Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest; California and Nevada; Great Basin South Rangeland Project Analysis, 29272-29273 [05-9878]

Download as PDF 29272 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 97 / Friday, May 20, 2005 / Notices for information by contacting persons and organizations on the District’s mailing list, by publishing a notice the local newspapers, and by posting flyers at key locations within and nearby the Fishbone project area. No public meetings are planned at this time. Electronic Access to Information: Information is available electronically on the Forest Web page: https:// www.fs.fed.us/r9/cnnf/—click on ‘‘Natural Resources’’, then ‘‘Fishbone Project’’. Send electronic comments to: comments-eastern-chequamegonnicolet-washburn@fs.fed.us. When sending electronic comments, please reference the Fishbone Project in the subject line. In addition, include your name and address. Comment Requested: This notice of intent initiates the scoping proces which guides the development of the environmental impact statement. Although comments are welcome throughout the analysis process, your comments would be most useful if received by June 15, 2005. Everyone who provides comments will be periodically updated during the course of the Fishbone Project regarding its development, as well as receive a copy of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement in order to review the results of our analysis. 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 VerDate jul<14>2003 20:07 May 19, 2005 Jkt 205001 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 CFR 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: May 10, 2005. Anne F. Archie, Forest Supervisor, Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. [FR Doc. 05–10078 Filed 5–19–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–11–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest; California and Nevada; Great Basin South Rangeland Project Analysis Forest Service, USDA. Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement. AGENCY: ACTION: SUMMARY: The Bridgeport Ranger District, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest will prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) on a proposal to authorize continued livestock grazing on National Forest System lands east of Bridgeport, California. The project area is located in portions of Mineral and Lyon counties, Nevada, and portions of Mono County, California. The analysis will determine if a change in management direction for livestock grazing is needed to move existing resource conditions towards desired conditions. The Conway, East Walker, Huntoon, Larkin Lake, Masonic, Aurora, PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Nine Mile, Powell Mountain, Rough Creek, Whiskey Flat, and Wild Horse Allotments would continue to have authorized grazing. Squaw Creek Allotment would continue to be vacant. Comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received within 30 days from the date this notice is published in the Federal Register. The draft environmental impact statement is expected in September, 2005 and the final environmental impact statement is expected in December, 2005. DATES: Send written comments to District Ranger, Bridgeport Ranger District, HCR 1 Box 1000, Bridgeport, California 93517. ADDRESSES: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dave Loomis, Project Manager, Carson Ranger District, 1536 S. Carson Street, Carson City, Nevada 89701. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Purpose and Need for Action There is a need to maintain or improve the overall health of the rangeland in the project area. The purpose of this project is to determine the management direction for livestock grazing needed to move existing resource conditions within the project area towards desired conditions. Proposed Action The Bridgeport Ranger District, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, is proposing to authorize continued cattle grazing on the 410,000 acre Great Basin South area under updated grazing management direction in order to move existing rangeland resource conditions within the project area toward desired condition. The updated direction will be incorporated in attendant grazing permits and allotment management plans to guide grazing management within the project area during the coming decade, or until amendments are warranted based on changed condition. Possible Alternatives In addition to the proposed action, two additional alternatives have been tentatively identified for analysis in the EIS: 1. No Action Alternative: Continue current grazing management. 2. No Grazing Alternative: Do not issue new grazing permits when existing permits expire. Responsible Official Forest Supervisor, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, 1200 Franklin Way, Sparks, NV 89431. E:\FR\FM\20MYN1.SGM 20MYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 97 / Friday, May 20, 2005 / Notices Nature of Decision To Be Made Based on the environmental analysis in the EIS, the Forest Supervisor will decide whether or not to continue grazing on the allotments within the Great Basin South Project area in accordance with the standards in the proposed action or as modified by additional mitigation measures and monitoring requirements. Scoping Process The Forest Service will mail information to interested parties. Public involvement will be ongoing throughout the analysis process and at certain times public input will be specifically requested. There are currently no scoping meetings planned. Preliminary Issues The following are some potential issues identified through internal Forest Service scoping based on our experience with similar projects. The list is not considered all-inclusive, but should be viewed as a starting point. We are asking you to help us further refine the issues and identify other issues or concerns relevant to the proposed project. • Continued livestock grazing has the potential to adversely affect the health of riparian vegetation. • Continued livestock grazing has the potential to adversely affect the health of rangeland vegetation. • Continued livestock grazing has the potential to adversely affect sage grouse habitat. Comment Requested This notice of intent initiates the scoping process which guides the development of the environmental impact statement. 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, that 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]). VerDate jul<14>2003 20:07 May 19, 2005 Jkt 205001 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 CFR 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: May 12, 2005. Randall M. Sharp, Natural Resources Staff Officer. [FR Doc. 05–9878 Filed 5–19–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–11–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council Forest Service, USDA. Notice of meeting. AGENCY: ACTION: SUMMARY: The National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council will meet in Albuquerque, New Mexico, June 27–29, 2005. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss emerging issues in urban and community forestry. PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 29273 The meeting will be held June 27–29, 2005. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, 330 Tijeras, NW., Albuquerque, NM 87102. Individuals who wish to speak at the meeting or to propose agenda items must send their names and proposals to Suzanne M. del Villar, Executive Assistant, National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council, P.O. Box 1003, Sugarloaf, CA 92386– 1003. Individuals may fax their names and proposed agenda items to (909) 585–9527. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Suzanne M. del Villar, Urban and Community Forestry Staff, (909) 585– 9268. DATES: The meeting is open to the public. Council discussion is limited to Forest Service staff and Council members; however, persons who wish to bring urban and community forestry matters to the attention of the Council may file written statements with the Council staff before or after the meeting. Public input sessions will be provided. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Dated: May 10, 2005. Robin L. Thompson, Associate Deputy Chief, State and Private Forestry. [FR Doc. 05–10084 Filed 5–19–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–11–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Trinity County Resource Advisory Committee Forest Service, USDA. Notice of meeting. AGENCY: ACTION: SUMMARY: The Trinity County Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet at the Trinity County Office of Education in Weaverville, California, June 13, 2005. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss proposed projects under Title II of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000. June 13, 2005. Trinity County Office of Education, 201 Memorial Drive, Weaverville, California. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael R. Odle, Assistant Public Affairs Officer and RAC Coordinator. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The meeting is open to the pubic. Public input sessions will be provided and individuals will have the opportunity to DATES: ADDRESSES: E:\FR\FM\20MYN1.SGM 20MYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 97 (Friday, May 20, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 29272-29273]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-9878]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest; California and Nevada; Great 
Basin South Rangeland Project Analysis

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Bridgeport Ranger District, Humboldt-Toiyabe National 
Forest will prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) on a 
proposal to authorize continued livestock grazing on National Forest 
System lands east of Bridgeport, California. The project area is 
located in portions of Mineral and Lyon counties, Nevada, and portions 
of Mono County, California. The analysis will determine if a change in 
management direction for livestock grazing is needed to move existing 
resource conditions towards desired conditions. The Conway, East 
Walker, Huntoon, Larkin Lake, Masonic, Aurora, Nine Mile, Powell 
Mountain, Rough Creek, Whiskey Flat, and Wild Horse Allotments would 
continue to have authorized grazing. Squaw Creek Allotment would 
continue to be vacant.

DATES: Comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received 
within 30 days from the date this notice is published in the Federal 
Register. The draft environmental impact statement is expected in 
September, 2005 and the final environmental impact statement is 
expected in December, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Send written comments to District Ranger, Bridgeport Ranger 
District, HCR 1 Box 1000, Bridgeport, California 93517.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dave Loomis, Project Manager, Carson 
Ranger District, 1536 S. Carson Street, Carson City, Nevada 89701.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Purpose and Need for Action

    There is a need to maintain or improve the overall health of the 
rangeland in the project area. The purpose of this project is to 
determine the management direction for livestock grazing needed to move 
existing resource conditions within the project area towards desired 
conditions.

Proposed Action

    The Bridgeport Ranger District, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, 
is proposing to authorize continued cattle grazing on the 410,000 acre 
Great Basin South area under updated grazing management direction in 
order to move existing rangeland resource conditions within the project 
area toward desired condition. The updated direction will be 
incorporated in attendant grazing permits and allotment management 
plans to guide grazing management within the project area during the 
coming decade, or until amendments are warranted based on changed 
condition.

Possible Alternatives

    In addition to the proposed action, two additional alternatives 
have been tentatively identified for analysis in the EIS:
    1. No Action Alternative: Continue current grazing management.
    2. No Grazing Alternative: Do not issue new grazing permits when 
existing permits expire.

Responsible Official

    Forest Supervisor, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, 1200 Franklin 
Way, Sparks, NV 89431.

[[Page 29273]]

Nature of Decision To Be Made

    Based on the environmental analysis in the EIS, the Forest 
Supervisor will decide whether or not to continue grazing on the 
allotments within the Great Basin South Project area in accordance with 
the standards in the proposed action or as modified by additional 
mitigation measures and monitoring requirements.

Scoping Process

    The Forest Service will mail information to interested parties. 
Public involvement will be ongoing throughout the analysis process and 
at certain times public input will be specifically requested. There are 
currently no scoping meetings planned.

Preliminary Issues

    The following are some potential issues identified through internal 
Forest Service scoping based on our experience with similar projects. 
The list is not considered all-inclusive, but should be viewed as a 
starting point. We are asking you to help us further refine the issues 
and identify other issues or concerns relevant to the proposed project.
     Continued livestock grazing has the potential to adversely 
affect the health of riparian vegetation.
     Continued livestock grazing has the potential to adversely 
affect the health of rangeland vegetation.
     Continued livestock grazing has the potential to adversely 
affect sage grouse habitat.

Comment Requested

    This notice of intent initiates the scoping process which guides 
the development of the environmental impact statement.
    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, that 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 CFR 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: May 12, 2005.
Randall M. Sharp,
Natural Resources Staff Officer.
[FR Doc. 05-9878 Filed 5-19-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-11-P
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