Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests; Arizona; Revised Land and Resource Management Plan, 76332-76333 [E8-29729]

Download as PDF 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 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 242 / Tuesday, December 16, 2008 / Notices Interaction. For each of the revision topics, there is a need for the revised forest plan to: 1. Maintenance and Improvement of Ecosystem Health » Adequately describe desired conditions for the vegetative communities regarding: composition, structure, and cover; resilient, functioning ecosystems; fire regimes; and plant and animal diversity. » Provide direction regarding invasive species. » Address the emerging issue of climate change by incorporating adaptive management strategies and describing ecological conditions that are resilient to change. 2. Managed Recreation » Update the spectrum of recreation opportunities and the suitability of areas for motorized vehicle use. » Incorporate direction for existing special areas that were not included in the current forest plan. » Identify rivers that are eligible for the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. » Evaluate lands for wilderness potential and, if appropriate, recommend designation by Congress. sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES 3. Community-Forest Interaction » Reduce the risk to communities and natural resources from wildfire and provide guidance for addressing urban interface demands (access, trailheads, special use permits). » Address community expansion needs, preservation of open space, and water during land ownership adjustments. » Address a sustainable supply of forest and rangeland resources that is consistent with achieving desired conditions and that supports local communities. » Update the criteria for establishing new energy (utility) corridors. (Reference: Comprehensive Evaluation Report.) Public Participation and Opportunity To Comment The revision process is designed to provide continued opportunities for public collaboration and open participation in the development of the revised forest plan. Additional information on the process, the documents being produced, and public participation opportunities can be found on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests’ plan revision Web site at: https://www.fs.fed.us/r3/asnf/planrevision/. The Forest Service is seeking public comments on the need for change VerDate Aug<31>2005 20:48 Dec 15, 2008 Jkt 217001 identified in the Comprehensive Evaluation Report. Substantive comments received by February 16, 2009 will be of the most value in evaluating public response to the adequacy of the need for change topics outlined in the report. It is important to participate in the plan revision process as only those parties who participate following the publication of this notice through the submission of written comments can submit an objection later in the proposed plan development process pursuant to 36 CFR 219.13(a). Comments received during the planning process, including the names and addresses of those who commented will be part of the public record available for public inspection. The Responsible Official shall accept and consider comments submitted anonymously. Submit written comments to the address noted above. 76333 SUMMARY: On November 24, 2008 the USDA Forest Service, Mt. Hood National Forest published a Notice of Intent in the Federal Register (73 FR 70956) to prepare a forest plan amendment for the proposed Palomar Gasline Transmission Project (PGT). The Notice of Intent is being revised to extend the end of the scoping comment period from January 9, 2009 to February 4, 2009. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mike Redmond, Environmental Coordinator, Mt. Hood National Forest, 16400 Champion Way, Sandy OR 97055 or by e-mailing mredmond@fs.fed.us or by calling (503) 668–1776. Dated: December 8, 2008. Kathryn J. Silverman, Deputy Forest Supervisor, Mt. Hood National Forest. [FR Doc. E8–29640 Filed 12–15–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–11–M Estimated Planning Process Schedule The revision process for the ApacheSitgreaves National Forests officially begins with the publication of this notice in the Federal Register. A series of public meetings to begin building the revised plan is 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/. A draft proposed forest plan is currently scheduled to be issued for predecisional review in September 2009 and final plan approval in September 2010. Responsible Official The Forest Supervisor, Chris Knopp, is the Responsible Official (36 CFR 219.2(b)(1)). (Authority: 36 CFR 219.9(b)(2)(i), 73 FR 21509, April 21, 2008) Dated: December 8, 2008. Chris Knopp, Forest Supervisor. [FR Doc. E8–29729 Filed 12–15–08; 8:45 am] DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service RIN 0596-AC39 Travel Management Directives; Forest Service Manual 2350, 7700, and 7710 and Forest Service Handbook 7709.55 Correction In notice document E8–29041 beginning on page 74689 in the issue of Tuesday, December 9, 2008, make the following correction: On page 74689, in the first column, in the DATES paragraph, in the second line, ‘‘January 7, 2009’’ should read ‘‘January 8, 2009’’. [FR Doc. Z8–29041 Filed 12–15–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 1505–01–D DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE U.S. Census Bureau BILLING CODE 3410–11–P Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Manufacturers’ Shipments, Inventories, and Orders (M3) Survey DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AGENCY: Forest Service ACTION: Proposed Forest Plan Amendment for the Palomar Gasline Transmission Project; Mt. Hood National Forest; Oregon Forest Service, USDA. Revised Notice of intent to prepare a forest plan amendment. AGENCY: ACTION: PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 U.S. Census Bureau. Notice. SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, E:\FR\FM\16DEN1.SGM 16DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 242 (Tuesday, December 16, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 76332-76333]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-29729]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests; Arizona; Revised Land and 
Resource Management Plan

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

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 e-mail the plan revision team at: 
asnf.planning@fs.fed.us.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Documents Available for Review

    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.

Need for Change

    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

[[Page 76333]]

Interaction. For each of the revision topics, there is a need for the 
revised forest plan to:

1. Maintenance and Improvement of Ecosystem Health

    [ctrcir] Adequately describe desired conditions for the vegetative 
communities regarding: composition, structure, and cover; resilient, 
functioning ecosystems; fire regimes; and plant and animal diversity.
    [ctrcir] Provide direction regarding invasive species.
    [ctrcir] Address the emerging issue of climate change by 
incorporating adaptive management strategies and describing ecological 
conditions that are resilient to change.

2. Managed Recreation

    [ctrcir] Update the spectrum of recreation opportunities and the 
suitability of areas for motorized vehicle use.
    [ctrcir] Incorporate direction for existing special areas that were 
not included in the current forest plan.
    [ctrcir] Identify rivers that are eligible for the National Wild 
and Scenic Rivers System.
    [ctrcir] Evaluate lands for wilderness potential and, if 
appropriate, recommend designation by Congress.

3. Community-Forest Interaction

    [ctrcir] Reduce the risk to communities and natural resources from 
wildfire and provide guidance for addressing urban interface demands 
(access, trailheads, special use permits).
    [ctrcir] Address community expansion needs, preservation of open 
space, and water during land ownership adjustments.
    [ctrcir] Address a sustainable supply of forest and rangeland 
resources that is consistent with achieving desired conditions and that 
supports local communities.
    [ctrcir] Update the criteria for establishing new energy (utility) 
corridors.
    (Reference: Comprehensive Evaluation Report.)

Public Participation and Opportunity To Comment

    The revision process is designed to provide continued opportunities 
for public collaboration and open participation in the development of 
the revised forest plan. Additional information on the process, the 
documents being produced, and public participation opportunities can be 
found on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests' plan revision Web site 
at: https://www.fs.fed.us/r3/asnf/plan-revision/.
    The Forest Service is seeking public comments on the need for 
change identified in the Comprehensive Evaluation Report. Substantive 
comments received by February 16, 2009 will be of the most value in 
evaluating public response to the adequacy of the need for change 
topics outlined in the report.
    It is important to participate in the plan revision process as only 
those parties who participate following the publication of this notice 
through the submission of written comments can submit an objection 
later in the proposed plan development process pursuant to 36 CFR 
219.13(a). Comments received during the planning process, including the 
names and addresses of those who commented will be part of the public 
record available for public inspection. The Responsible Official shall 
accept and consider comments submitted anonymously. Submit written 
comments to the address noted above.

Estimated Planning Process Schedule

    The revision process for the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests 
officially begins with the publication of this notice in the Federal 
Register. A series of public meetings to begin building the revised 
plan is 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/. A draft proposed forest 
plan is currently scheduled to be issued for pre-decisional review in 
September 2009 and final plan approval in September 2010.

Responsible Official

    The Forest Supervisor, Chris Knopp, is the Responsible Official (36 
CFR 219.2(b)(1)).

(Authority: 36 CFR 219.9(b)(2)(i), 73 FR 21509, April 21, 2008)

    Dated: December 8, 2008.
Chris Knopp,
Forest Supervisor.
[FR Doc. E8-29729 Filed 12-15-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-11-P

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