Umatilla National Forest, Walla Walla Ranger District, OR; North End Sheep Allotment EIS, 68416-68417 [E9-30566]

Download as PDF 68416 Notices Federal Register Vol. 74, No. 246 Thursday, December 24, 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 Forest Service Umatilla National Forest, Walla Walla Ranger District, OR; North End Sheep Allotment EIS Forest Service, USDA. Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement. AGENCY: wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with NOTICES_PART 1 ACTION: SUMMARY: The Forest Service proposes to continue to permit livestock (sheep) grazing on approximately 98,000 acres within the North End Allotment. This action will comply with the Rescission Act of 1995 requiring NEPA analysis for all grazing allotments. The North End Allotment is approximately 132,000 acres in size and is located in Umatilla, Wallowa, and Union Counties, Oregon. The large size makes for a diverse allotment of mountain uplands and plateaus dissected by large canyons. Approximately 75% of the allotment is forested vegetation with the remaining lands consisting of grasslands. Most of the allotment has been grazed by domestic sheep since the late 1800’s and records show that the Forest Service has issued permits since the 1920’s for the allotment. Since the current AMP was approved in 1986, it does not incorporate the changes that have occurred since the signing of the Forest Plan (1990), as amended. Also, the Rescission Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104–19, Section 504) requires the Forest Service to identify all allotments requiring NEPA analysis, and to prepare and adhere to a schedule for conducting such analysis. However, the Annual Operating Instructions (AOI) 1 for the allotment has been adjusted yearly to respond to these changes in 1 A long term operating plan which is the implementing document for the decision made through the National Policy Act process that promotes progress toward desired future conditions. VerDate Nov<24>2008 15:40 Dec 23, 2009 Jkt 220001 management direction. The Forest Service proposes to continue to permit livestock grazing (sheep) on approximately 98,000 acres within the North End Allotment. Development and implementation of these actions will be conducted in accordance with the National Forest Management Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Council on Environmental Quality regulations, Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, Endangered Species Act, and with the Umatilla National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan and scientific recommendations of the Interior Columbia Basin Ecosystem Management Project. DATES: Comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received by January 25, 2010. The Draft EIS is expected to be filed with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and be available to the public for review by June 2010. The Final EIS is scheduled to be completed by September 2010. ADDRESSES: Send written comments to Mike Rassbach, District Ranger, Walla Walla Ranger District,1415 W. Rose, Walla Walla, WA. Comments may also be sent via e-mail to commentspacificnorthwest-umatillawallawalla@fs.fed.us, or via facsimile to 509–522–6000. 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. 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 appeal or judicial review. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kimpton Cooper, Environmental Coordinator, Walla Walla Ranger District, 1415 W. Rose, Walla Walla, WA 99362. He can be reached by phone at (509) 522–6290 or by e-mail at kmcooper@fs.fed.us. PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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 purpose and need is to comply with the Rescission Act of 1995 requiring NEPA analysis on the North End Allotment. Also, part of the allotment is near occupied Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep range. There is a potential risk of physical contact occurring between the domestic sheep and bighorn sheep. Contact between domestic sheep and bighorn sheep would likely be detrimental to the health of the bighorn sheep herd resulting in substantial population declines. There is a need to manage livestock stocking and distribution to reduce the likelihood of contact between domestic and bighorn sheep. Proposed Action The Forest Service proposes to continue to permit livestock grazing (sheep) on approximately 98,000 acres within the North End Allotment. Approximately 34,000 acres of the current allotment would be closed as part of this proposal. A maximum of 3,962 ewe/lamb pairs would be authorized within the normal grazing season from June 1 to October 9. Possible Alternatives Alternatives will include the proposed action, no action, and additional alternatives that respond to issues generated during the scoping process. The agency will give notice of the full environmental analysis and decision-making process so interested and affected people may participate and contribute to the final decision. Responsible Official Walla Walla District Ranger. Nature of Decision To Be Made The responsible official will decide: (1) Whether livestock grazing should occur, and if so, how much, when and where. (2) What monitoring and mitigation measures should be taken or are needed. E:\FR\FM\24DEN1.SGM 24DEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 246 / Thursday, December 24, 2009 / Notices Preliminary Issues Preliminary issues identified include the potential effects of the proposed action on disease transmission to Wenaha bighorn sheep herd, First foods, a potential South Fork Walla Walla River Bighorn Sheep release site, and livestock management. Scoping Process This notice of intent initiates the scoping process, which guides the development of the environmental impact statement. 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. Dated: December 16, 2009. Michael Rassbach, District Ranger. [FR Doc. E9–30566 Filed 12–23–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service North Central Idaho Resource Advisory Committee Forest Service, USDA. Notice of meeting. AGENCY: wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with NOTICES_PART 1 ACTION: SUMMARY: The North Central Idaho RAC will meet in Grangeville, Idaho. The committee is meeting as authorized under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (Pub. L. 110–343) and in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss potential projects for the new fiscal year. DATES: The meeting will be held January 14, 2010, at 10 a.m. (PST). ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at Clearwater National Forest Supervisor’s Office, 12730 Highway 12 in Orofino, Idaho. Written comments should be sent to Laura Smith at 104 Airport Road in Grangeville, Idaho 83530. Comments may also be sent via e-mail to lasmith@fs.fed.us or via facsimile to Laura at 208–983–4099. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Laura Smith, Designated Forest Official at 208–983–5143. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The meeting is open to the public. A public forum will begin at 3:15 p.m. (PST). The VerDate Nov<24>2008 15:40 Dec 23, 2009 Jkt 220001 following business will be conducted: Discussion of projects for FY10 approval. Persons who wish to bring related matters to the attention of the Committee may file written statements with the Committee staff before or after the meeting. Dated: December 3, 2009. Rick Brazell, Forest Supervisor. [FR Doc. E9–30468 Filed 12–23–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–11–M DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service AGENCY: Mark Twain National Forest, Forest Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice of new fee site. The Mark Twain National Forest is proposing to begin charging a $50 fee for the overnight rental of Sinking Tower Cabin. Rentals of other cabins on other National Forests have shown that people appreciate and enjoy the availability of historic rental cabins. Funds from the rental will be used for the continued operation and maintenance of Sinking Tower Cabin. People are invited to comment on this proposal. This fee is only proposed and will be determined upon further analysis and public comment. DATES: Send any comments about these fee proposals by April 2010 so comments can be compiled, analyzed and shared with a Recreation Resource Advisory Committee. Sinking Tower Cabin will become available for recreation rental June, 2010. ADDRESSES: Forest Supervisor, Mark Twain National Forest, 401 Fairgrounds Road, Rolla, MO 65401. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kris Swanson, Recreation Fee Coordinator, 573–341–7416. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Federal Recreation Lands Enhancement Act (Title VII, Pub. L. 108–447) directed the Secretary of Agriculture to publish a six month advance notice in the Federal Register whenever new recreation fee areas are established. This new fee will be reviewed by a Recreation Resource Advisory Committee prior to a final decision and implementation. The Mark Twain National Forest has no other cabin rentals. Rental of cabins on other National Forests has shown that people desire having this sort of SUMMARY: Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 recreation experience. A market analysis indicates that the $50/per night fee is both reasonable and acceptable for this sort of unique recreation experience. People wanting to rent Sinking Tower Cabin will need to do so through the National Recreation Reservation Service, at https://www.recreation.gov or by calling 1–877–444–6777. The National Recreation Reservation Service charges a $9 fee for on-line reservations and a $10 fee for phone reservations. Dated: December 17, 2009. David C. Whittekiend, Mark Twain National Forest Supervisor. [FR Doc. E9–30562 Filed 12–23–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P Notice of New Fee Site; Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (Title VIII, Pub. L. 108–447) PO 00000 68417 Sfmt 4703 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Institute of Standards and Technology Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Guide for Preparing and Submitting White Papers to the Technology Innovation Program AGENCY: National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Commerce. ACTION: 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. DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before February 22, 2010. ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Diana Hynek, Departmental Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6625, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet at dHynek@doc.gov). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should be directed to Ashley Howell at (301) 975– 8252 or Ashley.Howell@nist.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Abstract The Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), United States Department of Commerce, requests comments on the proposed Guide for Preparing and Submitting White Papers to the Technology E:\FR\FM\24DEN1.SGM 24DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 246 (Thursday, December 24, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 68416-68417]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-30566]


========================================================================
Notices
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

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.

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 246 / Thursday, December 24, 2009 / 
Notices

[[Page 68416]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Umatilla National Forest, Walla Walla Ranger District, OR; North 
End Sheep Allotment EIS

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

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

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

SUMMARY: The Forest Service proposes to continue to permit livestock 
(sheep) grazing on approximately 98,000 acres within the North End 
Allotment. This action will comply with the Rescission Act of 1995 
requiring NEPA analysis for all grazing allotments.
    The North End Allotment is approximately 132,000 acres in size and 
is located in Umatilla, Wallowa, and Union Counties, Oregon. The large 
size makes for a diverse allotment of mountain uplands and plateaus 
dissected by large canyons. Approximately 75% of the allotment is 
forested vegetation with the remaining lands consisting of grasslands. 
Most of the allotment has been grazed by domestic sheep since the late 
1800's and records show that the Forest Service has issued permits 
since the 1920's for the allotment. Since the current AMP was approved 
in 1986, it does not incorporate the changes that have occurred since 
the signing of the Forest Plan (1990), as amended. Also, the Rescission 
Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-19, Section 504) requires the Forest Service 
to identify all allotments requiring NEPA analysis, and to prepare and 
adhere to a schedule for conducting such analysis. However, the Annual 
Operating Instructions (AOI) \1\ for the allotment has been adjusted 
yearly to respond to these changes in management direction. The Forest 
Service proposes to continue to permit livestock grazing (sheep) on 
approximately 98,000 acres within the North End Allotment.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ A long term operating plan which is the implementing 
document for the decision made through the National Policy Act 
process that promotes progress toward desired future conditions.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Development and implementation of these actions will be conducted 
in accordance with the National Forest Management Act, National 
Environmental Policy Act, Council on Environmental Quality regulations, 
Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, Endangered Species Act, and with the 
Umatilla National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan and 
scientific recommendations of the Interior Columbia Basin Ecosystem 
Management Project.

DATES: Comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received 
by January 25, 2010. The Draft EIS is expected to be filed with the 
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and be available to the public 
for review by June 2010. The Final EIS is scheduled to be completed by 
September 2010.

ADDRESSES: Send written comments to Mike Rassbach, District Ranger, 
Walla Walla Ranger District,1415 W. Rose, Walla Walla, WA. Comments may 
also be sent via e-mail to comments-pacificnorthwest-umatilla-wallawalla@fs.fed.us, or via facsimile to 509-522-6000.
    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.
    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 appeal or judicial review.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kimpton Cooper, Environmental 
Coordinator, Walla Walla Ranger District, 1415 W. Rose, Walla Walla, WA 
99362. He can be reached by phone at (509) 522-6290 or by e-mail at 
kmcooper@fs.fed.us.
    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 purpose and need is to comply with the Rescission Act of 1995 
requiring NEPA analysis on the North End Allotment. Also, part of the 
allotment is near occupied Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep range. There is 
a potential risk of physical contact occurring between the domestic 
sheep and bighorn sheep. Contact between domestic sheep and bighorn 
sheep would likely be detrimental to the health of the bighorn sheep 
herd resulting in substantial population declines. There is a need to 
manage livestock stocking and distribution to reduce the likelihood of 
contact between domestic and bighorn sheep.

Proposed Action

    The Forest Service proposes to continue to permit livestock grazing 
(sheep) on approximately 98,000 acres within the North End Allotment. 
Approximately 34,000 acres of the current allotment would be closed as 
part of this proposal. A maximum of 3,962 ewe/lamb pairs would be 
authorized within the normal grazing season from June 1 to October 9.

Possible Alternatives

    Alternatives will include the proposed action, no action, and 
additional alternatives that respond to issues generated during the 
scoping process. The agency will give notice of the full environmental 
analysis and decision-making process so interested and affected people 
may participate and contribute to the final decision.

Responsible Official

    Walla Walla District Ranger.

Nature of Decision To Be Made

    The responsible official will decide:
    (1) Whether livestock grazing should occur, and if so, how much, 
when and where.
    (2) What monitoring and mitigation measures should be taken or are 
needed.

[[Page 68417]]

Preliminary Issues

    Preliminary issues identified include the potential effects of the 
proposed action on disease transmission to Wenaha bighorn sheep herd, 
First foods, a potential South Fork Walla Walla River Bighorn Sheep 
release site, and livestock management.

Scoping Process

    This notice of intent initiates the scoping process, which guides 
the development of the environmental impact statement.
    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.

     Dated: December 16, 2009.
Michael Rassbach,
District Ranger.
[FR Doc. E9-30566 Filed 12-23-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE P

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