White River National Forest; Colorado; Wild and Scenic Rivers Suitability Study, 66214-66216 [E8-26610]
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 217 / Friday, November 7, 2008 / Notices
effect before November 9, 2000’’ and
further says that if the provisions of the
1982 rule are used, the responsible
official may ‘‘elect to use the
administrative appeal and review
procedures’’ at 36 CFR part 217 (See 36
CFR 219.14(b)(3)(iii)). The applicable
appeal regulation states that
‘‘[I]mplementation of any decision
subject to appeal pursuant to this part
shall not occur for 7 calendar days
following publication of the legal notice
of the decision as required in this part.’’
(36 CFR 217.10(a)). Therefore, the
approved Southern Rockies Lynx
Amendment is effective 7 calendar days
following publication of the legal notice
of this decision in the Newspaper of
Record, the Denver Post.
Antoine L. Dixon,
Deputy Regional Forester, Resources.
[FR Doc. E8–26309 Filed 11–6–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–11–P
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service
White River National Forest; Colorado;
Wild and Scenic Rivers Suitability
Study
Notice of intent to prepare an
environmental impact statement.
ACTION:
U.S. Forest Service, USDA.
The Forest Service is
conducting a Wild and Scenic Rivers
suitability study on four eligible river
segments described in the WRNF Land
and Resource Management Plan 2002
Revision. These segments are Colorado
River Segments 1 and 2 and Deep Creek
Segments 1 and 2. The results of the
suitability study will be analyzed and
incorporated into the Bureau of Land
Management, Glenwood Springs and
Kremmling Field Offices Environmental
Impact Statement for their Resource
Management Plan Revisions that is
already underway. Separate Records of
Decision will be issued for the Forest
Service as well as the Bureau of Land
Management.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY:
Comments and resource
information should be submitted to the
Forest Service by December 2, 2008.
Public open house meetings will be held
in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, on
November 20, 2008, and in Eagle,
Colorado, on November 24, 2008. The
meetings will be held from 4:30 p.m. to
6:30 p.m. The draft environmental
impact statement is expected in
September 2009.
ebenthall on PROD1PC60 with NOTICES
DATES:
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Written comments may be
submitted by any of the following
methods:
• Fax: (970) 468–7735
• E-mail:
wrnf_scoping_comments@fs.fed.us
• Hard copy: Peech Keller, NEPA
Coordinator, White River National
Forest, P.O. Box 620, Silverthorne, CO
80498.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Peech Keller, 970–262–3495.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Forest
Service is conducting a Wild and Scenic
Rivers suitability study on four eligible
river segments described in the White
River National Forest Land and
Resource Management Plan 2002
Revision. These segments are Colorado
River Segments 1 and 2 and Deep Creek
Segments 1 and 2. The suitability
analysis will follow the guidance in
FSH 1909.12 (Land Management
Handbook), Chapter 80 (Wild and
Scenic River Evaluation), and guidance
from the Interagency Wild and Scenic
Rivers Coordinating Council. The
results of the suitability study will be
analyzed and incorporated into the
Bureau of Land Management, Glenwood
Springs and Kremmling Field Offices
Resource Management Plan Revisions
and associated Environmental Impact
Statement that is already underway. The
final environmental impact statement is
expected in July 2010. The anlaysis will
tier from the White River National
Forest Land and Resource Management
Plan 2002 EIS and incorporate the
White River National Forest Land and
Resource Management Plan. Separate
Records of Decision will be issued from
the Forest Service as well as the Bureau
of Land Management.
ADDRESSES:
Purpose and Need for Action
To meet the requirements of the
Section 5(d)(1) of the Wild and Scenic
Rivers Act of 1968 (16 U.S.C. 1271–
1287; Pub. L. 90–542, 82 Stat. 906, as
amended), which directs federal
agencies to consider potential Wild and
Scenic Rivers in their land and water
planning process, the White River
National Forest completed the eligibility
phase of the Wild and Scenic Rivers
study for four segments of the Colorado
River (Glenwood Canyon) and Deep
Creek during its 2002 Land and
Resource Management Plan Revision.
The Forest Service is now preparing a
wild and scenic river study report to
determine the suitability of these
segments for possible inclusion in the
National Wild and Scenic Rivers
System. Section 5(d)(1) of the Wild and
Scenic Rivers Act allows for the study
of new potential wild and scenic rivers
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not designated under Section 3(a) or
designated for study under Section 5(a)
of the Act. Section 5(d)(1) states, ‘‘In all
planning for the use and development of
water and related land resources,
consideration shall be given by all
Federal agencies involved to potential
national, wild, scenic, and recreational
river areas.’’
Proposed Action
The Forest Service will conduct a
suitability analysis on four eligible river
segments described in the White River
National Forest Land and Resource
Management Plan 2002 Revision to
determine which, if any, of the segments
are suitable for inclusion in the National
Wild and Scenic Rivers System. These
segments are Colorado River Segments 1
and 2 and Deep Creek Segments 1 and
2. The eligibility phase of the analysis
was completed for Deep Creek in a joint
Forest Service and BLM study
completed in 1995. The eligibility phase
of the analysis was completed for the
Colorado River segments in the Land
and Resource Management Plan 2002
Revision.
The suitability analysis will follow
the guidance in FSH 1909.12 (Land
Management Handbook), Chapter 80
(Wild and Scenic River Evaluation), and
guidance from the Interagency Wild and
Scenic Rivers Coordinating Council.
Possible Alternatives
The Forest Service will analyze a
reasonable range of alternatives. The
Forest Service will take into
consideration all issues raised during
public scoping. As directed by FSH
1909.12, Chapter 80, the Forest Service
will, at a minimum, analyze the
following alternatives:
1. No action (continuation of current
management);
2. National designation of all eligible
segments of the river;
3. Protection of eligible segments by
means other than national designation;
and
4. Designation of some eligible
segments.
Lead and Cooperating Agencies
The lead agency for this effort is the
Bureau of Land Management, Glenwood
Springs Field Office and Kremmling
Field Office. The USDA Forest Service,
White River National Forest is a
cooperating agency.
Responsible Official
The Responsible Official for the
Forest Service decision is Rick Cables,
Rocky Mountain Regional Forester; 740
Simms St., Golden, CO 80401.
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 217 / Friday, November 7, 2008 / Notices
Nature of Decision To Be Made
The Forest Service will determine
which, if any, of the four eligible
segments studied for suitability are
suitable for inclusion in the National
Wild and Scenic Rivers System. If none
of the segments are found suitable, they
will be dropped from further
consideration and managed according to
the objectives and specific management
prescriptions outlined in the White
River National Forest Land and
Resource Management Plan 2002
Revision. If a segment is found suitable,
it will receive interim protection as
described in the Wild and Scenic Rivers
Act until Congressional action is taken
regarding the segments’ designation.
ebenthall on PROD1PC60 with NOTICES
Scoping Process
Public open house meetings will be
held in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, on
November 20, 2008, and in Eagle,
Colorado, on November 24, 2008. The
meetings will be held from 4:30 p.m. to
6:30 p.m. The Forest Service will
announce the public scoping meetings
via local news media, mailings, and the
Forest Service Web site (https://
www.fs.fed.us/r2/whiteriver/).
Comments concerning the scope of the
analysis should be received by
December 2, 2008.
Comments Requested
Comments and resource information
should be submitted to the Forest
Service within 30 days of this notice in
the Federal Register. Comments of
particular interest will provide
information related to the factors
described in FSH 1909.12 (Land
Management Planning Handbook),
Chapter 80 (Wild and Scenic River
Evaluation), Section 82.41 (Basis for
Suitability). They are as follows:
1. Characteristics that do or do not
make the area a worthy addition to the
National System. These characteristics
are described in the act (paras. 2
through 7) and may include additional
suitability factors in paragraphs 8
through 13.
2. The current status of land
ownership and use in the area.
3. The reasonably foreseeable
potential uses of the land and water that
would be enhanced, foreclosed, or
curtailed if the area were included in
the National System.
4. The federal agency that will
administer the area should it be added
to the National System.
5. The extent to which the agency
proposes that administration of the
river, including the costs thereof, be
shared by state and local agencies.
6. The estimated cost to the United
States of acquiring necessary lands and
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interests in land and of administering
the area should it be added to the
National System.
7. A determination of the degree to
which the state or its political
subdivisions might participate in the
preservation and administration of the
river should it be proposed for inclusion
in the National System.
The following additional suitability
factors may also be considered:
8. An evaluation of the adequacy of
local zoning and other land use controls
in protecting the river’s outstandingly
remarkable values by preventing
incompatible development.
9. The state/local government’s ability
to manage and protect the outstandingly
remarkable values on nonfederal lands.
This factor requires an evaluation of the
river protection mechanisms available
through the authority of state and local
governments. Such mechanisms may
include, for example, statewide
programs related to population growth
management, vegetation management,
water quantity or quality, or protection
of river-related values such as open
space and historic areas.
10. Support or opposition to
designation. Assessment of this factor
will define the political context. The
interest in designation or
nondesignation by federal agencies;
state, local and tribal governments;
national and local publics; and the
state’s Congressional delegation should
be considered.
11. The consistency of designation
with other agency plans, programs, or
policies and in meeting regional
objectives. Designation may help or
impede the goals of Tribal governments,
or other federal, state or local agencies.
For example, designation of a river may
contribute to state or regional protection
objectives for fish and wildlife
resources. Similarly, adding a river that
includes a limited recreation activity or
setting to the National System may help
meet statewide recreation goals.
Designation might, however, limit
irrigation and/or flood control measures
in a manner inconsistent with regional
socioeconomic goals.
12. The contribution to river system
or basin integrity. This factor reflects the
benefits of a ‘‘systems’’ approach, for
example, expanding the designated
portion of a river in the National System
or developing a legislative proposal for
an entire river system (headwaters to
mouth) or watershed. Numerous
benefits may result from managing an
entire river or watershed, including the
ability to design a holistic protection
strategy in partnership with other
agencies and the public.
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66215
13. The potential for water resources
development. The intent of the act is to
preserve selected rivers from the
harmful effects of water resources
projects. Designation will limit
development of water resources projects
as diverse as irrigation and flood control
measures, hydropower facilities,
dredging, diversion, and channelization.
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 90 days from
the date the Environmental Protection
Agency publishes the notice of
availability in the Federal Register.
The Forest Service believes, at this
early stage, it is important to give
reviewers notice of several court rulings
related to public participation in the
environmental review process. First,
reviewers of draft environmental impact
statements must structure their
participation in the environmental
review of the proposal so that it is
meaningful and alerts an agency to the
reviewer’s position and contentions.
Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Corp. v.
NRDC, 435 U.S. 519, 553 (1978). Also,
environmental objections that could be
raised at the draft environmental impact
statement stage but that are not raised
until after completion of the final
environmental impact statement may be
waived or dismissed by the courts. City
of Angoon v. Hodel, 803 F.2d 1016,
1022 (9th Cir. 1986) and Wisconsin
Heritages, Inc. v. Harris, 490 F. Supp.
1334, 1338 (E.D. Wis. 1980). Because of
these court rulings, it is very important
that those interested in this proposed
action participate by the close of the 90
days 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 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
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 217 / Friday, November 7, 2008 / Notices
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: October 31, 2008.
Mary G. Morgan,
Acting Forest Supervisor, White River
National Forest.
[FR Doc. E8–26610 Filed 11–6–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–11–P
substantial number of small entities.
The major factors considered for this
certification were:
1. The action will not result in any
additional reporting, recordkeeping or
other compliance requirements for small
entities other than the small
organizations that will furnish the
services to the Government.
2. The action will result in
authorizing small entities to furnish the
services to the Government.
3. There are no known regulatory
alternatives which would accomplish
the objectives of the Javits-WagnerO’Day Act (41 U.S.C. 46–48c) in
connection with the services proposed
for addition to the Procurement List.
COMMITTEE FOR PURCHASE FROM
PEOPLE WHO ARE BLIND OR
SEVERELY DISABLED
End of Certification
Procurement List; Additions
Services
Committee for Purchase From
People Who Are Blind or Severely
Disabled.
ACTION: Additions to the Procurement
List.
Service Type/Location: Base Supply
Center, NAS Patuxent River,
Patuxent River, MD.
NPA: Industries for the Blind, Inc., West
Allis, WI.
Contracting Activity: DEPT OF THE
NAVY, FISC NORFOLK.
Service Type/Location: Custodial and
Landscaping, FBI Building,
Houston, Texas, 1 Justice Park,
Houston, TX.
NPA: On Our Own Services, Inc.,
Houston, TX.
Contracting Activity: General Services
Administration, Public Buildings
Service, Acquisition, Ft. Worth, TX.
Accordingly, the following services
are added to the Procurement List:
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: This action adds to the
Procurement List services to be
furnished by nonprofit agencies
employing persons who are blind or
have other severe disabilities.
DATES: Effective Date: December 8, 2008.
ADDRESSES: Committee for Purchase
From People Who Are Blind or Severely
Disabled, Jefferson Plaza 2, Suite 10800,
1421 Jefferson Davis Highway,
Arlington, Virginia, 22202–3259.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Barry S. Lineback, Telephone: (703)
603–7740, Fax: (703) 603–0655, or email CMTEFedReg@AbilityOne.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
ebenthall on PROD1PC60 with NOTICES
Additions
On 09/05/08 and 08/29/08, the
Committee for Purchase From People
Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled
published notice (73 FR 51787 and 73
FR 50931, respectively) of proposed
additions to the Procurement List.
After consideration of the material
presented to it concerning capability of
qualified nonprofit agencies to provide
the services and impact of the additions
on the current or most recent
contractors, the Committee has
determined that the services listed
below are suitable for procurement by
the Federal Government under 41 U.S.C.
46–48c and 41 CFR 51–2.4.
Regulatory Flexibility Act Certification
I certify that the following action will
not have a significant impact on a
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Barry S. Lineback,
Acting Director, Program Operations.
[FR Doc. E8–26596 Filed 11–6–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6353–01–P
COMMITTEE FOR PURCHASE FROM
PEOPLE WHO ARE BLIND OR
SEVERELY DISABLED
1421 Jefferson Davis Highway,
Arlington, Virginia 22202–3259.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR TO SUBMIT
COMMENTS CONTACT: Barry S. Lineback,
Telephone: (703) 603–7740, Fax: (703)
603–0655, or e-mail
CMTEFedReg@AbilityOne.gov.
This
notice is published pursuant to 41 U.S.C
47(a)(2) and 41 CFR 51–2.3. Its purpose
is to provide interested persons an
opportunity to submit comments on the
proposed actions.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Additions
If the Committee approves the
proposed additions, the entities of the
Federal Government identified in this
notice for each service will be required
to procure the services listed below
from nonprofit agencies employing
persons who are blind or have other
severe disabilities.
Regulatory Flexibility Act Certification
I certify that the following action will
not have a significant impact on a
substantial number of small entities.
The major factors considered for this
certification were:
1. If approved, the action will not
result in any additional reporting,
recordkeeping or other compliance
requirements for small entities other
than the small organizations that will
furnish the services to the Government.
2. If approved, the action will result
in authorizing small entities to furnish
the services to the Government.
3. There are no known regulatory
alternatives which would accomplish
the objectives of the Javits-WagnerO’Day Act (41 U.S.C. 46–48c) in
connection with the services proposed
for addition to the Procurement List.
Comments on this certification are
invited. Commenters should identify the
statement(s) underlying the certification
on which they are providing additional
information.
Procurement List; Proposed Additions
End of Certification
Committee for Purchase From
People Who Are Blind or Severely
Disabled.
ACTION: Proposed additions to the
Procurement List.
The following services are proposed
for addition to Procurement List for
production by the nonprofit agencies
listed:
The Committee is proposing
to add to the Procurement List services
to be furnished by nonprofit agencies
employing persons who are blind or
have other severe disabilities.
Comments Must be Received on or
Before: December 7, 2008.
ADDRESSES: Committee for Purchase
From People Who Are Blind or Severely
Disabled, Jefferson Plaza 2, Suite 10800,
Service Type/Location: Custodial
Grounds Maintenance, Multiple
Locations Parcel #13, St John, VI.
Service Type/Location: Grounds
Maintenance, Multiple Locations St
Thomas, 6310 Est Nazaareth, Red
Hook, Whintberg #3 Great
Northside Qtr., St Thomas, VI.
NPA: The Corporate Source, Inc., New
York, NY.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY:
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Services
E:\FR\FM\07NON1.SGM
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 217 (Friday, November 7, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 66214-66216]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-26610]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service
White River National Forest; Colorado; Wild and Scenic Rivers
Suitability Study
ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
AGENCY: U.S. Forest Service, USDA.
SUMMARY: The Forest Service is conducting a Wild and Scenic Rivers
suitability study on four eligible river segments described in the WRNF
Land and Resource Management Plan 2002 Revision. These segments are
Colorado River Segments 1 and 2 and Deep Creek Segments 1 and 2. The
results of the suitability study will be analyzed and incorporated into
the Bureau of Land Management, Glenwood Springs and Kremmling Field
Offices Environmental Impact Statement for their Resource Management
Plan Revisions that is already underway. Separate Records of Decision
will be issued for the Forest Service as well as the Bureau of Land
Management.
DATES: Comments and resource information should be submitted to the
Forest Service by December 2, 2008. Public open house meetings will be
held in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, on November 20, 2008, and in Eagle,
Colorado, on November 24, 2008. The meetings will be held from 4:30
p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The draft environmental impact statement is expected
in September 2009.
ADDRESSES: Written comments may be submitted by any of the following
methods:
Fax: (970) 468-7735
E-mail: wrnf_scoping_comments@fs.fed.us
Hard copy: Peech Keller, NEPA Coordinator, White River
National Forest, P.O. Box 620, Silverthorne, CO 80498.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Peech Keller, 970-262-3495.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Forest Service is conducting a Wild and
Scenic Rivers suitability study on four eligible river segments
described in the White River National Forest Land and Resource
Management Plan 2002 Revision. These segments are Colorado River
Segments 1 and 2 and Deep Creek Segments 1 and 2. The suitability
analysis will follow the guidance in FSH 1909.12 (Land Management
Handbook), Chapter 80 (Wild and Scenic River Evaluation), and guidance
from the Interagency Wild and Scenic Rivers Coordinating Council. The
results of the suitability study will be analyzed and incorporated into
the Bureau of Land Management, Glenwood Springs and Kremmling Field
Offices Resource Management Plan Revisions and associated Environmental
Impact Statement that is already underway. The final environmental
impact statement is expected in July 2010. The anlaysis will tier from
the White River National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan 2002
EIS and incorporate the White River National Forest Land and Resource
Management Plan. Separate Records of Decision will be issued from the
Forest Service as well as the Bureau of Land Management.
Purpose and Need for Action
To meet the requirements of the Section 5(d)(1) of the Wild and
Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 (16 U.S.C. 1271-1287; Pub. L. 90-542, 82
Stat. 906, as amended), which directs federal agencies to consider
potential Wild and Scenic Rivers in their land and water planning
process, the White River National Forest completed the eligibility
phase of the Wild and Scenic Rivers study for four segments of the
Colorado River (Glenwood Canyon) and Deep Creek during its 2002 Land
and Resource Management Plan Revision. The Forest Service is now
preparing a wild and scenic river study report to determine the
suitability of these segments for possible inclusion in the National
Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Section 5(d)(1) of the Wild and Scenic
Rivers Act allows for the study of new potential wild and scenic rivers
not designated under Section 3(a) or designated for study under Section
5(a) of the Act. Section 5(d)(1) states, ``In all planning for the use
and development of water and related land resources, consideration
shall be given by all Federal agencies involved to potential national,
wild, scenic, and recreational river areas.''
Proposed Action
The Forest Service will conduct a suitability analysis on four
eligible river segments described in the White River National Forest
Land and Resource Management Plan 2002 Revision to determine which, if
any, of the segments are suitable for inclusion in the National Wild
and Scenic Rivers System. These segments are Colorado River Segments 1
and 2 and Deep Creek Segments 1 and 2. The eligibility phase of the
analysis was completed for Deep Creek in a joint Forest Service and BLM
study completed in 1995. The eligibility phase of the analysis was
completed for the Colorado River segments in the Land and Resource
Management Plan 2002 Revision.
The suitability analysis will follow the guidance in FSH 1909.12
(Land Management Handbook), Chapter 80 (Wild and Scenic River
Evaluation), and guidance from the Interagency Wild and Scenic Rivers
Coordinating Council.
Possible Alternatives
The Forest Service will analyze a reasonable range of alternatives.
The Forest Service will take into consideration all issues raised
during public scoping. As directed by FSH 1909.12, Chapter 80, the
Forest Service will, at a minimum, analyze the following alternatives:
1. No action (continuation of current management);
2. National designation of all eligible segments of the river;
3. Protection of eligible segments by means other than national
designation; and
4. Designation of some eligible segments.
Lead and Cooperating Agencies
The lead agency for this effort is the Bureau of Land Management,
Glenwood Springs Field Office and Kremmling Field Office. The USDA
Forest Service, White River National Forest is a cooperating agency.
Responsible Official
The Responsible Official for the Forest Service decision is Rick
Cables, Rocky Mountain Regional Forester; 740 Simms St., Golden, CO
80401.
[[Page 66215]]
Nature of Decision To Be Made
The Forest Service will determine which, if any, of the four
eligible segments studied for suitability are suitable for inclusion in
the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. If none of the segments are
found suitable, they will be dropped from further consideration and
managed according to the objectives and specific management
prescriptions outlined in the White River National Forest Land and
Resource Management Plan 2002 Revision. If a segment is found suitable,
it will receive interim protection as described in the Wild and Scenic
Rivers Act until Congressional action is taken regarding the segments'
designation.
Scoping Process
Public open house meetings will be held in Glenwood Springs,
Colorado, on November 20, 2008, and in Eagle, Colorado, on November 24,
2008. The meetings will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The Forest
Service will announce the public scoping meetings via local news media,
mailings, and the Forest Service Web site (https://www.fs.fed.us/r2/
whiteriver/). Comments concerning the scope of the analysis should be
received by December 2, 2008.
Comments Requested
Comments and resource information should be submitted to the Forest
Service within 30 days of this notice in the Federal Register. Comments
of particular interest will provide information related to the factors
described in FSH 1909.12 (Land Management Planning Handbook), Chapter
80 (Wild and Scenic River Evaluation), Section 82.41 (Basis for
Suitability). They are as follows:
1. Characteristics that do or do not make the area a worthy
addition to the National System. These characteristics are described in
the act (paras. 2 through 7) and may include additional suitability
factors in paragraphs 8 through 13.
2. The current status of land ownership and use in the area.
3. The reasonably foreseeable potential uses of the land and water
that would be enhanced, foreclosed, or curtailed if the area were
included in the National System.
4. The federal agency that will administer the area should it be
added to the National System.
5. The extent to which the agency proposes that administration of
the river, including the costs thereof, be shared by state and local
agencies.
6. The estimated cost to the United States of acquiring necessary
lands and interests in land and of administering the area should it be
added to the National System.
7. A determination of the degree to which the state or its
political subdivisions might participate in the preservation and
administration of the river should it be proposed for inclusion in the
National System.
The following additional suitability factors may also be
considered:
8. An evaluation of the adequacy of local zoning and other land use
controls in protecting the river's outstandingly remarkable values by
preventing incompatible development.
9. The state/local government's ability to manage and protect the
outstandingly remarkable values on nonfederal lands. This factor
requires an evaluation of the river protection mechanisms available
through the authority of state and local governments. Such mechanisms
may include, for example, statewide programs related to population
growth management, vegetation management, water quantity or quality, or
protection of river-related values such as open space and historic
areas.
10. Support or opposition to designation. Assessment of this factor
will define the political context. The interest in designation or
nondesignation by federal agencies; state, local and tribal
governments; national and local publics; and the state's Congressional
delegation should be considered.
11. The consistency of designation with other agency plans,
programs, or policies and in meeting regional objectives. Designation
may help or impede the goals of Tribal governments, or other federal,
state or local agencies. For example, designation of a river may
contribute to state or regional protection objectives for fish and
wildlife resources. Similarly, adding a river that includes a limited
recreation activity or setting to the National System may help meet
statewide recreation goals. Designation might, however, limit
irrigation and/or flood control measures in a manner inconsistent with
regional socioeconomic goals.
12. The contribution to river system or basin integrity. This
factor reflects the benefits of a ``systems'' approach, for example,
expanding the designated portion of a river in the National System or
developing a legislative proposal for an entire river system
(headwaters to mouth) or watershed. Numerous benefits may result from
managing an entire river or watershed, including the ability to design
a holistic protection strategy in partnership with other agencies and
the public.
13. The potential for water resources development. The intent of
the act is to preserve selected rivers from the harmful effects of
water resources projects. Designation will limit development of water
resources projects as diverse as irrigation and flood control measures,
hydropower facilities, dredging, diversion, and channelization.
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 90 days from the date the Environmental
Protection Agency publishes the notice of availability in the Federal
Register.
The Forest Service believes, at this early stage, it is important
to give reviewers notice of several court rulings related to public
participation in the environmental review process. First, reviewers of
draft environmental impact statements must structure their
participation in the environmental review of the proposal so that it is
meaningful and alerts an agency to the reviewer's position and
contentions. Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Corp. v. NRDC, 435 U.S. 519,
553 (1978). Also, environmental objections that could be raised at the
draft environmental impact statement stage but that are not raised
until after completion of the final environmental impact statement may
be waived or dismissed by the courts. City of Angoon v. Hodel, 803 F.2d
1016, 1022 (9th Cir. 1986) and Wisconsin Heritages, Inc. v. Harris, 490
F. Supp. 1334, 1338 (E.D. Wis. 1980). Because of these court rulings,
it is very important that those interested in this proposed action
participate by the close of the 90 days 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 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
[[Page 66216]]
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: October 31, 2008.
Mary G. Morgan,
Acting Forest Supervisor, White River National Forest.
[FR Doc. E8-26610 Filed 11-6-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-11-P
