Notice of Intent To Prepare a Resource Management Plan for the Eastern Washington and San Juan Planning Area in the State of Washington and Associated Environmental Impact Statement, 22836-22837 [2010-9991]

Download as PDF wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with NOTICES_PART 1 22836 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 83 / Friday, April 30, 2010 / Notices (1,942 sq ft) of habitat for the Mount Hermon June beetle. Impacts would result in the permanent loss of 0.02 acre (639 sq ft), and the temporary loss of 0.03 acre (1,303 sq ft) of habitat for the species. The applicant proposes to implement the following measures to minimize and mitigate for the loss of Mount Hermon June beetle habitat within the permit area: (1) Applicant will purchase 0.05 acre (1,942 sq ft) of conservation credits at the Ben Lomond Sandhills Preserve of the Zayante Sandhills Conservation Bank, operated by PCO, LLC; (2) a qualified biologist will oversee construction and provide worker training on the Mount Hermon June beetle and requirements of the HCP; (3) any life stages of the Mount Hermon June beetle will be captured and relocated if one is observed in an area that would be impacted; (4) the use of outdoor night lighting will be minimized to avoid disrupting the species’ breeding activity; (5) no landscaping will be used in order to avoid adverse effects to the species; and (6) all exposed soil will be covered with impermeable material if construction occurs during the species’ flight season. ˜ In the Manana Woods HCP, three alternatives to the taking of listed species are considered. The No Action alternative would maintain current conditions, the project would not be implemented, and an incidental take permit application would not be submitted to the Service. The second alternative would involve a project redesign that would relocate construction to the mixed evergreen forest habitat on site. This option was rejected because the location was deemed suboptimal, potentially resulting in substandard performance, and the pipeline installation would be significantly greater, resulting in undue financial burden on the applicant. The third alternative is the proposed action, which includes issuing an incidental take permit to the applicant, who would then implement the HCP. We are requesting comments on our preliminary determination that both applicants’ proposals will have a minor or negligible effect on the Mount Hermon June beetle, and that the HCPs both qualify as ‘‘low-effect’’ HCPs as defined by our Habitat Conservation Planning Handbook (November 1996). We base our determination that the plans qualify as low-effect HCPs on the following three criteria: (1) Implementation of the HCPs would result in minor or negligible effects on Federally listed, proposed, and candidate species and their habitats; (2) implementation of the HCPs would result in minor or negligible effects on VerDate Mar<15>2010 13:41 Apr 29, 2010 Jkt 220001 other environmental values or resources; and (3) impacts of the HCPs, considered together with the impacts of other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable similarly situated projects, would not result, over time, in cumulative effects to the environmental values or resources that would be considered significant. As more fully explained in our Environmental Action Statements and associated Low-Effect Screening Forms, both applicants’ proposed HCPs qualify as ‘‘low-effect’’ HCPs for the following reasons: (1) Approval of the HCPs would result in minor or negligible effects on the Mount Hermon June beetle and its habitat. We do not anticipate significant direct or cumulative effects to the Mount Hermon June beetle resulting from the proposed projects; (2) Approval of the HCPs would not have adverse effects on unique geographic, historic, or cultural sites, or involve unique or unknown environmental risks; (3) Approval of the HCPs would not result in any cumulative or growthinducing impacts and would not result in significant adverse effects on public health or safety; (4) The projects do not require compliance with Executive Order (E.O.) 11988 (Floodplain Management), Executive Order 11990 (Protection of Wetlands), or the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, nor do they threaten to violate a Federal, State, local, or Tribal law or requirement imposed for the protection of the environment; and (5) Approval of the HCPs would not establish a precedent for future actions or represent a decision in principle about future actions with potentially significant environmental effects. We, therefore, have made the preliminary determination that approval of the HCPs and incidental take permits qualify as categorical exclusions under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA; 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), as provided by the Department of the Interior Manual (516 DM 2 Appendix 1 and 516 DM 8). Based on our review of public comments that we receive in response to this notice, we may revise the preliminary determinations. Next Steps We will evaluate the HCPs and comments we receive to determine whether the permit applications meet the requirements of section 10(a) of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). If we determine that the applications meet these requirements, we will issue two permits for the incidental take of the Mount Hermon June beetle. We will also evaluate whether issuance of the section PO 00000 Frm 00101 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 10(a)(1)(B) permits would comply with section 7 of the Act by conducting intraService section 7 consultations for each plan. We will use the results of these consultations, in combination with the above findings, in our final analysis to determine whether or not to issue the permits. If the requirements are met, we will issue the permits to the applicants. Public Comments If you wish to comment on the permit applications, plans, and associated documents, you may submit comments by any one of the methods in ADDRESSES. Public Availability of Comments Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comments, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Authority We provide this notice under section 10 of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) and NEPA regulations (40 CFR 1506.6). Dated: April 23, 2010. Diane K. Noda, Field Supervisor, Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office, Ventura, California. [FR Doc. 2010–10086 Filed 4–29–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [LLORW00000 L16100000.DO0000; HAG10– 0117] Notice of Intent To Prepare a Resource Management Plan for the Eastern Washington and San Juan Planning Area in the State of Washington and Associated Environmental Impact Statement AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of Intent. SUMMARY: In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended, and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, as amended, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Spokane District, Spokane Valley, Washington, intends to prepare a Resource Management Plan (RMP) with an associated E:\FR\FM\30APN1.SGM 30APN1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with NOTICES_PART 1 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 83 / Friday, April 30, 2010 / Notices Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Eastern Washington and San Juan Planning Area and by this notice is announcing the beginning of the scoping process to solicit public comments and identify issues. The RMP will replace the existing Spokane RMP and expand the planning area to include the San Juan Islands, which do not have an RMP in place. DATES: This notice initiates the public scoping process for the RMP with associated EIS. Comments on issues may be submitted in writing until June 25, 2010. The date(s) and location(s) of any scoping meetings will be announced at least 15 days in advance through local media and the BLM Web site at: https://www.blm.gov/or/districts/ spokane/plans/ewsjrmp. In order to be included in the Draft RMP/EIS, all comments must be received prior to the close of the scoping period or 30 days after the last public meeting, whichever is later. We will provide additional opportunities for public participation upon publication of the Draft RMP/EIS. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on issues and planning criteria related to the Eastern Washington and San Juan RMP/EIS by any of the following methods: • Web site: https://www.blm.gov/or/ districts/spokane/plans/ewsjrmp. • E-mail: OR_Spokane_RMP@blm.gov. • Mail: BLM Spokane District, ATTN: RMP, 1103 N. Fancher Rd., Spokane Valley, WA 99212. Documents pertinent to this proposal may be examined at the Spokane District Office. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information and/or to have your name added to our mailing list, contact Scott Pavey; Planning and Environmental Coordinator; telephone (509) 536–1252; address BLM Spokane District, ATTN: RMP, 1103 N. Fancher Rd., Spokane Valley, WA 99212; e-mail OR_Spokane_RMP@blm.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This document provides notice that the BLM Spokane District Office, Spokane Valley, Washington, intends to prepare an RMP with an associated EIS for the Eastern Washington and San Juan Planning Area, announces the beginning of the scoping process, and seeks public input on issues and planning criteria. The planning area is located in Adams, Asotin, Benton, Chelan, Columbia, Douglas, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Kittitas, Klickitat, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, San Juan, Skagit, Spokane, Stevens, Walla Walla, Whatcom, Whitman, and Yakima Counties in Washington and VerDate Mar<15>2010 13:41 Apr 29, 2010 Jkt 220001 encompasses approximately 445,000 acres of public land. The purpose of the public scoping process is to determine relevant issues that will influence the scope of the environmental analysis, including alternatives, and guide the planning process. Preliminary issues for the planning area have been identified by BLM personnel; Federal, State, and local agencies; and other stakeholders. The issues include: 1. How will the shrub-steppe, and its associated riparian and wetland habitats, be managed to maintain, improve, or restore healthy plant and wildlife communities? 2. How should the BLM manage public lands with consideration of uses of adjacent lands, given the mixed ownership pattern in the planning area? 3. How should the BLM manage multiple uses and resources that have changed or that occur on lands that were either not administered by the BLM or were not within the planning area when the current RMP was developed? and 4. How should the BLM facilitate energy development while allowing for multiple uses and appropriate protection of public lands and resources? Preliminary planning criteria include: 1. The BLM will protect resources in accordance with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, as amended (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.), and other applicable laws and regulations; 2. The BLM will strive to make land use plan decisions compatible with existing plans and policies of adjacent local, State, Federal, and tribal agencies, and consistent with other applicable laws and regulations governing the administration of public land; 3. The plan will recognize valid existing rights within the Planning Area; 4. Land use plan decisions will apply to BLM lands and split-estate minerals administered by the BLM; 5. The BLM will use a collaborative and multi-jurisdictional approach, when practical, to jointly determine the desired future conditions of public lands; 6. The plan will recognize the state’s authority to manage wildlife; and 7. The plan will incorporate the BLM Oregon and Washington Rangeland Health Standards and Guidelines. You may submit comments on issues and planning criteria in writing to the BLM at any public scoping meeting, or you may submit them to the BLM using one of the methods listed in the ADDRESSES section above. To be most helpful, you should submit comments within 30 days after the last public meeting. Before including your address, PO 00000 Frm 00102 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 9990 22837 phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask the BLM in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. The minutes and list of attendees for each scoping meeting will be available to the public and open for 30 days after the meeting to any participant who wishes to clarify the views he or she expressed. The BLM will evaluate identified issues to be addressed in the plan and will place them into one of three categories: 1. Issues to be resolved in the plan; 2. Issues to be resolved through policy or administrative action; or 3. Issues beyond the scope of this plan. The BLM will provide an explanation in the Draft RMP/EIS as to why an issue was placed in category 2 or 3. The public is also encouraged to help identify any management questions and concerns that should be addressed in the plan. The BLM will work collaboratively with interested parties to identify the management decisions that are best suited to local, regional, and national needs and concerns. The BLM will use an interdisciplinary approach to develop the plan in order to consider the variety of resource issues and concerns identified. Specialists with expertise in the following disciplines will be involved in the planning process: Wildlife, Threatened and Endangered Species, Vegetation and Native Plants, Riparian and Wetlands, Invasive and Noxious Weeds, Rangeland Management, Forest Management, Fire and Fuels Management, Cultural Resources and Native American Concerns, Geology and Minerals, Lands and Realty, Recreation, Visual Resource Management, Wilderness, Wild and Scenic Rivers, sociology, and economics. Edward W. Shepard, State Director, Oregon/Washington. Authority: 40 CFR 1501.7, 43 CFR 1610.2. [FR Doc. 2010–9991 Filed 4–29–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–33–P E:\FR\FM\30APN1.SGM 30APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 83 (Friday, April 30, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 22836-22837]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-9991]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management

[LLORW00000 L16100000.DO0000; HAG10-0117]


Notice of Intent To Prepare a Resource Management Plan for the 
Eastern Washington and San Juan Planning Area in the State of 
Washington and Associated Environmental Impact Statement

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of Intent.

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

SUMMARY: In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 
1969, as amended, and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 
1976, as amended, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Spokane District, 
Spokane Valley, Washington, intends to prepare a Resource Management 
Plan (RMP) with an associated

[[Page 22837]]

Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Eastern Washington and San 
Juan Planning Area and by this notice is announcing the beginning of 
the scoping process to solicit public comments and identify issues. The 
RMP will replace the existing Spokane RMP and expand the planning area 
to include the San Juan Islands, which do not have an RMP in place.

DATES: This notice initiates the public scoping process for the RMP 
with associated EIS. Comments on issues may be submitted in writing 
until June 25, 2010. The date(s) and location(s) of any scoping 
meetings will be announced at least 15 days in advance through local 
media and the BLM Web site at: https://www.blm.gov/or/districts/spokane/plans/ewsjrmp. In order to be included in the Draft RMP/EIS, all 
comments must be received prior to the close of the scoping period or 
30 days after the last public meeting, whichever is later. We will 
provide additional opportunities for public participation upon 
publication of the Draft RMP/EIS.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on issues and planning criteria 
related to the Eastern Washington and San Juan RMP/EIS by any of the 
following methods:
     Web site: https://www.blm.gov/or/districts/spokane/plans/ewsjrmp.
     E-mail: OR_Spokane_RMP@blm.gov.
     Mail: BLM Spokane District, ATTN: RMP, 1103 N. Fancher 
Rd., Spokane Valley, WA 99212.

Documents pertinent to this proposal may be examined at the Spokane 
District Office.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information and/or to have 
your name added to our mailing list, contact Scott Pavey; Planning and 
Environmental Coordinator; telephone (509) 536-1252; address BLM 
Spokane District, ATTN: RMP, 1103 N. Fancher Rd., Spokane Valley, WA 
99212; e-mail OR_Spokane_RMP@blm.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This document provides notice that the BLM 
Spokane District Office, Spokane Valley, Washington, intends to prepare 
an RMP with an associated EIS for the Eastern Washington and San Juan 
Planning Area, announces the beginning of the scoping process, and 
seeks public input on issues and planning criteria. The planning area 
is located in Adams, Asotin, Benton, Chelan, Columbia, Douglas, Ferry, 
Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Kittitas, Klickitat, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend 
Oreille, San Juan, Skagit, Spokane, Stevens, Walla Walla, Whatcom, 
Whitman, and Yakima Counties in Washington and encompasses 
approximately 445,000 acres of public land. The purpose of the public 
scoping process is to determine relevant issues that will influence the 
scope of the environmental analysis, including alternatives, and guide 
the planning process. Preliminary issues for the planning area have 
been identified by BLM personnel; Federal, State, and local agencies; 
and other stakeholders. The issues include:
    1. How will the shrub-steppe, and its associated riparian and 
wetland habitats, be managed to maintain, improve, or restore healthy 
plant and wildlife communities?
    2. How should the BLM manage public lands with consideration of 
uses of adjacent lands, given the mixed ownership pattern in the 
planning area?
    3. How should the BLM manage multiple uses and resources that have 
changed or that occur on lands that were either not administered by the 
BLM or were not within the planning area when the current RMP was 
developed? and
    4. How should the BLM facilitate energy development while allowing 
for multiple uses and appropriate protection of public lands and 
resources?
    Preliminary planning criteria include:
    1. The BLM will protect resources in accordance with the Federal 
Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, as amended (43 U.S.C. 1701 et 
seq.), and other applicable laws and regulations;
    2. The BLM will strive to make land use plan decisions compatible 
with existing plans and policies of adjacent local, State, Federal, and 
tribal agencies, and consistent with other applicable laws and 
regulations governing the administration of public land;
    3. The plan will recognize valid existing rights within the 
Planning Area;
    4. Land use plan decisions will apply to BLM lands and split-estate 
minerals administered by the BLM;
    5. The BLM will use a collaborative and multi-jurisdictional 
approach, when practical, to jointly determine the desired future 
conditions of public lands;
    6. The plan will recognize the state's authority to manage 
wildlife; and
    7. The plan will incorporate the BLM Oregon and Washington 
Rangeland Health Standards and Guidelines.
    You may submit comments on issues and planning criteria in writing 
to the BLM at any public scoping meeting, or you may submit them to the 
BLM using one of the methods listed in the ADDRESSES section above. To 
be most helpful, you should submit comments within 30 days after the 
last public meeting. Before including your address, phone number, e-
mail address, or other personal identifying information in your 
comment, you should be aware that your entire comment--including your 
personal identifying information--may be made publicly available at any 
time. While you can ask the BLM in your comment to withhold your 
personal identifying information from public review, we cannot 
guarantee that we will be able to do so. The minutes and list of 
attendees for each scoping meeting will be available to the public and 
open for 30 days after the meeting to any participant who wishes to 
clarify the views he or she expressed. The BLM will evaluate identified 
issues to be addressed in the plan and will place them into one of 
three categories:
    1. Issues to be resolved in the plan;
    2. Issues to be resolved through policy or administrative action; 
or
    3. Issues beyond the scope of this plan.
    The BLM will provide an explanation in the Draft RMP/EIS as to why 
an issue was placed in category 2 or 3. The public is also encouraged 
to help identify any management questions and concerns that should be 
addressed in the plan. The BLM will work collaboratively with 
interested parties to identify the management decisions that are best 
suited to local, regional, and national needs and concerns.
    The BLM will use an interdisciplinary approach to develop the plan 
in order to consider the variety of resource issues and concerns 
identified. Specialists with expertise in the following disciplines 
will be involved in the planning process: Wildlife, Threatened and 
Endangered Species, Vegetation and Native Plants, Riparian and 
Wetlands, Invasive and Noxious Weeds, Rangeland Management, Forest 
Management, Fire and Fuels Management, Cultural Resources and Native 
American Concerns, Geology and Minerals, Lands and Realty, Recreation, 
Visual Resource Management, Wilderness, Wild and Scenic Rivers, 
sociology, and economics.

Edward W. Shepard,
State Director, Oregon/Washington.

    Authority:  40 CFR 1501.7, 43 CFR 1610.2.

[FR Doc. 2010-9991 Filed 4-29-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-33-P
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