Superior National Forest, Gunflint, Kawishiwi, LaCroix, and Tofte Ranger Districts; Minnesota; Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Non-Native Invasive Plant Management Project, 22360-22361 [2011-9675]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
• Forest Service

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 77 (Thursday, April 21, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 22360-22361]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-9675]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Superior National Forest, Gunflint, Kawishiwi, LaCroix, and Tofte 
Ranger Districts; Minnesota; Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Non-
Native Invasive Plant Management Project

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

[[Page 22361]]


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

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SUMMARY: The Superior National Forest will prepare an environmental 
impact statement for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) 
Non-native Invasive Plant (NNIP) Management Project. In order to 
maintain and improve aquatic and terrestrial wildlife habitat, to 
maintain healthy, resilient native plant communities, and to maintain 
the character and ecological integrity of the BWCAW, the Superior 
National Forest proposes to use an integrated pest management approach 
to treat NNIP, beginning with treatments on a total of approximately 13 
acres of invasive plants at sites scattered across the wilderness and 
possibly expanding up to 20 acres over the next 10 years. The proposed 
activities would eradicate or control existing NNIP populations and 
respond rapidly to new infestations in order to prevent the further 
spread of NNIP.

DATES: Comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received 
by May 23, 2011. The draft environmental impact statement is expected 
September 2011 and the final environmental impact statement is expected 
January 2012.

ADDRESSES: Send written comments to Jim Sanders, Forest Supervisor, 
Attn: BWCAW NNIP Management Project, 318 Forestry Rd., Aurora, MN 
55705. Comments may also be sent via e-mail to comments-eastern-superior-laurentian@fs.fed.us, or via facsimile to (218) -229-8821.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jack Greenlee, Project Leader, at 
(218) 229-8817, or jackgreenlee@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 of this project is to maintain and improve aquatic and 
terrestrial wildlife habitat, to maintain healthy, resilient native 
plant communities, and to maintain the character and ecological 
integrity of the BWCAW. To accomplish these objectives, there is a need 
to implement an integrated pest management approach that eradicates or 
controls existing NNIP infestations and provides for a rapid response 
to new infestations.

Proposed Action

    The proposed action would implement NNIP management activities, 
including manual and herbicide control methods, over a ten-year period 
in the BWCAW. A total of approximately 13 acres of NNIP infestations at 
approximately 1,000 known sites scattered across the BWCAW would be 
controlled or eradicated using either manual methods or herbicides. To 
allow for a rapid response to new infestations, up to 7 additional 
acres could be treated. To protect water resources, visitor safety, and 
the environment, spot application methods using low use-rate, low 
toxicity, short persistence herbicides would be employed. Most NNIP 
infestations occur on campsites, portages or trails, along shorelines, 
at old resort/cabin sites, or in burned areas. Manual treatments would 
be accomplished by pulling, digging, or cutting the plants. Treatments 
would generally occur during the growing season, from late May to mid-
October.

Responsible Official

    Superior National Forest Supervisor.

Nature of Decision To Be Made

    The decision to be made is whether or not to implement an 
integrated pest management strategy to control non-native invasive 
plants in the BWCAW. The decision will include:
     What actions will be approved to address the purpose and 
need.
     Where will those actions take place.
     Are any mitigation measures needed to further limit 
effects of approved actions.

Scoping Process

    This notice of intent initiates the scoping process, which guides 
the development of the environmental impact statement. Written comments 
will be solicited through a notice that will be sent to interested 
individuals and organizations. Further details about the project, 
including maps and appendices, are available on the Superior National 
Forest Web site. Visit the Web site at https://www.fs.usda.gov/superior 
and see ``Projects'' under ``Land and Resources Management''. Look for 
``BWCAW Non-native Invasive Plant Management Project''.
    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.
    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.

    Dated: April 15, 2011.
James W. Sanders,
Forest Supervisor.
[FR Doc. 2011-9675 Filed 4-20-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-11-P