Tahoe National Forest, CA, Tahoe National Forest Motorized Travel Management EIS, 18198-18202 [07-1779]
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18198
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 69 / Wednesday, April 11, 2007 / Notices
be extensive enough to support
determinations of compliance with
applicable law and regulation,
specifically the Hells Canyon NRA Act,
36 CFR 219.19 and 36 CFR 292.48.
In response to these instructions, the
Forest Service has reanalyzed bighorn
sheep viability at the Payette National
Forest planning unit scale. The viability
analysis considered the well distributed
bighorn sheep habitat and its proximity
to know bighorn sheep populations.
Direct, indirect and cumulative impacts
to bighorn sheep from permitted
domestic sheep grazing have been
assessed and home range population
modeling completed. The Forest Service
has also reviewed applicable laws and
regulations for compliance, specifically
the Hells Canyon NRA Act, 36 CFR
292.48, the National Forest Management
Act, and 36 CFR 219.19. The Forest
Service has reviewed the 2003 SWIEG
FLRMPs FEIS, in accordance with FSH
1909.15, Chapter 10, Section 18.
The analysis for the revised FLRMPs,
and this updated bighorn sheep
analysis, were developed using the
principles and scientific methods
generated during the Interior Columbia
Basin Ecosystem Management Project.
In addition, the updated analysis
incorporates the findings of two expert
panels. Additional information utilized
for this analysis includes 10 years of
site-specific data gathered during an
ongoing monitoring effort of 154
telemetry collared bighorn sheep in the
Hells Canyon area and visual
observations of bighorn sheep in the
Salmon River Mountains along with the
management of permitted domestic
sheep grazing allotments. The Forest
Service will prepare a supplement to the
FEIS by presenting and analyzing
additional information concerning the
viability of bighorn sheep for the Payette
Forest planning unit and compliance
with Federal law; specifically, the Hells
Canyon National Recreation Area Act
(HCNRA), the National Forest
Management Act (NFMA), 36 CFR
292.48, and 36 CFR 219.19.
In July 2003, a separate Record of
Decision (ROD) was issued for each of
the three SWIEG Forests (Boise, Payette,
and Sawtooth). The RODs implemented
Alternative 7 from the Final EIS. During
Forest Plan Revision, the risk for disease
transmission between bighorn sheep
and domestic sheep was identified as a
significant issue for the future viability
of bighorn sheep in the 2003 SWIEG
FLRMPs FEIS. In response to the issue,
alternatives were developed and
analyzed in detail that removed high
risk areas for disease transmission from
suitability for domestic sheep grazing.
Alternative 7 was selected for
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15:09 Apr 10, 2007
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implementation in the Record of
Decision. This Alternative did not
remove the high risk for disease
transmission areas from domestic sheep
grazing suitability.
Purpose and Need for Action: This
supplement to the EIS will not change
the purpose and need as described in
the SWIEG FLRMPs FEIS on pages 1–4
through 1–8.
Proposed Action: The supplement
will not change the proposed action
which was described in the SWIEG
FLRMPs FEIS on pages 1–1 through 1–
3.
Responsible Official: The Responsible
Official is Suzanne C. Rainville, Payette
Forest Supervisor, Payette National
Forest, 800 W. Lakeside Avenue,
McCall, ID 83638–3602.
Nature of Decision To Be Made: The
Responsible Official will review the
supplement to the FEIS and determine
what changes will be made to the
Revised Payette National Forest Plan to
address the significant issue of the risk
of disease transmission to bighorn
sheep. The Responsible Official will
also determine if the Revised LRMP is
applicable to Federal laws and
regulations.
Scoping Process: Extensive public
involvement occurred during the
development of the revised Forest Plans
over the last 10 years in the form of
news releases, field tours, and public
meetings. No additional scoping is
planned for this supplement.
Comment Requested: a legal notice
will be published in the newspaper of
record and a Notice of Availability will
be published in the Federal Register to
inform the public when the draft
supplement to the SWIEG FLRMPs FEIS
is available for review and comment.
The draft supplement to the SWIEG
FLRMPs FEIS will be distributed to all
parties that received the 2003 SWIEG
FLRMPs FEIS, RODs and/or the Payette
LRMP and to those parties that filed an
appeal of the 2003 decisions.
The comment period on the draft
supplement to the SWIEG FLRMPs FEIS
will be 90 days from the date the
Environmental Protection Agency
publishes the Notice of Availability of
the draft documents in the Federal
Register. Comments must be received by
the close of the 90-day comment period
so that concerns are made available to
the Forest Service at a time when it can
meaningfully consider them and
respond to them in the final supplement
to the SWIEG FLRMPs FEIS.
To assist the Forest Service, it is
helpful if comments refer to specific
pages of the draft supplement and/or
draft amendment. Reviewers may wish
to refer to the Council on Environmental
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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. (40
CFR 1501.7 and 1508.22; Forest Service
Handbook 1909.15, Section 21)
Dated: April 4, 2007.
Suzanne C. Rainville,
Forest Supervisor, Payette National Forest.
[FR Doc. 07–1788 Filed 4–10–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–11–M
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service
Tahoe National Forest, CA, Tahoe
National Forest Motorized Travel
Management EIS
AGENCY:
Forest Service, USDA.
Notice of intent to prepare an
environmental impact statement.
ACTION:
SUMMARY: The Tahoe National Forest
(TNF) will prepare an Environmental
Impact Statement to disclose the
impacts associated with the following
proposed actions: (1) The addition of
approximately 50 miles of existing
unauthorized routes to the current
system of National Forest System (NFS)
trails currently open to the public for
wheeled motorized vehicle use. (2) The
addition of one 60 acre area, where use
of wheeled motorized vehicles by the
public would be allowed anywhere
within that area. (3) Allowing non-street
legal vehicle use on approximately 3
miles of an existing NFS road where
such use is currently prohibited, (4) The
prohibition of wheeled motorized
vehicle travel off designated NFS roads,
NFS trails and areas by the public
except as allowed by permit or other
authorization.
The Notice of Intent is expected
to be published in Federal Register on
April 13, 2007. The comment period on
the proposed action will extend 30 days
from the date the Notice of Intent is
published in the Federal Register.
Completion of the Draft Environmental
Impact Statement (DEIS) is expected in
September 2007 and the Final
Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS)
is expected in January 2008.
DATES:
Send written comments to:
Travel Management Team, Tahoe
National Forest, 631 Coyote Street,
Nevada City, California, 95959.
ADDRESSES:
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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 69 / Wednesday, April 11, 2007 / Notices
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
David Arrasmith, Tahoe National Forest,
631 Coyote Street, Nevada City,
California, 95959. Phone: (530) 478–
6143. E-mail: darrasmith@fs.fed.us.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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Background
Over the past few decades, the
availability and capability of motorized
vehicles, particularly off-highway
vehicles (OHVs) and sport utility
vehicles (SUVs) has increased
tremendously. Nationally, the number
of OHV users has climbed sevenfold in
the past 30 years, from approximately 5
million in 1972 to 36 million in 2000.
California is experiencing the highest
level of OHV use of any state in the
nation. There were 786,914 ATVs and
OHV motorcycles registered in 2004, up
330% since 1980. Annual sales of ATVs
and OHV motorcycles in California were
the highest in the U.S. for the last 5
years. Four-wheel drive vehicle sales in
California also increased by 1500% to
3,046,866 from 1989 to 2002.
Unmanaged OHV use has resulted in
unplanned roads and trails, erosion,
watershed and habitat degradation, and
impacts to cultural resource sites.
Compaction and erosion are the primary
effects of OHV use on soils. Riparian
areas and aquatic dependent species are
particularly vulnerable to OHV use.
Unmanaged recreation, including
impacts from OHVs, is one of ‘‘Four Key
Threats Facing the Nation’s Forests and
Grasslands.’’ (USDA Forest Service,
June 2004).
On August 11, 2003, the Pacific
Southwest Region of the Forest Service
entered into a Memorandum of Intent
(MOI) with the California Off-Highway
Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission,
and the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle
Recreation Division of the California
Department of Parks and Recreation.
That MOI set in motion a region-wide
effort to ‘‘Designate OHV roads, trails,
and any specifically defined open areas
for motorized wheeled vehicles on maps
of the 19 National Forests in California
by 2007.’’
On November 9, 2005, the Forest
Service published final travel
management regulations in the Federal
Register (FR Vol. 70, No. 216–Nov. 9,
2005, pp. 68264–68291). This final
Travel Management Rule requires
designation of those roads, trails, and
areas that are open to motor vehicle use
on National Forests. Designations will
be made by class of vehicle and, if
appropriate, by time of year. The final
rule prohibits the use of motor vehicles
off the designated system as well as use
of motor vehicles on routes and in areas
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that are not consistent with the
designations.
On some NFS lands, long managed as
open to cross-country motor vehicle
travel, repeated use has resulted in
unplanned, unauthorized, roads and
trails. These routes generally developed
without environmental analysis or
public involvement, and do not have the
same status as NFS roads and NFS trails
included in the forest transportation
system. Nevertheless, some
unauthorized routes are well-sited,
provide excellent opportunities for
outdoor recreation by motorized and
non-motorized users, and would
enhance the National Forest system of
designated roads, trails and areas. Other
unauthorized routes are poorly located
and cause unacceptable impacts. Only
NFS roads and NFS trails can be
designated for wheeled motorized
vehicle use. In order for an
unauthorized route to be designated, it
must first be added to the forest
transportation system.
In 2005, the TNF completed an
inventory of unauthorized routes on
NFS lands as described in the MOI and
identified approximately 2,500 miles of
unauthorized routes. The TNF then
used an interdisciplinary process to
conduct travel analysis that included
working with the public to identify
proposals for changes to the existing
TNF transportation system. Roads, trails
and areas that are currently part of the
TNF transportation system and open to
wheeled motorized vehicle travel will
remain designated for such use except
as described below under the Proposed
Action. This proposal identifies needed
changes (vehicle restrictions, additional
motorized trails and areas, etc.) to the
Tahoe National Forest NFS roads, NFS
trails and areas on NFS lands in
accordance with the Travel Management
Rule (36 CFR part 212).
Purpose and Need for Action
The following needs have been
identified for this proposal:
1. There is a need for regulation of
unmanaged wheel motorized vehicle
travel by the public. The Travel
Management Rule, 36 CFR part 212,
provides policy for administering the
Forest transportation system including
the designation of NFS roads, trails and
areas, and the prohibition of crosscountry travel.
2. There is a need for the prevention
of resource damage caused by
unmanaged wheeled motorized travel
by the public. The Tahoe National
Forest Land and Resource Management
Plan (Amended 2005) contains a
Forestwide Standard and Guideline
which states in part ‘‘Prohibit wheeled
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18199
vehicle travel off of designated routes,
trails, and limited off highway vehicle
(OHV) use areas.’’ The proliferation of
unplanned, non-sustainable roads, trails
and areas degrades the environment.
3. There is a need for limited changes
to the TNF transportation system to:
3.1 Provide wheeled motorized
access to dispersed recreation
opportunities (camping, hunting,
fishing, hiking, horseback riding, etc.).
3.2 Provide a diversity of wheeled
motorized recreation opportunities (4X4
Vehicles, motorcycles, ATVs, passenger
vehicles, etc.).
3.3 Provide the minimum
transportation system needed for safe
and efficient travel by the public and for
administration, utilization and
protection of NFS lands 36 CFR
212.5(b).
It is Forest Service policy to provide
a diversity of road and trail
opportunities for experiencing a variety
of environments and modes of travel
consistent with the National Forest
recreation role and land capability (FSM
2353.03(2)).
In meeting these needs, any changes
to the NFS roads, motorized trails and
areas should also achieve the following
purposes:
A. Avoid impacts to cultural
resources.
B. provide for public safety.
C. Provide for a diversity of
recreational opportunities.
D. Assure adequate access to public
and private lands.
E. Provide for adequate maintenance
and administration of designations
based on availability of resources and
funding to do so.
F. Minimize damage to soil,
vegetation and other forest resources.
G. Avoid harassment of wildlife and
significant disruption of wildlife
habitat.
H. Minimize conflicts between
wheeled motor vehicles and existing or
proposed recreational uses of NFS
lands.
I. Minimize conflicts among different
classes of wheeled motor vehicle uses of
NFS lands or neighboring federal lands.
J. Assure compatibility of wheeled
motor vehicle use with existing
conditions in populated areas, taking
into account sound, emissions, etc.
K. Have valid existing rights of use
and access (rights-of-way).
Proposed Action
1. Motorized Trail Additions—The
TNF currently manages and maintains
approximately 2,640 miles of NFS road
and 760 miles of NFS motorized trails.
Based on the stated purpose and need
for action, and as a result of the recent
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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 69 / Wednesday, April 11, 2007 / Notices
travel analysis process, the TNF
proposes to add approximately 50 miles
to its NFS motorized trails, bringing the
total National Forest system of
motorized trails to approximately 810
miles. The additional motorized trails
are listed below along with the
permitted vehicle class and season of
use.
MOTORIZED TRAILS ADDITIONS
Length
(miles)
Route ID
YRN–11 .............................................................................................
YRN–5abc .........................................................................................
YRN–1 ...............................................................................................
YRN–2 ...............................................................................................
YRN–4 ...............................................................................................
YRN–6 ...............................................................................................
SV–P4 ...............................................................................................
YRN–M3b ..........................................................................................
SV–P12 .............................................................................................
SV–P13 .............................................................................................
SV–P14 .............................................................................................
SV–P14a ...........................................................................................
SV–P15 .............................................................................................
SV–P17 .............................................................................................
SV–P5 ...............................................................................................
SV–P7e .............................................................................................
SV–P7w .............................................................................................
SV–P19 .............................................................................................
SV–P8 ...............................................................................................
YRM–M4 ............................................................................................
SV–P18 .............................................................................................
TKN–J10 ............................................................................................
TKN–J2 ..............................................................................................
TKN–J3 ..............................................................................................
TKN–J9 ..............................................................................................
TKN–J12 ............................................................................................
TKN–J13 ............................................................................................
TKN–M3 ............................................................................................
TKN–M1 ............................................................................................
TKN–J4 ..............................................................................................
TKN–J5 ..............................................................................................
TKN–J6 ..............................................................................................
YRS–AF .............................................................................................
YRS–F1 .............................................................................................
YRS–G3 ............................................................................................
TKN–J14 ............................................................................................
YRS–SF5 ...........................................................................................
YRS–SF6 ...........................................................................................
YRS–B12 ...........................................................................................
YRS–B7 .............................................................................................
TKS–M9 .............................................................................................
ARM–13 .............................................................................................
ARM–2 ...............................................................................................
ARM–5 ...............................................................................................
ARM–7 ...............................................................................................
ARM–3 ...............................................................................................
ARM–3a .............................................................................................
TKS–11 ..............................................................................................
0.24
0.30
1.22
1.40
0.60
0.79
1.12
2.65
0.59
0.90
0.37
0.27
1.16
0.57
0.41
0.82
0.53
0.17
0.31
0.26
0.59
0.37
0.67
0.38
1.79
0.69
1.68
2.83
3.50
3.36
1.37
0.17
0.33
1.07
0.38
0.72
3.94
2.37
0.12
0.24
2.97
0.78
0.51
0.79
0.70
2.31
1.49
0.91
Total ...........................................................................................
Permitted vehicle class
51.71
2. Motorized Open Area Addition—
The Tahoe National Forest currently has
four areas designated open to wheeled
motorized vehicle use. The Tahoe
ALL ..............................................
ALL ..............................................
ALL ..............................................
ALL ..............................................
ALL ..............................................
ALL ..............................................
ALL ..............................................
Motorcyle only .............................
ALL ..............................................
ALL ..............................................
ALL ..............................................
ALL ..............................................
ALL ..............................................
ALL ..............................................
ALL ..............................................
ALL ..............................................
ALL ..............................................
ALL ..............................................
ALL ..............................................
Motorcycle only ...........................
ALL ..............................................
ALL ..............................................
ALL ..............................................
ALL ..............................................
ALL ..............................................
ALL ..............................................
ALL ..............................................
Motorcycle only ...........................
Motorcycle only ...........................
ALL ..............................................
ALL ..............................................
ALL ..............................................
ALL ..............................................
ALL ..............................................
ALL ..............................................
ALL ..............................................
Motorcycle only ...........................
Motorcycle only ...........................
Motorcycle only ...........................
Motorcycle only ...........................
Motorcycle only ...........................
ALL ..............................................
Vehicles 50’’ or less in width .......
ALL ..............................................
ALL ..............................................
Vehicles 50’’ or less in width .......
Vehicles 50’’ or less in width ......
ALL ..............................................
Season of use
National Forest proposes to designate
one additional area which would create
a total of five areas open to wheeled
motor vehicle use forest wide. The
Yearlong.
Yearlong.
Yearlong.
Yearlong.
Yearlong.
Yearlong.
Yearlong.
Yearlong.
Yearlong.
Yearlong.
Yearlong.
Yearlong.
Yearlong.
May 2 to October
Yearlong.
Yearlong.
Yearlong.
Yearlong.
Yearlong.
Yearlong.
Yearlong.
Yearlong.
Yearlong.
Yearlong.
Yearlong.
Yearlong.
Yearlong.
Yearlong.
Yearlong.
Yearlong.
Yearlong.
Yearlong.
Yearlong.
Yearlong.
Yearlong.
Yearlong.
Yearlong.
Yearlong.
May 2 to October
May 2 to October
Yearlong.
May 2 to October
May 2 to October
May 2 to October
May 2 to October
Yearlong.
Yearlong.
Yearlong.
31.
31.
31.
31.
31.
31.
31.
additional motorized area is listed
below along with the permitted vehicle
class and season of use.
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MOTORIZED OPEN AREA ADDITION
Area name
Acreage
Eureka Diggings ...................................................................................
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60
Sfmt 4703
Permitted vehicle class
ALL ...............................................
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11APN1
Season of use
Year Round.
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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 69 / Wednesday, April 11, 2007 / Notices
3. Allowing non-street legal vehicle
access to approximately 3 miles of an
existing NFS road where such use is
currently prohibited—TNF maintenance
level 3, 4, and 5 roads are subject to the
Federal Highway Safety Act. As a result,
these roads are designated as open to
highway legal vehicles only.
Maintenance level 2 roads are currently
designated as open to all vehicle classes.
The TNF proposed the following change
in vehicle class:
VEHICLE CLASS ADDITION
Road
Length
843–37 French Lake Road ..................................................................
4. Probition of wheeled motorized
vehicle travel off the designated NFS
roads, NFS trails and areas by the public
except as allowed by permit or other
authorization.
Maps and tables describing in detail
both the TNF transportation system and
the proposed action can found at
https://www.fs.fed.us/r5/tahoe/. In
addition, maps will be available for
viewing at:
1. Supervisor’s Office, 631 Coyote
Street, Nevada City, CA 95959.
2. American River Ranger District,
22830 Foresthill Road, Foresthill, CA
95631.
3. Yuba River Ranger District, 15924
Highway 49, Camptonville, CA 95922.
4. Sierraville Ranger District, 317
South Lincoln Street, Sierraville, CA
96126.
5. Truckee Ranger District, 9646
Donner Pass Road, Truckee, CA 96161.
Responsible Official
Steven T. Eubanks, Forest Supervisor,
Tahoe National Forest, 631 Coyote
Street, Nevada City, California 95959.
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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 to
make change to the existing Tahoe
National Forest Transportation System
and prohibit cross country wheeled
motorized vehicle travel by the public
off the designated system.
Scoping Process
Public participation will be especially
important at several points during the
analysis. The Forest Service will be
seeking information, comments, and
assistance from the Federal, State, and
local agencies and other individuals or
organizations who may be interested in
or affected by the proposed action.
The Notice of Intent is expected to be
published in the Federal Register on
April 13, 2007. The comment period on
the proposed action will extend 30 days
from the date the Notice of Intent is
published in the Federal Register.
The draft environmental impact
statement is expected to be filed with
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3.4
Current permitted vehicle class
Highway Legal Only .....................
the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) and to be available for public
review by September 2007. EPA will
publish a notice of availability of the
draft EIS in the Federal Register. The
comment period on the draft EIS will
extend 45 days from the date the EPA
notice appears in the Federal Register.
At that time, copies of the draft EIS will
be distributed to interested and affected
agencies, organizations, and members of
the public for their review and
comment. It is very important that those
interested in the management of the
Tahoe National Forest participate at that
time.
The final EIS is scheduled to be
completed in January 2008. In the final
EIS, the Forest Service is required to
respond to substantive comments
received during the comment period
that pertain to the environmental
consequences discussed in the draft EIS
and applicable laws, regulations, and
policies considered in making the
decision. Substantive comments are
defined as ‘‘comments within the scope
of the proposed action, specific to the
proposed action, and have a direct
relationship to the proposed action, and
include supporting reasons for the
responsible official to consider’’ (36 CFR
215.2). Submission of substantive
comments is a prerequisite for eligibility
to appeal under the 36 CFR part 215
regulations.
Comments 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, at this
early stage, it is important to give
reviewers notice of several court rulings
related to public participation in the
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Proposed permitted
vehicle class
All.
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 environmental
impact 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)
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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 69 / Wednesday, April 11, 2007 / Notices
cprice-sewell on PRODPC61 with NOTICES
Dated: April 5, 2007.
Steven T. Eubanks,
Forest Supervisor.
[FR Doc. 07–1779 Filed 4–10–07; 8:45 am]
Forest Counties Payments Committee to
make recommendations to Congress on
a long-term solution for making Federal
payments to eligible States and counties
in which Federal lands are situated. The
BILLING CODE 3410–11–M
Committee will consider the impact on
eligible States and counties of revenues
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
from the historic multiple use of Federal
lands; evaluate the economic,
Forest Service
environmental, and social benefits
which accrue to counties containing
Forest Counties Payments Committee
Federal lands; evaluate the expenditures
Meeting
by counties on activities occuring on
AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.
Federal lands, which are Federal
ACTION: Notice of meeting.
responsibilities; and monitor payments
and implementation of The Secure
SUMMARY: The Forest Counties Payments
Rural Schools and Community SelfCommittee has scheduled a meeting to
Determination Act of 2000 (P.L. 106–
discuss how it will provide Congress
393).
with the information specified in
Section 320 of the Fiscal Year 2001
Dated: April 5, 2007.
Interior and Related Agencies
Sally Collins,
Appropriations Act. The meeting is
Associate Deputy Chief, Forest Service.
open to the public.
[FR Doc. E7–6770 Filed 4–10–07; 8:45 am]
DATES: The meeting will be held on
April 30, 2007. The meeting will consist BILLING CODE 3410–11–P
of a business session from 9 a.m. until
12 p.m., which will be open to public
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
attendance, followed by a session open
to public participation from 1 p.m. until Forest Service
5 p.m.
ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at
Ravalli County Resource Advisory
the Board of Supervisors Chamber, on
Committee
the 1st floor of the Coconino County
Administrative Building, 219 East
AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.
Cherry Lane, Flagstaff, AZ. Written
ACTION: Notice of meeting.
comments concerning this meeting
should be addressed to Randle G.
SUMMARY: The Ravalli County Resource
Phillips, Executive Director, Forest
Counties Payments Committee, P.O. Box Advisory Committee will be meeting to
review 2007 projects, and hold a short
34718, Washington, DC 20043–4713.
public forum (question and answer
Comments may also be sent via e-mail
to rphillips01@fs.fed.us, or via facsimile session). The meeting is being held
pursuant to the authorities in the
to (202) 273–4750.
Federal Advisory Committee Act (Public
All comments, including names and
addresses when provided, are placed in Law 92–463) and under the Secure
the record and are available for public
Rural Schools and Community Selfinspection and copying. The public may Determination Act of 2000 (Public Law
inspect comments received at USDA
106–393). The meeting is open to the
Forest Service, Franklin Court Building, public.
Ste. 5500W, 1099 14th Street NW.,
DATES: The meeting will be held on
Washington, DC 20005. Visitors are
April 24, 2007, 6:30 p.m.
encouraged to call ahead to (202) 208–
6574 to facilitate entry into the building. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
the Bitterroot National Forest,
Randle G. Phillips, Executive Director,
Supervisor Office, Conference Room,
Forest Counties Payments Committee, at 1801 North First Street, Hamilton,
(202) 208–6574 or via e-mail at
Montana. Send written comments to
rphillips01@fs.fed.us.
Daniel Ritter, District Ranger,
Individuals who use
Stevensville Ranger District, 88 Main
telecommunication devices for the deaf
Street, Stevensville, MT 59870, by
(TDD) may call the Federal Information
facsimile (406) 777–7423, or
Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–800–877–8339
electronically to dritter@fs.us.
between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern
Standard Time, Monday through Friday. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Daniel Ritter, Stevensville District
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section
320 of the Interior and Related Agencies Ranger and Designated Federal Officer,
Phone: (406) 777–5461.
Appropriations Act of 2001 created the
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:09 Apr 10, 2007
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Dated: April 4, 2007.
Barry Paulson,
Deputy Forest Supervisor.
[FR Doc. 07–1787 Filed 4–10–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–11–M
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Housing Service
Notice of Request for Extension of a
Currently Approved Information
Collection
Rural Housing Service (RHS).
Proposed collection; Comments
requested.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
SUMMARY: In accordance with the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this
notice announces the Rural Housing
Service’s intention to request an
extension for a currently approved
information collection in support of the
Rural Community Development
Initiative (RCDI) grant program.
DATES: Comments on this notice must be
received by June 11, 2007 to be assured
of consideration.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan
Spieldenner, Senior Loan Specialist,
Community Programs Guaranteed Loan
and Processing and Servicing Division,
RHS, USDA, 1400 Independence Ave.,
SW., Mail Stop 0787, Washington, DC
20250–0787, Telephone (202) 720–9700,
E-mail Dan.Spieldenner@wdc.usda.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Title: Notice of Funds Availability
(NOFA) Inviting Applications for the
Rural Community Development
Initiative.
OMB Number: 0575–0180
Expiration Date of Approval: August
31, 2007
Type of Request: Extension of a
currently approved information
collection.
Abstract: RHS, an Agency within the
USDA Rural Development mission area,
will administer the RCDI grant program
through their Community Facilities
Division. The intent of the RCDI grant
program is to develop the capacity and
ability of rural area recipients to
undertake projects through a program of
technical assistance provided by
qualified intermediary organizations.
The eligible recipients are nonprofit
organizations, low-income rural
communities, or federally recognized
Indian tribes. The intermediary may be
a qualified private, nonprofit, or public
(including tribal) organization. The
intermediary is the applicant. The
intermediary must have been organized
a minimum of 3 years at the time of
application. The intermediary will be
E:\FR\FM\11APN1.SGM
11APN1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 69 (Wednesday, April 11, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 18198-18202]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 07-1779]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service
Tahoe National Forest, CA, Tahoe National Forest Motorized Travel
Management EIS
AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Tahoe National Forest (TNF) will prepare an Environmental
Impact Statement to disclose the impacts associated with the following
proposed actions: (1) The addition of approximately 50 miles of
existing unauthorized routes to the current system of National Forest
System (NFS) trails currently open to the public for wheeled motorized
vehicle use. (2) The addition of one 60 acre area, where use of wheeled
motorized vehicles by the public would be allowed anywhere within that
area. (3) Allowing non-street legal vehicle use on approximately 3
miles of an existing NFS road where such use is currently prohibited,
(4) The prohibition of wheeled motorized vehicle travel off designated
NFS roads, NFS trails and areas by the public except as allowed by
permit or other authorization.
DATES: The Notice of Intent is expected to be published in Federal
Register on April 13, 2007. The comment period on the proposed action
will extend 30 days from the date the Notice of Intent is published in
the Federal Register. Completion of the Draft Environmental Impact
Statement (DEIS) is expected in September 2007 and the Final
Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) is expected in January 2008.
ADDRESSES: Send written comments to: Travel Management Team, Tahoe
National Forest, 631 Coyote Street, Nevada City, California, 95959.
[[Page 18199]]
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Arrasmith, Tahoe National
Forest, 631 Coyote Street, Nevada City, California, 95959. Phone: (530)
478-6143. E-mail: darrasmith@fs.fed.us.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
Over the past few decades, the availability and capability of
motorized vehicles, particularly off-highway vehicles (OHVs) and sport
utility vehicles (SUVs) has increased tremendously. Nationally, the
number of OHV users has climbed sevenfold in the past 30 years, from
approximately 5 million in 1972 to 36 million in 2000. California is
experiencing the highest level of OHV use of any state in the nation.
There were 786,914 ATVs and OHV motorcycles registered in 2004, up 330%
since 1980. Annual sales of ATVs and OHV motorcycles in California were
the highest in the U.S. for the last 5 years. Four-wheel drive vehicle
sales in California also increased by 1500% to 3,046,866 from 1989 to
2002.
Unmanaged OHV use has resulted in unplanned roads and trails,
erosion, watershed and habitat degradation, and impacts to cultural
resource sites. Compaction and erosion are the primary effects of OHV
use on soils. Riparian areas and aquatic dependent species are
particularly vulnerable to OHV use. Unmanaged recreation, including
impacts from OHVs, is one of ``Four Key Threats Facing the Nation's
Forests and Grasslands.'' (USDA Forest Service, June 2004).
On August 11, 2003, the Pacific Southwest Region of the Forest
Service entered into a Memorandum of Intent (MOI) with the California
Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission, and the Off-Highway
Motor Vehicle Recreation Division of the California Department of Parks
and Recreation. That MOI set in motion a region-wide effort to
``Designate OHV roads, trails, and any specifically defined open areas
for motorized wheeled vehicles on maps of the 19 National Forests in
California by 2007.''
On November 9, 2005, the Forest Service published final travel
management regulations in the Federal Register (FR Vol. 70, No. 216-
Nov. 9, 2005, pp. 68264-68291). This final Travel Management Rule
requires designation of those roads, trails, and areas that are open to
motor vehicle use on National Forests. Designations will be made by
class of vehicle and, if appropriate, by time of year. The final rule
prohibits the use of motor vehicles off the designated system as well
as use of motor vehicles on routes and in areas that are not consistent
with the designations.
On some NFS lands, long managed as open to cross-country motor
vehicle travel, repeated use has resulted in unplanned, unauthorized,
roads and trails. These routes generally developed without
environmental analysis or public involvement, and do not have the same
status as NFS roads and NFS trails included in the forest
transportation system. Nevertheless, some unauthorized routes are well-
sited, provide excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation by
motorized and non-motorized users, and would enhance the National
Forest system of designated roads, trails and areas. Other unauthorized
routes are poorly located and cause unacceptable impacts. Only NFS
roads and NFS trails can be designated for wheeled motorized vehicle
use. In order for an unauthorized route to be designated, it must first
be added to the forest transportation system.
In 2005, the TNF completed an inventory of unauthorized routes on
NFS lands as described in the MOI and identified approximately 2,500
miles of unauthorized routes. The TNF then used an interdisciplinary
process to conduct travel analysis that included working with the
public to identify proposals for changes to the existing TNF
transportation system. Roads, trails and areas that are currently part
of the TNF transportation system and open to wheeled motorized vehicle
travel will remain designated for such use except as described below
under the Proposed Action. This proposal identifies needed changes
(vehicle restrictions, additional motorized trails and areas, etc.) to
the Tahoe National Forest NFS roads, NFS trails and areas on NFS lands
in accordance with the Travel Management Rule (36 CFR part 212).
Purpose and Need for Action
The following needs have been identified for this proposal:
1. There is a need for regulation of unmanaged wheel motorized
vehicle travel by the public. The Travel Management Rule, 36 CFR part
212, provides policy for administering the Forest transportation system
including the designation of NFS roads, trails and areas, and the
prohibition of cross-country travel.
2. There is a need for the prevention of resource damage caused by
unmanaged wheeled motorized travel by the public. The Tahoe National
Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (Amended 2005) contains a
Forestwide Standard and Guideline which states in part ``Prohibit
wheeled vehicle travel off of designated routes, trails, and limited
off highway vehicle (OHV) use areas.'' The proliferation of unplanned,
non-sustainable roads, trails and areas degrades the environment.
3. There is a need for limited changes to the TNF transportation
system to:
3.1 Provide wheeled motorized access to dispersed recreation
opportunities (camping, hunting, fishing, hiking, horseback riding,
etc.).
3.2 Provide a diversity of wheeled motorized recreation
opportunities (4X4 Vehicles, motorcycles, ATVs, passenger vehicles,
etc.).
3.3 Provide the minimum transportation system needed for safe and
efficient travel by the public and for administration, utilization and
protection of NFS lands 36 CFR 212.5(b).
It is Forest Service policy to provide a diversity of road and
trail opportunities for experiencing a variety of environments and
modes of travel consistent with the National Forest recreation role and
land capability (FSM 2353.03(2)).
In meeting these needs, any changes to the NFS roads, motorized
trails and areas should also achieve the following purposes:
A. Avoid impacts to cultural resources.
B. provide for public safety.
C. Provide for a diversity of recreational opportunities.
D. Assure adequate access to public and private lands.
E. Provide for adequate maintenance and administration of
designations based on availability of resources and funding to do so.
F. Minimize damage to soil, vegetation and other forest resources.
G. Avoid harassment of wildlife and significant disruption of
wildlife habitat.
H. Minimize conflicts between wheeled motor vehicles and existing
or proposed recreational uses of NFS lands.
I. Minimize conflicts among different classes of wheeled motor
vehicle uses of NFS lands or neighboring federal lands.
J. Assure compatibility of wheeled motor vehicle use with existing
conditions in populated areas, taking into account sound, emissions,
etc.
K. Have valid existing rights of use and access (rights-of-way).
Proposed Action
1. Motorized Trail Additions--The TNF currently manages and
maintains approximately 2,640 miles of NFS road and 760 miles of NFS
motorized trails. Based on the stated purpose and need for action, and
as a result of the recent
[[Page 18200]]
travel analysis process, the TNF proposes to add approximately 50 miles
to its NFS motorized trails, bringing the total National Forest system
of motorized trails to approximately 810 miles. The additional
motorized trails are listed below along with the permitted vehicle
class and season of use.
Motorized Trails Additions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Length Permitted vehicle
Route ID (miles) class Season of use
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YRN-11.............................. 0.24 ALL................... Yearlong.
YRN-5abc............................ 0.30 ALL................... Yearlong.
YRN-1............................... 1.22 ALL................... Yearlong.
YRN-2............................... 1.40 ALL................... Yearlong.
YRN-4............................... 0.60 ALL................... Yearlong.
YRN-6............................... 0.79 ALL................... Yearlong.
SV-P4............................... 1.12 ALL................... Yearlong.
YRN-M3b............................. 2.65 Motorcyle only........ Yearlong.
SV-P12.............................. 0.59 ALL................... Yearlong.
SV-P13.............................. 0.90 ALL................... Yearlong.
SV-P14.............................. 0.37 ALL................... Yearlong.
SV-P14a............................. 0.27 ALL................... Yearlong.
SV-P15.............................. 1.16 ALL................... Yearlong.
SV-P17.............................. 0.57 ALL................... May 2 to October 31.
SV-P5............................... 0.41 ALL................... Yearlong.
SV-P7e.............................. 0.82 ALL................... Yearlong.
SV-P7w.............................. 0.53 ALL................... Yearlong.
SV-P19.............................. 0.17 ALL................... Yearlong.
SV-P8............................... 0.31 ALL................... Yearlong.
YRM-M4.............................. 0.26 Motorcycle only....... Yearlong.
SV-P18.............................. 0.59 ALL................... Yearlong.
TKN-J10............................. 0.37 ALL................... Yearlong.
TKN-J2.............................. 0.67 ALL................... Yearlong.
TKN-J3.............................. 0.38 ALL................... Yearlong.
TKN-J9.............................. 1.79 ALL................... Yearlong.
TKN-J12............................. 0.69 ALL................... Yearlong.
TKN-J13............................. 1.68 ALL................... Yearlong.
TKN-M3.............................. 2.83 Motorcycle only....... Yearlong.
TKN-M1.............................. 3.50 Motorcycle only....... Yearlong.
TKN-J4.............................. 3.36 ALL................... Yearlong.
TKN-J5.............................. 1.37 ALL................... Yearlong.
TKN-J6.............................. 0.17 ALL................... Yearlong.
YRS-AF.............................. 0.33 ALL................... Yearlong.
YRS-F1.............................. 1.07 ALL................... Yearlong.
YRS-G3.............................. 0.38 ALL................... Yearlong.
TKN-J14............................. 0.72 ALL................... Yearlong.
YRS-SF5............................. 3.94 Motorcycle only....... Yearlong.
YRS-SF6............................. 2.37 Motorcycle only....... Yearlong.
YRS-B12............................. 0.12 Motorcycle only....... May 2 to October 31.
YRS-B7.............................. 0.24 Motorcycle only....... May 2 to October 31.
TKS-M9.............................. 2.97 Motorcycle only....... Yearlong.
ARM-13.............................. 0.78 ALL................... May 2 to October 31.
ARM-2............................... 0.51 Vehicles 50'' or less May 2 to October 31.
in width.
ARM-5............................... 0.79 ALL................... May 2 to October 31.
ARM-7............................... 0.70 ALL................... May 2 to October 31.
ARM-3............................... 2.31 Vehicles 50'' or less Yearlong.
in width.
ARM-3a.............................. 1.49 Vehicles 50'' or less Yearlong.
in width.
TKS-11.............................. 0.91 ALL................... Yearlong.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total........................... 51.71 .....................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Motorized Open Area Addition--The Tahoe National Forest
currently has four areas designated open to wheeled motorized vehicle
use. The Tahoe National Forest proposes to designate one additional
area which would create a total of five areas open to wheeled motor
vehicle use forest wide. The additional motorized area is listed below
along with the permitted vehicle class and season of use.
Motorized Open Area Addition
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Area name Acreage Permitted vehicle class Season of use
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eureka Diggings..................... 60 ALL.................... Year Round.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 18201]]
3. Allowing non-street legal vehicle access to approximately 3
miles of an existing NFS road where such use is currently prohibited--
TNF maintenance level 3, 4, and 5 roads are subject to the Federal
Highway Safety Act. As a result, these roads are designated as open to
highway legal vehicles only. Maintenance level 2 roads are currently
designated as open to all vehicle classes. The TNF proposed the
following change in vehicle class:
Vehicle Class Addition
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current permitted
Road Length vehicle class Proposed permitted vehicle class
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
843-37 French Lake Road............. 3.4 Highway Legal Only..... All.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. Probition of wheeled motorized vehicle travel off the designated
NFS roads, NFS trails and areas by the public except as allowed by
permit or other authorization.
Maps and tables describing in detail both the TNF transportation
system and the proposed action can found at https://www.fs.fed.us/r5/
tahoe/. In addition, maps will be available for viewing at:
1. Supervisor's Office, 631 Coyote Street, Nevada City, CA 95959.
2. American River Ranger District, 22830 Foresthill Road,
Foresthill, CA 95631.
3. Yuba River Ranger District, 15924 Highway 49, Camptonville, CA
95922.
4. Sierraville Ranger District, 317 South Lincoln Street,
Sierraville, CA 96126.
5. Truckee Ranger District, 9646 Donner Pass Road, Truckee, CA
96161.
Responsible Official
Steven T. Eubanks, Forest Supervisor, Tahoe National Forest, 631
Coyote Street, Nevada City, California 95959.
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 to make change to the existing Tahoe National Forest
Transportation System and prohibit cross country wheeled motorized
vehicle travel by the public off the designated system.
Scoping Process
Public participation will be especially important at several points
during the analysis. The Forest Service will be seeking information,
comments, and assistance from the Federal, State, and local agencies
and other individuals or organizations who may be interested in or
affected by the proposed action.
The Notice of Intent is expected to be published in the Federal
Register on April 13, 2007. The comment period on the proposed action
will extend 30 days from the date the Notice of Intent is published in
the Federal Register.
The draft environmental impact statement is expected to be filed
with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and to be available for
public review by September 2007. EPA will publish a notice of
availability of the draft EIS in the Federal Register. The comment
period on the draft EIS will extend 45 days from the date the EPA
notice appears in the Federal Register. At that time, copies of the
draft EIS will be distributed to interested and affected agencies,
organizations, and members of the public for their review and comment.
It is very important that those interested in the management of the
Tahoe National Forest participate at that time.
The final EIS is scheduled to be completed in January 2008. In the
final EIS, the Forest Service is required to respond to substantive
comments received during the comment period that pertain to the
environmental consequences discussed in the draft EIS and applicable
laws, regulations, and policies considered in making the decision.
Substantive comments are defined as ``comments within the scope of the
proposed action, specific to the proposed action, and have a direct
relationship to the proposed action, and include supporting reasons for
the responsible official to consider'' (36 CFR 215.2). Submission of
substantive comments is a prerequisite for eligibility to appeal under
the 36 CFR part 215 regulations.
Comments 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, 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 environmental impact 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);
[[Page 18202]]
Dated: April 5, 2007.
Steven T. Eubanks,
Forest Supervisor.
[FR Doc. 07-1779 Filed 4-10-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-11-M
