Availability of an Environmental Assessment for a Biological Control Agent for Hawkweeds, 64984-64985 [2010-26467]

Download as PDF 64984 Notices Federal Register Vol. 75, No. 203 Thursday, October 21, 2010 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 Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service [Docket No. APHIS–2010–0078] Availability of an Environmental Assessment for a Biological Control Agent for Hawkweeds Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice of availability and request for comments. AGENCY: We are advising the public that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has prepared an environmental assessment relative to the control of hawkweeds (Hieracium spp.). The environmental assessment considers the effects of, and alternatives to, the release of the hawkweed gall wasp, Aulacidea subterminalis, into the continental United States as a biological control agent to reduce the severity of infestations of hawkweeds. We are making the environmental assessment available to the public for review and comment. SUMMARY: We will consider all comments that we receive on or before November 22, 2010. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by either of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/ component/main?main=DocketDetail& d=APHIS–2010–0078 to submit or view comments and to view supporting and related materials available electronically. • Postal Mail/Commercial Delivery: Please send one copy of your comment to Docket No. APHIS–2010–0078, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, Station 3A–03.8, 4700 River Road Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737–1238. Please state that your comment refers to Docket No. APHIS– 2010–0078. jlentini on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with NOTICES DATES: VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:24 Oct 20, 2010 Jkt 223001 Reading Room: You may read any comments that we receive on the environmental assessment in our reading room. The reading room is located in room 1141 of the USDA South Building, 14th Street and Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC. Normal reading room hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. To be sure someone is there to help you, please call (202) 690–2817 before coming. Other Information: Additional information about APHIS and its programs is available on the Internet at https://www.aphis.usda.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Shirley A. Wager-Page, Chief, Pest Permitting Branch, Plant Health Programs, PPQ, APHIS, 4700 River Road Unit 133, Riverdale, MD 20737–1237; (301) 734–8453. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is proposing to issue permits for the release of the hawkweed gall wasp, Aulacidea subterminalis, into the continental United States for the biological control of hawkweeds (Hieracium pilosella, H. aurantiacum, H. floribundum, and H. flagellare). Introduced hawkweeds are native to Europe and were probably introduced into the eastern United States during the 1800s. Introduced hawkweeds are highly competitive and relatively free of insects and pathogens in North America. These species outcompete native and desirable vegetation, limiting economic use of infested land and posing risks to threatened, endangered, and sensitive species. Hawkweeds can be controlled through the application of chemical herbicides, mowing, cultural control, and the use of biological control organisms. The use of herbicides, while effective, is limited to relatively accessible sites and control is only temporary. Broadcast applications of herbicides could also have adverse impacts on nontarget vegetation if not carefully applied. Mowing prevents seed production but encourages faster vegetative spread. Cultural control includes the use of fertilizers to increase the competitive ability of more desirable species, but has no effect on dense patches of hawkweed. Currently, no PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 organisms for the biological control of hawkweeds have been released in North America. Gall wasps cause abnormal outgrowths (galls) to form on hawkweeds. Under certain conditions, these galls may stress the plant, reducing competitive ability, seed production, and long-distance spread, which may result in a long-term, nondamaging method to control hawkweed. Thus, a permit application has been submitted to APHIS for the purpose of releasing the hawkweed gall wasp, Aulacidea subterminalis, into the continental United States to control invasive hawkweeds. These permits would contain no special provisions or requirements concerning release procedures or mitigating measures. APHIS’ review and analysis of the proposed action are documented in detail in a draft environmental assessment (EA) titled ‘‘Field Release of the Gall Wasp, Aulacidea subterminalis (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae), for Biological Control of Invasive Hawkweeds (Hieracium spp.) in the Continental United States’’ (March 2010). We are making the EA available to the public for review and comment. We will consider all comments that we receive on or before the date listed under the heading DATES at the beginning of this notice. The EA may be viewed on the Regulations.gov Web site or in our reading room (see ADDRESSES above for instructions for accessing Regulations.gov and information on the location and hours of the reading room). You may request paper copies of the EA by calling or writing to the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. Please refer to the title of the EA when requesting copies. The EA has been prepared in accordance with: (1) The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), (2) regulations of the Council on Environmental Quality for implementing the procedural provisions of NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500–1508), (3) USDA regulations implementing NEPA (7 CFR part 1b), and (4) APHIS’ NEPA Implementing Procedures (7 CFR part 372). E:\FR\FM\21OCN1.SGM 21OCN1 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 203 / Thursday, October 21, 2010 / Notices Done in Washington, DC, this 5th day of October 2010. Kevin Shea, Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. [FR Doc. 2010–26467 Filed 10–20–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–34–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council Forest Service, USDA. Notice of meeting. AGENCY: ACTION: The National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council will meet in Philadelphia, PA, November 11, 2010, during the Home Depot Foundation and National Arbor Day Foundation’s Partners in Community Forestry National Conference. The purpose of the Council’s meeting is to discuss finalizing their annual accomplishment report, recommendations for the Secretary of Agriculture, develop the 2011 plan of work, meet with the Forest Services’s new assistant director for Urban and Community Forestry, and hear public input related to urban and community forestry. DATES: The meeting will be held on November 11, 2010, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or until Council business is completed. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the Lowes Hotel, 1200 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, Phone: 215– 627–1200. Written comments concerning this meeting should be addressed to Nancy Stremple, Executive Staff to National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council, 201 14th Street, SW., Yates Building (1 Central) MS–1151, Washington, DC 20250–1151. Comments may also be sent via e-mail to nstremple@fs.fed.us, or via facsimile to 202–690–5792. All comments, including names and addresses when provided, are placed in the record and are available for public inspection and copying. Visitors are encouraged to call ahead to facilitate entry into the Forest Service building. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mary Dempsey, Staff Assistant to National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council, 201 14th Street, SW., Yates Building (1 Central) MS–1151, Washington, DC 20250–1151, phone 202–205–1054. Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information jlentini on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:24 Oct 20, 2010 Jkt 223001 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. Those interested in attending should contact Mary Dempsey to be placed on the meeting attendance list. Council discussion is limited to Forest Service staff and Council members; however, persons who wish to bring urban and community forestry matters to the attention of the Council may file written statements with the Council staff (201 14th Street, SW., Yates Building (1 Central) MS–1151, Washington, DC 20250–1151, e-mail: nstremple@fs.fed.us) before or after the meeting. Public input sessions will be provided at the meeting. Public comments will be compiled and provided to the Secretary of Agriculture along with the Council’s recommendations. Dated: October 14, 2010. Robin L. Thompson, Associate Deputy Chief, State and Private Forestry. [FR Doc. 2010–26513 Filed 10–20–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–11–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Upper Rio Grande Resource Advisory Committee Forest Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice of meeting. AGENCY: The Upper Rio Grande Resource Advisory Committee will meet in Monte Vista, Colorado. 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 is to review and recommend project proposals to be funded with Title II money. DATES: The meeting will be held on November 8, 2010, and will begin at 10 a.m. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the San Luis Valley Public Lands Center, 1803 West U.S. Highway 160, Monte Vista, Colorado. Written comments should be sent to Mike Blakeman, San Luis Valley Public Lands Center, 1803 West U.S. Highway 160, Monte Vista, CO 81144. Comments may also be sent via e-mail to mblakeman@fs.fed.us, or via facsimile to 719–852–6250. All comments, including names and addresses when provided, are placed in 64985 the record and are available for public inspection and copying. The public may inspect comments received at the San Luis Valley Public Lands Center, 1803 West U.S. Highway 160, Monte Vista, CO 81144. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mike Blakeman, RAC coordinator, USDA, San Luis Valley Public Lands Center, 1803 West U.S. Highway 160, Monte Vista, CO 81144; 719–852–6212; E-mail mblakeman@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 Standard Time, Monday through Friday. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The meeting is open to the public. The following business will be conducted: (1) Introductions of all committee members, replacement members and Forest Service personnel; (2) Review, evaluate and recommend project proposals to be funded with Title II money; (3) Create a timeline to receive and review new project proposals and schedule the next meeting; and (4) Public Comment. 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: October 13, 2010. Dan S. Dallas, Forest Supervisor. [FR Doc. 2010–26668 Filed 10–20–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–11–P SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS Agenda and Notice of Public Meeting of the Utah Advisory Committee Notice is hereby given, pursuant to the provisions of the rules and regulations of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights (Commission), and the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) that a planning meeting of the Utah Advisory Committee to the Commission will convene by conference call at 10 a.m. on Thursday, November 4, 2010. The purpose of this meeting is to provide a brief overview of recent Commission and regional activities, discuss civil rights issues in the state, discussion regarding the Utah AntiDiscrimination and Labor Division Audit and next steps in developing a resource directory of human rights agencies/organizations in the Salt Lake area, and a discussion on immigration. This meeting is available to the public through the following toll-free call-in and conference ID numbers: 1–(800) E:\FR\FM\21OCN1.SGM 21OCN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 203 (Thursday, October 21, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 64984-64985]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-26467]


========================================================================
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. 75, No. 203 / Thursday, October 21, 2010 / 
Notices

[[Page 64984]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

[Docket No. APHIS-2010-0078]


Availability of an Environmental Assessment for a Biological 
Control Agent for Hawkweeds

AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of availability and request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: We are advising the public that the Animal and Plant Health 
Inspection Service has prepared an environmental assessment relative to 
the control of hawkweeds (Hieracium spp.). The environmental assessment 
considers the effects of, and alternatives to, the release of the 
hawkweed gall wasp, Aulacidea subterminalis, into the continental 
United States as a biological control agent to reduce the severity of 
infestations of hawkweeds. We are making the environmental assessment 
available to the public for review and comment.

DATES: We will consider all comments that we receive on or before 
November 22, 2010.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by either of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main?main=DocketDetail&d=APHIS-2010-0078 to submit or view comments and 
to view supporting and related materials available electronically.
     Postal Mail/Commercial Delivery: Please send one copy of 
your comment to Docket No. APHIS-2010-0078, Regulatory Analysis and 
Development, PPD, APHIS, Station 3A-03.8, 4700 River Road Unit 118, 
Riverdale, MD 20737-1238. Please state that your comment refers to 
Docket No. APHIS-2010-0078.
    Reading Room: You may read any comments that we receive on the 
environmental assessment in our reading room. The reading room is 
located in room 1141 of the USDA South Building, 14th Street and 
Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC. Normal reading room hours are 
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. To be sure 
someone is there to help you, please call (202) 690-2817 before coming.
    Other Information: Additional information about APHIS and its 
programs is available on the Internet at https://www.aphis.usda.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Shirley A. Wager-Page, Chief, Pest 
Permitting Branch, Plant Health Programs, PPQ, APHIS, 4700 River Road 
Unit 133, Riverdale, MD 20737-1237; (301) 734-8453.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is proposing 
to issue permits for the release of the hawkweed gall wasp, Aulacidea 
subterminalis, into the continental United States for the biological 
control of hawkweeds (Hieracium pilosella, H. aurantiacum, H. 
floribundum, and H. flagellare).
    Introduced hawkweeds are native to Europe and were probably 
introduced into the eastern United States during the 1800s. Introduced 
hawkweeds are highly competitive and relatively free of insects and 
pathogens in North America. These species outcompete native and 
desirable vegetation, limiting economic use of infested land and posing 
risks to threatened, endangered, and sensitive species.
    Hawkweeds can be controlled through the application of chemical 
herbicides, mowing, cultural control, and the use of biological control 
organisms. The use of herbicides, while effective, is limited to 
relatively accessible sites and control is only temporary. Broadcast 
applications of herbicides could also have adverse impacts on nontarget 
vegetation if not carefully applied. Mowing prevents seed production 
but encourages faster vegetative spread. Cultural control includes the 
use of fertilizers to increase the competitive ability of more 
desirable species, but has no effect on dense patches of hawkweed. 
Currently, no organisms for the biological control of hawkweeds have 
been released in North America. Gall wasps cause abnormal outgrowths 
(galls) to form on hawkweeds. Under certain conditions, these galls may 
stress the plant, reducing competitive ability, seed production, and 
long-distance spread, which may result in a long-term, non-damaging 
method to control hawkweed.
    Thus, a permit application has been submitted to APHIS for the 
purpose of releasing the hawkweed gall wasp, Aulacidea subterminalis, 
into the continental United States to control invasive hawkweeds. These 
permits would contain no special provisions or requirements concerning 
release procedures or mitigating measures.
    APHIS' review and analysis of the proposed action are documented in 
detail in a draft environmental assessment (EA) titled ``Field Release 
of the Gall Wasp, Aulacidea subterminalis (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae), for 
Biological Control of Invasive Hawkweeds (Hieracium spp.) in the 
Continental United States'' (March 2010). We are making the EA 
available to the public for review and comment. We will consider all 
comments that we receive on or before the date listed under the heading 
DATES at the beginning of this notice.
    The EA may be viewed on the Regulations.gov Web site or in our 
reading room (see ADDRESSES above for instructions for accessing 
Regulations.gov and information on the location and hours of the 
reading room). You may request paper copies of the EA by calling or 
writing to the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. 
Please refer to the title of the EA when requesting copies.
    The EA has been prepared in accordance with: (1) The National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et 
seq.), (2) regulations of the Council on Environmental Quality for 
implementing the procedural provisions of NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500-
1508), (3) USDA regulations implementing NEPA (7 CFR part 1b), and (4) 
APHIS' NEPA Implementing Procedures (7 CFR part 372).


[[Page 64985]]


    Done in Washington, DC, this 5th day of October 2010.
Kevin Shea,
Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-26467 Filed 10-20-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-34-P

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