Sierra National Forest, California, Sierra National Forest Motorized Travel Management EIS, 51775-51780 [E7-17834]
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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 175 / Tuesday, September 11, 2007 / Notices
(Authority: 40 CFR 1501.7 and 1508.22;
Forest Service Handbook 1909.15, Section
21)
Background
Dated: September 5, 2007.
Dennis Jaeger,
Deputy Forest Supervisor, Black Hills
National Forest.
[FR Doc. 07–4427 Filed 9–10–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–11–M
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service
Sierra National Forest, California,
Sierra National Forest Motorized Travel
Management EIS
AGENCY:
Forest Service, USDA.
Notice of intent to prepare an
Environmental Impact Statement.
ACTION:
SUMMARY: The Sierra National Forest
(Sierra NF) will prepare an
Environmental Impact Statement to
disclose the impacts associated with the
following proposed actions: 1. 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. 2. The addition of
approximately 54 miles of existing
unauthorized tracks to the current
system of National Forest System (NFS)
motorized trails, the permanent
conversion of 72 miles of NFS Roads to
NFS Trails, the management of 61 miles
of NFS Roads as NFS Trails and the
addition of six acres for motorized use.
3. The changing of the allowable use or
season of use on approximately 970
miles of existing NFS Roads and closing
approximately 200 miles of existing
NFS Roads to public access usless
allowed by permit or other
authorization.
The comment period on the
proposed action will extend 45 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 November 2007 and the
Final Environmental Impact Statement
(FEIS) is expected in January 2008.
DATES:
Send written comments to:
Travel Management Team, Sierra NF,
1600 Tollhouse Rd., Clovis, CA 93611.
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES
ADDRESSES:
Tom
Lowe, Sierra NF, 1600 Tollhouse Rd.,
Clovis, CA 93611; Phone: (559) 297–
0706 extension 4840. E-mail:
sierra.route.designation@fs.fed.us.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
VerDate Aug<31>2005
17:06 Sep 10, 2007
Jkt 211001
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. (OffHighway Vehicle Recreation in the
United States, Regions and States: A
National Report from a National Survey
on Recreation and the Environment,
USDA Forest Service, 2005).
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 designated.
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51775
On some NFS lands, long managed as
open to cross-country motor vehicle
travel, repeated use has resulted in
unplanned, unauthorized tracks. These
tracks 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 tracks 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 tracks 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 track to be designated, it
must first be added to the forest
transportation system.
In accordance with the MOI, the
Sierra NF completed an inventory of
unauthorized tracks on NFS lands in
August of 2006, identifying
approximately 520 miles of known
unauthorized tracks. The Sierra NF then
used an interdisciplinary process to
conduct a Travel Analysis including
working with the public to determine
whether any of the unauthorized tracks
should be proposed for addition to the
Sierra NF transportation system. Roads,
trails and areas that are currently part of
the Sierra NF transportation system and
are open to wheeled motorized vehicle
travel will remain designated for such
use except as described below under
Proposed Action. This proposal focuses
on the prohibition of wheeled motorized
vehicle travel off designated routes and
needed changes to the Sierra NF
transportation system, including the
addition of some unauthorized routes to
the Sierra NF transportation system and
minor changes to the existing
transportation systems. The proposed
action is being carried forward in
accordance with the Travel Management
Rule (36 CFR part 212).
In accordance with the rule, following
a decision on this proposal, the Sierra
NF will publish a Motor Vehicle Use
Map (MVUM) identifying all Sierra NF
roads, trails and areas that are
designated for motor vehicle use. The
MVUM shall specify the classes of
vehicles and, if appropriate, the times of
year for which use is designated.
Purpose and Need for Action
The following needs have been
identified for this proposal:
1. There is a need for regulation of
unmanaged wheeled motorized vehicle
travel by the public. Currently, wheeled
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51776
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 175 / Tuesday, September 11, 2007 / Notices
motorized vehicle travel by the public is
allowed off designated routes below
6,800 feet elevation. In their enjoyment
of the Sierra NF, motorized vehicle
users have created numerous
unauthorized routes. The number of
such routes continues to grow each year
with many routes having environmental
impacts and safety concerns that have
not been addressed. The Travel
Management Rule, 36 CFR part 212),
provides policy for ending this trend of
unauthorized route proliferation and
managing the Forest transportation
system in a sustainable manner through
designation of motorized NFS roads,
trails and areas, and the prohibition of
cross-country travel.
2. There is a need for limited changes
and additions to the Sierra NF
transportation system to:
2.1. Provide wheeled motorized
access to dispersed recreation
opportunities (camping, hunting,
fishing, hiking, horseback riding, etc.)
2.2. Provide a diversity of wheeled
motorized recreation opportunities (4x4
Vehicles, motorcyles, ATVs, passenger
vehicles, etc.)
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 the proposed
action must 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 thr transportation
system 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. Prohibition 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.
2. Additions to the National Forest
Transportation System—The Sierra NF
currently manages and maintains
approximately 2,530 miles of NFS roads
and no NFS motorized trails. Based on
the stated purpose and need for action
and as a result of the recent Travel
Analysis process; the Sierra NF
proposes to add no NFS roads; add
approximately 54 miles of new
motorized trail; permanently convert 72
miles of NFS Roads to NFS Trails;
manage 71 miles of NFS Roads as NFS
Trails; and add approximately six acres
of new motorized use areas.
PROPOSED ADDITIONS TO MOTORIZED TRAILS SYSTEM
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES
Trail name
Battalion ..............................
Chiquito South ....................
Lost Lake ............................
Deadman Miami .................
Footman .............................
Beasore ..............................
BLT Miami ..........................
Browns ................................
Cedar Loop .........................
Central ................................
Chiquito North ....................
Cody E Miami .....................
Cody W Miami ....................
Express ...............................
E-Zee Miami .......................
Greys ..................................
Hail .....................................
Halfmile Miami ....................
Johnson ..............................
Martin Miami .......................
Miami ..................................
MMTB Miami ......................
Power Loop E .....................
Power Loop N ....................
Powerline ............................
Quartz Mtn ..........................
Rock Creek .........................
Rush ...................................
Shady E Miami ...................
Shady Miami .......................
Soquel ................................
Stagecoach .........................
Summit ...............................
Sunflower Miami .................
Texas ..................................
Whiskey ..............................
45 Cutoff .............................
VerDate Aug<31>2005
Proposed use
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17:06 Sep 10, 2007
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All Vehicles .......................................................
All Vehicles .......................................................
All Vehicles .......................................................
Motorcycles Only ..............................................
Motorcycles Only ..............................................
Vehicles Less Than 50″ ....................................
Vehicles Less Than 50″ ....................................
Vehicles Less Than 50″ ....................................
Vehicles Less Than 50″ ....................................
Vehicles Less Than 50″ ....................................
Vehicles Less Than 50″ ....................................
Vehicles Less Than 50″ ....................................
Vehicles Less Than 50″ ....................................
Vehicles Less Than 50″ ....................................
Vehicles Less Than 50″ ....................................
Vehicles Less Than 50″ ....................................
Vehicles Less Than 50″ ....................................
Vehicles Less Than 50″ ....................................
Vehicles Less Than 50″ ....................................
Vehicles Less Than 50″ ....................................
Vehicles Less Than 50″ ....................................
Vehicles Less Than 50″ ....................................
Vehicles Less Than 50″ ....................................
Vehicles Less Than 50″ ....................................
Vehicles Less Than 50″ ....................................
Vehicles Less Than 50″ ....................................
Vehicles Less Than 50″ ....................................
Vehicles Less Than 50″ ....................................
Vehicles Less Than 50″ ....................................
Vehicles Less Than 50″ ....................................
Vehicles Less Than 50″ ....................................
Vehicles Less Than 50″ ....................................
Vehicles Less Than 50″ ....................................
Vehicles Less Than 50″ ....................................
Vehicles Less Than 50″ ....................................
Vehicles Less Than 50″ ....................................
All Vehicles .......................................................
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0.56
0.82
0.62
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2.27
0.25
0.82
0.70
0.64
0.53
1.73
0.35
2.38
0.68
3.12
1.05
0.97
0.64
1.58
0.69
Season of use
May 20 to Dec 01 ..............
May 20 to Dec 01 ..............
Year Round ........................
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ................
May 20 to Dec 01 ..............
May 20 to Dec 01 ..............
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ................
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ................
Year Round ........................
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ................
May 20 to Dec 01 ...............
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ................
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ................
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ................
May 20 to Dec 01 ..............
Year Round ........................
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ................
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ................
Year Round ........................
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ................
May 20 to Dec 01 ...............
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ................
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ................
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ................
May 20 to Dec 01 ..............
Jun 15 to Nov 01 ...............
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ................
May 20 to Dec 01 ..............
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ................
May 20 to Dec 01 ..............
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ................
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ................
Year Round ........................
Year Round ........................
Year Round ........................
Year Round ........................
May 20 to Dec 01 ..............
E:\FR\FM\11SEN1.SGM
11SEN1
District
Bass Lake.
Bass Lake.
Bass Lake.
Bass Lake.
Bass Lake.
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Bass Lake.
Bass Lake.
Bass Lake.
Bass Lake.
Bass Lake.
Bass Lake.
Bass Lake.
Bass Lake.
Bass Lake.
High Sierra.
51777
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 175 / Tuesday, September 11, 2007 / Notices
PROPOSED ADDITIONS TO MOTORIZED TRAILS SYSTEM—Continued
Trail name
Basecamp ...........................
Bearpaw .............................
Boneyard ............................
Buck ....................................
Campfire .............................
Campout .............................
Dayuse ...............................
Doe .....................................
Dry Camp ...........................
Fawn ...................................
Horseshoe ..........................
Kaiser .................................
Lower Bald .........................
Lower Dinkey ......................
North Bald ..........................
One Mile .............................
Racoon ...............................
Ridgeline .............................
Ridgetop .............................
Rockhopper ........................
Rockslide ............................
Sand Flats ..........................
South Fort ...........................
Spike ...................................
Streamside .........................
Tamarack ............................
Upper Bald .........................
Upper Dinkey ......................
Creekside ...........................
Roadside ............................
Proposed use
Open
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All Vehicles .......................................................
All Vehicles .......................................................
All Vehicles .......................................................
All Vehicles .......................................................
All Vehicles .......................................................
All Vehicles .......................................................
All Vehicles .......................................................
All Vehicles .......................................................
All Vehicles .......................................................
All Vehicles .......................................................
All Vehicles .......................................................
All Vehicles .......................................................
All Vehicles .......................................................
All Vehicles .......................................................
All Vehicles .......................................................
All Vehicles .......................................................
All Vehicles .......................................................
All Vehicles .......................................................
All Vehicles .......................................................
All Vehicles .......................................................
All Vehicles .......................................................
All Vehicles .......................................................
All Vehicles .......................................................
All Vehicles .......................................................
All Vehicles .......................................................
All Vehicles .......................................................
All Vehicles .......................................................
All Vehicles .......................................................
Vehicles Less Than 50″ ....................................
Vehicles Less Than 50″ ....................................
1.07
0.64
0.48
0.10
0.17
0.09
0.16
0.29
0.07
0.11
0.13
0.02
3.34
0.44
0.66
0.26
0.71
0.68
1.08
1.15
1.20
0.27
0.13
0.05
0.14
0.06
2.14
0.19
1.91
1.37
Season of use
Year Round ........................
Year Round ........................
Year Round ........................
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ................
Year Round ........................
Year Round ........................
Year Round ........................
Year Round ........................
Year Round ........................
Year Round ........................
Year Round ........................
Year Round ........................
Year Round ........................
Year Round ........................
May 20 to Dec 01 ..............
Year Round ........................
Year Round ........................
Year Round ........................
Year Round ........................
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ................
Year Round ........................
Year Round ........................
Year Round ........................
Year Round ........................
Year Round ........................
Year Round ........................
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ................
Year Round ........................
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ................
Year Round ........................
District
High
High
High
High
High
High
High
High
High
High
High
High
High
High
High
High
High
High
High
High
High
High
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High
High
High
Sierra.
Sierra.
Sierra.
Sierra.
Sierra.
Sierra.
Sierra.
Sierra.
Sierra.
Sierra.
Sierra.
Sierra.
Sierra.
Sierra.
Sierra.
Sierra.
Sierra.
Sierra.
Sierra.
Sierra.
Sierra.
Sierra.
Sierra.
Sierra.
Sierra.
Sierra.
Sierra.
Sierra.
Sierra.
Sierra.
CONVERT FROM NFS ROADS TO NFS TRAILS
Road/trail No.
Beg MP
HITE COVE OHV ROUTE (03S002) ...................
STAR LAKES OHV ROUTE (05S026) ................
GREEN MTN OHV ROUTE (05S030X) ..............
CATTLE MTN OHV ROUTE (05S030XA) ...........
RED TOP OHV ROUTE (05S070A) ....................
GLOBE ROCK AA SPUR (05S070AA) ...............
IRON LAKES OHV ROUTE (05S092A) ..............
DUSY-ERSHIM OHV ROUTE (07S032) .............
COYOTE OHV ROUTE (08S042) .......................
STRAWBERRY OHV ROUTE (08S042X) ...........
WEST LAKE OHV ROUTE (08S042XA) .............
MIRROR LAKE OHV ROUTE (08S042XB) .........
BREWER LAKE OHV ROUTE (09S034) ............
BALD MTN OHV ROUTE (09S043) ....................
BALD OHV B (09S043B) .....................................
PEEP OHV (09S043A) ........................................
TRI-TIP OHV ROUTE (09S091) ..........................
SWAMP LAKE OHV ROUTE (10S015) ...............
SPANISH LAKE OHV ROUTE (11S007A) ..........
End MP
1.25
0.6
0
0
0
0
0
1.2
3.2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
4.95
2.9
2
2
1.2
0.66
0.6
25.2
6.1
2.5
0.3
0.7
2.1
4.5
1.8
0.2
1.3
13.8
5.7
Vehicle class
Open
Open
Open
Open
Open
Open
Open
Open
Open
Open
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Open
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Vehicles
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Season of use
....
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Apr 20 to Dec 01 .........
Year Round ..................
Year Round ..................
Year Round ..................
Year Round ..................
Year Round ..................
Year Round ..................
Jul 15 to Nov 01 ..........
Jun 01 to Nov 01 .........
Jun 01 to Nov 01 .........
Jun 01 to Nov 01 .........
Jun 01 to Nov 01 .........
Jun 01 to Nov 01 .........
Year Round ..................
May 20 to Dec 01 ........
May 20 to Dec 01 ........
May 20 to Dec 01 ........
Jun 15 to Nov 01 .........
Aug 01 to Nov 01 .........
District
Bass Lake.
Bass Lake.
Bass Lake.
Bass Lake.
Bass Lake.
Bass Lake.
Bass Lake.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
NFS ROADS TO BE MANAGED AS NFS TRAILS
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES
Road/Trail No.
Beg Mp
50S009XA ......................
50S013G ........................
50S020X ........................
50S023 ...........................
50S027 ...........................
50S024C ........................
06S027M ........................
06S034 ...........................
06S034A ........................
06S037 ...........................
06S037A ........................
VerDate Aug<31>2005
17:06 Sep 10, 2007
End Mp
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Jkt 211001
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0.3
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0.9
0.7
0.1
PO 00000
Vehicle class
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Vehicles Less Than 50″ ........................
Vehicles Less Than 50″ ........................
Vehicles Less Than 50″ ........................
Vehicles Less Than 50″ ........................
Vehicles Less Than 50″ ........................
Vehicles Less Than 50″ ........................
All Vehicles ............................................
All Vehicles ............................................
All Vehicles ............................................
All Vehicles ............................................
All Vehicles ............................................
Frm 00006
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Season of use
Year Round ..................
Year Round ..................
Year Round ..................
Year Round ..................
Year Round ..................
Year Round ..................
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ..........
May 20 to Dec 01 .........
May 20 to Dec 01 .........
May 20 to Dec 01 .........
May 20 to Dec 01 .........
11SEN1
District
Bass Lake.
Bass Lake.
Bass Lake.
Bass Lake.
Bass Lake.
Bass Lake.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
51778
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 175 / Tuesday, September 11, 2007 / Notices
NFS ROADS TO BE MANAGED AS NFS TRAILS—Continued
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES
Road/Trail No.
Beg Mp
06S040XA ......................
06S042G ........................
06S043A ........................
06S044XB ......................
06S048A ........................
06S086B ........................
06S086C ........................
06S089YA ......................
07S005SA ......................
07S008A ........................
07S008B ........................
07S012 ...........................
07S095 ...........................
07S095A ........................
07S099 ...........................
07S099A ........................
07S303A ........................
07S500 ...........................
07S520A ........................
08S056 ...........................
08S057 ...........................
08S098G ........................
09S005E ........................
09S006A ........................
09S009B ........................
09S009C ........................
09S009K ........................
09S014A ........................
09S015 ...........................
09S034A ........................
09S034B ........................
09S066A ........................
09S069C ........................
09S072 ...........................
09S072A ........................
09S090 ...........................
09S090A ........................
09S090B ........................
09S404 ...........................
09S404A ........................
09S404B ........................
10S013A ........................
10S013G ........................
10S016A ........................
10S016E ........................
10S016H ........................
10S016M ........................
10S016NA ......................
10S018V ........................
10S020E ........................
10S036 ...........................
10S036B ........................
10S036DA ......................
10S066C ........................
10S066E ........................
10S066H ........................
10S066J .........................
10S066JA .......................
10S066L .........................
10S066N ........................
10S069C ........................
10S069D ........................
10S070BA ......................
10S070T .........................
10S075D ........................
10S090 ...........................
10S098 ...........................
10S099 ...........................
10S099A ........................
10S099B ........................
10S407 ...........................
10S415 ...........................
VerDate Aug<31>2005
17:06 Sep 10, 2007
End Mp
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0.8
0
0
0
0
0.1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
4.6
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Jkt 211001
1.2
0.6
0.5
1.5
0.3
0.4
0.9
0.6
0.4
0.7
0.5
1.2
0.9
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.3
0.5
1.1
1.1
0.4
0.7
0.5
0.5
1.2
0.6
0.1
1
0.7
0.7
1
0.4
0.5
2.2
1.3
0.7
0.5
0.2
0.8
0.2
0.2
1
0.4
0.3
0.3
0.7
0.11
0.4
0.7
0.3
5.1
0.8
0.2
1.2
1.3
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.5
0.7
0.3
0.4
0.4
0.3
0.5
3.4
0.4
2.3
1.1
1.1
0.2
0.3
PO 00000
Vehicle class
Open
Open
Open
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All Vehicles ............................................
Vehicles Less Than 50″ ........................
All Vehicles ............................................
All Vehicles ............................................
All Vehicles ............................................
All Vehicles ............................................
All Vehicles ............................................
All Vehicles ............................................
All Vehicles ............................................
Vehicles Less Than 50″ ........................
Vehicles Less Than 50″ ........................
All Vehicles ............................................
Vehicles Less Than 50″ ........................
Vehicles Less Than 50″ ........................
All Vehicles ............................................
All Vehicles ............................................
All Vehicles ............................................
Vehicles Less Than 50″ ........................
Vehicles Less Than 50″ ........................
All Vehicles ............................................
All Vehicles ............................................
All Vehicles ............................................
All Vehicles ............................................
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All Vehicles ............................................
All Vehicles ............................................
All Vehicles ............................................
All Vehicles ............................................
All Vehicles ............................................
All Vehicles ............................................
All Vehicles ............................................
All Vehicles ............................................
All Vehicles ............................................
All Vehicles ............................................
All Vehicles ............................................
All Vehicles ............................................
All Vehicles ............................................
All Vehicles ............................................
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All Vehicles ............................................
All Vehicles ............................................
All Vehicles ............................................
All Vehicles ............................................
All Vehicles ............................................
All Vehicles ............................................
All Vehicles ............................................
All Vehicles ............................................
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All Vehicles ............................................
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Frm 00007
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
E:\FR\FM\11SEN1.SGM
Season of use
May 20 to Dec 01 .........
Year Round ..................
Jun 15 to Oct 01 ..........
Jun 15 to Oct 01 ..........
May 20 to Dec 01 .........
May 20 to Dec 01 .........
May 20 to Dec 01 .........
Jun 15 to Oct 01 ..........
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ..........
Year Round ..................
Year Round ..................
May 20 to Dec 01 .........
Year Round ..................
Year Round ..................
May 20 to Dec 01 .........
May 20 to Dec 01 .........
May 20 to Dec 01 .........
Year Round ..................
Year Round ..................
May 20 to Dec 01 .........
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ..........
May 20 to Dec 01 .........
Aug 15 to Dec 01 .........
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ..........
May 20 to Dec 01 .........
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ..........
Year Round ..................
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ..........
May 20 to Dec 01 .........
Jun 01 to Nov 01 ..........
Jun 01 to Nov 01 ..........
May 20 to Dec 01 .........
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ..........
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ..........
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ..........
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ..........
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ..........
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ..........
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ..........
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ..........
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ..........
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ..........
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ..........
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ..........
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ..........
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ..........
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ..........
Aug 15 to Dec 01 .........
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ..........
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ..........
Jun 15 to Oct 01 ..........
Jun 15 to Oct 01 ..........
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ..........
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ..........
May 20 to Dec 01 .........
May 20 to Dec 01 .........
May 20 to Dec 01 .........
May 20 to Dec 01 .........
May 20 to Dec 01 .........
May 20 to Dec 01 .........
Year Round ..................
Year Round ..................
Year Round ..................
Year Round ..................
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ..........
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ..........
May 20 to Dec 01 .........
May 20 to Dec 01 .........
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ..........
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ..........
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ..........
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ..........
11SEN1
District
Bass Lake.
Bass Lake.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
Bass Lake.
Bass Lake.
High Sierra.
Bass Lake.
Bass Lake.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
Bass Lake.
Bass Lake.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
High Sierra.
51779
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 175 / Tuesday, September 11, 2007 / Notices
NFS ROADS TO BE MANAGED AS NFS TRAILS—Continued
Road/Trail No.
Beg Mp
10S416 ...........................
11S004C ........................
11S010B ........................
11S010F .........................
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11S040G ........................
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Season of use
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District
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ..........
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Apr 20 to Dec 01 ..........
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ..........
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ..........
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ..........
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ..........
Apr 20 to Dec 01 ..........
High
High
High
High
High
High
High
High
High
High
Sierra.
Sierra.
Sierra.
Sierra.
Sierra.
Sierra.
Sierra.
Sierra.
Sierra.
Sierra.
PROPOSED MOTORIZED USE AREA ADDITIONS
Name
Area
Proposed use
Season of use
Tule Mdw Use Area .........................................
6 Acres ...............................
Open to All Vehicles ........................................
May 20 to Dec 1.
3. Changes of the allowable of use on
the NFS Roads—It is proposed to
restrict the type of vehicular use and/or
the period of use on approximately 970
miles of existing NFS Roads. And to
permanently close 200 miles of existing
NFS Roads to public access unless
allowed by permit or other
authorization. [See Internet, https://
www.fs.us.fed/r5/sierra/projects/ohv, for
complete tables.]
Maps and tables describing in detail
both the Sierra NF transportation system
and the proposed action can found at
https://www.fs.fed.us/r5/sierra/projects/
ohv. In addition, maps will be available
for viewing at:
Supervisor’s Office, 1600 Tollhouse Rd.,
Clovis, CA.
Bass Lake Ranger District, 57003 Road
225, North Fork, CA.
High Sierra Ranger District, 29688
Auberry Road, Prather, CA.
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.
Public Meetings will be held from 6:30
p.m. to 9 p.m. at the following locations:
Mariposa: Sept 24, at the Best Western
Yosemite Way, 4999 State Highway
49.
Clovis: Sept 26, at the Sierra NF
Headquaters. 1600 Tollhouse Road.
Prather: Sept 27, at the High Sierra
District Office, 29688 Auberry Road.
Oakhurst: Oct 2, at the Oakhurst
Community Center, Road 425B.
The Notice of Intent is expected to be
published in the Federal Register on
September 14, 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 November 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
Sierra NF 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
Responsible Official
Edward C. Cole, Forest Supervisor,
1600 Tollhouse Rd., Clovis, CA 93611.
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES
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 changes to the existing Sierra NF
Transportation System and prohibit
cross country wheeled motorized
vehicle travel by the public off the
designated system. Once the decision is
made, the Sierra NF will publish a
Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM)
identifying the roads, trails and areas
that are designated for motor vehicle
use. The MVUM shall specify the
classes of vehicles and, if appropriate,
the times of year for which use is
designated.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
17:06 Sep 10, 2007
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PO 00000
Frm 00008
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
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.
E:\FR\FM\11SEN1.SGM
11SEN1
51780
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 175 / Tuesday, September 11, 2007 / Notices
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)
Dated: September 5, 2007.
Edward C. Cole,
Forest Supervisor.
[FR Doc. E7–17834 Filed 9–10–07; 8:45 am]
extend the comment period on the draft
American Indian and Alaska Native
(AIAN) policy statement. The Census
Bureau published the original notice
and request for comments in the Federal
Register on Wednesday, May 23, 2007
(72 FR 28952). Please see the earlier
notice for more information about the
draft AIAN policy. The Census Bureau
is currently conducting consultation
meetings with federally-recognized
tribal governments in preparation for
the 2010 Census and would like to
extend the comment period to allow
those tribal leaders and the general
public the opportunity to review and
provide their input on the draft policy.
The Census Bureau will accept all
public comments received from May 23
to the closing date identified in this
notice.
Written comments must be
submitted on or before October 27,
2007.
DATES:
Direct all written comments
to Dee Alexander, Program Analyst,
Decennial Management Division,
Outreach and Promotions Branch, U.S.
Census Bureau, Room 3H166, 4600
Silver Hill Road, Stop 7100,
Washington, DC 20233–7100. Written
comments may also be submitted via fax
at (301) 763–8327, or e-mail to
dee.a.alexander@census.gov.
ADDRESSES:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Requests for additional information or
copies of the proposed policy should be
directed to Dee Alexander, Program
Analyst, Decennial Management
Division, Outreach and Promotions
Branch, U.S. Census Bureau, Room
3H166, 4600 Silver Hill Road, Stop
7100, Washington, DC 20233–7100,
telephone (301) 763–9335.
Dated: Sepember 5, 2007.
Charles Louis Kincannon,
Director, Bureau of the Census.
[FR Doc. E7–17846 Filed 9–10–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510–07–P
BILLING CODE 3410–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Foreign–Trade Zones Board
Bureau of the Census
(Docket 45–2007)
[Docket Number: 070404074–7460–02]
AGENCY:
Foreign–Trade Zone 49 -- Newark, New
Jersey, Area, Application for Subzone
Status In Mocean Group, LLC
(Swimwear/Beach Accessories), North
Brunswick, New Jersey
SUMMARY: The Bureau of the Census
(Census Bureau) is issuing this notice to
An application has been submitted to
the Foreign–Trade Zones Board (the
Board) by the Port Authority of New
York and New Jersey, grantee of FTZ 49,
requesting special–purpose subzone
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES
American Indian and Alaska Native
Policy Statement
Bureau of the Census,
Department of Commerce.
ACTION: Notice of re-opening of a public
comment period.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
17:06 Sep 10, 2007
Jkt 211001
PO 00000
Frm 00009
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
status for the distribution facility of In
Mocean Group, LLC (IMG), located in
North Brunswick, New Jersey. The
application was submitted pursuant to
the provisions of the Foreign–Trade
Zones Act, as amended (19 U.S.C. 81a–
81u), and the regulations of the Foreign–
Trade Zones Board (15 CFR part 400). It
was formally filed on August 31, 2007.
The IMG facility (146,150 sq. ft., with
possible expansion of an additional
100,000 sq. ft., on 22 acres; 100
employees) is located at 2400 Route U.S.
1 in North Brunswick. The facility is
used for the receipt, storage,
manipulation (repacking/sorting) and
distribution of swimwear and beach
accessories. The products are
distributed throughout the U.S. and
abroad.
FTZ procedures could exempt IMG
from Customs duty payments on foreign
products that are re–exported. Some 5
percent of the facility’s shipments are
exported. On domestic sales, the
company would be able to defer
payments until merchandise is shipped
from the facility and entered for U.S.
consumption. IMG also plans to realize
logistical benefits through the use of
weekly entry procedures. The
application indicates that zone savings
would help improve the international
competitiveness of the distribution
facility.
In accordance with the Board’s
regulations, a member of the FTZ Staff
has been designated examiner to
investigate the application and report to
the Board.
Public comment is invited from
interested parties. Submissions (original
and 3 copies) shall be addressed to the
Board’s Executive Secretary at the
address below. The closing period for
their receipt is November 13, 2007.
Rebuttal comments in response to
material submitted during the foregoing
period may be submitted during the
subsequent 15-day period November 26,
2007.
A copy of the application and
accompanying exhibits will be available
for public inspection at each of the
following locations: U.S. Department of
Commerce, Export Assistance Center, 20
West State Street, Trenton, NJ 08625;
and, Office of the Executive Secretary,
Foreign–Trade Zones Board, Room
2111, U.S. Department of Commerce,
1401 Constitution Avenue, NW.,
Washington, DC 20230.
For further information, contact
Camille Evans at
Camille_Evans@rita.doc.gov. or (202)
482–2350.
E:\FR\FM\11SEN1.SGM
11SEN1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 175 (Tuesday, September 11, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 51775-51780]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-17834]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service
Sierra National Forest, California, Sierra National Forest
Motorized Travel Management EIS
AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Sierra National Forest (Sierra NF) will prepare an
Environmental Impact Statement to disclose the impacts associated with
the following proposed actions: 1. 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. 2. The
addition of approximately 54 miles of existing unauthorized tracks to
the current system of National Forest System (NFS) motorized trails,
the permanent conversion of 72 miles of NFS Roads to NFS Trails, the
management of 61 miles of NFS Roads as NFS Trails and the addition of
six acres for motorized use. 3. The changing of the allowable use or
season of use on approximately 970 miles of existing NFS Roads and
closing approximately 200 miles of existing NFS Roads to public access
usless allowed by permit or other authorization.
DATES: The comment period on the proposed action will extend 45 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 November 2007 and the Final Environmental Impact Statement
(FEIS) is expected in January 2008.
ADDRESSES: Send written comments to: Travel Management Team, Sierra NF,
1600 Tollhouse Rd., Clovis, CA 93611.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Lowe, Sierra NF, 1600 Tollhouse
Rd., Clovis, CA 93611; Phone: (559) 297-0706 extension 4840. E-mail:
sierra.route.designation@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. (Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation in the United States, Regions and
States: A National Report from a National Survey on Recreation and the
Environment, USDA Forest Service, 2005).
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
designated.
On some NFS lands, long managed as open to cross-country motor
vehicle travel, repeated use has resulted in unplanned, unauthorized
tracks. These tracks 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 tracks 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 tracks 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 track to be designated, it must first be added to the
forest transportation system.
In accordance with the MOI, the Sierra NF completed an inventory of
unauthorized tracks on NFS lands in August of 2006, identifying
approximately 520 miles of known unauthorized tracks. The Sierra NF
then used an interdisciplinary process to conduct a Travel Analysis
including working with the public to determine whether any of the
unauthorized tracks should be proposed for addition to the Sierra NF
transportation system. Roads, trails and areas that are currently part
of the Sierra NF transportation system and are open to wheeled
motorized vehicle travel will remain designated for such use except as
described below under Proposed Action. This proposal focuses on the
prohibition of wheeled motorized vehicle travel off designated routes
and needed changes to the Sierra NF transportation system, including
the addition of some unauthorized routes to the Sierra NF
transportation system and minor changes to the existing transportation
systems. The proposed action is being carried forward in accordance
with the Travel Management Rule (36 CFR part 212).
In accordance with the rule, following a decision on this proposal,
the Sierra NF will publish a Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) identifying
all Sierra NF roads, trails and areas that are designated for motor
vehicle use. The MVUM shall specify the classes of vehicles and, if
appropriate, the times of year for which use is designated.
Purpose and Need for Action
The following needs have been identified for this proposal:
1. There is a need for regulation of unmanaged wheeled motorized
vehicle travel by the public. Currently, wheeled
[[Page 51776]]
motorized vehicle travel by the public is allowed off designated routes
below 6,800 feet elevation. In their enjoyment of the Sierra NF,
motorized vehicle users have created numerous unauthorized routes. The
number of such routes continues to grow each year with many routes
having environmental impacts and safety concerns that have not been
addressed. The Travel Management Rule, 36 CFR part 212), provides
policy for ending this trend of unauthorized route proliferation and
managing the Forest transportation system in a sustainable manner
through designation of motorized NFS roads, trails and areas, and the
prohibition of cross-country travel.
2. There is a need for limited changes and additions to the Sierra
NF transportation system to:
2.1. Provide wheeled motorized access to dispersed recreation
opportunities (camping, hunting, fishing, hiking, horseback riding,
etc.)
2.2. Provide a diversity of wheeled motorized recreation
opportunities (4x4 Vehicles, motorcyles, ATVs, passenger vehicles,
etc.)
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 the proposed action must 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 thr
transportation system 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. Prohibition 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.
2. Additions to the National Forest Transportation System--The
Sierra NF currently manages and maintains approximately 2,530 miles of
NFS roads and no NFS motorized trails. Based on the stated purpose and
need for action and as a result of the recent Travel Analysis process;
the Sierra NF proposes to add no NFS roads; add approximately 54 miles
of new motorized trail; permanently convert 72 miles of NFS Roads to
NFS Trails; manage 71 miles of NFS Roads as NFS Trails; and add
approximately six acres of new motorized use areas.
Proposed Additions to Motorized Trails System
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trail name Proposed use Length Season of use District
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Battalion....................... Open to All Vehicles.... 0.50 May 20 to Dec 01... Bass Lake.
Chiquito South.................. Open to All Vehicles.... 0.35 May 20 to Dec 01... Bass Lake.
Lost Lake....................... Open to All Vehicles.... 0.58 Year Round......... Bass Lake.
Deadman Miami................... Open to Motorcycles Only 0.83 Apr 20 to Dec 01... Bass Lake.
Footman......................... Open to Motorcycles Only 1.62 May 20 to Dec 01... Bass Lake.
Beasore......................... Open to Vehicles Less 0.79 May 20 to Dec 01... Bass Lake.
Than 50.
BLT Miami....................... Open to Vehicles Less 0.12 Apr 20 to Dec 01... Bass Lake.
Than 50.
Browns.......................... Open to Vehicles Less 0.77 Apr 20 to Dec 01... Bass Lake.
Than 50.
Cedar Loop...................... Open to Vehicles Less 1.41 Year Round......... Bass Lake.
Than 50.
Central......................... Open to Vehicles Less 0.32 Apr 20 to Dec 01... Bass Lake.
Than 50.
Chiquito North.................. Open to Vehicles Less 0.72 May 20 to Dec 01... Bass Lake.
Than 50.
Cody E Miami.................... Open to Vehicles Less 0.79 Apr 20 to Dec 01... Bass Lake.
Than 50.
Cody W Miami.................... Open to Vehicles Less 1.62 Apr 20 to Dec 01... Bass Lake.
Than 50.
Express......................... Open to Vehicles Less 1.01 Apr 20 to Dec 01... Bass Lake.
Than 50.
E-Zee Miami..................... Open to Vehicles Less 0.65 May 20 to Dec 01... Bass Lake.
Than 50.
Greys........................... Open to Vehicles Less 0.56 Year Round......... Bass Lake.
Than 50.
Hail............................ Open to Vehicles Less 0.82 Apr 20 to Dec 01... Bass Lake.
Than 50.
Halfmile Miami.................. Open to Vehicles Less 0.62 Apr 20 to Dec 01... Bass Lake.
Than 50.
Johnson......................... Open to Vehicles Less 0.18 Year Round......... Bass Lake.
Than 50.
Martin Miami.................... Open to Vehicles Less 0.50 Apr 20 to Dec 01... Bass Lake.
Than 50.
Miami........................... Open to Vehicles Less 1.72 May 20 to Dec 01... Bass Lake.
Than 50.
MMTB Miami...................... Open to Vehicles Less 2.27 Apr 20 to Dec 01... Bass Lake.
Than 50.
Power Loop E.................... Open to Vehicles Less 0.25 Apr 20 to Dec 01... Bass Lake.
Than 50.
Power Loop N.................... Open to Vehicles Less 0.82 Apr 20 to Dec 01... Bass Lake.
Than 50.
Powerline....................... Open to Vehicles Less 0.70 May 20 to Dec 01... Bass Lake.
Than 50.
Quartz Mtn...................... Open to Vehicles Less 0.64 Jun 15 to Nov 01... Bass Lake.
Than 50.
Rock Creek...................... Open to Vehicles Less 0.53 Apr 20 to Dec 01... Bass Lake.
Than 50.
Rush............................ Open to Vehicles Less 1.73 May 20 to Dec 01... Bass Lake.
Than 50.
Shady E Miami................... Open to Vehicles Less 0.35 Apr 20 to Dec 01... Bass Lake.
Than 50.
Shady Miami..................... Open to Vehicles Less 2.38 May 20 to Dec 01... Bass Lake.
Than 50.
Soquel.......................... Open to Vehicles Less 0.68 Apr 20 to Dec 01... Bass Lake.
Than 50.
Stagecoach...................... Open to Vehicles Less 3.12 Apr 20 to Dec 01... Bass Lake.
Than 50.
Summit.......................... Open to Vehicles Less 1.05 Year Round......... Bass Lake.
Than 50.
Sunflower Miami................. Open to Vehicles Less 0.97 Year Round......... Bass Lake.
Than 50.
Texas........................... Open to Vehicles Less 0.64 Year Round......... Bass Lake.
Than 50.
Whiskey......................... Open to Vehicles Less 1.58 Year Round......... Bass Lake.
Than 50.
45 Cutoff....................... Open to All Vehicles.... 0.69 May 20 to Dec 01... High Sierra.
[[Page 51777]]
Basecamp........................ Open to All Vehicles.... 1.07 Year Round......... High Sierra.
Bearpaw......................... Open to All Vehicles.... 0.64 Year Round......... High Sierra.
Boneyard........................ Open to All Vehicles.... 0.48 Year Round......... High Sierra.
Buck............................ Open to All Vehicles.... 0.10 Apr 20 to Dec 01... High Sierra.
Campfire........................ Open to All Vehicles.... 0.17 Year Round......... High Sierra.
Campout......................... Open to All Vehicles.... 0.09 Year Round......... High Sierra.
Dayuse.......................... Open to All Vehicles.... 0.16 Year Round......... High Sierra.
Doe............................. Open to All Vehicles.... 0.29 Year Round......... High Sierra.
Dry Camp........................ Open to All Vehicles.... 0.07 Year Round......... High Sierra.
Fawn............................ Open to All Vehicles.... 0.11 Year Round......... High Sierra.
Horseshoe....................... Open to All Vehicles.... 0.13 Year Round......... High Sierra.
Kaiser.......................... Open to All Vehicles.... 0.02 Year Round......... High Sierra.
Lower Bald...................... Open to All Vehicles.... 3.34 Year Round......... High Sierra.
Lower Dinkey.................... Open to All Vehicles.... 0.44 Year Round......... High Sierra.
North Bald...................... Open to All Vehicles.... 0.66 May 20 to Dec 01... High Sierra.
One Mile........................ Open to All Vehicles.... 0.26 Year Round......... High Sierra.
Racoon.......................... Open to All Vehicles.... 0.71 Year Round......... High Sierra.
Ridgeline....................... Open to All Vehicles.... 0.68 Year Round......... High Sierra.
Ridgetop........................ Open to All Vehicles.... 1.08 Year Round......... High Sierra.
Rockhopper...................... Open to All Vehicles.... 1.15 Apr 20 to Dec 01... High Sierra.
Rockslide....................... Open to All Vehicles.... 1.20 Year Round......... High Sierra.
Sand Flats...................... Open to All Vehicles.... 0.27 Year Round......... High Sierra.
South Fort...................... Open to All Vehicles.... 0.13 Year Round......... High Sierra.
Spike........................... Open to All Vehicles.... 0.05 Year Round......... High Sierra.
Streamside...................... Open to All Vehicles.... 0.14 Year Round......... High Sierra.
Tamarack........................ Open to All Vehicles.... 0.06 Year Round......... High Sierra.
Upper Bald...................... Open to All Vehicles.... 2.14 Apr 20 to Dec 01... High Sierra.
Upper Dinkey.................... Open to All Vehicles.... 0.19 Year Round......... High Sierra.
Creekside....................... Open to Vehicles Less 1.91 Apr 20 to Dec 01... High Sierra.
Than 50.
Roadside........................ Open to Vehicles Less 1.37 Year Round......... High Sierra.
Than 50.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Convert From NFS Roads to NFS Trails
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Road/trail No. Beg MP End MP Vehicle class Season of use District
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HITE COVE OHV ROUTE (03S002).. 1.25 4.95 Open to All Apr 20 to Dec 01. Bass Lake.
Vehicles.
STAR LAKES OHV ROUTE (05S026). 0.6 2.9 Open to All Year Round....... Bass Lake.
Vehicles.
GREEN MTN OHV ROUTE (05S030X). 0 2 Open to All Year Round....... Bass Lake.
Vehicles.
CATTLE MTN OHV ROUTE 0 2 Open to All Year Round....... Bass Lake.
(05S030XA). Vehicles.
RED TOP OHV ROUTE (05S070A)... 0 1.2 Open to All Year Round....... Bass Lake.
Vehicles.
GLOBE ROCK AA SPUR (05S070AA). 0 0.66 Open to All Year Round....... Bass Lake.
Vehicles.
IRON LAKES OHV ROUTE (05S092A) 0 0.6 Open to All Year Round....... Bass Lake.
Vehicles.
DUSY-ERSHIM OHV ROUTE (07S032) 1.2 25.2 Open to All Jul 15 to Nov 01. High Sierra.
Vehicles.
COYOTE OHV ROUTE (08S042)..... 3.2 6.1 Open to All Jun 01 to Nov 01. High Sierra.
Vehicles.
STRAWBERRY OHV ROUTE (08S042X) 0 2.5 Open to All Jun 01 to Nov 01. High Sierra.
Vehicles.
WEST LAKE OHV ROUTE (08S042XA) 0 0.3 Open to All Jun 01 to Nov 01. High Sierra.
Vehicles.
MIRROR LAKE OHV ROUTE 0 0.7 Open to All Jun 01 to Nov 01. High Sierra.
(08S042XB). Vehicles.
BREWER LAKE OHV ROUTE (09S034) 0 2.1 Open to All Jun 01 to Nov 01. High Sierra.
Vehicles.
BALD MTN OHV ROUTE (09S043)... 0 4.5 Open to All Year Round....... High Sierra.
Vehicles.
BALD OHV B (09S043B).......... 0 1.8 Open to All May 20 to Dec 01. High Sierra.
Vehicles.
PEEP OHV (09S043A)............ 0 0.2 Open to All May 20 to Dec 01. High Sierra.
Vehicles.
TRI-TIP OHV ROUTE (09S091).... 0 1.3 Open to All May 20 to Dec 01. High Sierra.
Vehicles.
SWAMP LAKE OHV ROUTE (10S015). 0 13.8 Open to All Jun 15 to Nov 01. High Sierra.
Vehicles.
SPANISH LAKE OHV ROUTE 0 5.7 Open to All Aug 01 to Nov 01. High Sierra.
(11S007A). Vehicles.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NFS Roads to be Managed as NFS Trails
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Road/Trail No. Beg Mp End Mp Vehicle class Season of use District
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
50S009XA..................... 0 0.6 Open to Vehicles Less Year Round...... Bass Lake.
Than 50''.
50S013G...................... 0 0.4 Open to Vehicles Less Year Round...... Bass Lake.
Than 50''.
50S020X...................... 0 2.5 Open to Vehicles Less Year Round...... Bass Lake.
Than 50''.
50S023....................... 0 0.9 Open to Vehicles Less Year Round...... Bass Lake.
Than 50''.
50S027....................... 0 0.4 Open to Vehicles Less Year Round...... Bass Lake.
Than 50''.
50S024C...................... 0 0.6 Open to Vehicles Less Year Round...... Bass Lake.
Than 50''.
06S027M...................... 0 0.3 Open to All Vehicles. Apr 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
06S034....................... 0 1 Open to All Vehicles. May 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
06S034A...................... 0 0.9 Open to All Vehicles. May 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
06S037....................... 0 0.7 Open to All Vehicles. May 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
06S037A...................... 0 0.1 Open to All Vehicles. May 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
[[Page 51778]]
06S040XA..................... 0 1.2 Open to All Vehicles. May 20 to Dec 01 Bass Lake.
06S042G...................... 0 0.6 Open to Vehicles Less Year Round...... Bass Lake.
Than 50''.
06S043A...................... 0 0.5 Open to All Vehicles. Jun 15 to Oct 01 High Sierra.
06S044XB..................... 0 1.5 Open to All Vehicles. Jun 15 to Oct 01 High Sierra.
06S048A...................... 0 0.3 Open to All Vehicles. May 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
06S086B...................... 0 0.4 Open to All Vehicles. May 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
06S086C...................... 0 0.9 Open to All Vehicles. May 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
06S089YA..................... 0 0.6 Open to All Vehicles. Jun 15 to Oct 01 High Sierra.
07S005SA..................... 0 0.4 Open to All Vehicles. Apr 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
07S008A...................... 0 0.7 Open to Vehicles Less Year Round...... Bass Lake.
Than 50''.
07S008B...................... 0 0.5 Open to Vehicles Less Year Round...... Bass Lake.
Than 50''.
07S012....................... 0 1.2 Open to All Vehicles. May 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
07S095....................... 0 0.9 Open to Vehicles Less Year Round...... Bass Lake.
Than 50''.
07S095A...................... 0 0.2 Open to Vehicles Less Year Round...... Bass Lake.
Than 50''.
07S099....................... 0 0.2 Open to All Vehicles. May 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
07S099A...................... 0 0.2 Open to All Vehicles. May 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
07S303A...................... 0 0.3 Open to All Vehicles. May 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
07S500....................... 0 0.5 Open to Vehicles Less Year Round...... Bass Lake.
Than 50''.
07S520A...................... 0 1.1 Open to Vehicles Less Year Round...... Bass Lake.
Than 50''.
08S056....................... 0 1.1 Open to All Vehicles. May 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
08S057....................... 0 0.4 Open to All Vehicles. Apr 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
08S098G...................... 0 0.7 Open to All Vehicles. May 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
09S005E...................... 0 0.5 Open to All Vehicles. Aug 15 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
09S006A...................... 0 0.5 Open to All Vehicles. Apr 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
09S009B...................... 0 1.2 Open to All Vehicles. May 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
09S009C...................... 0 0.6 Open to All Vehicles. Apr 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
09S009K...................... 0 0.1 Open to All Vehicles. Year Round...... High Sierra.
09S014A...................... 0 1 Open to All Vehicles. Apr 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
09S015....................... 0 0.7 Open to All Vehicles. May 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
09S034A...................... 0 0.7 Open to All Vehicles. Jun 01 to Nov 01 High Sierra.
09S034B...................... 0 1 Open to All Vehicles. Jun 01 to Nov 01 High Sierra.
09S066A...................... 0 0.4 Open to All Vehicles. May 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
09S069C...................... 0 0.5 Open to All Vehicles. Apr 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
09S072....................... 0.8 2.2 Open to All Vehicles. Apr 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
09S072A...................... 0 1.3 Open to All Vehicles. Apr 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
09S090....................... 0 0.7 Open to All Vehicles. Apr 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
09S090A...................... 0 0.5 Open to All Vehicles. Apr 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
09S090B...................... 0 0.2 Open to All Vehicles. Apr 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
09S404....................... 0.1 0.8 Open to All Vehicles. Apr 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
09S404A...................... 0 0.2 Open to All Vehicles. Apr 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
09S404B...................... 0 0.2 Open to All Vehicles. Apr 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
10S013A...................... 0 1 Open to All Vehicles. Apr 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
10S013G...................... 0 0.4 Open to All Vehicles. Apr 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
10S016A...................... 0 0.3 Open to All Vehicles. Apr 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
10S016E...................... 0 0.3 Open to All Vehicles. Apr 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
10S016H...................... 0 0.7 Open to All Vehicles. Apr 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
10S016M...................... 0 0.11 Open to All Vehicles. Apr 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
10S016NA..................... 0 0.4 Open to All Vehicles. Aug 15 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
10S018V...................... 0 0.7 Open to All Vehicles. Apr 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
10S020E...................... 0 0.3 Open to All Vehicles. Apr 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
10S036....................... 4.6 5.1 Open to All Vehicles. Jun 15 to Oct 01 High Sierra.
10S036B...................... 0 0.8 Open to All Vehicles. Jun 15 to Oct 01 High Sierra.
10S036DA..................... 0 0.2 Open to All Vehicles. Apr 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
10S066C...................... 0 1.2 Open to All Vehicles. Apr 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
10S066E...................... 0 1.3 Open to All Vehicles. May 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
10S066H...................... 0 0.6 Open to All Vehicles. May 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
10S066J...................... 0 0.6 Open to All Vehicles. May 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
10S066JA..................... 0 0.6 Open to All Vehicles. May 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
10S066L...................... 0 0.5 Open to All Vehicles. May 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
10S066N...................... 0 0.7 Open to All Vehicles. May 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
10S069C...................... 0 0.3 Open to All Vehicles. Year Round...... High Sierra.
10S069D...................... 0 0.4 Open to All Vehicles. Year Round...... High Sierra.
10S070BA..................... 0 0.4 Open to All Vehicles. Year Round...... High Sierra.
10S070T...................... 0 0.3 Open to All Vehicles. Year Round...... High Sierra.
10S075D...................... 0 0.5 Open to All Vehicles. Apr 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
10S090....................... 0 3.4 Open to All Vehicles. Apr 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
10S098....................... 0 0.4 Open to All Vehicles. May 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
10S099....................... 0 2.3 Open to All Vehicles. May 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
10S099A...................... 0 1.1 Open to All Vehicles. Apr 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
10S099B...................... 0 1.1 Open to All Vehicles. Apr 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
10S407....................... 0 0.2 Open to All Vehicles. Apr 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
10S415....................... 0 0.3 Open to All Vehicles. Apr 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
[[Page 51779]]
10S416....................... 0 0.3 Open to All Vehicles. Apr 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
11S004C...................... 0 0.4 Open to All Vehicles. Apr 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
11S010B...................... 0 0.2 Open to All Vehicles. May 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
11S010F...................... 0 0.6 Open to All Vehicles. May 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
11S023D...................... 0 0.5 Open to All Vehicles. Apr 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
11S023F...................... 0.5 1.2 Open to All Vehicles. Apr 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
11S040G...................... 0 0.5 Open to All Vehicles. Apr 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
11S040J...................... 0 0.2 Open to All Vehicles. Apr 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
11S040N...................... 0 0.7 Open to All Vehicles. Apr 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
11S040XA..................... 0 0.2 Open to All Vehicles. Apr 20 to Dec 01 High Sierra.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proposed Motorized Use Area Additions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name Area Proposed use Season of use
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tule Mdw Use Area.................. 6 Acres............... Open to All Vehicles.. May 20 to Dec 1.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. Changes of the allowable of use on the NFS Roads--It is proposed
to restrict the type of vehicular use and/or the period of use on
approximately 970 miles of existing NFS Roads. And to permanently close
200 miles of existing NFS Roads to public access unless allowed by
permit or other authorization. [See Internet, https://www.fs.us.fed/r5/
sierra/projects/ohv, for complete tables.]
Maps and tables describing in detail both the Sierra NF
transportation system and the proposed action can found at https://
www.fs.fed.us/r5/sierra/projects/ohv. In addition, maps will be
available for viewing at:
Supervisor's Office, 1600 Tollhouse Rd., Clovis, CA.
Bass Lake Ranger District, 57003 Road 225, North Fork, CA.
High Sierra Ranger District, 29688 Auberry Road, Prather, CA.
Responsible Official
Edward C. Cole, Forest Supervisor, 1600 Tollhouse Rd., Clovis, CA
93611.
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 changes to the existing Sierra NF Transportation System
and prohibit cross country wheeled motorized vehicle travel by the
public off the designated system. Once the decision is made, the Sierra
NF will publish a Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) identifying the roads,
trails and areas that are designated for motor vehicle use. The MVUM
shall specify the classes of vehicles and, if appropriate, the times of
year for which use is designated.
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. Public Meetings will be held from 6:30
p.m. to 9 p.m. at the following locations:
Mariposa: Sept 24, at the Best Western Yosemite Way, 4999 State Highway
49.
Clovis: Sept 26, at the Sierra NF Headquaters. 1600 Tollhouse Road.
Prather: Sept 27, at the High Sierra District Office, 29688 Auberry
Road.
Oakhurst: Oct 2, at the Oakhurst Community Center, Road 425B.
The Notice of Intent is expected to be published in the Federal
Register on September 14, 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 November 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
Sierra NF 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.
[[Page 51780]]
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)
Dated: September 5, 2007.
Edward C. Cole,
Forest Supervisor.
[FR Doc. E7-17834 Filed 9-10-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-01-P
