Alpine, Black Mesa, Clifton, and Lakeside Ranger Districts of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, Mogollon Rim and Red Rock Ranger Districts of the Coconino National Forest and Verde Ranger District of the Prescott National Forest; Show Low South Land Exchange, 19193-19195 [E9-9617]
Download as PDF
<![CDATA[
19193
Notices
Federal Register
Vol. 74, No. 80
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER
contains documents other than rules or
proposed rules that are applicable to the
public. Notices of hearings and investigations,
committee meetings, agency decisions and
rulings, delegations of authority, filing of
petitions and applications and agency
statements of organization and functions are
examples of documents appearing in this
section.
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Notice of Request for an Extension for
and Revision to a Currently Approved
Information Collection
erowe on PROD1PC64 with NOTICES
AGENCY: Departmental Administration,
USDA.
ACTION: Notice and request for
comments.
SUMMARY: In accordance with the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44
U.S.C. Chapter 35), this notice
announces the Department of
Agriculture’s Office of Security
Services’ intention to request an
extension for and revision to a currently
approved information collection for
USDA Personal Identity Verification
(PIV) Request for Credential, the USDA
program implementing the provisions of
Homeland Security Presidential
Directive 12 (HSPD–12). HSPD–12
establishes a mandatory, Governmentwide standard for secure and reliable
forms of identification (credentials)
issued by the Federal Government to its
Federal Employees, other applicable
individuals, and contractors. The Office
of Management and Budget (OMB)
mandated that these credentials be
issued to all Federal Government
employees, contractors, and other
applicable individuals who require
long-term access to federally controlled
facilities and/or information systems.
The HSPD–12 compliant program is
jointly owned and administered by
USDA through the Office of the Chief
Information Officer (OCIO) and
Departmental Administration (DA).
DATES: Comments on this notice must be
received by June 24, 2009 to be assured
of consideration.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR COMMENTS:
Please submit comments or requests for
information to Richard Holman, Chief,
Physical Security Division, Office of
Security Services, USDA, Room 101,
Reporter’s Agriculture Building, 300 7th
Street, SW., Washington, DC 20024.
VerDate Nov<24>2008
15:33 Apr 27, 2009
Jkt 217001
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Title: USDA PIV Request for
Credential.
OMB Number: 0505–0022.
Expiration Date of Approval: June 30,
2009.
Type of Request: Extension and
revision of a currently approved
information collection.
Abstract: The HSPD–12 information
collection consists of two phases of
implementation: Personal Identity
Verification phase I (PIV I) and Personal
Identity Verification phase II (PIV II).
The information requested must be
provided by Federal employees,
contractors, and other applicable
individuals when applying for a USDA
credential (identification card). This
information collection is necessary to
comply with the requirements outlined
in Homeland Security Presidential
Directive (HSPD) 12, and Federal
Information Processing Standard (FIPS)
201, Personal Identity Verification (PIV)
Phases I & II. USDA must implement an
identity proofing, registration, and
issuance process consistent with the
requirements outlined in FIPS 201.
Previously, this information collection
form was required as part of USDA’s
PIV I identity proofing and registration
process. For PIV II, implemented after
10/27/06, form AD 1197 has been
eliminated and the identity process has
been streamlined with the addition of a
Web-based HSPD–12 system. As USDA
has entered Phase II (PIV II) of the
HSPD–12 program, one estimate of
burden is calculated and one process
description is included.
Estimate of Burden: Public reporting
burden for this collection of information
is estimated to average 3.5 hours for PIV
II. The Burden is estimated based on the
three prerequisites for PIV Credential
issuance as well as the receipt of the PIV
Credential itself.
Respondents: For PIV I, new long
term employees, contractors, and other
applicable individuals must undergo the
information collection process. For PIV
II, long term contractors, other
applicable individuals, and employees
must undergo the information collection
process. Existing contractors/
employees/other applicable individuals
must undergo the process to receive a
PIV Credential.
Estimated Number of Respondents:
Estimated Annual (this year only)
Number of Respondents: PIV II
PO 00000
Frm 00001
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
respondents: 65,000. By October 2009,
Annual Number of Respondents
decreases to approximately 13,000.
Estimated Number of Responses per
Respondent: Each respondent should
complete one response.
Estimated Total One-Time Burden on
Respondents: PIV II: 227,500 hours. By
October 2009, Estimated Total Annual
Burden on Respondents: 45,500 hours.
Comments are invited on: (1) Whether
the proposed collection of information
is necessary for the proper performance
of the functions of the agency, including
whether the information will have
practical utility; (2) the accuracy of the
agency’s estimate of the burden of the
proposed collection of information
including the validity of the
methodology and assumptions used; (3)
ways to enhance the quality, utility, and
clarity of the information to be
collected; and (4) ways to minimize the
burden of the collection of information
on those who are to respond, including
the use of appropriate automated,
electronic, mechanical, or other
technological collection techniques or
other forms of information technology.
Comments may be sent to Richard
Holman. All comments received will be
available for public inspection during
regular business hours at the same
address.
All responses to this notice will be
summarized and included in the request
for OMB approval. All comments will
become a matter of public record.
Signed: April 21, 2009.
W.R. Ashworth,
Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for
Administration.
[FR Doc. E9–9594 Filed 4–27–09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–96–P
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service
Alpine, Black Mesa, Clifton, and
Lakeside Ranger Districts of the
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests,
Mogollon Rim and Red Rock Ranger
Districts of the Coconino National
Forest and Verde Ranger District of the
Prescott National Forest; Show Low
South Land Exchange
Forest Service, USDA.
Notice of intent to prepare an
environmental impact statement.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
E:\FR\FM\28APN1.SGM
28APN1
erowe on PROD1PC64 with NOTICES
19194
Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 80 / Tuesday, April 28, 2009 / Notices
SUMMARY: The Forest Service, USDA
will prepare an environmental impact
statement (EIS) on a proposal to
exchange approximately 1,028 acres of
Federal lands for approximately 1,555
acres of non-Federal lands. The EIS will
analyze the proposed exchange of the
Federal lands described as Sierra Blanca
Ranch Adjustment, City of Show Low,
Show Low South, and Soda Springs
Ranch Adjustment parcels for the nonFederal lands described as Sierra Blanca
Ranch, Sprucedale, Alder Peak, Juan
Miller, Leonard Canyon, Soda Springs
Ranch, Cherry, Sponseller Ranch, and
Railroad parcels. The Federal and nonFederal lands proposed for exchange are
located in Apache, Coconino, Greenlee,
Navajo, and Yavapai Counties, Arizona.
The affected Forest Service units are the
Alpine, Black Mesa, Clifton, and
Lakeside Ranger Districts of the ApacheSitgreaves National Forests, the
Mogollon Rim and Red Rock Ranger
Districts of the Coconino National
Forest, and the Verde Ranger District of
the Prescott National Forest. The
exchange would occur with First
American Title Insurance Company,
Trustee, under Trust 8667, on behalf of
SL Land Exchange, LLC.
Implementation of the proposed
exchange is scheduled for May 2010.
The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
Supervisor invites the public to submit
comments on the proposal and
suggestions on the scope of the
proposed exchange. The Forest
Supervisor also invites the public to
participate in the environmental
analysis and decision-making process
for the proposed exchange of lands.
DATES: Comments concerning the scope
of the analysis must be received 30 days
from date of publication in the Federal
Register. The draft environmental
impact statement is expected January
2010 and the final environmental
impact statement is expected March
2010.
ADDRESSES: Send written comments to
Bruce Buttrey, Natural Resources
Specialist, Springerville Ranger District,
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, c/o
EnviroSystems Management, Inc, 23
East Fine Avenue, Flagstaff, Arizona
86001. Comments may also be sent via
e-mail to comments-southwesternapache-sitgreaves@fs.fed.us, or via
facsimile to (928) 333–4182.
It is important that reviewers provide
their comments at such times and in
such a way 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
VerDate Nov<24>2008
15:33 Apr 27, 2009
Jkt 217001
contentions. The submission of timely
and specific comments can affect a
reviewer’s ability to participate in
subsequent administrative review or
judicial review.
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 participate
in subsequent administrative review or
judicial review.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Bruce Buttrey, Natural Resource
Specialist, at bbuttrey@fs.fed.us or (928)
331–4372.
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:
Purpose and Need for Action
The proposal to exchange lands in the
Apache-Sitgreaves, Coconino, and
Prescott National Forests responds to
the Forest Service’s need for
consolidation of Federal land ownership
patterns and the need to enhance
management of the public’s natural
resources. There is a need to acquire
lands that (1) protect habitat for several
threatened, endangered, and sensitive
species, (2) facilitate public access to
Federal lands, (3) improve wetlands,
floodplains, and riparian areas, (4)
decrease the complexity of maintaining
property boundaries, and (5) improve
the efficiency of resource management
by focusing the Forest’s funding and
staff on consolidated ownerships.
Proposed Action
The Forest Supervisor proposes to
exchange approximately 1,028 acres of
Federal lands for approximately 1,555
acres of non-Federal lands. The Federal
lands proposed for exchange are located
in Apache, Navajo, and Yavapai
Counties, Arizona; the non-Federal
lands proposed for exchange are located
in Apache, Coconino, Greenlee, Navajo,
and Yavapai Counties, Arizona. The
affected Forest Service units are the
Alpine, Black Mesa, Clifton, and
Lakeside Ranger Districts of the ApacheSitgreaves National Forests, the
Mogollon Rim and Red Rock Ranger
Districts of the Coconino National
Forest, and the Verde Ranger District of
the Prescott National Forest. All
acreages in this proposal are
PO 00000
Frm 00002
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
approximate. The United States of
America would convey fee title to First
American Title Insurance Company,
Trustee, under Trust 8667 for the
approximate acreages of the 2-acre
Sierra Blanca Ranch Adjustment Parcel
in the Apache National Forest; the 70acre City of Show Low Parcel and the
948-acre Show Low South Parcel in the
Sitgreaves National Forest; and the 8acre Soda Springs Ranch Adjustment
Parcel in the Coconino National Forest.
First American Title Insurance
Company, Trustee, under Trust 8667
would convey fee title to the United
States of America for the approximate
acreages of the 152-acre Sierra Black
Ranch Parcel, 70-acre Sprucedale
Parcel, 160-acre Alder Peak Parcel, and
120-acre Juan Miller Parcel in the
Apache National Forest; the 118-acre
Sponseller Parcel and 22-acre Railroad
Parcel in the Sitgreaves National Forest;
the 640.00 acre Leonard Canyon Parcel
and 157-acre Soda Springs Ranch Parcel
in the Coconino National Forest; and the
117-acre Cherry Parcel in the Prescott
National Forest. The proposed exchange
of lands does not require an amendment
to the Apache-Sitgreaves National
Forests Land and Resource Management
Plan. Pursuant to the regulations for
land exchanges (36 CFR 254.3(f)):
‘‘Lands acquired by exchange that are
located within areas having an
administrative designation established
through the land management planning
process shall automatically become part
of the area within which they are
located, without further action by the
Forest Service, and shall be managed in
accordance with the laws, rules, and
regulations, and land and resource
management plan applicable to such
area.’’
Possible Alternatives
A full range of alternatives to the
proposed action, including a no-action
alternative, will be considered during
the environmental analysis and will be
discussed in the EIS. The no-action
alternative represents no change from
the current pattern of land ownership,
and it serves as the baseline for the
comparison among the action
alternatives.
Responsible Official
The Responsible Official is the Forest
Supervisor, Apache-Sitgreaves National
Forests. He will review all issues,
alternatives, and environmental
consequences associated with the
analysis; consider all public comments
and response; and comply with all
policies, regulations, and laws in
making a decision regarding the
proposed exchange of lands
E:\FR\FM\28APN1.SGM
28APN1
Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 80 / Tuesday, April 28, 2009 / Notices
documented in the final EIS for the
Show Low South Land Exchange. The
Responsible Official will document his
decision and rationale for the decision
in a Record of Decision (ROD). His
decision will be subject to public notice,
review, comment, and appeal under the
Forest Service Regulations for Notice,
Comment, and Appeal Procedures for
National Forest System projects and
Activities at 36 CFR part 215.
erowe on PROD1PC64 with NOTICES
Nature of Decision To Be Made
The Forest Service will determine if
the lands to be exchanged are desirable,
in the public interest, and suitable for
inclusion in the National Forest System.
Land exchanges are discretionary,
voluntary real estate transactions
between the Federal and non-Federal
parties.
The exchange can only be completed
after the authorized officer determines
that the exchanges meets the
requirements at 36 CFR 254.3(b): (1) The
resource values and the public
objectives served by non-Federal lands
and interests to be acquired are equal to
or exceed the resource values and
public objectives served by the Federal
lands to be disposed, and (2) the
intended use of the disposed Federal
lands will not substantially conflict
with established management objectives
on adjacent Federal lands, including
Indian Trust Lands. Lands will be
exchanged on a value for value basis,
based on current fair market value
appraisals. The appraisal is prepared in
accordance with the Uniform Appraisal
Standards of Professional Appraisal
Practice and the Uniform Appraisal
Standards for Federal Land Acquisition.
The appraisal prepared for the land
exchange is reviewed by a qualified
review appraiser to ensure that it is fair
and complies with the appropriate
standards. Under the Federal Land
Policy and Management Act of 1976, all
exchanges must be equal in value.
Forest Service regulations at 36 CFR
254.3 require that exchanges must be of
equal value or equalized pursuant to 36
CFR 254.12 by cash payment after
making all reasonable efforts to equalize
values by deleting lands. If lands
proposed for exchange are not equal in
value, either party may make them
equal by cash payment not to exceed 25
percent of the Federal land value. A
value consultation by the Regional
Appraiser, November 25, 2008
concluded that it appears that the
exchange is structured with flexibility to
comply with the equal value
requirement of the Federal Land Policy
Management Act (FLMPA), as amended.
VerDate Nov<24>2008
15:33 Apr 27, 2009
Jkt 217001
Scoping Process
This notice of intent initiates the
scoping process, which guides the
development of the environmental
impact statement. Scoping will include
notice in the Apache-Sitgreaves
National Forests’ Quarterly Schedule of
Proposed Actions; distribution of letters
to individuals, organizations, and
agencies who have previously indicated
interest in the Show Low South Land
Exchange; communication with Tribal
interests; and publication of news
releases in the White Mountain
Independent and The Arizona Republic,
the newspaper of record, for Regional
Forester decisions for the ApacheSitgreaves National Forests. Any news
releases will also be distributed to other
local newspapers that serve areas
affected by this proposal. A public
meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April
28, 2009, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the
Show Low Library, 180 North 9th Street,
Show Low, AZ 85901. This meeting and
any future public meetings will have a
notice of time and location provided to
newspapers that serve areas affected by
this proposal. The scoping process will
include identifying any key issues and
previously unknown potential
environmental effects of the proposed
action.
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
environmental impact statement.
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: April 17, 2009.
Chris Knopp,
Forest Supervisor.
[FR Doc. E9–9617 Filed 4–27–09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–11–M
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service
Tri-County Advisory Committee
Meeting
Forest Service, USDA.
Notice of meeting.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
SUMMARY: The Tri-County Resource
Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet on
Thursday, May 21, 2009, from 5 p.m.
until 9 p.m., in Deer Lodge, Montana.
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
19195
The purpose of the meeting is to review
funding proposals for Title II funding.
DATES: Thursday, May 21, 2009, from 5
p.m. until 9 p.m.
ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at
the USDA building located 1002
Hollenback Road, Deer Lodge, Montana
(MT 59722).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Patty Bates, Committee Coordinator,
Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest,
420 Barrett Road, Dillon, MT 59725
(406) 683–3979; e-mail pbates@fs.fed.us.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Agenda
items to be covered include: (1) Review
of project proposals submitted for
funding under Title II of the Secure
Rural Schools Act; (2) recommendations
to the Designated Federal Officer for
funding levels; (3) review of next
meeting purpose, location, and date; (4)
and receive public comment. The
meeting is open to the public. Public
input opportunity will be provided and
individuals will have the opportunity to
address the Committee at that time.
Dated: April 21, 2009.
M. Earl Stewart,
Designated Federal Official.
[FR Doc. E9–9616 Filed 4–27–09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–11–M
AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL
DEVELOPMENT
Notice of Public Information Collection
Requirements Submitted to OMB for
Review
SUMMARY: U.S. Agency for International
Development (USAID) has submitted
the following information collections to
OMB for review and clearance under the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995,
Public Law 104–13. Comments
regarding this information collection are
best assured of having their full effect if
received within 30 days of this
notification. Comments should be sent
via e-mail to
Chad_A._Lallemand@omb.eop.gov or
fax to 202–395–7285. Copies of
submission may be obtained by calling
(202) 712–1365.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
OMB Number: OMB 0412–0514.
Form Number: N/A.
Title: USAID Regulation 1—Rules and
Procedures Applicable to Commodity
Transactions Financed by USAID (22
CFR part 201).
Type of Submission: Renewal of
Information Collection.
Purpose: The U.S. Agency for
International Development (USAID)
finances transactions under Commodity
E:\FR\FM\28APN1.SGM
28APN1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 80 (Tuesday, April 28, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 19193-19195]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-9617]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service
Alpine, Black Mesa, Clifton, and Lakeside Ranger Districts of the
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, Mogollon Rim and Red Rock Ranger
Districts of the Coconino National Forest and Verde Ranger District of
the Prescott National Forest; Show Low South Land Exchange
AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 19194]]
SUMMARY: The Forest Service, USDA will prepare an environmental impact
statement (EIS) on a proposal to exchange approximately 1,028 acres of
Federal lands for approximately 1,555 acres of non-Federal lands. The
EIS will analyze the proposed exchange of the Federal lands described
as Sierra Blanca Ranch Adjustment, City of Show Low, Show Low South,
and Soda Springs Ranch Adjustment parcels for the non-Federal lands
described as Sierra Blanca Ranch, Sprucedale, Alder Peak, Juan Miller,
Leonard Canyon, Soda Springs Ranch, Cherry, Sponseller Ranch, and
Railroad parcels. The Federal and non-Federal lands proposed for
exchange are located in Apache, Coconino, Greenlee, Navajo, and Yavapai
Counties, Arizona. The affected Forest Service units are the Alpine,
Black Mesa, Clifton, and Lakeside Ranger Districts of the Apache-
Sitgreaves National Forests, the Mogollon Rim and Red Rock Ranger
Districts of the Coconino National Forest, and the Verde Ranger
District of the Prescott National Forest. The exchange would occur with
First American Title Insurance Company, Trustee, under Trust 8667, on
behalf of SL Land Exchange, LLC. Implementation of the proposed
exchange is scheduled for May 2010. The Apache-Sitgreaves National
Forest Supervisor invites the public to submit comments on the proposal
and suggestions on the scope of the proposed exchange. The Forest
Supervisor also invites the public to participate in the environmental
analysis and decision-making process for the proposed exchange of
lands.
DATES: Comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received
30 days from date of publication in the Federal Register. The draft
environmental impact statement is expected January 2010 and the final
environmental impact statement is expected March 2010.
ADDRESSES: Send written comments to Bruce Buttrey, Natural Resources
Specialist, Springerville Ranger District, Apache-Sitgreaves National
Forest, c/o EnviroSystems Management, Inc, 23 East Fine Avenue,
Flagstaff, Arizona 86001. Comments may also be sent via e-mail to
comments-southwestern-apache-sitgreaves@fs.fed.us, or via facsimile to
(928) 333-4182.
It is important that reviewers provide their comments at such times
and in such a way 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 review or judicial review.
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 participate in subsequent
administrative review or judicial review.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bruce Buttrey, Natural Resource
Specialist, at bbuttrey@fs.fed.us or (928) 331-4372.
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:
Purpose and Need for Action
The proposal to exchange lands in the Apache-Sitgreaves, Coconino,
and Prescott National Forests responds to the Forest Service's need for
consolidation of Federal land ownership patterns and the need to
enhance management of the public's natural resources. There is a need
to acquire lands that (1) protect habitat for several threatened,
endangered, and sensitive species, (2) facilitate public access to
Federal lands, (3) improve wetlands, floodplains, and riparian areas,
(4) decrease the complexity of maintaining property boundaries, and (5)
improve the efficiency of resource management by focusing the Forest's
funding and staff on consolidated ownerships.
Proposed Action
The Forest Supervisor proposes to exchange approximately 1,028
acres of Federal lands for approximately 1,555 acres of non-Federal
lands. The Federal lands proposed for exchange are located in Apache,
Navajo, and Yavapai Counties, Arizona; the non-Federal lands proposed
for exchange are located in Apache, Coconino, Greenlee, Navajo, and
Yavapai Counties, Arizona. The affected Forest Service units are the
Alpine, Black Mesa, Clifton, and Lakeside Ranger Districts of the
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, the Mogollon Rim and Red Rock
Ranger Districts of the Coconino National Forest, and the Verde Ranger
District of the Prescott National Forest. All acreages in this proposal
are approximate. The United States of America would convey fee title to
First American Title Insurance Company, Trustee, under Trust 8667 for
the approximate acreages of the 2-acre Sierra Blanca Ranch Adjustment
Parcel in the Apache National Forest; the 70-acre City of Show Low
Parcel and the 948-acre Show Low South Parcel in the Sitgreaves
National Forest; and the 8-acre Soda Springs Ranch Adjustment Parcel in
the Coconino National Forest. First American Title Insurance Company,
Trustee, under Trust 8667 would convey fee title to the United States
of America for the approximate acreages of the 152-acre Sierra Black
Ranch Parcel, 70-acre Sprucedale Parcel, 160-acre Alder Peak Parcel,
and 120-acre Juan Miller Parcel in the Apache National Forest; the 118-
acre Sponseller Parcel and 22-acre Railroad Parcel in the Sitgreaves
National Forest; the 640.00 acre Leonard Canyon Parcel and 157-acre
Soda Springs Ranch Parcel in the Coconino National Forest; and the 117-
acre Cherry Parcel in the Prescott National Forest. The proposed
exchange of lands does not require an amendment to the Apache-
Sitgreaves National Forests Land and Resource Management Plan. Pursuant
to the regulations for land exchanges (36 CFR 254.3(f)): ``Lands
acquired by exchange that are located within areas having an
administrative designation established through the land management
planning process shall automatically become part of the area within
which they are located, without further action by the Forest Service,
and shall be managed in accordance with the laws, rules, and
regulations, and land and resource management plan applicable to such
area.''
Possible Alternatives
A full range of alternatives to the proposed action, including a
no-action alternative, will be considered during the environmental
analysis and will be discussed in the EIS. The no-action alternative
represents no change from the current pattern of land ownership, and it
serves as the baseline for the comparison among the action
alternatives.
Responsible Official
The Responsible Official is the Forest Supervisor, Apache-
Sitgreaves National Forests. He will review all issues, alternatives,
and environmental consequences associated with the analysis; consider
all public comments and response; and comply with all policies,
regulations, and laws in making a decision regarding the proposed
exchange of lands
[[Page 19195]]
documented in the final EIS for the Show Low South Land Exchange. The
Responsible Official will document his decision and rationale for the
decision in a Record of Decision (ROD). His decision will be subject to
public notice, review, comment, and appeal under the Forest Service
Regulations for Notice, Comment, and Appeal Procedures for National
Forest System projects and Activities at 36 CFR part 215.
Nature of Decision To Be Made
The Forest Service will determine if the lands to be exchanged are
desirable, in the public interest, and suitable for inclusion in the
National Forest System. Land exchanges are discretionary, voluntary
real estate transactions between the Federal and non-Federal parties.
The exchange can only be completed after the authorized officer
determines that the exchanges meets the requirements at 36 CFR
254.3(b): (1) The resource values and the public objectives served by
non-Federal lands and interests to be acquired are equal to or exceed
the resource values and public objectives served by the Federal lands
to be disposed, and (2) the intended use of the disposed Federal lands
will not substantially conflict with established management objectives
on adjacent Federal lands, including Indian Trust Lands. Lands will be
exchanged on a value for value basis, based on current fair market
value appraisals. The appraisal is prepared in accordance with the
Uniform Appraisal Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice and the
Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisition. The appraisal
prepared for the land exchange is reviewed by a qualified review
appraiser to ensure that it is fair and complies with the appropriate
standards. Under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976,
all exchanges must be equal in value. Forest Service regulations at 36
CFR 254.3 require that exchanges must be of equal value or equalized
pursuant to 36 CFR 254.12 by cash payment after making all reasonable
efforts to equalize values by deleting lands. If lands proposed for
exchange are not equal in value, either party may make them equal by
cash payment not to exceed 25 percent of the Federal land value. A
value consultation by the Regional Appraiser, November 25, 2008
concluded that it appears that the exchange is structured with
flexibility to comply with the equal value requirement of the Federal
Land Policy Management Act (FLMPA), as amended.
Scoping Process
This notice of intent initiates the scoping process, which guides
the development of the environmental impact statement. Scoping will
include notice in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests' Quarterly
Schedule of Proposed Actions; distribution of letters to individuals,
organizations, and agencies who have previously indicated interest in
the Show Low South Land Exchange; communication with Tribal interests;
and publication of news releases in the White Mountain Independent and
The Arizona Republic, the newspaper of record, for Regional Forester
decisions for the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. Any news releases
will also be distributed to other local newspapers that serve areas
affected by this proposal. A public meeting is scheduled for Tuesday,
April 28, 2009, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Show Low Library, 180
North 9th Street, Show Low, AZ 85901. This meeting and any future
public meetings will have a notice of time and location provided to
newspapers that serve areas affected by this proposal. The scoping
process will include identifying any key issues and previously unknown
potential environmental effects of the proposed action.
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 environmental impact statement. 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: April 17, 2009.
Chris Knopp,
Forest Supervisor.
[FR Doc. E9-9617 Filed 4-27-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-11-M
