Revision of Land Management Plan for the George Washington National Forest, Virginia and West Virginia, 7390-7391 [07-693]

Download as PDF 7390 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 31 / Thursday, February 15, 2007 / Notices for public review in the Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board Office. Done at Washington, DC this 9th day of February, 2007. Gale Buchanan, Under Secretary, Research, Education, and Economics. [FR Doc. E7–2649 Filed 2–14–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–22–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Farm Service Agency Request for Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection; Receiving and Processing Applications Farm Service Agency, USDA. Notice and request for comments. AGENCY: ACTION: SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Farm Service Agency (FSA) is seeking comments from all interested individuals and entities on the revision and extension of currently approved information collection that supports the Direct Loan Program. The collection of information from loan applicants and commercial lenders is used to determine eligibility and financial feasibility when the applicant requests direct loan assistance. Comments on this notice must be received on or before April 16, 2007 to be assured consideration. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cathy Quayle, Senior Loan Officer, USDA, Farm Service Agency, Loan Making Division, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Stop 0522, Washington, DC 20250–0522; Telephone (202) 690– 4018; Electronic mail: cathy.quayle@wdc.usda.gov. DATES: ycherry on PROD1PC64 with NOTICES SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Receiving and Processing Applications. OMB Control Number: 0560–0178. Expiration Date of Approval: September 30, 2007. Type of Request: Extension of Currently Approved Information Collection. Abstract: This information collected under OMB Control Number 0560–0178 is necessary to effectively administer the Direct Loan Program in accordance with the requirements of 7 CFR Part 1910 subpart A, as authorized by the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (CONACT). The collected information is submitted to the Agency loan official by loan VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:37 Feb 14, 2007 Jkt 211001 applicants and commercial lenders for use in making program eligibility and financial feasibility determinations as required by the CONACT. Estimate of Annual Respondent Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 1.66 hours per response. Respondents: Individuals and entity farmers and commercial lenders. Estimated Number of Respondents: 17,806. Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 3.43. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 101,283. Comments are invited on the following: (a) Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of burden, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information being collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. These comments should be sent to the Desk Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, Washington, DC 20503 and to Cathy Quayle, Senior Loan Officer, USDA Farm Service Agency, Loan Making Division, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., STOP 0522, Washington, DC 20250–0522. Comments will be summarized and included in the request for Office of Management and Budget approval of the information collection. All comments will also become a matter of public record. Signed in Washington, DC, on February 9, 2007. Teresa C. Lasseter, Administrator, Farm Service Agency. [FR Doc. E7–2666 Filed 2–14–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–05–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Foreign Agricultural Service Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers Foreign Agricultural Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 The Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), today accepted a petition filed by the California Avocado Commission representing California avocado producers for trade adjustment assistance. The Administrator will determine within 40 days whether or not increasing imports of avocados contributed importantly to a decline in domestic producer prices of 20 percent or more during the marketing period beginning November 1, 2005, and ending October 31, 2006. If the determination is positive, all producers who produce and market their avocados in California will be eligible to apply to the Farm Service Agency for no cost technical assistance and for adjustment assistance payments. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jean-Louis Pajot, Coordinator, Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers, FAS, USDA, (202) 720–2916, e-mail: trade.adjustment@fas.usda.gov. Dated: January 26, 2007. Michael W. Yost, Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service. [FR Doc. E7–2627 Filed 2–14–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–10–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Revision of Land Management Plan for the George Washington National Forest, Virginia and West Virginia Forest Service USDA. Notice of initiation to revise the George Washington National Forest Land Management Plan. AGENCY: ACTION: SUMMARY: The Forest Service is revising the Land Management Plan (hereafter referred to as Forest Plan) for the George Washington National Forest (GWNF). The notice provides: 1. A summary of the need to change the Forest Plan; 2. An estimated schedule for the planning process; 3. A list of documents available for review and how to get them; 4. How the public can participate in the planning process; 5. How the public can comment on the need for change; 6. Who to contact for more information. Revision formally begins with publication of this notice in the Federal Register. A series of public meetings to discuss the need for change will begin in March, 2007. The dates, times and locations of these meetings will be posted at our internet Web site: https:// DATES: E:\FR\FM\15FEN1.SGM 15FEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 31 / Thursday, February 15, 2007 / Notices www.fs.fed.us/r8/gwj/. This information can also be obtained from the contact information below. More detailed information on the proposed schedule is in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Section. Written comments on the need for change will also be accepted. Send written comments to George Washington Plan Revision, George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, 5162 Valleypointe Parkway, Roanoke, Virginia 24019–3050. Electronic comments should include ‘‘GW Plan Revision’’ in the subject line and sent to: comments-southerngeorgewashington-jefferson@fs.fed.us For further information, mail correspondence to George Washington Plan Revision, George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, 5162 Valleypointe Parkway, Roanoke, Virginia 24019–3050. Additional information on the GWNF Forest Plan is available at: https://www.fs.fed.us/r8/ gwj/. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dave Plunkett, Planning Team Leader, Ken Landgraf, Planning Staff Officer, or JoBeth Brown, Public Affairs Officer, George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, (540)–265–5100. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: ycherry on PROD1PC64 with NOTICES ADDRESSES: The Need for Change The GWNF Forest Plan was last revised in 1993. Planning regulations require that plans be revised at least every 15 years. the 1993 revision was a major effort that involved the participation of many stakeholders. The purpose of the current revision is to examine management direction that needs to change and determine how best to make those changes. The Forest Service has drafted a Comprehensive Evaluation Report. This report is based on monitoring information that has been collected since 1993. The report describes the current social, economic and ecological conditions and trends on the Forest. Based on this information, the Forest Service is proposing a number of changes to the current plan. The proposed changes include the following: —Follow the 2005 Planning regulations for required components of a Forest Plan —Change roadless area management to address current policy —Clarify management of old growth —Modify riparian area management —Evaluate if additional potential wilderness areas exist —Address the use of lightning-ignited wild fire and the level of prescribed burning VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:37 Feb 14, 2007 Jkt 211001 —Utilize, where appropriate, new management direction from the 2004 Jefferson Forest Plan —Examine any needs for additional special biological areas. Planning Schedule After initiation of the planning process, the Forest Service will hold a series of public meetings to discuss the need for change and the Draft Comprehensive Evaluation Report. At the end of these collaborative efforts (around May 2007), the Forest Supervisor will determine which issues will be carried forward for further analysis in the revision process. Additional public meetings will then be held through the summer of 2007 to discuss development of the Forest Plan components in response to the identified needs for change. In November of 2007 the Forest Service expects to release a Proposed Forest Plan for public review and comment. A notice will be published in the Federal Register that will begin a 90-day comment period on the Proposed Forest Plan. The Forest Service will review the comments and then make any appropriate changes to the Proposed Forest Plan. Another notice will then be published in the Federal Register to begin a 30-day objection period. This is anticipated to be published around July of 2008. After any objections are resolved, the Forest Plan will be approved by the Forest Supervisor. Documents Available for Review A number of documents are available for review. These are available at the Web site https://www.fs.fed.us/r8/gwi/. Additional documents will be added to this site throughout the planning process. Hard copies or CD–ROM versions of the documents can be obtained from the addresses listed above. The current documents include: —Draft Comprehensive Evaluation Report —Current (1993) George Washington NF Land Management Plan —Initial Version of Proposed Forest Plan. How the Public Can Participate in the Planning Process The planning process will emphasize those things that need to change from the 1993 Forest Plan. The focus of the current planning regulations is on establishing a collaborative approach to planning. Therefore, the best opportunity for dialogue is to participate in the discussions at the various public meetings to be held throughout the process. These meetings will all be announced on the GWNF PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 7391 Web site. In addition, there will be opportunities to provide written comments on draft documents and analyses as they are prepared. A formal comment opportunity will be provided when the Proposed Forest Plan is completed. Only parties that participate in the planning process through the submission of written comments can submit an objection pursuant to 36 CFR 219.13(a). How the Public Can Comment on the Need for Change A series of public meetings will be held beginning in March of 2007 to discuss the need for change. The dates, times and locations of these meetings are posted on the Forest Web site or can be obtained from the Contacts named above. In addition, written or electronic comments can be submitted to the previously identified addresses. Responsible Official The Forest Supervisor, George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, is the Responsible Official (36 CFR 219.2(b)(1)). Authority: 36 CFR 219.9(b)(2)(i), 70 FR 1023, January 5, 2005. Dated: February 8, 2007. Maureen Hyzer, Forest Supervisor. [FR Doc. 07–693 Filed 2–14–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–11–M DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service RIN 0596–AC34 National Environmental Policy Act Documentation Needed for Oil and Natural Gas Exploration and Development Activities (Categorical Exclusion) Forest Service, USDA. Notice of issuance of final directive. AGENCY: ACTION: SUMMARY: The Forest Service is revising procedures for implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations. The procedures are being revised through issuance of a final directive that amends Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 1909.15, chapter 30. This chapter describes categorical exclusions; that is, categories of actions which do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment, and therefore, normally do not require further analysis E:\FR\FM\15FEN1.SGM 15FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 31 (Thursday, February 15, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 7390-7391]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 07-693]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Revision of Land Management Plan for the George Washington 
National Forest, Virginia and West Virginia

AGENCY: Forest Service USDA.

ACTION: Notice of initiation to revise the George Washington National 
Forest Land Management Plan.

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

SUMMARY: The Forest Service is revising the Land Management Plan 
(hereafter referred to as Forest Plan) for the George Washington 
National Forest (GWNF). The notice provides:

1. A summary of the need to change the Forest Plan;
2. An estimated schedule for the planning process;
3. A list of documents available for review and how to get them;
4. How the public can participate in the planning process;
5. How the public can comment on the need for change;
6. Who to contact for more information.


DATES: Revision formally begins with publication of this notice in the 
Federal Register. A series of public meetings to discuss the need for 
change will begin in March, 2007. The dates, times and locations of 
these meetings will be posted at our internet Web site: https://

[[Page 7391]]

www.fs.fed.us/r8/gwj/. This information can also be obtained from the 
contact information below. More detailed information on the proposed 
schedule is in the Supplementary Information Section.

ADDRESSES: Written comments on the need for change will also be 
accepted. Send written comments to George Washington Plan Revision, 
George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, 5162 Valleypointe 
Parkway, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-3050. Electronic comments should 
include ``GW Plan Revision'' in the subject line and sent to: comments-
southern-georgewashington-jefferson@fs.fed.us
    For further information, mail correspondence to George Washington 
Plan Revision, George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, 5162 
Valleypointe Parkway, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-3050. Additional 
information on the GWNF Forest Plan is available at: https://
www.fs.fed.us/r8/gwj/.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dave Plunkett, Planning Team Leader, 
Ken Landgraf, Planning Staff Officer, or JoBeth Brown, Public Affairs 
Officer, George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, (540)-265-
5100.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Need for Change

    The GWNF Forest Plan was last revised in 1993. Planning regulations 
require that plans be revised at least every 15 years. the 1993 
revision was a major effort that involved the participation of many 
stakeholders. The purpose of the current revision is to examine 
management direction that needs to change and determine how best to 
make those changes. The Forest Service has drafted a Comprehensive 
Evaluation Report. This report is based on monitoring information that 
has been collected since 1993. The report describes the current social, 
economic and ecological conditions and trends on the Forest. Based on 
this information, the Forest Service is proposing a number of changes 
to the current plan. The proposed changes include the following:
--Follow the 2005 Planning regulations for required components of a 
Forest Plan
--Change roadless area management to address current policy
--Clarify management of old growth
--Modify riparian area management
--Evaluate if additional potential wilderness areas exist
--Address the use of lightning-ignited wild fire and the level of 
prescribed burning
--Utilize, where appropriate, new management direction from the 2004 
Jefferson Forest Plan
--Examine any needs for additional special biological areas.

Planning Schedule

    After initiation of the planning process, the Forest Service will 
hold a series of public meetings to discuss the need for change and the 
Draft Comprehensive Evaluation Report. At the end of these 
collaborative efforts (around May 2007), the Forest Supervisor will 
determine which issues will be carried forward for further analysis in 
the revision process.
    Additional public meetings will then be held through the summer of 
2007 to discuss development of the Forest Plan components in response 
to the identified needs for change. In November of 2007 the Forest 
Service expects to release a Proposed Forest Plan for public review and 
comment. A notice will be published in the Federal Register that will 
begin a 90-day comment period on the Proposed Forest Plan. The Forest 
Service will review the comments and then make any appropriate changes 
to the Proposed Forest Plan. Another notice will then be published in 
the Federal Register to begin a 30-day objection period. This is 
anticipated to be published around July of 2008. After any objections 
are resolved, the Forest Plan will be approved by the Forest 
Supervisor.

Documents Available for Review

    A number of documents are available for review. These are available 
at the Web site https://www.fs.fed.us/r8/gwi/. 
Additional documents will be added to this site throughout the planning 
process. Hard copies or CD-ROM versions of the documents can be 
obtained from the addresses listed above. The current documents 
include:

--Draft Comprehensive Evaluation Report
--Current (1993) George Washington NF Land Management Plan
--Initial Version of Proposed Forest Plan.

How the Public Can Participate in the Planning Process

    The planning process will emphasize those things that need to 
change from the 1993 Forest Plan. The focus of the current planning 
regulations is on establishing a collaborative approach to planning. 
Therefore, the best opportunity for dialogue is to participate in the 
discussions at the various public meetings to be held throughout the 
process. These meetings will all be announced on the GWNF Web site. In 
addition, there will be opportunities to provide written comments on 
draft documents and analyses as they are prepared. A formal comment 
opportunity will be provided when the Proposed Forest Plan is 
completed.
    Only parties that participate in the planning process through the 
submission of written comments can submit an objection pursuant to 36 
CFR 219.13(a).

How the Public Can Comment on the Need for Change

    A series of public meetings will be held beginning in March of 2007 
to discuss the need for change. The dates, times and locations of these 
meetings are posted on the Forest Web site or can be obtained from the 
Contacts named above. In addition, written or electronic comments can 
be submitted to the previously identified addresses.

Responsible Official

    The Forest Supervisor, George Washington & Jefferson National 
Forests, is the Responsible Official (36 CFR 219.2(b)(1)).

Authority: 36 CFR 219.9(b)(2)(i), 70 FR 1023, January 5, 2005.

    Dated: February 8, 2007.
Maureen Hyzer,
Forest Supervisor.
[FR Doc. 07-693 Filed 2-14-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-11-M

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