Carlsbad Project, New Mexico, 31205-31206 [E6-8352]

Download as PDF wwhite on PROD1PC61 with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 105 / Thursday, June 1, 2006 / Notices Atsugewi, occurred between 3,500 to 3,100 years ago, or 1500 - 1100 B.C., indicating that Pit River speakers have been in the area at least this long. Based on geographical location, age of the site, and archeological evidence, the human remains and associated funerary objects are culturally affiliated with descendants of the Pit River Indians. In 1970, human remains representing a minimum of one individual were removed from site CA-MOD–419, Modoc County, CA, by L. Harris, Modoc County Sherriff-Coroner, after they had been uncovered during the construction of an irrigation ditch. Sherriff-Coroner Harris subsequently donated the human remains and some of the associated funerary objects for study to the University of California, Davis. In 1970, the human remains and associated funerary objects were accessioned by the Department of Anthropology Museum at the University of California, Davis. No known individual was identified. The three associated funerary objects are one sage grouse (Centrocerus urophasianus) skeleton and two buttons. Glass beads were also reported to have been found with the human remains, but these funerary objects were not donated to the museum. The presence of glass beads and buttons found in association with the human remains clearly indicate that this burial dates to the historic period and that the human remains probably date to no earlier than A.D. 1830. Based on the manner of burial, the human remains described above from Modoc County are determined to be Native American in origin. Glottochronology indicates that the differentiation between the two Pit River languages, Achumawi and Atsugewi, occurred between approximately 1500 - 1100 B.C., indicating that Pit River speakers have been in this area for at least 3,100 years. No other Indian groups were known to have frequented this area during the historic period. Based on geographical location and age of the associated funerary objects, the human remains are culturally affiliated with descendants of the Pit River Indians. The present-day descendants of the Pit River Indians are the Alturas Indian Rancheria, California; Pit River Tribe, California; Redding Rancheria, California; Round Valley Indian Tribes of the Round Valley Reservation, California; and Susanville Indian Rancheria, California. The Pit River Tribe, California has submitted a written claim to the Department of Anthropology Museum at the University of California, Davis for VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:10 May 31, 2006 Jkt 208001 repatriation of the human remains and associated funerary objects. Officials of the Department of Anthropology Museum at the University of California, Davis have determined that, pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001 (9–10), the human remains described above represent the physical remains of 15 individuals of Native American ancestry. Officials of the Department of Anthropology Museum at the University of California, Davis also have determined that, pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001 (3)(A), the 84 objects described above are reasonably believed to have been placed with or near individual human remains at the time of death or later as part of the death rite or ceremony. Lastly, officials of the Department of Anthropology Museum at the University of California, Davis have determined that, pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001 (2), there is a relationship of shared group identity that can be reasonably traced between the Native American human remains and associated funerary objects and the Alturas Indian Rancheria, California; Pit River Tribe, California; Redding Rancheria, California; Round Valley Indian Tribes of the Round Valley Reservation, California; and Susanville Indian Rancheria, California. Representatives of any other Indian tribe that believes itself to be culturally affiliated with the human remains and associated funerary objects should contact Elizabeth Guerra, Department of Anthropology Museum, 330 Young Hall, One Shields Avenue, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, telephone (530) 754–6280, before July 3, 2006. Repatriation of the human remains and associated funerary objects to the Pit River Tribe, California may proceed after that date if no additional claimants come forward. The Department of Anthropology Museum at the University of California, Davis is responsible for notifying the Alturas Indian Rancheria, California; Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon; Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Reservation, Oregon; Pit River Tribe, Quartz Valley Indian Community of the Quartz Valley Reservation of California; Redding Rancheria, California; Round Valley Indian Tribes of the Round Valley Reservation, California; and Susanville Indian Rancheria, California that this notice has been published. Dated: May 3, 2006 Sherry Hutt, Manager, National NAGPRA Program. [FR Doc. E6–8447 Filed 5–31–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4312–50–S PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 31205 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Reclamation [FES–06–10] Carlsbad Project, New Mexico Bureau of Reclamation, Interior. ACTION: Notice of Availability for the Carlsbad Project Water Operations and Water Supply Conservation Final Environmental Impact Statement. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) and the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission, as joint lead agencies, have prepared and made available to the public a final environmental impact statement (FEIS) pursuant to Section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended, 42 United States Code 4332. ADDRESSES: Copies of the FEIS are available for public inspection and review at the following locations: • Albuquerque Main Library, 501 Copper NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102. • Bureau of Reclamation, Albuquerque Area Office, 555 Broadway NE, Suite 100, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102. • Carlsbad Irrigation District, 201 South Canal Street, Carlsbad, New Mexico 88220. The FEIS is also available on the Internet at the following Web address: https://www.usbr.gov/uc/albuq/envdocs/ index.html. Ms. Marsha Carra, Bureau of Reclamation, Albuquerque Area Office, 555 Broadway NE, Suite 100, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102; telephone (505) 462– 3602; facsimile (505) 462–3780; e-mail: mcarra@uc.usbr.gov or Ms. Coleman Smith, New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission, P.O. Box 25102, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87504; telephone (505) 476–0551; e-mail: coleman.smith@state.nm.us. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The Carlsbad Project Water Operations and Water Supply Conservation FEIS describes the potential effects of proposed changes in the operation of Sumner Dam and the implementation of a water acquisition program in the Pecos River Basin. The FEIS includes a description of alternative means of implementing the proposed Federal action and presents an evaluation of the environmental, economic, and social consequences that could result from implementing these alternatives. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: E:\FR\FM\01JNN1.SGM 01JNN1 31206 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 105 / Thursday, June 1, 2006 / Notices Proposed changes in water operations are designed to avoid the likelihood of jeopardy to the Pecos bluntnose shiner (Notropis simus pecosensis) (shiner) and its designated critical habitat. The water acquisition program is proposed to conserve the Carlsbad Project water supply. Background In 1987, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) listed the shiner, a small minnow, as a threatened species and designated two noncontiguous river reaches, totaling approximately 101 miles of the Pecos River, as critical habitat (52 FR 5295–5303). According to the Service, the shiner has undergone significant population declines and range contraction in the last 65 years and is now restricted to about 194 miles from Fort Sumner State Park to Brantley Reservoir. wwhite on PROD1PC61 with NOTICES Purpose and Need for Action The purpose of Reclamation’s proposed federal action is to protect the Pecos bluntnose shiner and to conserve the Carlsbad Project water supply. The proposed action is consistent with Reclamation’s Endangered Species Act (ESA) compliance activities and will help conserve the Carlsbad Project water supply for authorized purposes. Through the chosen federal action alternative, Reclamation would ensure that any discretionary action it authorizes, funds, or carries out is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of a listed species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat. Reclamation would continue to participate in interagency actions to protect federally-listed species and designated critical habitats, within its legal and discretionary authority. Reclamation is proposing changes in operations of the Carlsbad Project that benefit the shiner under its existing authorities and are consistent with its ESA section 7(a) (1) obligation to conserve and protect listed species. Within the exercise of its discretionary authority, Reclamation must avoid jeopardizing the continued existence of the shiner or destroying or adversely modifying designated critical habitat (ESA section 7(a)(2)). Reclamation has also elected to keep the Carlsbad Project water supply whole. Conserving the Carlsbad Project water supply means that Reclamation would deliver water to the project sufficient to meet all project purposes, when available. Without an accompanying program to acquire and provide water, changes to historical VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:10 May 31, 2006 Jkt 208001 operations would cause reductions to the Carlsbad Project water supply. Proposed Federal Action Reclamation has designated the Taiban Constant Alternative as the preferred alternative. Under this alternative, Reclamation proposes to operate the Carlsbad Project to (1) divert to storage when flows at the Taiban gage are greater than 35 cfs and (2) deliver from storage Carlsbad Project water as contracted for irrigation, consistent with applicable federal and state laws and contracts. This alternative best meets the purpose of and need for the proposed action. The Carlsbad Project Water Operations and Water Supply Conservation Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) was issued in September 2005, and a Notice of Availability of the DEIS was published in the Federal Register on September 1, 2005. The 60-day review and comment period for the DEIS ended on October 31, 2005. During the comment period, four public meetings were held and 25 formal comments were received. All comments were carefully reviewed and considered in preparing the FEIS. Where appropriate, revisions were made to the document in response to specific comments. The comments and responses, together with the final environmental impact statement, will be considered in determining whether or not to implement the proposed action. No decision will be made on the proposed federal action until 30 days after release of the FEIS. After the 30day waiting period, Reclamation will complete a Record of Decision. The Record of Decision will state the action that will be implemented and discuss all factors leading to that decision. Dated: May 23, 2006. Dave Sabo, Assistant Regional Director—UC Region, Bureau of Reclamation. [FR Doc. E6–8352 Filed 5–31–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–MN–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Reclamation Auburn State Recreation Area General Plan/Interim Resource Management Plan Bureau of Reclamation, Interior. ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement/ Environmental Impact Report (EIS/EIR) and notice of public scoping meeting. AGENCY: PO 00000 Frm 00065 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 SUMMARY: Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) and the California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) propose to prepare a joint EIS/EIR for the Auburn State Recreation Area General Plan/Interim Resource Management Plan (GP/IRMP). Reclamation is the Lead Federal Agency for NEPA and DPR is the Lead State Agency for CEQA. A public scoping meeting to solicit public input on the alternatives, concerns, and issues to be addressed in the GP/IRMP and EIS/EIR has been scheduled. DATES: A public scoping meeting will be held on June 15, 2006 from 6 to 9 p.m. in Auburn, California. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be received no later than 1 week before the meeting (see SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION). Send written comments on the scope of the EIS/EIR by the close of business on July 31, 2006. ADDRESSES: The public scoping meeting will be held at the Canyon View Center, Foothills Room, 471 Maidu Drive, Auburn, CA 95603. Written comments on the scope of the EIS/EIR should be sent to: Mr. Jim Micheaels, Park Planner, DPR, 7806 Folsom Auburn Road, Folsom, CA 95630. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Laura Caballero, Environmental Specialist, Reclamation, 7794 Folsom Dam Road, Folsom, CA 95630; (916) 989–7172; or Jim Micheaels, Park Planner, DPR, 7806 Folsom-Auburn Road, Folsom, CA 95630, (916) 988– 0513. An Auburn State Recreation Area (SRA) General Plan (GP) was completed in 1978 (a combined General Plan with Folsom Lake SRA). This plan presumed construction of Auburn Dam; however, Auburn Dam construction did not occur within the time frame identified by the 1978 GP. Because construction of Auburn Dam was not completed within the time frames anticipated, an IRMP was prepared in 1992 to address current resources, conditions, and uses. Auburn Dam continues to be a federally recognized project. The current 1992 IRMP lacks sufficient detail and analysis of the natural resources and existing visitor uses for contemporary management of Auburn SRA as a river-based resource. An updated and more comprehensive Canyon/River based IRMP is needed until Congress determines the future of SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: E:\FR\FM\01JNN1.SGM 01JNN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 105 (Thursday, June 1, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 31205-31206]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-8352]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Reclamation

[FES-06-10]


Carlsbad Project, New Mexico

AGENCY: Bureau of Reclamation, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of Availability for the Carlsbad Project Water 
Operations and Water Supply Conservation Final Environmental Impact 
Statement.

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

SUMMARY: The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) and the New Mexico 
Interstate Stream Commission, as joint lead agencies, have prepared and 
made available to the public a final environmental impact statement 
(FEIS) pursuant to Section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969, as amended, 42 United States Code 4332.

ADDRESSES: Copies of the FEIS are available for public inspection and 
review at the following locations:
     Albuquerque Main Library, 501 Copper NW, Albuquerque, New 
Mexico 87102.
     Bureau of Reclamation, Albuquerque Area Office, 555 
Broadway NE, Suite 100, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102.
     Carlsbad Irrigation District, 201 South Canal Street, 
Carlsbad, New Mexico 88220.
    The FEIS is also available on the Internet at the following Web 
address: https://www.usbr.gov/uc/albuq/envdocs/.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Marsha Carra, Bureau of 
Reclamation, Albuquerque Area Office, 555 Broadway NE, Suite 100, 
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102; telephone (505) 462-3602; facsimile 
(505) 462-3780; e-mail: mcarra@uc.usbr.gov or Ms. Coleman Smith, New 
Mexico Interstate Stream Commission, P.O. Box 25102, Santa Fe, New 
Mexico 87504; telephone (505) 476-0551; e-mail: 
coleman.smith@state.nm.us.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Carlsbad Project Water Operations and 
Water Supply Conservation FEIS describes the potential effects of 
proposed changes in the operation of Sumner Dam and the implementation 
of a water acquisition program in the Pecos River Basin. The FEIS 
includes a description of alternative means of implementing the 
proposed Federal action and presents an evaluation of the 
environmental, economic, and social consequences that could result from 
implementing these alternatives.

[[Page 31206]]

    Proposed changes in water operations are designed to avoid the 
likelihood of jeopardy to the Pecos bluntnose shiner (Notropis simus 
pecosensis) (shiner) and its designated critical habitat. The water 
acquisition program is proposed to conserve the Carlsbad Project water 
supply.

Background

    In 1987, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) listed the 
shiner, a small minnow, as a threatened species and designated two 
noncontiguous river reaches, totaling approximately 101 miles of the 
Pecos River, as critical habitat (52 FR 5295-5303). According to the 
Service, the shiner has undergone significant population declines and 
range contraction in the last 65 years and is now restricted to about 
194 miles from Fort Sumner State Park to Brantley Reservoir.

Purpose and Need for Action

    The purpose of Reclamation's proposed federal action is to protect 
the Pecos bluntnose shiner and to conserve the Carlsbad Project water 
supply. The proposed action is consistent with Reclamation's Endangered 
Species Act (ESA) compliance activities and will help conserve the 
Carlsbad Project water supply for authorized purposes.
    Through the chosen federal action alternative, Reclamation would 
ensure that any discretionary action it authorizes, funds, or carries 
out is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of a listed 
species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of 
critical habitat. Reclamation would continue to participate in 
interagency actions to protect federally-listed species and designated 
critical habitats, within its legal and discretionary authority.
    Reclamation is proposing changes in operations of the Carlsbad 
Project that benefit the shiner under its existing authorities and are 
consistent with its ESA section 7(a) (1) obligation to conserve and 
protect listed species. Within the exercise of its discretionary 
authority, Reclamation must avoid jeopardizing the continued existence 
of the shiner or destroying or adversely modifying designated critical 
habitat (ESA section 7(a)(2)).
    Reclamation has also elected to keep the Carlsbad Project water 
supply whole. Conserving the Carlsbad Project water supply means that 
Reclamation would deliver water to the project sufficient to meet all 
project purposes, when available. Without an accompanying program to 
acquire and provide water, changes to historical operations would cause 
reductions to the Carlsbad Project water supply.

Proposed Federal Action

    Reclamation has designated the Taiban Constant Alternative as the 
preferred alternative. Under this alternative, Reclamation proposes to 
operate the Carlsbad Project to (1) divert to storage when flows at the 
Taiban gage are greater than 35 cfs and (2) deliver from storage 
Carlsbad Project water as contracted for irrigation, consistent with 
applicable federal and state laws and contracts. This alternative best 
meets the purpose of and need for the proposed action.
    The Carlsbad Project Water Operations and Water Supply Conservation 
Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) was issued in September 
2005, and a Notice of Availability of the DEIS was published in the 
Federal Register on September 1, 2005. The 60-day review and comment 
period for the DEIS ended on October 31, 2005. During the comment 
period, four public meetings were held and 25 formal comments were 
received. All comments were carefully reviewed and considered in 
preparing the FEIS. Where appropriate, revisions were made to the 
document in response to specific comments. The comments and responses, 
together with the final environmental impact statement, will be 
considered in determining whether or not to implement the proposed 
action.
    No decision will be made on the proposed federal action until 30 
days after release of the FEIS. After the 30-day waiting period, 
Reclamation will complete a Record of Decision. The Record of Decision 
will state the action that will be implemented and discuss all factors 
leading to that decision.

     Dated: May 23, 2006.
Dave Sabo,
Assistant Regional Director--UC Region, Bureau of Reclamation.
[FR Doc. E6-8352 Filed 5-31-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-MN-P

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