-
monogahela@fs.fed.fus. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for
information on how to send electronic comments.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bill Shields, Forest NEPA Coordinator,
Monongahela National Forest, USDA, Forest Service; telephone: (304)
636-1800 extension 287. See address above under ADDRESSES. Copies of
the documents may be requested at the same address. Another means of
obtaining information is to visit the Forest Web page at www.fs.fed.us/
r9/monongahela_click on ``Forest Planning'' then scroll down to
Proposed Actions, then AWP Easement EIS.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
Purpose and Need for Action
The Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) states
that the Secretary of Agriculture ``shall provide such access to non-
federally owned land within the boundaries of the National Forest
System as the Secretary deems adequate to secure to the owner the
reasonable use and enjoyment thereof * * *'' (Sec. 1323) The
responsibility and authority to grant access has been delegated from
the Secretary to the Forest Supervisor. Allegheny Wood Products (AWP)
has requested access consistent with the ANILCA and the Federal Land
Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA) to manage the timber
resources on their land between the Blackwater River and the railroad
grade through Blackwater Canyon. Management activities on the private
land would include timber stand improvement, commercial thinnings, and
forest protection from insects, disease, and wildfire. There is no
deeded access to the AWP property. The
[[Page 19414]]
land is steep, and is bounded on the south by the Blackwater River. The
only reasonable access to the AWP property is via the railroad grade
through the Canyon, a portion of which AWP is a half owner. The Federal
government owns the other half of the grade, which is administered by
the Forest Service as part of the Monongahela National Forest.
Goal XIV of the Monongahela National Forest Land and Resource
Management Plan (Forest Plan) states ``Permit use of National Forest
land by others, under special use or lease authorities, that is
compatible with National Forest goals and objectives and will
contribute to the improved quality of life for local residents.''
This authorization is needed to move towards goal XIV of the Forest
Plan.
Proposed Action
The Forest Service is proposing to authorize an easement for the
railroad grade in Blackwater Canyon to Alleghany Wood Products for the
management of their timbered property. This authorization would include
the need for additional improvement of sections of the road to allow
motorized vehicle use.
Responsible Official
Clyde Thompson, Forest Supervisor; Monongahela National Forest; 200
Sycamore Street; Elkins, West Virginia 26241.
Nature of Decision To Be Made
The decision to be made is how to provide access for Alleghany Wood
Products to their property adjacent to National Forest System lands.
While the No Action alternative will be considered in the analysis,
selection of this alternative is precluded by the requirements of the
ANILCA.
Scoping Process
Scoping will be initiated by the posting of this notice in the
Federal Register. Scoping letters will be mailed to interested parties
requesting input from members of the public. Upon completion of the
Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), comments will be solicited
through a Notice of Availability in the Federal Register and a mailing
of the DEIS to those members of the public who have responded to our
scoping efforts and other interested parties.
Preliminary Issues
There are several historic properties along the railroad grade
which are eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic
Places. Repeated use of this road by motorized equipment has the
potential to damage to these historic properties. In addition, the
railroad grade may be eligible for inclusion in the National Historic
Register.
Comment Requested
This notice of intent initiates the scoping process which guides
the development of the environmental impact statement. In November,
2002 a scoping letter was sent to members of the public regarding this
project. At that point in time, it was believed that an Environmental
Assessment may be appropriate. As a result of scoping and further
analysis, it has been determined that an Environmental Impact Statement
is more appropriate due to the presence of, and potential impacts to,
heritage resources.
Early Notice of Importance of Public Participation in Subsequent
Environmental Review
A draft environmental impact statement will be prepared for
comment. The comment period on the draft environmental impact statement
will be 45 days from the date the Environmental Protection Agency
publishes the notice of availability in the Federal Register.
The Forest Service believes, at this early stage, it is important
to give reviewers notice of several court rulings related to public
participation in the environmental review process. First, reviewers of
draft environmental impact statements must structure their
participation in the environmental review of the proposal so that it is
meaningful and alerts an agency to the reviewer's position and
contentions. Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Corp. v. NRDC, 435 U.S. 519,
553 (1978). Also, environmental objections that could be raised at the
draft environmental impact statement stage but that are not raised
until after completion of the final environmental impact statement may
be waived or dismissed by the courts. City of Angoon v. Hodel, 803 F.2d
1016, 1022 (9th Cir. 1986) and Wisconsin Heritages, Inc. v. Harris, 490
F. Supp. 1334, 1338 (E.D. Wis. 1980). Because of these court rulings,
it is very important that those interested in this proposed action
participate by the close of the 45 day comment period so that
substantive comments and objections are made available to the Forest
Service at a time when it can meaningfully consider them and respond to
them in the final environmental impact statement.
To assist the Forest Service in identifying and considering issues
and concerns on the proposed action, comments on the draft
environmental impact statement should be as specific as possible. It is
also helpful if comments refer to specific pages or chapters of the
draft statement. Comments may also address the adequacy of the draft
environmental impact statement or the merits of the alternatives
formulated and discussed in the statement. Reviewers may wish to refer
to the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations for implementing
the procedural provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act at
40 CRF 1503.3 in addressing these points.
Comments received, including the names and addresses of those who
comment, will be considered part of the public record on this proposal
and will be available for public inspection.
(Authority: 40 CFR 1501.7 and 1508.22; Forest Service Handbook
1909.15, Section 21)
Dated: April 4, 2005.
Michele H. Jones,
Acting Forest Supervisor.
[FR Doc. 05-7363 Filed 4-12-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-11-M
