Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Wisconsin; Honey Creek-Padus Project, 8499-8500 [E9-3992]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 36 / Wednesday, February 25, 2009 / Notices comments will not have standing to appeal the subsequent decision under 36 CFR Parts 215 or 217. Additionally, pursuant to 7 CFR 1.27(d), any person may request the agency to withhold a submission from the public record by showing how the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) permits such confidentiality. Requesters should be aware that, under FOIA, confidentiality may be granted in only very limited circumstances, such as to protect trade secrets. The Forest Service will inform the requester of the agency’s decision regarding the request for confidentiality, and where the request is denied, the agency will return the submission and notify the requester that the comments may be resubmitted with or without name and address within 7 days. Permits: Permits required for implementation include the following: 1. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers —Approval of discharge of dredged or fill material into the waters of the United States under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act; —Approval of the construction of structures or work in navigable waters of the United States under Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899. 2. Environmental Protection Agency —General National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit for Log Transfer Facilities in Alaska; —Review Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure Plan. 3. State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources —Tideland Permit and Lease or Easement; —Certification of Compliance with Alaska Water Quality Standards (401 Certification) Chapter 20. 4. Office of Project Management & Permitting (DNR) —Coastal Zone Consistency Determination concurrence. pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES 5. State of Alaska, Department of Environmental Conservation —Solid Waste Disposal Permit. Responsible Official: Forrest Cole, Forest Supervisor, Tongass National Forest, Federal Building, Ketchikan, Alaska 99901. Nature of Decision To Be Made: The Forest Supervisor is the Responsible Official for this action and will decide whether or not to harvest timber from the Tonka Timber Sale Project project area, and if so, the amount, location and method how this timber will be harvested. The decision will be based on the information that is disclosed in VerDate Nov<24>2008 19:10 Feb 24, 2009 Jkt 217001 the environmental impact statement. The responsible official will consider comments, responses, the disclosure of environmental consequences, and applicable laws, regulations, and policies in making the decision and will state that rationale in the Record of Decision. (Authority: 40 CFR 1501.7 and 1508.22; Forest Service Handbook 1909.15, Section 21) Dated: February 17, 2009. Forrest Cole, Forest Supervisor. [FR Doc. E9–3878 Filed 2–24–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–11–M DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Wisconsin; Honey Creek-Padus Project Forest Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Forest Service will prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) to document the analysis and disclose the environmental impacts of proposed land management activities and corresponding alternatives within the Honey Creek-Padus Project. The purpose of the Honey Creek-Padus Project is to implement land management activities that are consistent with direction in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest 2004 Revised Land and Resource Management Plan and respond to the specific needs identified in the project area. Honey Creek-Padus Project is located on National Forest System lands, administered by the Lakewood-Laona Ranger District, north of Wabeno, WI. The legal description of the project is Township 35 North, Range 14 and 15 East. DATES: Comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received by March 13, 2009. The draft environmental impact statement is expected in September 2009 and the final environmental impact statement is expected February 2010. ADDRESSES: Send written comments concerning this project to Marilee Houtler, Attn: Honey Creek-Padus, Lakewood-Laona Ranger District, 15085 State Road 32, Lakewood, WI 54138. Comments may also be sent via e-mail to comments-eastern-chequamegon- PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 8499 nicolet-lakewood@fs.fed.us, or via facsimile to 715–276–3594. Comments received in response to this solicitation, including names and addresses of those who comment, will be part of the public record for this proposed action. Comments submitted anonymously will be accepted and considered; however, anonymous comments will not provide the respondent with standing to appeal the subsequent decision. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Marilee Houtler, NEPA Coordinator (see address above), phone 715–276–6333. Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–800–877–8339 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. The information presented in this notice is included to help the reviewer determine if they are interested in or potentially affected by the proposed land management activities. The information presented in this notice is summarized. Those who wish to provide comments, or are otherwise interested in or affected by the project, are encouraged to obtain additional information from the contact listed above. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Purpose and Need for Action The purpose and need for action by the agency is to address notable gaps between the existing vegetation and access conditions in the Honey CreekPadus landscape and the desired conditions to be provided under the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest 2004 Land and Resource Management Plan. Of primary importance are needs for change in: (1) Uneven-aged northern hardwood age structure and density; (2) composition of aspen and hardwoods; and (3) species age class distribution. These are the dominant habitats in the Honey Creek-Padus Project area. Preliminary analysis of the project area indicates that there are certain conditions that warrant action to accomplish the direction and desired conditions identified in the forest plan. Proposed Action Based on the opportunities and needs outlined in the Purpose and Need section, the Forest Service proposes the following actions in the Honey CreekPadus Project area: 6,703 acres of timber harvest to manage species age diversity, species composition, improve growing conditions, stand tending and reforestation, and access management. Implementation is planned for 2010. E:\FR\FM\25FEN1.SGM 25FEN1 8500 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 36 / Wednesday, February 25, 2009 / Notices Responsible Official The responsible official for this project is Jeff Seefeldt, Lakewood-Laona District Ranger, Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Nature of Decision To Be Made Decision making will be limited to specific activities relating to the proposed actions. The primary decision to be made will be whether or not to implement the proposed action, another action alternative, or parts of alternatives that respond to the project’s purpose and need. This decision would be documented in a record of decision. Preliminary Issues Comments from American Indian tribes, the public, and other agencies will be considered in identifying preliminary issues. Scoping Process This notice of intent initiates the scoping process, which guides the development of the EIS. The 45 day comment period will start after the publication in the Federal Register of the Notice of Availability for the Honey Creek-Padus Project Draft EIS. It is important that reviewers provide their comments at such times and in such manner that they are useful to the agency’s preparation of the EIS. Therefore, comments should be provided prior to the close of the comment period and should clearly articulate the reviewer’s concerns and contentions. The submission of timely and specific comments can affect a reviewer’s ability to participate in subsequent administrative appeal or judicial review. Dated: February 19, 2009. Jeanne M. Higgins, Forest Supervisor. [FR Doc. E9–3992 Filed 2–24–09; 8:45 am] group/discussion—items of interest, (7) Discussion/approval of projects, (8) Membership, (9) Next agenda and meeting date. DATES: The meeting will be held on March 13, 2009, from 9 a.m until 12 noon. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the Mendocino County Museum, located at 400 E. Commercial St., Willits, California. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Roberta Hurt, Committee Coordinator, USDA, Mendocino National Forest, Covelo, Ranger District, 78150 Covelo Road, Covelo, CA 95428. (707) 983– 6658; E-mail rhurt@fs.fed.us. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The meeting is open to the public. Persons who wish to bring matters to the attention of the Committee may file written statements with the Committee staff by March 10, 2009. Public comment will have the opportunity to address the committee at the meeting. Dated: February 12, 2009. Lee Johnson, Designated Federal Official. [FR Doc. E9–3659 Filed 2–24–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–11–M DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Plan Revision for Uwharrie National Forest, NC Forest Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice of adjustment for resuming the land management plan revision process and Notice of commencement of the 90-day comment period for the Uwharrie National Forest Proposed Land Management Plan (hereafter referred to as the Proposed Plan). AGENCY: BILLING CODE 3410–11–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Mendocino Resource Advisory Committee Forest Service, USDA. Notice of meeting. AGENCY: pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES ACTION: SUMMARY: The Mendocino County Resource Advisory Committee will meet March 13, 2009 (RAC) in Willits, California. Agenda items to be covered include: (1) Approval of minutes, (2) Handout discussion, (3) Public Comment, (4) Financial Report, (5) Subcommittees, (6) Matters before the VerDate Nov<24>2008 18:09 Feb 24, 2009 Jkt 217001 SUMMARY: The USDA, Forest Service is resuming preparation of the Uwharrie National Forest (UNF) revised land management plan as directed by the National Forest Management Act (NFMA). Preparation of the revised plan was halted when the 2005 Forest Service planning rule was enjoined. A new planning rule (36 CFR Part 219) was implemented on April 21, 2008 allowing the planning process to be resumed. This notice resumes the plan revision process under the new planning rule. Under the 2005 Rule the planning process had proceeded to the point of generating a Proposed Plan for public comment. A 90-day comment period for the Proposed Plan was initiated on PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 February 15, 2007 but was not completed due to enjoinment of the 2005 Planning Rule on March 30, 2007. This notice serves to initiate a new 90day public comment period on the Proposed Plan. This notice provides: 1. Information on how to view and/or obtain copies of the Proposed Plan and the Comprehensive Evaluation Report. 2. Information on how the public can comment on the Proposed Plan, when those comments are due and, how comments can be submitted. 3. Who to contact for more information. DATES: This notice is effective on February 25, 2009. Comments on the Proposed Plan must be received within 90 days after publication of this notice. ADDRESSES: Submit written comments to: Uwharrie Plan Revision, National Forests in North Carolina, 160–A Zillicoa Street, Asheville, NC 28801. Electronic mail should include ‘‘Proposed Uwharrie Plan Revision’’ in the subject line and be sent to: comments-southern-northcarolina@fs.fed.us. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ruth Bemer, Interdisciplinary Team Leader, National Forests in North Carolina, 160A Zillicoa Street, Asheville, NC 28801, 828–257–4862. More information on the UNF and Proposed Plan revision process is available at: https://www.cs.unca.edu/ nfsnc/uwharrie_plan/. Documents Available for Review The following documents are available for review. They are available either online at: https:// www.cs.unca.edu/nfsnc/uwharrie_plan/ or hardcopies are available by sending a request to comments-southern-northcarolina@fsfed.us or by contacting the address shown above. 1. Uwharrie National Forest Proposed Land Management Plan. 2. Comprehensive Evaluation Report, which includes the following separate documents: • Terrestrial Ecosystem Sustainability • Aquatic Ecosystem Sustainability • Social Economic Sustainability and Social/Economic Overview 3. Timber Resource Analysis. Comment Requested The Forest Service is seeking comments from individuals, organizations, and federal, state, and local governments and agencies on the Uwharric National Forest Proposed Land Management Plan. Comments on the Proposed Plan should be submitted within 90-days beginning February 25, E:\FR\FM\25FEN1.SGM 25FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 36 (Wednesday, February 25, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 8499-8500]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-3992]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Wisconsin; Honey Creek-Padus 
Project

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement.

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

SUMMARY: The Forest Service will prepare an environmental impact 
statement (EIS) to document the analysis and disclose the environmental 
impacts of proposed land management activities and corresponding 
alternatives within the Honey Creek-Padus Project. The purpose of the 
Honey Creek-Padus Project is to implement land management activities 
that are consistent with direction in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National 
Forest 2004 Revised Land and Resource Management Plan and respond to 
the specific needs identified in the project area.
    Honey Creek-Padus Project is located on National Forest System 
lands, administered by the Lakewood-Laona Ranger District, north of 
Wabeno, WI. The legal description of the project is Township 35 North, 
Range 14 and 15 East.

DATES: Comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received 
by March 13, 2009. The draft environmental impact statement is expected 
in September 2009 and the final environmental impact statement is 
expected February 2010.

ADDRESSES: Send written comments concerning this project to Marilee 
Houtler, Attn: Honey Creek-Padus, Lakewood-Laona Ranger District, 15085 
State Road 32, Lakewood, WI 54138. Comments may also be sent via e-mail 
to comments-eastern-chequamegon-nicolet-lakewood@fs.fed.us, or via 
facsimile to 715-276-3594.
    Comments received in response to this solicitation, including names 
and addresses of those who comment, will be part of the public record 
for this proposed action. Comments submitted anonymously will be 
accepted and considered; however, anonymous comments will not provide 
the respondent with standing to appeal the subsequent decision.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Marilee Houtler, NEPA Coordinator (see 
address above), phone 715-276-6333.
    Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) 
may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 
between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The information presented in this notice is 
included to help the reviewer determine if they are interested in or 
potentially affected by the proposed land management activities. The 
information presented in this notice is summarized. Those who wish to 
provide comments, or are otherwise interested in or affected by the 
project, are encouraged to obtain additional information from the 
contact listed above.

Purpose and Need for Action

    The purpose and need for action by the agency is to address notable 
gaps between the existing vegetation and access conditions in the Honey 
Creek-Padus landscape and the desired conditions to be provided under 
the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest 2004 Land and Resource 
Management Plan. Of primary importance are needs for change in: (1) 
Uneven-aged northern hardwood age structure and density; (2) 
composition of aspen and hardwoods; and (3) species age class 
distribution. These are the dominant habitats in the Honey Creek-Padus 
Project area. Preliminary analysis of the project area indicates that 
there are certain conditions that warrant action to accomplish the 
direction and desired conditions identified in the forest plan.

Proposed Action

    Based on the opportunities and needs outlined in the Purpose and 
Need section, the Forest Service proposes the following actions in the 
Honey Creek-Padus Project area: 6,703 acres of timber harvest to manage 
species age diversity, species composition, improve growing conditions, 
stand tending and reforestation, and access management. Implementation 
is planned for 2010.

[[Page 8500]]

Responsible Official

    The responsible official for this project is Jeff Seefeldt, 
Lakewood-Laona District Ranger, Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.

Nature of Decision To Be Made

    Decision making will be limited to specific activities relating to 
the proposed actions. The primary decision to be made will be whether 
or not to implement the proposed action, another action alternative, or 
parts of alternatives that respond to the project's purpose and need. 
This decision would be documented in a record of decision.

Preliminary Issues

    Comments from American Indian tribes, the public, and other 
agencies will be considered in identifying preliminary issues.

Scoping Process

    This notice of intent initiates the scoping process, which guides 
the development of the EIS. The 45 day comment period will start after 
the publication in the Federal Register of the Notice of Availability 
for the Honey Creek-Padus Project Draft EIS.
    It is important that reviewers provide their comments at such times 
and in such manner that they are useful to the agency's preparation of 
the EIS. Therefore, comments should be provided prior to the close of 
the comment period and should clearly articulate the reviewer's 
concerns and contentions. The submission of timely and specific 
comments can affect a reviewer's ability to participate in subsequent 
administrative appeal or judicial review.

    Dated: February 19, 2009.
Jeanne M. Higgins,
Forest Supervisor.
 [FR Doc. E9-3992 Filed 2-24-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-11-P
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