Notice of Finding of No Significant Impact on the Final Programmatic Environmental Assessment for 2008 Farm Bill Provisions Regarding the Conservation Reserve Program, 76331-76332 [E8-29654]

Download as PDF sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 242 / Tuesday, December 16, 2008 / Notices by midnight February 27, 2009, and received in the county FSA office by close of business on March 6, 2009. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kenneth R. Payne, Chief, Marketing Programs Branch, on (202) 720–1115, fax (202) 720–1125, or by e-mail at Kenneth.Payne@usda.gov or Rick Pinkston, USDA, Farm Service Agency (FSA), Field Operations Staff, on (202) 720–1857, fax (202) 720–1096, or by email on rick.pinkston@wdc.usda.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to the Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996 (Act) (7 U.S.C. 7411–7425), it is hereby directed that a referendum be conducted to ascertain whether continuance of the Order is favored by those persons who have been engaged in the production, feeding, or slaughtering of lamb from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008. The Act requires that a referendum to ascertain approval of an Order must be conducted no later than 3 years after assessments first begin. Assessments began on July 1, 2002. A referendum of lamb producers, feeders, seedstock producers, and first handlers of lamb and lamb products was conducted from January 31, 2005 through February 28, 2005. A majority of the participants voted in favor of the continuation of the Order. The Act also requires a subsequent referendum on the Order be conducted no later than 7 years after assessments first begin. Thus, USDA is required to conduct a nationwide referendum among persons subject to the assessment by July 1, 2009. The Order will continue if a majority of those persons voting, who also represent a majority of the volume of lambs, vote in favor of continuing the program. If the continuation of the Order is not approved by eligible persons voting in the referendum, USDA will begin the process of terminating the program. The representative period for establishing voter eligibility for the referendum shall be the period from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008. Persons who were engaged in the production, feeding, or slaughtering of lambs and who provide documentation, such as a sales receipt or remittance form, showing that they were engaged in the production, feeding, or slaughter of lambs from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008 are eligible to vote. Eligible voters will be provided the opportunity to vote at the county FSA office where FSA maintains and processes the eligible voter’s administrative farm records. For the eligible voter not participating in FSA programs, the opportunity to vote will VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:09 Dec 15, 2008 Jkt 217001 be provided at the FSA office serving the county where the person owns or rents land. Participation in the referendum is not mandatory. Procedures used in conducting this referendum are set forth in 7 CFR part 1208, subpart E. A final rule amending this subpart is published in this issue of the Federal Register. Pursuant to the Act, USDA is conducting the required referendum beginning February 2, 2009 through February 27, 2009. Form LS–86 may be requested in person, by mail, or by facsimile from February 2, 2009 through February 27, 2009. Form LS–86 may also be obtained via the Internet at: https:// www.ams.usda.gov/ LSMarketingPrograms during the same 4-week period. Eligible voters would vote at the FSA office where FSA maintains and processes the person’s, corporation’s, or other entity’s administrative farm records. For the person, corporation, or other entity eligible to vote that does not participate in FSA programs, the opportunity to vote would be provided at the FSA office serving the county where the person, corporation, or other entity owns or rents land. Voters can determine the location of county FSA offices by contacting (1) The nearest FSA office, (2) the State FSA office, or (3) through an online search of FSA’s Web site at: https:// www.fsa.usda.gov/pas/default.asp. From the options available on this Web site select ‘‘Your local office,’’ click on your State, and click on the map to select a county. Form LS–86 and supporting documentation may be returned in person, by mail, or facsimile to the appropriate county FSA office. Form LS–86, and accompanying documentation returned in person or by facsimile, must be received in the appropriate FSA office prior to the close of business on February 27, 2009. Form LS–86 and accompanying documentation returned by mail must be postmarked no later than midnight of February 27, 2009, and received in the county office by close of business on March 6, 2009. In accordance with Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), the information collection requirements have been approved under OMB number 0581–0093. Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7411–7425 and 7 U.S.C. 7401. PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 76331 Dated: December 10, 2008. James E. Link, Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. [FR Doc. E8–29693 Filed 12–15–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–02–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Commodity Credit Corporation Notice of Finding of No Significant Impact on the Final Programmatic Environmental Assessment for 2008 Farm Bill Provisions Regarding the Conservation Reserve Program AGENCY: Commodity Credit Corporation, USDA. ACTION: Notice; Finding of No Significant Impact. SUMMARY: This notice announces that the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) has completed a Final Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) and is issuing a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) with respect to the implementation of changes to the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and changes to the Farmable Wetlands Program (FWP) authorized by the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (2008 Farm Bill). FWP operates as part of CRP. DATES: We will consider comments that we receive by January 15, 2009. ADDRESSES: We invite you to submit comments on this Final PEA. In your comments, include the volume, date, and page number of this issue of the Federal Register. You may submit comments by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. • E-Mail: 2008crpfarmbill@geomarine.com. • Fax: (202) 720–4619. • Mail: 2008 Farm Bill PEA Comments, c/o Geo-marine Incorporated, 2713 Magruder Boulevard, Suite D, Hampton, Virginia 23666. • Hand Delivery or Courier: Deliver comments to the above address. Comments may be inspected in the Office of the Director, CEPD, FSA, USDA, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Room 4709 South Building, Washington, DC, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. A copy of the FONSI and Final PEA is available through the FSA home page at https:// www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp? E:\FR\FM\16DEN1.SGM 16DEN1 sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES 76332 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 242 / Tuesday, December 16, 2008 / Notices area=home&subject=ecrc&topic=nepcd. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matthew Ponish, National Environmental Compliance Manager, USDA, FSA, CEPD, Stop 0513, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250–0513, (202) 720–6853, or email: Matthew.Ponish@wdc.usda.gov. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication (Braille, large print, audio tape, etc.) should contact the USDA Target Center at (202) 720–2600 (voice and TDD). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Final PEA assesses the potential environmental impacts associated with implementing the mandatory changes to CRP (Proposed Action) required by sections 1604, 2106, and 2109 of the 2008 Farm Bill (Pub. L. 110–246) related to income limitations, FWP (a component of CRP), and cost-sharing provisions, respectively. FWP changes include the enrollment eligibility expansion to three new categories of land under FWP: (1) Land on which a constructed wetland designed to provide nitrogen removal and other wetland functions is to be developed to receive flow from a row crop agricultural drainage system; (2) Land that was devoted to commercial pond-raised aquaculture in any year during 2002 through 2007; and (3) Land that, after January 1, 1990, and before December 31, 2002, was cropped during at least three of 10 years and was subject to the natural overflow of a prairie wetland. In addition, the 2008 Farm Bill authorizes enrollment into CRP buffer land adjacent to a wetland that would enhance wildlife benefits, to the extent practicable in terms of upland to wetland ratios, as determined by the Secretary. The 2008 Farm Bill also changed provisions for income limitations and cost-sharing that apply to CRP as a whole. The new adjusted gross income limitation of $1 million applies to CRP; however, consistent with section 1001D of the 1985 Farm Bill, as amended by section 1604 of the 2008 Farm Bill, CCC may waive the average adjusted income limitation on a case-by-case basis to protect environmentally sensitive land of special significance. The new cost sharing provisions relate to thinning of trees, windbreaks, shelterbelts, and wildlife corridors to improve resources on the land. The final PEA analyzes the potential environmental impacts to CRP associated with implementing select provisions of the 2008 Farm Bill. FSA analyzed the No Action Alternative VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:09 Dec 15, 2008 Jkt 217001 (continuation of CRP as currently implemented) as an environmental baseline. The final PEA also provides a means for the public to voice any suggestions they may have about the program and any ideas for rulemaking. The final PEA can be reviewed online at: https:// www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp? area=home&subject=ecrc&topic=nepcd. The PEA was completed as required by NEPA, the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Regulations for Implementing the Procedural Provisions of NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500–1508), and FSA’s policy and procedures (7 CFR part 799). Additional analysis under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA, 42 U.S.C. 4321–4347) of potential impacts associated with certain implementation alternatives not included in the PEA may be conducted, as appropriate. Determination In consideration of the analysis documented in the Final PEA and the reasons outlined in the FONSI, the preferred alternative (Proposed Action) would not constitute a major State or Federal action that would significantly affect the human environment. In accordance with the NEPA, 40 CFR part 1502.4, ‘‘Major Federal Actions Requiring the Preparation of Environmental Impact Statements,’’ and 7 CFR Part 799, ‘‘Environmental Quality and Related Environmental Concerns— Compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act,’’ and implementing the regulations of the Council on Environmental Quality (40 CFR parts 1500–1508), I find that neither the proposed action nor any of the alternatives analyzed constitute a major Federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment. Therefore, no environmental impact statement will be prepared. ACTION: Notice of Initiation to revise the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests’ Land and Resource Management Plan. SUMMARY: The Forest Service is revising the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests’ Land and Resource Management Plan (hereafter referred to as the forest plan). This notice describes the documents available for review and how to obtain them; summarizes the need to change the forest plan; provides information concerning public participation and collaboration, including the process for submitting comments; provides an estimated schedule for the planning process, including the time available for comments; and includes names and addresses for agency officials who can provide additional information. DATES: Revision formally begins with the publication of this notice in the Federal Register. To be most beneficial to the planning process, your comments on the need for change should be submitted by February 16, 2009. A series of public meetings to build the proposed plan are tentatively planned for late spring 2009. The dates, times, and locations of these meetings will be posted on the forests’ Web site: https:// www.fs.fed.us/r3/asnf/plan-revision/. ADDRESSES: Send written comments to: Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, Attention: Forest Plan Revision Team, P.O. Box 640, Springerville, Arizona 85938. E-mail: asnf.planning@fs.fed.us. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michelle Davalos at (928) 333–6334 or Deryl Jevons at (928) 333–6261; or email the plan revision team at: asnf.planning@fs.fed.us. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Documents Available for Review DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE The Comprehensive Evaluation Report, the Ecological Sustainability Report, and the Economic and Social Assessment are the forest plan revision analyses documents that provide evaluations of social, economic, and ecological conditions and trends in and around the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. The information outlined in the Comprehensive Evaluation Report identifies the need to change or revise the 1987 forest plan. These documents are available for review and are located on the forests’ Web site at https:// www.fs.fed.us/r3/asnf/plan-revision/ documents.shtml or by request. Forest Service Need for Change Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests; Arizona; Revised Land and Resource Management Plan The need for change has been organized into three revision topics: 1. Maintenance and Improvement of Ecosystem Health, 2. Managed Recreation, and 3. Community-Forest Signed in Washington, DC, on December 10, 2008. Teresa C. Lasseter, Executive Vice President, Commodity Credit Corporation. [FR Doc. E8–29654 Filed 12–15–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–05–P AGENCY: PO 00000 Forest Service, USDA. Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\16DEN1.SGM 16DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 242 (Tuesday, December 16, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 76331-76332]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-29654]


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

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Commodity Credit Corporation


Notice of Finding of No Significant Impact on the Final 
Programmatic Environmental Assessment for 2008 Farm Bill Provisions 
Regarding the Conservation Reserve Program

AGENCY: Commodity Credit Corporation, USDA.

ACTION: Notice; Finding of No Significant Impact.

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

SUMMARY: This notice announces that the Commodity Credit Corporation 
(CCC) has completed a Final Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) 
and is issuing a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) with respect 
to the implementation of changes to the Conservation Reserve Program 
(CRP) and changes to the Farmable Wetlands Program (FWP) authorized by 
the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (2008 Farm Bill). FWP 
operates as part of CRP.

DATES: We will consider comments that we receive by January 15, 2009.

ADDRESSES: We invite you to submit comments on this Final PEA. In your 
comments, include the volume, date, and page number of this issue of 
the Federal Register. You may submit comments by any of the following 
methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting 
comments.
     E-Mail: 2008crpfarmbill@geo-marine.com.
     Fax: (202) 720-4619.
     Mail: 2008 Farm Bill PEA Comments, c/o Geo-marine 
Incorporated, 2713 Magruder Boulevard, Suite D, Hampton, Virginia 
23666.
     Hand Delivery or Courier: Deliver comments to the above 
address.
    Comments may be inspected in the Office of the Director, CEPD, FSA, 
USDA, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Room 4709 South Building, 
Washington, DC, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except holidays. A copy of the FONSI and Final PEA is available through 
the FSA home page at https://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?

[[Page 76332]]

area=home&subject=ecrc&topic=nep-cd.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matthew Ponish, National Environmental 
Compliance Manager, USDA, FSA, CEPD, Stop 0513, 1400 Independence Ave., 
SW., Washington, DC 20250-0513, (202) 720-6853, or e-mail: 
Matthew.Ponish@wdc.usda.gov. Persons with disabilities who require 
alternative means for communication (Braille, large print, audio tape, 
etc.) should contact the USDA Target Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice 
and TDD).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Final PEA assesses the potential 
environmental impacts associated with implementing the mandatory 
changes to CRP (Proposed Action) required by sections 1604, 2106, and 
2109 of the 2008 Farm Bill (Pub. L. 110-246) related to income 
limitations, FWP (a component of CRP), and cost-sharing provisions, 
respectively. FWP changes include the enrollment eligibility expansion 
to three new categories of land under FWP:
    (1) Land on which a constructed wetland designed to provide 
nitrogen removal and other wetland functions is to be developed to 
receive flow from a row crop agricultural drainage system;
    (2) Land that was devoted to commercial pond-raised aquaculture in 
any year during 2002 through 2007; and
    (3) Land that, after January 1, 1990, and before December 31, 2002, 
was cropped during at least three of 10 years and was subject to the 
natural overflow of a prairie wetland.
    In addition, the 2008 Farm Bill authorizes enrollment into CRP 
buffer land adjacent to a wetland that would enhance wildlife benefits, 
to the extent practicable in terms of upland to wetland ratios, as 
determined by the Secretary. The 2008 Farm Bill also changed provisions 
for income limitations and cost-sharing that apply to CRP as a whole. 
The new adjusted gross income limitation of $1 million applies to CRP; 
however, consistent with section 1001D of the 1985 Farm Bill, as 
amended by section 1604 of the 2008 Farm Bill, CCC may waive the 
average adjusted income limitation on a case-by-case basis to protect 
environmentally sensitive land of special significance.
    The new cost sharing provisions relate to thinning of trees, 
windbreaks, shelterbelts, and wildlife corridors to improve resources 
on the land.
    The final PEA analyzes the potential environmental impacts to CRP 
associated with implementing select provisions of the 2008 Farm Bill. 
FSA analyzed the No Action Alternative (continuation of CRP as 
currently implemented) as an environmental baseline.
    The final PEA also provides a means for the public to voice any 
suggestions they may have about the program and any ideas for 
rulemaking. The final PEA can be reviewed online at: https://
www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=home&subject=ecrc&topic=nep-cd.
    The PEA was completed as required by NEPA, the Council on 
Environmental Quality (CEQ) Regulations for Implementing the Procedural 
Provisions of NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500-1508), and FSA's policy and 
procedures (7 CFR part 799). Additional analysis under the National 
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA, 42 U.S.C. 4321-4347) of potential 
impacts associated with certain implementation alternatives not 
included in the PEA may be conducted, as appropriate.

Determination

    In consideration of the analysis documented in the Final PEA and 
the reasons outlined in the FONSI, the preferred alternative (Proposed 
Action) would not constitute a major State or Federal action that would 
significantly affect the human environment. In accordance with the 
NEPA, 40 CFR part 1502.4, ``Major Federal Actions Requiring the 
Preparation of Environmental Impact Statements,'' and 7 CFR Part 799, 
``Environmental Quality and Related Environmental Concerns--Compliance 
with the National Environmental Policy Act,'' and implementing the 
regulations of the Council on Environmental Quality (40 CFR parts 1500-
1508), I find that neither the proposed action nor any of the 
alternatives analyzed constitute a major Federal action significantly 
affecting the quality of the human environment. Therefore, no 
environmental impact statement will be prepared.

    Signed in Washington, DC, on December 10, 2008.
Teresa C. Lasseter,
Executive Vice President, Commodity Credit Corporation.
 [FR Doc. E8-29654 Filed 12-15-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-05-P

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