Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, Oregon; Motorized Vehicle Use on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest; Intent to Prepare a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) To Augment, Clarify, Analyze and Disclose the Potential Environmental Effects of Establishing and Designating a System of Roads, Trails and Areas for Wheeled Motorized Vehicles, 45089-45090 [2010-18707]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 147 / Monday, August 2, 2010 / Notices DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, Oregon; Motorized Vehicle Use on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest; Intent to Prepare a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) To Augment, Clarify, Analyze and Disclose the Potential Environmental Effects of Establishing and Designating a System of Roads, Trails and Areas for Wheeled Motorized Vehicles Forest Service, USDA. Notice. AGENCY: ACTION: The Proposed Action would designate the location, type of vehicle and season of use for motorized vehicles across the entire Forest in order to meet the intent of the Travel Management; Designated Routes and Areas for Motor Vehicle Use, Final Rule that was published on November 9, 2005 (70 FR 216). Over-the-snow vehicles are excluded from this Proposed Action. A Forest Plan Amendment would be required to achieve the purpose and need, and implement the Proposed Action. DATES: Under 40 CFR 1502.9(c)(4), there is no formal scoping period for this action. The Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) is expected in October 2010 and the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement is expected in March 2011. ADDRESSES: Send electronic comments to: comments-pacificnorthwestrogueriver-siskiyou@fs.fed.us. Send written comments to: Pam Olson, Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, 3040 Biddle Road, Medford, OR 97504. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Pam Olson, Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, 3040 Biddle Road, Medford, Oregon 97504, Telephone (541) 618– 2126; FAX (541) 618–2149. erowe on DSK5CLS3C1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: Background On November 9, 2005, the Forest Service published final travel management regulations in the Federal Register (FR Vol. 70, No. 216—Nov. 9, 2005, pp 68264–68291). This final Travel Management Rule requires designation of those roads, trails, and areas that are open to motor vehicle use by the public on National Forests. Designations will be made by class of vehicle and, if appropriate, by time of year. The final rule prohibits the use of motor vehicles by the public off the designated system as well as use of motor vehicles on routes and in areas VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:04 Jul 30, 2010 Jkt 220001 that are not designated. Persons exempt from the final rule prohibitions would be those with a permit specifically authorizing access. Examples include access to private property, a mining claim or a communication site. In June 2007, the Forest hosted a series of four open houses in southwest Oregon to provide people an opportunity to learn more about the Travel Analysis process, and, in addition, Forest representatives met with a number of individuals, groups and neighboring land management agencies to gather information for the project. The Forest completed an inventory of existing open roads and trails. Currently, there are approximately 4,620 road miles and approximately 1,155 trail miles. Motorized trails account for approximately 15% (170 miles) of the total trail miles. Under the Proposed Action, roads, trails and areas that are currently part of the Forest transportation system and are open to wheeled motorized vehicle travel would remain designated for such use except as described below. The Proposed Action is being carried forward in accordance with the Travel Management Rule (36 CFR Part 212). The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for Motorized Vehicle Use on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest was released in March 2009, with the comment period ending May 11, 2009. In December 2009, the Final Environmental Impact Statement was released, and the Record of Decision was signed on December 3, 2009. Appeals were received, and there were issues that were determined to require clarification and supplementation of the previous analysis. The Record of Decision was withdrawn in April 2010 so that those issues could be addressed within a supplemental document. Following a decision on the FSEIS, the Forest will publish a Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) identifying all Forest roads, trails and areas that are designated open for motor vehicle use by the public. The MVUM shall specify the classes of vehicles and, if appropriate, the times of year for which use is authorized. It will be updated and published annually (or more frequently if needed) when changes to the Forest’s transportation system are made. Future decisions associated with changes to the MVUM may trigger the need for documentation of additional environmental analysis. Purpose and Need The purpose for action is to enact the Travel Management Rule, which will PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 45089 designate roads for motorized use. Increased demand for motorized use, lack of designated areas/routes, and the inconsistent direction contained in the Forest Plans have led to the need to reduce resource damage and social impacts, user conflicts, and address safety concerns. Proposed Action Based on the stated purpose and need for action and as a result of the recent Travel Analysis process, the Forest proposes to: • Prohibit motorized public access on approximately 60–65 miles of roads currently open in order to minimize or reduce resource damage; • Formally designate approximately 3,390 miles of road where mixed use would be allowed. Mixed use is defined as designation of a National Forest System (NFS) road for use by both highway-legal and non-highway-legal motor vehicles; • Construct two motorized trails to provide loop route opportunities (approximately 2 miles); • Convert approximately 20–25 miles of NFS roads to motorized trails; • Designate two areas where off-road motorized use is allowed. This includes continued use of the Woodruff area near Prospect and the development of an additional area near Willow Lake. Both areas are located on the High Cascades Ranger District; and • Enact Forest Plan amendments to make both plans consistent with the Travel Management Rule. The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest is guided by two separate Forest Plans. Maps illustrating the Proposed Action can found at: https://www.fs.fed.us/r6/ rogue-siskiyou/projects/travel/. In addition, maps will be available for viewing at: Forest Supervisor’s Office, 3040 Biddle Road, Medford, OR 97504. Gold Beach Ranger District, 29279 Ellensburg Ave. Gold Beach, OR 97444 or 539 Chetco Ave, Brookings, OR 97415. High Cascades Ranger District, 47201 Highway 62, Prospect, OR 97536 or 730 Laurel St., Butte Falls, OR 97522. Powers Ranger District, 42861 Highway 242, Powers, OR 97466. Siskiyou Mountains Ranger District, 6941 Upper Applegate Road, Jacksonville, OR 97530 or 645 Washington Street, Ashland, Oregon 97520. Wild Rivers Ranger District, 2164 N.E. Spalding Avenue, Grants Pass, OR 97526 or 26568 Redwood Hwy., Cave Junction, OR 97523. E:\FR\FM\02AUN1.SGM 02AUN1 45090 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 147 / Monday, August 2, 2010 / Notices Responsible Official The Forest Supervisor, Scott D. Conroy, is the Responsible Official for making the decision and providing direction for the analysis under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Decision Framework The Forest Service will use the results of supplemental analysis to determine if the analysis is sufficient to answer and clarify the issues raised during appeal. Early Notice of Importance of Public Participation in Environmental Review A Draft SEIS will be prepared for comment. Comments received on the Draft SEIS will be considered in the preparation of the Final SEIS. The Draft SEIS is now expected to be filed with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and to be available for public review in October 2010. The comment period on the Draft SEIS will be 45-days from the date EPA publishes the Notice of Availability in the Federal Register. At the end of the comment period on the Draft SEIS, comments will be analyzed and considered by the Forest Service in preparing the Final SEIS. The Final SEIS is scheduled to be completed by March 2011. Dated: July 21, 2010. Scott D. Conroy, Forest Supervisor. [FR Doc. 2010–18707 Filed 7–30–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–11–M DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Lawrence County Resource Advisory Committee The Lawrence County Recource Advisory will meet in Spearfish, South Dakota. 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 committee has received three formal project proposals. The purpose of the meeting is to solicit additional information from project proponents and vote on project proposals. DATES: The meeting will be held August 16, 2010 at 5 p.m. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the Northern Hills Ranger District Office at 2014 N. Main. Written comments erowe on DSK5CLS3C1PROD with NOTICES VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:04 Jul 30, 2010 Jkt 220001 Dated: July 27, 2010. Craig Bobzien, Forest Supervisor. [FR Doc. 2010–18859 Filed 7–30–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–11–P Forest Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice of meeting. AGENCY: SUMMARY: should be sent to Rhonda O’Byrne, 2014 N. Main, Spearfish, SD 57783. Comments may also be sent via e-mail to rlobyrne@fs.fed.us, or via facsimile to 605–642–4156. All comments, including names and addresses when provided, are placed in the record and are available for public inspection and copying. The public may inspect comments received at the Northern Hills Ranger District office. Visitors are encouraged to call ahead at 605–642–4622 to facilitate entry into the building. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rhonda O’Byrne, District Ranger, Northern Hills Ranger District, 605– 642–4622. 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 Standard Time, Monday through Friday. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The meeting is open to the public. The following business will be conducted: gather additional information from project proponents to gain a complete understanding of proposed projects. Once committee members have enough information, they will vote on project proposals submitted to the committee for Title II. 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. Public input sessions will be provided and individuals who made written requests by Friday, August 13, 2010, will have the opportunity to address the committee at those sessions. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service El Dorado County Resource Advisory Committee Forest Service, USDA. Notice of meeting. AGENCY: ACTION: The El Dorado County Resource Advisory Committee will meet in Placerville, California. 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 agenda for the meeting includes: Discussions and possible decisions on an El Dorado SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 County RAC mission statement; possible criteria for project proposals (leveraging funds, monetary limit and NEPA completion, etc.); project solicitation and review timelines; information to include in the media release; continuing education about the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act; and how public comment will be incorporated into the meetings. The Forest Service will discuss future opportunities for education about the national forest including field trips. The meeting will be held on August 16, 2010 at 6 p.m.–9 p.m. DATES: The meeting will be held at the El Dorado Center of Folsom Lake College, Community Room, 6699 Campus Drive, Placerville, CA 95667 . Written comments should be sent to Frank Mosbacher; Forest Supervisor’s Office; 100 Forni Road; Placerville, CA 95667. Comments may also be sent via e-mail to fmosbacher@fs.fed.us, or via facsimile to 530–621–5297. All comments, including names and addresses when provided, are placed in the record and are available for public inspection and copying. The public may inspect comments received at 100 Forni Road; Placerville, CA 95667. Visitors are encouraged to call ahead to 530–622– 5061 to facilitate entry into the building. ADDRESSES: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Frank Mosbacher, Public Affairs Officer, Eldorado National Forest Supervisors Office, (530) 621–5268. Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–800–877–8339 between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday. The meeting is open to the public. The following business will be conducted: Elect a chair and vice chair, discuss RAC norms and operating guidelines, learn about successful RACs, discuss criteria for project proposals and establish methods for soliciting proposals. More information will be posted on the Eldorado National Forest Web site https://www.fs.fed.us/r5/eldorado. A public comment opportunity will be made available following the business activity. Future meetings will have a formal public imput period for those following the yet to be developed public input process. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: E:\FR\FM\02AUN1.SGM 02AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 147 (Monday, August 2, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 45089-45090]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-18707]



[[Page 45089]]

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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, Oregon; Motorized Vehicle 
Use on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest; Intent to Prepare a 
Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) To Augment, Clarify, 
Analyze and Disclose the Potential Environmental Effects of 
Establishing and Designating a System of Roads, Trails and Areas for 
Wheeled Motorized Vehicles

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: The Proposed Action would designate the location, type of 
vehicle and season of use for motorized vehicles across the entire 
Forest in order to meet the intent of the Travel Management; Designated 
Routes and Areas for Motor Vehicle Use, Final Rule that was published 
on November 9, 2005 (70 FR 216). Over-the-snow vehicles are excluded 
from this Proposed Action. A Forest Plan Amendment would be required to 
achieve the purpose and need, and implement the Proposed Action.

DATES: Under 40 CFR 1502.9(c)(4), there is no formal scoping period for 
this action. The Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement 
(SEIS) is expected in October 2010 and the Final Supplemental 
Environmental Impact Statement is expected in March 2011.

ADDRESSES: Send electronic comments to: comments-pacificnorthwest-rogueriver-siskiyou@fs.fed.us. Send written comments to: Pam Olson, 
Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, 3040 Biddle Road, Medford, OR 
97504.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Pam Olson, Rogue River-Siskiyou 
National Forest, 3040 Biddle Road, Medford, Oregon 97504, Telephone 
(541) 618-2126; FAX (541) 618-2149.

Background

    On November 9, 2005, the Forest Service published final travel 
management regulations in the Federal Register (FR Vol. 70, No. 216--
Nov. 9, 2005, pp 68264-68291). This final Travel Management Rule 
requires designation of those roads, trails, and areas that are open to 
motor vehicle use by the public on National Forests. Designations will 
be made by class of vehicle and, if appropriate, by time of year. The 
final rule prohibits the use of motor vehicles by the public off the 
designated system as well as use of motor vehicles on routes and in 
areas that are not designated. Persons exempt from the final rule 
prohibitions would be those with a permit specifically authorizing 
access. Examples include access to private property, a mining claim or 
a communication site.
    In June 2007, the Forest hosted a series of four open houses in 
southwest Oregon to provide people an opportunity to learn more about 
the Travel Analysis process, and, in addition, Forest representatives 
met with a number of individuals, groups and neighboring land 
management agencies to gather information for the project.
    The Forest completed an inventory of existing open roads and 
trails. Currently, there are approximately 4,620 road miles and 
approximately 1,155 trail miles. Motorized trails account for 
approximately 15% (170 miles) of the total trail miles.
    Under the Proposed Action, roads, trails and areas that are 
currently part of the Forest transportation system and are open to 
wheeled motorized vehicle travel would remain designated for such use 
except as described below. The Proposed Action is being carried forward 
in accordance with the Travel Management Rule (36 CFR Part 212). The 
Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for Motorized Vehicle Use 
on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest was released in March 2009, 
with the comment period ending May 11, 2009. In December 2009, the 
Final Environmental Impact Statement was released, and the Record of 
Decision was signed on December 3, 2009. Appeals were received, and 
there were issues that were determined to require clarification and 
supplementation of the previous analysis. The Record of Decision was 
withdrawn in April 2010 so that those issues could be addressed within 
a supplemental document.
    Following a decision on the FSEIS, the Forest will publish a Motor 
Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) identifying all Forest roads, trails and areas 
that are designated open for motor vehicle use by the public. The MVUM 
shall specify the classes of vehicles and, if appropriate, the times of 
year for which use is authorized. It will be updated and published 
annually (or more frequently if needed) when changes to the Forest's 
transportation system are made. Future decisions associated with 
changes to the MVUM may trigger the need for documentation of 
additional environmental analysis.

Purpose and Need

    The purpose for action is to enact the Travel Management Rule, 
which will designate roads for motorized use. Increased demand for 
motorized use, lack of designated areas/routes, and the inconsistent 
direction contained in the Forest Plans have led to the need to reduce 
resource damage and social impacts, user conflicts, and address safety 
concerns.

Proposed Action

    Based on the stated purpose and need for action and as a result of 
the recent Travel Analysis process, the Forest proposes to:
     Prohibit motorized public access on approximately 60-65 
miles of roads currently open in order to minimize or reduce resource 
damage;
     Formally designate approximately 3,390 miles of road where 
mixed use would be allowed. Mixed use is defined as designation of a 
National Forest System (NFS) road for use by both highway-legal and 
non-highway-legal motor vehicles;
     Construct two motorized trails to provide loop route 
opportunities (approximately 2 miles);
     Convert approximately 20-25 miles of NFS roads to 
motorized trails;
     Designate two areas where off-road motorized use is 
allowed. This includes continued use of the Woodruff area near Prospect 
and the development of an additional area near Willow Lake. Both areas 
are located on the High Cascades Ranger District; and
     Enact Forest Plan amendments to make both plans consistent 
with the Travel Management Rule. The Rogue River-Siskiyou National 
Forest is guided by two separate Forest Plans.
    Maps illustrating the Proposed Action can found at: https://www.fs.fed.us/r6/rogue-siskiyou/projects/travel/.
    In addition, maps will be available for viewing at:

Forest Supervisor's Office, 3040 Biddle Road, Medford, OR 97504.
Gold Beach Ranger District, 29279 Ellensburg Ave. Gold Beach, OR 97444 
or 539 Chetco Ave, Brookings, OR 97415.
High Cascades Ranger District, 47201 Highway 62, Prospect, OR 97536 or 
730 Laurel St., Butte Falls, OR 97522.
Powers Ranger District, 42861 Highway 242, Powers, OR 97466.
Siskiyou Mountains Ranger District, 6941 Upper Applegate Road, 
Jacksonville, OR 97530 or 645 Washington Street, Ashland, Oregon 97520.
Wild Rivers Ranger District, 2164 N.E. Spalding Avenue, Grants Pass, OR 
97526 or 26568 Redwood Hwy., Cave Junction, OR 97523.

[[Page 45090]]

Responsible Official

    The Forest Supervisor, Scott D. Conroy, is the Responsible Official 
for making the decision and providing direction for the analysis under 
the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

Decision Framework

    The Forest Service will use the results of supplemental analysis to 
determine if the analysis is sufficient to answer and clarify the 
issues raised during appeal.

Early Notice of Importance of Public Participation in Environmental 
Review

    A Draft SEIS will be prepared for comment. Comments received on the 
Draft SEIS will be considered in the preparation of the Final SEIS. The 
Draft SEIS is now expected to be filed with the Environmental 
Protection Agency (EPA) and to be available for public review in 
October 2010. The comment period on the Draft SEIS will be 45-days from 
the date EPA publishes the Notice of Availability in the Federal 
Register. At the end of the comment period on the Draft SEIS, comments 
will be analyzed and considered by the Forest Service in preparing the 
Final SEIS. The Final SEIS is scheduled to be completed by March 2011.

    Dated: July 21, 2010.
Scott D. Conroy,
Forest Supervisor.
[FR Doc. 2010-18707 Filed 7-30-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-11-M
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