Helena National Forest; Montana; Blackfoot Travel Plan EIS, 72784-72785 [2010-29772]
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72784
Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 227 / Friday, November 26, 2010 / Notices
srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with NOTICES
sedimentation and toxic substances to
enter and degrade riparian areas and
wetlands, decreasing water quality and
adversely impacting fish, amphibians,
and plants that use these areas;
(4) Exploration activities, including
additional road use, may cause air
quality degradation from dust, diesel
exhaust, and toxic substances that could
affect vegetation, tourism, recreation
activities, viewpoints, aesthetic
enjoyment of the area, and the quality
of life, health, and safety for residents;
(5) Exploration activities, including
drill vehicles and heavy trucks, could
increase noise, which could impact
tourism, recreation activities, aesthetic
enjoyment of the area, and the quality
of life and solitude for residents. Noise
could carry for long distances and
potentially impact adjacent property
owners.
(6) Project activities could disturb
wildlife, including threatened,
endangered, and sensitive species,
through human presence, noise, and
increased road density, and could
increase impacts from the semiimpermeable barrier to movement along
the ore haul route as a result of
additional traffic and affect the northsouth wildlife corridor;
(7) Exploration activities may spread
noxious weeds. The use of herbicides to
treat noxious weeds found during
monitoring has the potential to affect
non-target species;
(8) The proposed action may
contribute to cumulative impacts, which
may have significant effects on the
environment, and may contribute to
cumulative effects of past, present, and
reasonably foreseeable future actions;
(9) Exploration activities may
adversely affect members of the
Confederated Tribes of the Colville
Reservation and may impact cultural
resources of concern to Tribal members,
and their rights reserved by Executive
Order, to hunt, fish, and gather on the
former north half of the Colville
Reservation; and
(10) Exploration activities may cause
light pollution potentially affecting
tourism, recreational activities,
viewpoints, and aesthetic enjoyment of
the area, particularly for residents of the
Myers Creek valley.
Permits, Authorizations, Approvals, or
Licenses Required
The following permits, authorizations,
approvals, or licenses would be required
for the project:
Forest Service: a final Plan of
Operations, a Road Use Permit
modification and a Special Use Permit
for a water well.
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16:32 Nov 24, 2010
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Bureau of Land Management: A final
Mining and Reclamation Plan.
Environmental Protection Agency: A
Stormwater Permit, a Spill Prevention
and Countermeasure Plan (SPCC), a
review of Section 404 permit, and
Notification of Hazardous Waste
Activity (no formal permit necessary).
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service:
Threatened and Endangered Species
Consultation.
Department of Alcohol, Tobacco, and
Firearms: Explosive User Permit.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers/State of
Washington Department of Ecology: A
Joint Aquatic Resources Permit
Application, including a Section 10
permit, a Section 404 Permit, and a 401
Water Quality Certification.
State of Washington Department of
Ecology: New or transferred Water
Rights, a National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES)
Construction Stormwater General
Permit, a Notice of Intent to Construct
or Decommission a Well, and an Air
Operating Permit, Notice to Construct.
State of Washington Department of
Natural Resources: A Forest Practices
Permit, and a Surface Mine Exploration
and Reclamation Permit for state and
private lands.
Washington State Department of Fish
& Wildlife: Hydraulic Project Approvals
on State and private lands.
Washington Department of
Archaeology and Historic Preservation:
Historical and Archaeological Review
and concurrence (Section 106).
Okanogan County: A Floodplain
Development Permit, Conditional Use
and Noise Control Permits, Solid Waste
Handling, and Road Construction and/
or Realignment Permit.
Scoping Process
This notice of intent initiates the
scoping process, which guides
development of the Environmental
Impact Statement (EIS). A public
information meeting is planned to be
held in Oroville, Washington on
December 14, 2010 at the Oroville High
School Commons from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
Details concerning any additional
public meetings, none presently
scheduled, would be announced via
local news media outlets. The lead and
cooperating agencies are seeking
information, comments, and assistance
from federal, state, and local agencies,
Native American Tribes and other
individuals and organizations that may
be interested in or affected by the
proposed project. Input submitted
during this initial scoping period will be
used in preparation of the Draft EIS. The
agencies are seeking public and agency
comment on the proposed action to
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determine if any additional issues arise.
Additional issues may lead either to
other alternatives, or additional
mitigation measures and monitoring
requirements.
The scoping process includes
identifying potential issues; identifying
major issues to be analyzed in depth
and identifying those that are not
significant and can be eliminated from
detailed study; exploring alternatives to
the proposed action; identifying
potential environmental effects of this
project; and notifying interested
members of the public of opportunities
to participate through personal contacts
or written comment.
It is important that reviewers provide
their comments at such times and in
such manner that they are useful to the
agencies’ 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.
Comments received in response to
this solicitation, including the names
and addresses of those who comment,
will be considered part of the public
record for this proposed action.
Comments submitted anonymously will
be accepted and considered, however.
Dated: November 19, 2010.
Bobbie R. Scopa,
Acting Forest Supervisor.
[FR Doc. 2010–29776 Filed 11–24–10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–11–P
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service
Helena National Forest; Montana;
Blackfoot Travel Plan EIS
Forest Service, USDA.
Corrected Notice of Intent to
prepare an Environmental Impact
Statement for the Blackfoot Travel Plan.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
This notice extends the
comment period for the Blackfoot Travel
Plan from November 30, 2010 to January
7, 2011. This extension is a result of
several requests for more time. The
original notice was published in the
Federal Register on October 29, 2010,
FR Doc. 2010–27353 (75 FR 66718–
66719). The Helena National Forest is
preparing an Environmental Impact
Statement (EIS) to analyze the effects of
proposed changes to the existing
motorized public access routes and
prohibitions within the Blackfoot travel
planning area. Consistent with the
Forest Service travel planning
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\26NON1.SGM
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Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 227 / Friday, November 26, 2010 / Notices
srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with NOTICES
regulations, the resulting available
public motorized access routes and
areas would be designated on a Motor
Vehicle Use Map (MVUM). Upon
publishing the MVUM, public use of a
motor vehicle other than in accordance
with those designations would be
prohibited.
DATES: Comments concerning the scope
of the analysis must be received by
January 7, 2011. The draft
environmental impact statement is
expected July 2011 and the final
environmental impact statement is
expected January 2012.
ADDRESSES: Send written comments to
the Helena National Forest Lincoln
Ranger District, 1569 Hwy 200 Lincoln,
MT 59639. Comments may also be sent
via e-mail to comments-northernhelena-lincoln@fs.fed.us, or via
facsimile to 406–362–4253. Please
indicate the name ‘‘Blackfoot Travel
Plan’’ in the subject line of your e-mail.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Jaclyn Heinert, Interdisciplinary Team
Leader.
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 overall objective of this proposal
is to provide a manageable system of
designated public motorized access
routes and areas within the Blackfoot
Travel area, consistent with and to
achieve the purposes of Forest Service
travel management regulations at 36
CFR part 212 subpart B. The existing
system of available public motor vehicle
routes and areas in the Blackfoot Travel
area is the culmination of multiple
agency decisions over recent decades.
Public motor vehicle use of the majority
of this available system continues to be
manageable and consistent with the
current travel management regulation.
Exceptions have been identified, based
on public input and the criteria listed at
36 CFR 212.55, and in these cases
changes are proposed to meet the
overall objectives. The decisions will
ensure compliance with the Forest Plan
and Interagency requirements for grizzly
bear security and habitat within the
recovery zone.
Proposed Action
The Helena National Forest proposes
the following changes to the existing
motorized public access routes and
prohibitions within the Blackfoot travel
planning area. Consistent with the travel
VerDate Mar<15>2010
16:32 Nov 24, 2010
Jkt 223001
planning regulations at 36 CFR part 212
subpart B, the resulting available public
motorized access routes and areas
would be designated on a Motor Vehicle
Use Map and the prohibition at 36 CFR
261.13 would take effect. 36 CFR 261.13
would prohibit public use of a motor
vehicle other than in accordance with
those designations.
The proposed action would:
• Change 1.8 miles of currently
closed yearlong routes or user-created
routes to open with seasonal
restrictions.
• Change 5.1 miles of seasonally
restricted routes to having a different
seasonal restriction.
• Change 6.7 miles of currently
closed yearlong or user-created routes to
being open yearlong.
• Change 9.4 miles of seasonally
restricted routes to become open
yearlong.
• Put 82.1 miles of currently open
routes into storage (where routes are
self-maintaining in non-use status for up
to 20 years by re-contouring access
points, and removing culverts).
• Change 2.5 miles of open seasonally
or open yearlong routes to closed
yearlong.
• Close 7.9 miles (estimated) of usercreated routes.
• Create 41.4 miles of new motorized
trails from currently seasonally
restricted, open yearlong, user-created,
and previously decommissioned routes.
• Create 1.5 miles of single-track
motorized trail from currently doubletrack motorized trail.
• Construct 1.6 miles of new road.
• Place 65.5 miles of currently closed
routes into storage.
• Place 82.1 miles of currently open
routes into storage.
• Obliterate 8.1 miles of closed
yearlong, open yearlong, or user-created
routes.
• Create 5.5 miles of non-motorized
trails from currently closed or usercreated routes.
• Create 1.5 miles of non-motorized
trails from currently open or seasonally
restricted routes.
• Create 13.7 miles of non-motorized
trails from currently single or doubletrack motorized routes.
• Create 33 miles of mountain bike
trails on National Forest (may also
include non-motorized or motorized
uses).
72785
from collaboration identified several
areas of particular interest to the public.
Many comments spoke specifically to
the Continental Divide National Scenic
Trail, the Helmville-Gould trail, grizzly
bear, elk, and bull trout habitat and
conflicts with motorized and nonmotorized uses. These topics generated
the most public interest regarding
motorized and non-motorized uses.
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 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 review or
judicial review.
Two opportunities to provide public
comments in person will be provided.
Staff members will be available on
November 18 and November 30, 2010
from 4 p.m.–7 p.m. MDT at the Lincoln
Ranger District, 1569 Hwy 200 Lincoln,
Montana to visit with the public and
discuss site-specific comments. If an
individual, group or organization has
any questions or would like to set up a
meeting or field trip please contact
Jaclyn Heinert at the Lincoln Ranger
District of the Helena National Forest
(406) 362–7000.
Dated: November 19, 2010.
Kevin Riordan,
Forest Supervisor.
[FR Doc. 2010–29772 Filed 11–24–10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–11–P
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Farm Service Agency
Responsible Official
The Responsible Official is Kevin
Riordan, Helena National Forest
Supervisor.
Dairy Industry Advisory Committee;
Public Meeting
Preliminary Issues
Public input from previous scoping
processes, and through input gathered
SUMMARY:
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Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
Farm Service Agency, USDA.
Notice of public meetings.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
As required by the Federal
Advisory Committee Act, as amended,
the Farm Service Agency (FSA)
E:\FR\FM\26NON1.SGM
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 227 (Friday, November 26, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 72784-72785]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-29772]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service
Helena National Forest; Montana; Blackfoot Travel Plan EIS
AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.
ACTION: Corrected Notice of Intent to prepare an Environmental Impact
Statement for the Blackfoot Travel Plan.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This notice extends the comment period for the Blackfoot
Travel Plan from November 30, 2010 to January 7, 2011. This extension
is a result of several requests for more time. The original notice was
published in the Federal Register on October 29, 2010, FR Doc. 2010-
27353 (75 FR 66718-66719). The Helena National Forest is preparing an
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to analyze the effects of proposed
changes to the existing motorized public access routes and prohibitions
within the Blackfoot travel planning area. Consistent with the Forest
Service travel planning
[[Page 72785]]
regulations, the resulting available public motorized access routes and
areas would be designated on a Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM). Upon
publishing the MVUM, public use of a motor vehicle other than in
accordance with those designations would be prohibited.
DATES: Comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received
by January 7, 2011. The draft environmental impact statement is
expected July 2011 and the final environmental impact statement is
expected January 2012.
ADDRESSES: Send written comments to the Helena National Forest Lincoln
Ranger District, 1569 Hwy 200 Lincoln, MT 59639. Comments may also be
sent via e-mail to comments-northern-helena-lincoln@fs.fed.us, or via
facsimile to 406-362-4253. Please indicate the name ``Blackfoot Travel
Plan'' in the subject line of your e-mail.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jaclyn Heinert, Interdisciplinary Team
Leader.
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 overall objective of this proposal is to provide a manageable
system of designated public motorized access routes and areas within
the Blackfoot Travel area, consistent with and to achieve the purposes
of Forest Service travel management regulations at 36 CFR part 212
subpart B. The existing system of available public motor vehicle routes
and areas in the Blackfoot Travel area is the culmination of multiple
agency decisions over recent decades. Public motor vehicle use of the
majority of this available system continues to be manageable and
consistent with the current travel management regulation. Exceptions
have been identified, based on public input and the criteria listed at
36 CFR 212.55, and in these cases changes are proposed to meet the
overall objectives. The decisions will ensure compliance with the
Forest Plan and Interagency requirements for grizzly bear security and
habitat within the recovery zone.
Proposed Action
The Helena National Forest proposes the following changes to the
existing motorized public access routes and prohibitions within the
Blackfoot travel planning area. Consistent with the travel planning
regulations at 36 CFR part 212 subpart B, the resulting available
public motorized access routes and areas would be designated on a Motor
Vehicle Use Map and the prohibition at 36 CFR 261.13 would take effect.
36 CFR 261.13 would prohibit public use of a motor vehicle other than
in accordance with those designations.
The proposed action would:
Change 1.8 miles of currently closed yearlong routes or
user-created routes to open with seasonal restrictions.
Change 5.1 miles of seasonally restricted routes to having
a different seasonal restriction.
Change 6.7 miles of currently closed yearlong or user-
created routes to being open yearlong.
Change 9.4 miles of seasonally restricted routes to become
open yearlong.
Put 82.1 miles of currently open routes into storage
(where routes are self-maintaining in non-use status for up to 20 years
by re-contouring access points, and removing culverts).
Change 2.5 miles of open seasonally or open yearlong
routes to closed yearlong.
Close 7.9 miles (estimated) of user-created routes.
Create 41.4 miles of new motorized trails from currently
seasonally restricted, open yearlong, user-created, and previously
decommissioned routes.
Create 1.5 miles of single-track motorized trail from
currently double-track motorized trail.
Construct 1.6 miles of new road.
Place 65.5 miles of currently closed routes into storage.
Place 82.1 miles of currently open routes into storage.
Obliterate 8.1 miles of closed yearlong, open yearlong, or
user-created routes.
Create 5.5 miles of non-motorized trails from currently
closed or user-created routes.
Create 1.5 miles of non-motorized trails from currently
open or seasonally restricted routes.
Create 13.7 miles of non-motorized trails from currently
single or double-track motorized routes.
Create 33 miles of mountain bike trails on National Forest
(may also include non-motorized or motorized uses).
Responsible Official
The Responsible Official is Kevin Riordan, Helena National Forest
Supervisor.
Preliminary Issues
Public input from previous scoping processes, and through input
gathered from collaboration identified several areas of particular
interest to the public. Many comments spoke specifically to the
Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, the Helmville-Gould trail,
grizzly bear, elk, and bull trout habitat and conflicts with motorized
and non-motorized uses. These topics generated the most public interest
regarding motorized and non-motorized uses.
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 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 review or judicial review.
Two opportunities to provide public comments in person will be
provided. Staff members will be available on November 18 and November
30, 2010 from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. MDT at the Lincoln Ranger District, 1569
Hwy 200 Lincoln, Montana to visit with the public and discuss site-
specific comments. If an individual, group or organization has any
questions or would like to set up a meeting or field trip please
contact Jaclyn Heinert at the Lincoln Ranger District of the Helena
National Forest (406) 362-7000.
Dated: November 19, 2010.
Kevin Riordan,
Forest Supervisor.
[FR Doc. 2010-29772 Filed 11-24-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-11-P
