Control of Russian Knapweed; Availability of an Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact, 49982-49983 [E8-19623]

Download as PDF 49982 Notices Federal Register Vol. 73, No. 165 Monday, August 25, 2008 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency statements of organization and functions are examples of documents appearing in this section. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service [Docket No. APHIS–2008–0042] Control of Russian Knapweed; Availability of an Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: SUMMARY: We are advising the public that an environmental assessment and finding of no significant impact has been prepared by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service relative to the environmental release of the gall wasp Aulacidea acroptilonica for the biological control of Russian knapweed (Acroptilon repens). The environmental assessment documents our review and analysis of environmental impact associated with, and alternatives to, the release of this biological control agent. Based on its finding of no significant impact, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has determined that an environmental impact statement need not be prepared. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Robert S. Johnson, Branch Chief, Permits, Registrations, Imports and Manuals, PPQ, APHIS, 4700 River Road Unit 133, Riverdale, MD 20737–1236; (301) 734–5055. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: ebenthall on PRODPC60 with NOTICES Background Russian knapweed (Acroptilon repens) is an aggressive, long-lived perennial in the Asteraceae or sunflower family that thrives in both irrigated and arid environments, and in cropland, pastures, rangeland, shrubland, and wasteland. It is difficult to control in alfalfa, clover, other forage crops, and pastures. It reduces wildlife VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:18 Aug 22, 2008 Jkt 214001 habitat and suppresses the growth of other plants. Russian knapweed has no known beneficial qualities. It is not utilized for forage because of its bitter taste, and may cause neurological disorders in horses if consumed. The quality of flour or other grain products that have been contaminated by Russian knapweed is reduced due to the bitter taste it imparts. Studies indicate that the spread of Russian knapweed may have a significant economic impact. Russian knapweed reproduces primarily vegetatively from a primary vertical root with numerous lateral roots. It is a strong competitor and produces compounds that exclude other plant species. Russian knapweed seeds may be spread through infested hay or crop seeds or through the movement of cattle, as the seeds are able to survive the digestive system of these animals. Estimated Russian knapweed acreage for the Western United States and Canada for the year 2000 totaled over 1,561,714 acres, with 80 percent of the affected acreage located in the States of Washington, Idaho, Colorado, and Wyoming. Aulacidea acroptilonica is a small gall-forming wasp that has been demonstrated through specificity testing and field observations reported in scientific literature to attack only Russian knapweed. Gall induction diverts nutrients from flower formation, seed production, and the normal growth of plant tissues, thus reducing the plant’s competitive ability and seed production. On April 24, 2008, we published in the Federal Register (73 FR 22127– 22128, Docket No. APHIS–2008–0042) a notice 1 in which we announced the availability, for public review and comment, of an environmental assessment entitled ‘‘Field Release of Aulacidea acroptilonica (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae), an Insect for Biological Control of Russian Knapweed (Acroptilon repens), in the Continental United States’’ (January 22, 2008) that examined the potential environmental impacts associated with the proposed use of A. acroptilonica as an agent for 1 To view the notice, the environmental assessment, and the finding of no significant impact, go to https://www.regulations.gov/ fdmspublic/component/ main?main=DocketDetail&d=APHIS–2008–0042. PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 the biological control of Russian knapweed. We solicited comments on the environmental assessment for 30 days ending May 27, 2008. We did not receive any comments by that date. In this document, we are advising the public of our decision and finding of no significant impact regarding the release of the gall wasp Aulacidea acroptilonica as an agent for the biological control of Russian knapweed. This decision is based upon the updated environmental assessment, entitled ‘‘Field Release of Aulacidea acroptilonica (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae), an Insect for Biological Control of Russian Knapweed (Acroptilon repens), in the Continental United States’’ (June 2008). This version of the environmental assessment contains minor editorial changes and addresses our compliance with Executive Order 13175, which requires APHIS to consult with Indian Tribal governments regarding the proposed release of Aulacidea acroptilonica. The updated environmental assessment and finding of no significant impact may be viewed on the Regulations.gov Web site (see footnote 1). Copies of the updated environmental assessment and finding of no significant impact are also available for public inspection at USDA, room 1141, South Building, 14th Street and Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. Persons wishing to inspect copies are requested to call ahead at (202) 690–2817 to facilitate entry into the reading room. You may request paper copies of the updated environmental assessment and finding of no significant impact by calling or writing to the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. Please refer to the title of the environmental assessment when requesting copies. The environmental assessment has been prepared in accordance with: (1) The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), (2) regulations of the Council on Environmental Quality for implementing the procedural provisions of NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500–1508), (3) USDA regulations implementing NEPA (7 CFR part 1), and (4) APHIS’s NEPA Implementing Procedures (7 CFR part 372). E:\FR\FM\25AUN1.SGM 25AUN1 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 165 / Monday, August 25, 2008 / Notices Done in Washington, DC, this 19th day of August 2008. Kevin Shea, Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. [FR Doc. E8–19623 Filed 8–22–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–34–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Food and Nutrition Service Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request—Information Collection for the Special Milk Program for Children Food and Nutrition Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice. ebenthall on PRODPC60 with NOTICES AGENCY: SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Food and Nutrition Service invites the general public and other public agencies to comment on proposed information collections. The proposed collection is an extension of a currently approved collection for the Special Milk Program for Children. DATES: Comments on this notice must be received or postmarked by October 24, 2008. ADDRESSES: Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments may be sent to: Ms. Cynthia Long, Director, Child Nutrition Division, Food and Nutrition Service, USDA, 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 638, Alexandria, Virginia 22302. Comments will also be accepted through the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Go to https://www.regulations.gov, and follow the online instructions for submitting comments electronically. All written comment(s) will be open for public inspection at the office of the Food and Nutrition Service during regular business hours (8:30 a.m. to 5 VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:18 Aug 22, 2008 Jkt 214001 p.m., Monday through Friday) at 3101 Park Center Drive, Room 640, Alexandria, Virginia 22302. All responses to this Notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval, and will become a matter of public record. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of this information collection should be directed to: Ms. Cynthia Long at the address above or telephone at (703) 305–2590. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Special Milk Program. OMB Number: 0584–0005. Expiration Date: March 31, 2009. Type of Request: Extension of a currently approved collection. Abstract: Section 3 of the Child Nutrition Act (CNA) of 1966, (42 U.S.C. 1772) authorizes the Special Milk Program (SMP). It provides for the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to enable the Secretary of Agriculture to encourage the consumption of fluid milk by children in the United States in (1) nonprofit schools of high school grade and under, and (2) nonprofit nursery schools, child care centers, settlement houses, summer camps, and similar nonprofit institutions devoted to the care and training of children, which do not participate in a food service program authorized under the CNA or the National School Lunch Act. Section 10 of the CNA (42 U.S.C. 1779) requires the Secretary of Agriculture to prescribe such regulations as deemed necessary to carry out this Act and the National School Lunch Act. Pursuant to that provision, the Secretary has issued 7 CFR Part 215, which sets forth policies and procedures for the administration and operation of the SMP. State and local operators of the SMP are required to meet Federal reporting and accountability requirements. The vast majority of reporting relates to information regarding eligibility determinations of the children, the number of milk servings, and revenues received from milk sales. State and local operators are also required to maintain records regarding eligibility to operate the program, review results, and accounts of revenues and expenditures. Affected Public: 55 State agencies, 4,150 School food authorities/Sponsors, 4,910 schools, 533 child care institutions and 853 camps. Estimated Number of Respondents: 10,501. Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 14. Estimated Total Annual Responses: 147,014. PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 49983 Estimated Time per Response: .29. Estimated Total Reporting Annual Burden hours: 42,634.06. Number of Recordkeepers: 10,501. Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 39. Estimated Total Annual Responses: 409,539. Estimated Time per Response: .17. Estimated Total Annual Recordkeeping Burden Hours: 69,621.63. Total Request Annual Reporting and Recordkeeping Burden Hours: 112,255.69. Dated: August 12, 2008. Roberto Salazar, Administrator, Food and Nutrition Service. [FR Doc. E8–19668 Filed 8–22–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–30–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Notice of Proposed New Fee Sites; Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, (Title VIII, Pub. L. 108–447) Willamette National Forest, USDA Forest Service. ACTION: Notice of Proposed New Fee Site. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Willamette National Forest is planning to charge a fee at Benson Lake Trailhead and adjacent Scott Lake Campground beginning the summer of 2009. Benson Lake Trailhead was in the recreation fee demonstration project prior to 2005, and fees are being reestablished to help maintain facilities and services including toilet, picnic tables, garbage collection, interpretive and informational signing, and visitor security. A $5 day use fee is being proposed and recreation passes would be honored including: The Northwest Forest Pass, Interagency Passes and Golden Passports. Implementation Date: New fees would begin in August 2009. ADDRESSES: Dallas Emch, Forest Supervisor, Willamette National Forest, 211 East 7th Avenue, Eugene, Oregon 97401. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sandy Ratliff, McKenzie River Recreation Staff at (541) 822–7238. Information about proposed fee changes can also be found on the Willamette National Forest Web site: https:// www.fs.fed.us/r6/willamette. To send comments about fee proposals please submit by September 15, 2008 to: McKenzie River Ranger E:\FR\FM\25AUN1.SGM 25AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 165 (Monday, August 25, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 49982-49983]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-19623]


========================================================================
Notices
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules 
or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings 
and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, 
delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency 
statements of organization and functions are examples of documents 
appearing in this section.

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 165 / Monday, August 25, 2008 / 
Notices

[[Page 49982]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

[Docket No. APHIS-2008-0042]


Control of Russian Knapweed; Availability of an Environmental 
Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact

AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: We are advising the public that an environmental assessment 
and finding of no significant impact has been prepared by the Animal 
and Plant Health Inspection Service relative to the environmental 
release of the gall wasp Aulacidea acroptilonica for the biological 
control of Russian knapweed (Acroptilon repens). The environmental 
assessment documents our review and analysis of environmental impact 
associated with, and alternatives to, the release of this biological 
control agent. Based on its finding of no significant impact, the 
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has determined that an 
environmental impact statement need not be prepared.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Robert S. Johnson, Branch Chief, 
Permits, Registrations, Imports and Manuals, PPQ, APHIS, 4700 River 
Road Unit 133, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236; (301) 734-5055.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Russian knapweed (Acroptilon repens) is an aggressive, long-lived 
perennial in the Asteraceae or sunflower family that thrives in both 
irrigated and arid environments, and in cropland, pastures, rangeland, 
shrubland, and wasteland. It is difficult to control in alfalfa, 
clover, other forage crops, and pastures. It reduces wildlife habitat 
and suppresses the growth of other plants.
    Russian knapweed has no known beneficial qualities. It is not 
utilized for forage because of its bitter taste, and may cause 
neurological disorders in horses if consumed. The quality of flour or 
other grain products that have been contaminated by Russian knapweed is 
reduced due to the bitter taste it imparts. Studies indicate that the 
spread of Russian knapweed may have a significant economic impact.
    Russian knapweed reproduces primarily vegetatively from a primary 
vertical root with numerous lateral roots. It is a strong competitor 
and produces compounds that exclude other plant species. Russian 
knapweed seeds may be spread through infested hay or crop seeds or 
through the movement of cattle, as the seeds are able to survive the 
digestive system of these animals.
    Estimated Russian knapweed acreage for the Western United States 
and Canada for the year 2000 totaled over 1,561,714 acres, with 80 
percent of the affected acreage located in the States of Washington, 
Idaho, Colorado, and Wyoming.
    Aulacidea acroptilonica is a small gall-forming wasp that has been 
demonstrated through specificity testing and field observations 
reported in scientific literature to attack only Russian knapweed. Gall 
induction diverts nutrients from flower formation, seed production, and 
the normal growth of plant tissues, thus reducing the plant's 
competitive ability and seed production.
    On April 24, 2008, we published in the Federal Register (73 FR 
22127-22128, Docket No. APHIS-2008-0042) a notice \1\ in which we 
announced the availability, for public review and comment, of an 
environmental assessment entitled ``Field Release of Aulacidea 
acroptilonica (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae), an Insect for Biological 
Control of Russian Knapweed (Acroptilon repens), in the Continental 
United States'' (January 22, 2008) that examined the potential 
environmental impacts associated with the proposed use of A. 
acroptilonica as an agent for the biological control of Russian 
knapweed.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ To view the notice, the environmental assessment, and the 
finding of no significant impact, go to https://www.regulations.gov/
fdmspublic/component/main?main=DocketDetail&d=APHIS-2008-0042.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We solicited comments on the environmental assessment for 30 days 
ending May 27, 2008. We did not receive any comments by that date.
    In this document, we are advising the public of our decision and 
finding of no significant impact regarding the release of the gall wasp 
Aulacidea acroptilonica as an agent for the biological control of 
Russian knapweed. This decision is based upon the updated environmental 
assessment, entitled ``Field Release of Aulacidea acroptilonica 
(Hymenoptera: Cynipidae), an Insect for Biological Control of Russian 
Knapweed (Acroptilon repens), in the Continental United States'' (June 
2008). This version of the environmental assessment contains minor 
editorial changes and addresses our compliance with Executive Order 
13175, which requires APHIS to consult with Indian Tribal governments 
regarding the proposed release of Aulacidea acroptilonica.
    The updated environmental assessment and finding of no significant 
impact may be viewed on the Regulations.gov Web site (see footnote 1). 
Copies of the updated environmental assessment and finding of no 
significant impact are also available for public inspection at USDA, 
room 1141, South Building, 14th Street and Independence Avenue SW., 
Washington, DC, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except holidays. Persons wishing to inspect copies are requested to 
call ahead at (202) 690-2817 to facilitate entry into the reading room. 
You may request paper copies of the updated environmental assessment 
and finding of no significant impact by calling or writing to the 
person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. Please refer to 
the title of the environmental assessment when requesting copies.
    The environmental assessment has been prepared in accordance with: 
(1) The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), as amended 
(42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), (2) regulations of the Council on 
Environmental Quality for implementing the procedural provisions of 
NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500-1508), (3) USDA regulations implementing NEPA 
(7 CFR part 1), and (4) APHIS's NEPA Implementing Procedures (7 CFR 
part 372).


[[Page 49983]]


    Done in Washington, DC, this 19th day of August 2008.
Kevin Shea,
Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
[FR Doc. E8-19623 Filed 8-22-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-34-P

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