Tonto National Forest; AZ; Salt River Allotments Vegetative Management EIS, 31933-31935 [2011-13640]
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Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 106 / Thursday, June 2, 2011 / Notices
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characteristics where encountered;
mitigation of management actions
around active nests of Threatened,
Endangered, and Sensitive (TES) bird
species including great gray owls and
Northern Goshawk; maintenance of
secure habitat to contribute to wildlife
linkages for large animal movements
between the Flint Creek Range and
Henderson Mountain/John Long
Mountains; timing of burning and
harvest activities with livestock grazing
management, dispersed recreation,
hunters and outfitters; and coordination
with Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation, and Liability
Act (CERCLA) projects within the
project area.
The Forest Service recognizes this list
if issues may not be complete and issues
will be further defined and refined as
scoping continues. A comprehensive list
of key issues will be determined before
the range of alternatives is developed
and the environmental analysis is
started.
Scoping Process
This notice of intent initiates the
scoping process, which guides the
development of the environmental
impact statement. The District Ranger
will mail a scoping letter and map to
interested publics, Tribes, and Federal,
state and local governments. The Forest
will conduct a public meeting in
Drummond, MT, in July 2010, to discuss
the Proposed Action with interested
parties and those who may be affected
by the proposal. Notice of the meeting
will be posted on the Forest’s Web site
and news releases will appear in the
Philipsburg Mail and other local
newspapers.
This project was scoped in July 2010,
when the Forest solicited public
comment on a proposal to use clearcut
salvage logging, commercial and precommercial thinning, and prescribed
fire to harvest wood products and
restore resiliency on about 5,600 acres
of National Forest System Lands. After
reviewing the comments on the initial
proposal, combined with internal
assessment of the project, portions of
the project have been redesigned and
the Forest Service is again seeking
public input. Important distinctions
between the proposal scoped in July
2010 and this proposal are a change in
the objectives to use prescribed fire,
identification of old growth within
treatment units, a decrease in the
number of treatment units, and a slight
increase in the number of acres treated.
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
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16:40 Jun 01, 2011
Jkt 223001
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 Agency
with the ability to provide the
respondent with subsequent
environmental documents.
Dated: May 26, 2011.
David R. Myers,
Forest Supervisor.
[FR Doc. 2011–13634 Filed 6–1–11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–11–P
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service
Tonto National Forest; AZ; Salt River
Allotments Vegetative Management
EIS
Forest Service, USDA.
Notice of intent to prepare an
environmental impact statement.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
The Tonto National Forest
will prepare an Environmental Impact
Statement (EIS) on a proposal to
improve ecological conditions within
the project area using tools such as fire
and grazing management and to
authorize continued livestock grazing
on National Forest System (NFS) lands
within the Globe and Tonto Basin
Ranger Districts. The Project Area is
located along the Salt River in Gila
County, Arizona.
DATES: Comments concerning the scope
of the analysis must be received by July
5, 2011. The draft environmental impact
statement is expected November 2011
and the final environmental impact
statement is expected March 2012.
ADDRESSES: Send written comments to
Kathy Nelson, Tonto National Forest,
2324 E. McDowell Rd., Phoenix, AZ
85006. Comments may also be sent via
e-mail to comments-southwesterntonto@fs.fed.us, or via facsimile to 602–
225–5295.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Kathy Nelson, 602–225–5328,
knelson@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.
SUMMARY:
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31933
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Purpose and Need for Action
Six authorizations for livestock
grazing have or will soon expire and
ecological conditions in some areas on
these allotments have not moved
towards desired future conditions as
outlined in the Tonto National Forest
Plan. For example, diversity of current
vegetation (including where it is located
and how it functions) does not meet
desired future conditions in all
locations within the project area. Past
management practices, such as
suppression of wildland fires are
limited and have not always proven
effective. In addition, knowledge and
strategies for ecosystem management
have changed over time, providing an
opportunity to improve vegetative
conditions using current science,
methods, and strategies. As a result,
there is a need to develop new
management strategies for ecosystems
within the six allotments along the Salt
River. The purpose of this effort is to
improve ecological conditions within
the project area using tools such as fire
and grazing management in order to
meet desired future conditions as
specified in the Forest Plan while
balancing multiples uses. In addition,
per Forest Service Handbook 2209.13,
Chapter 90, section 92.22, the purpose
of this action is to authorize livestock
grazing in a manner consistent with
Forest Plan direction to move
ecosystems towards their desired
conditions.
Proposed Action
The Tonto National Forest proposes to
use a set of tools that lessen or eliminate
disparities between existing conditions
and desired conditions in the project
area. Examples of tools that land
managers may use to accomplish this
include, but are not limited to, livestock
grazing, prescribed fire, managed
wildland fire, herbicide application,
mechanical vegetative removal, and
seeding. The proposed action includes
an adaptive management strategy that
allows land managers to be flexible
enough to make timely decisions
relative to a host of ever changing
environmental conditions (CFR 220.3).
This proposed action focuses on entire
ecosystem potential rather than a
subordinate role of a single resource use
or activity within analysis area
ecosystems. Since one tool under
consideration for executing the
proposed action is grazing, Globe and
Tonto Basin Ranger Districts, in
collaboration with grazing permittees,
propose to reauthorize livestock grazing
on six allotments; Chrysotile, Haystack
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02JNN1
emcdonald on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with NOTICES
31934
Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 106 / Thursday, June 2, 2011 / Notices
Butte, Dagger, Sedow, Hicks Pikes Peak
and Poison Springs/Sierra Ancha.
Livestock grazing, as an ecosystem tool,
would provide year-long application
utilizing various age classes of cattle on
each allotment. Grazing would continue
to comply with the Tonto National
Forest Land Management Plan (1985 as
amended), which provides direction for
grazing using various management
levels in five management areas on
these two districts. Grazing practices
would comply with national and
regional policy and direction (FSM
2200, FSH 2209.13) and would
incorporate adaptive management
strategies (FSH 2209.13 Chapter 90) to
optimize forage production where
appropriate and benefit a variety of
natural resources and multiple use
objectives in ecosystems ranging from
grassland to forest. Conditions are
highly variable in the analysis area
ecosystems due to historically dynamic
climatic regimes in the desert southwest
and globally changing climate
conditions. Production of palatable
forage and browse for livestock and
wildlife varies greatly both seasonally
and annually. Through adaptive
management strategies, this proposed
action strives to respond to change by
utilizing a variety of tactics, which may
include but are not limited to, flexible
stocking rates, vegetation manipulation,
and water development. Actual
numbers, season of use, and class of
domestic grazing animal would be
determined annually within upper
allowed stocking limits for the Tonto
National Forest of 800 animals per
grazing permittee (FSH 2209.13). Data
for determining stocking would be
gathered throughout each grazing season
using a variety of monitoring techniques
as described in agency manuals and
handbooks as well as through scientific
literature produced through other
agencies, research stations, and
universities. Rangeland allotment
infrastructure includes, but is not
limited to, forms of improvements such
as fences, water wells, spring
developments, storage tanks, pipelines,
and watering troughs. These
improvements range in condition from
excellent to poor. Those in poor
condition are considered a priority for
improvement through this proposed
action. Additionally, each allotment
will propose a variety of new range
improvements to be constructed for
facilitation of livestock distribution to
accomplish ecosystem objectives.
Additional management tools,
including but not limited to, wildfire
and prescribed fire and noxious weed
treatments are proposed for use to
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16:40 Jun 01, 2011
Jkt 223001
benefit forage and browse production
and other resource objectives. Globe and
Tonto Basin Ranger Districts also
propose use of fuels management
techniques on these allotments as
authorized through Tonto National
Forest Land Management Plan (1985, as
amended), to allow wildfire to resume
its natural ecological role in fire
dependent ecosystems. The proposed
action includes specific objectives and
treatment alternatives for the following
Management Areas found within
analysis area:
6J General Management Area—Tonto
Basin Ranger District
Wildland fire would be managed to
protect, maintain, and enhance Federal
lands in a cost effective manner. A
combination of wildfire and prescribed
fire may be used to provide a mosaic of
age classes and a mix of successional
stages within fire-dependent
ecosystems. Wildfires, or portions of
those fires, would be suppressed when
they adversely affect forest resources,
endanger public safety, or have
potential to damage property and
natural/cultural resources. Sonoran
Desert and riparian vegetation types
would be protected from fire except
where burn plans identify resource and
ecological need.
2F General Management Area—Globe
Ranger District
Wildland fire would be managed to
protect, maintain, and enhance Federal
lands in a cost effective manner. A
combination of wildfire and prescribed
fire may be used to provide a mosaic of
age classes and a mix of successional
stages within fire-dependent
ecosystems. Wildfires, or portions of
those fires, would be suppressed when
they adversely affect forest resources,
endanger public safety, or have
potential to damage property and
natural/cultural resources. Sonoran
Desert and riparian vegetation types
would be protected from fire except
where burn plans identify resource and
ecological needs. A variety of fuels
management techniques may be used to
reduce natural and activity fuels to
condition class 1 (e.g., fire regime
within historic range and vegetation
composition, function, and structure are
within normal range), including fuel
wood harvesting, chipping, pile and
burn, and broadcast burning.
2C Upper Salt River Management
Area—Globe Ranger District
Wildland fire would be managed to
protect, maintain, and enhance Federal
lands in a cost effective manner. Fire
management objectives for this area
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Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
include providing a mosaic of age
classes within total type, which would
provide a mix of successional stages,
and allow wildfire to resume its natural
ecological role within ecosystems.
Wildfires, or portions of those fires,
would be suppressed when they
adversely affect forest resources,
endanger public safety, or have
potential to damage property and
natural/cultural resources.
2B Salt River Canyon Wilderness—
Globe Ranger District/5A Sierra Ancha
Wilderness—Pleasant Valley Ranger
District
Wildland fire would be managed to
protect, maintain, and enhance Federal
lands in a cost effective manner
consistent with wilderness resource
objectives. Wildfire may be used to play,
as nearly as possible, its natural role in
wilderness while also reducing
unnatural fuel hazards as identified in
Forest Service Manual and approved
Wilderness Implementation Plan.
Responsible Officials
Richard Reitz, Globe District Ranger
and Kelly Jardine, Tonto Basin District
Ranger.
Nature of Decision To Be Made
The Forest Service would evaluate the
proposed action and alternatives to the
proposed action. After reviewing the
proposed action, the alternatives, the
environmental analysis, and considering
public comment, the two District
Rangers would reach a decision that is
in accordance with the purpose and
need of this project. The decision would
include a description of activities that
would be implemented.
Preliminary Issues
Multiple uses considered within the
Salt River Corridor is an issue with
Threatened, Endangered and Sensitive
species, recreation, and riparian
resources.
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 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
E:\FR\FM\02JNN1.SGM
02JNN1
Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 106 / Thursday, June 2, 2011 / Notices
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.
Dated: May 25, 2011.
Richard Reitz,
Globe District Ranger.
Dated: May 25, 2011.
Kelly Jardine,
Tonto Basin District Ranger.
[FR Doc. 2011–13640 Filed 6–1–11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–11–P
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service
Juneau Resource Advisory Committee
Forest Service, USDA.
Notice of meeting.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
The Juneau Resource
Advisory Committee will meet in
Juneau, AK. The committee is
authorized under the Secure Rural
Schools and Community SelfDetermination Act (Pub. L. 110–343)
(the Act) and operates in compliance
with the Federal Advisory Committee
Act. The purpose of the committee is to
improve collaborative relationships and
to provide advice and recommendations
to the Forest Service concerning projects
and funding consistent with the title II
of the Act. The meeting is open to the
public. The purpose is to hold a prework meeting prior to the project
proposal deadline.
DATES: The meeting will be held on June
16, 2011, and will begin at 8 a.m.
ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at
the Juneau Ranger District, 8510
Mendenhall Loop Road, Juneau, AK.
Written comments may be submitted as
described under Supplementary
Information.
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 Juneau
Ranger District, 8510 Mendenhall Loop
Road, Juneau, AK 99801. Please call
ahead to 907–586–8800 to facilitate
entry into the building to view
comments.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Hannah Atadero, RAC Coordinator, PO
Box 21628, Juneau, AK 99802; 907–586–
8879; hatadero@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
emcdonald on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with NOTICES
SUMMARY:
VerDate Mar<15>2010
16:40 Jun 01, 2011
Jkt 223001
Standard Time, Monday through Friday.
Requests for reasonable accomodation
for access to the facility or procedings
may be made by contacting the person
listed For Further Information.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
following business will be conducted:
(1) development and agreement on
scoring criteria for project proposals,
and (2) agreement on an initial meeting
date for project proposal review.
Anyone who would like to bring related
matters to the attention of the committee
may file written statements with the
committee staff before or after the
meeting. The agenda will include time
for people to make oral statements of
three minutes or less. Individuals
wishing to make an oral statement
should request in writing by June 6,
2011 to be scheduled on the agenda.
Written comments and requests for time
for oral comments must be sent to
Hannah Atadero, Juneau Resource
Advisory Committee, PO Box 21628,
Juneau, AK 99802, or by e-mail to
hatadero@fs.fed.us, or via facsimile to
907–586–7090.
Dated: May 25, 2011.
Forrest Cole,
Forest Supervisor.
[FR Doc. 2011–13641 Filed 6–1–11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–11–P
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service
Tuolumne-Mariposa Counties
Resource Advisory Committee
Forest Service, USDA.
Notice of Meeting.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
The Tuolumne-Mariposa
Counties Resource Advisory Committee
will meet on June 13, 2011 at the City
of Sonora Fire Department, in Sonora,
California. The purpose of the meeting
is to hear presentations made by project
proponents requesting RAC funding.
DATES: The meeting will be held June
13, 2011, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at
the City of Sonora Fire Department
located at 201 South Shepherd Street, in
Sonora, California (CA 95370).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Beth
Martinez, Committee Coordinator,
USDA, Stanislaus National Forest,
19777 Greenley Road, Sonora, CA 95370
(209) 532–3671, extension 320; e-mail
bethmartinez@fs.fed.us.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Agenda
items to be covered include: (1)
Presentation of primarily Forest Service
project submittals by project
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
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31935
proponents; (2) Public comment on
meeting proceedings. This meeting is
open to the public.
Dated: May 26, 2011.
Christina M. Welch,
Deputy Forest Supervisor.
[FR Doc. 2011–13642 Filed 6–1–11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410–ED–P
COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS
Sunshine Act Notice
United States Commission on
Civil Rights.
ACTION: Notice of meeting.
AGENCY:
Friday, June 10, 2011;
9:30 a.m. EDT.
PLACE: 624 Ninth Street, NW., Room
540, Washington, DC 20425.
DATE AND TIME:
Meeting Agenda
This meeting is open to the public.
I. Approval of Agenda
II. Approval of Apr. 8, 2011 Meeting
Minutes
III. Program Planning: Update and
discussion of projects.
• Consideration of statutory report
topic for FY 2012
• Eminent Domain Briefing
IV. State Advisory Committee Issues:
• Discussion of Commissioner
membership on SACs
• Re-chartering the Connecticut SAC
• Re-chartering the Tennessee SAC
V. Management and Operations:
• Staff Director’s report
VI. Announcements
VII. Adjourn
CONTACT PERSON FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION: Lenore Ostrowsky,
Acting
Chief, Public Affairs Unit (202) 376–
8591.
Hearing-impaired persons who will
attend the meeting and require the
services of a sign language interpreter
should contact Pamela Dunston at least
three (3) days before the scheduled
meeting date at (202) 376–8105.
Dated: May 31, 2011.
Kimberly A. Tolhurst,
Senior Attorney-Advisor.
[FR Doc. 2011–13825 Filed 5–31–11; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 6335–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
International Trade Administration
District Export Council Nomination
Opportunity
International Trade
Administration, Department of
Commerce.
AGENCY:
E:\FR\FM\02JNN1.SGM
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 106 (Thursday, June 2, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 31933-31935]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-13640]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service
Tonto National Forest; AZ; Salt River Allotments Vegetative
Management EIS
AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Tonto National Forest will prepare an Environmental Impact
Statement (EIS) on a proposal to improve ecological conditions within
the project area using tools such as fire and grazing management and to
authorize continued livestock grazing on National Forest System (NFS)
lands within the Globe and Tonto Basin Ranger Districts. The Project
Area is located along the Salt River in Gila County, Arizona.
DATES: Comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received
by July 5, 2011. The draft environmental impact statement is expected
November 2011 and the final environmental impact statement is expected
March 2012.
ADDRESSES: Send written comments to Kathy Nelson, Tonto National
Forest, 2324 E. McDowell Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85006. Comments may also be
sent via e-mail to comments-southwestern-tonto@fs.fed.us, or via
facsimile to 602-225-5295.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kathy Nelson, 602-225-5328,
knelson@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
Six authorizations for livestock grazing have or will soon expire
and ecological conditions in some areas on these allotments have not
moved towards desired future conditions as outlined in the Tonto
National Forest Plan. For example, diversity of current vegetation
(including where it is located and how it functions) does not meet
desired future conditions in all locations within the project area.
Past management practices, such as suppression of wildland fires are
limited and have not always proven effective. In addition, knowledge
and strategies for ecosystem management have changed over time,
providing an opportunity to improve vegetative conditions using current
science, methods, and strategies. As a result, there is a need to
develop new management strategies for ecosystems within the six
allotments along the Salt River. The purpose of this effort is to
improve ecological conditions within the project area using tools such
as fire and grazing management in order to meet desired future
conditions as specified in the Forest Plan while balancing multiples
uses. In addition, per Forest Service Handbook 2209.13, Chapter 90,
section 92.22, the purpose of this action is to authorize livestock
grazing in a manner consistent with Forest Plan direction to move
ecosystems towards their desired conditions.
Proposed Action
The Tonto National Forest proposes to use a set of tools that
lessen or eliminate disparities between existing conditions and desired
conditions in the project area. Examples of tools that land managers
may use to accomplish this include, but are not limited to, livestock
grazing, prescribed fire, managed wildland fire, herbicide application,
mechanical vegetative removal, and seeding. The proposed action
includes an adaptive management strategy that allows land managers to
be flexible enough to make timely decisions relative to a host of ever
changing environmental conditions (CFR 220.3). This proposed action
focuses on entire ecosystem potential rather than a subordinate role of
a single resource use or activity within analysis area ecosystems.
Since one tool under consideration for executing the proposed action is
grazing, Globe and Tonto Basin Ranger Districts, in collaboration with
grazing permittees, propose to reauthorize livestock grazing on six
allotments; Chrysotile, Haystack
[[Page 31934]]
Butte, Dagger, Sedow, Hicks Pikes Peak and Poison Springs/Sierra Ancha.
Livestock grazing, as an ecosystem tool, would provide year-long
application utilizing various age classes of cattle on each allotment.
Grazing would continue to comply with the Tonto National Forest Land
Management Plan (1985 as amended), which provides direction for grazing
using various management levels in five management areas on these two
districts. Grazing practices would comply with national and regional
policy and direction (FSM 2200, FSH 2209.13) and would incorporate
adaptive management strategies (FSH 2209.13 Chapter 90) to optimize
forage production where appropriate and benefit a variety of natural
resources and multiple use objectives in ecosystems ranging from
grassland to forest. Conditions are highly variable in the analysis
area ecosystems due to historically dynamic climatic regimes in the
desert southwest and globally changing climate conditions. Production
of palatable forage and browse for livestock and wildlife varies
greatly both seasonally and annually. Through adaptive management
strategies, this proposed action strives to respond to change by
utilizing a variety of tactics, which may include but are not limited
to, flexible stocking rates, vegetation manipulation, and water
development. Actual numbers, season of use, and class of domestic
grazing animal would be determined annually within upper allowed
stocking limits for the Tonto National Forest of 800 animals per
grazing permittee (FSH 2209.13). Data for determining stocking would be
gathered throughout each grazing season using a variety of monitoring
techniques as described in agency manuals and handbooks as well as
through scientific literature produced through other agencies, research
stations, and universities. Rangeland allotment infrastructure
includes, but is not limited to, forms of improvements such as fences,
water wells, spring developments, storage tanks, pipelines, and
watering troughs. These improvements range in condition from excellent
to poor. Those in poor condition are considered a priority for
improvement through this proposed action. Additionally, each allotment
will propose a variety of new range improvements to be constructed for
facilitation of livestock distribution to accomplish ecosystem
objectives.
Additional management tools, including but not limited to, wildfire
and prescribed fire and noxious weed treatments are proposed for use to
benefit forage and browse production and other resource objectives.
Globe and Tonto Basin Ranger Districts also propose use of fuels
management techniques on these allotments as authorized through Tonto
National Forest Land Management Plan (1985, as amended), to allow
wildfire to resume its natural ecological role in fire dependent
ecosystems. The proposed action includes specific objectives and
treatment alternatives for the following Management Areas found within
analysis area:
6J General Management Area--Tonto Basin Ranger District
Wildland fire would be managed to protect, maintain, and enhance
Federal lands in a cost effective manner. A combination of wildfire and
prescribed fire may be used to provide a mosaic of age classes and a
mix of successional stages within fire-dependent ecosystems. Wildfires,
or portions of those fires, would be suppressed when they adversely
affect forest resources, endanger public safety, or have potential to
damage property and natural/cultural resources. Sonoran Desert and
riparian vegetation types would be protected from fire except where
burn plans identify resource and ecological need.
2F General Management Area--Globe Ranger District
Wildland fire would be managed to protect, maintain, and enhance
Federal lands in a cost effective manner. A combination of wildfire and
prescribed fire may be used to provide a mosaic of age classes and a
mix of successional stages within fire-dependent ecosystems. Wildfires,
or portions of those fires, would be suppressed when they adversely
affect forest resources, endanger public safety, or have potential to
damage property and natural/cultural resources. Sonoran Desert and
riparian vegetation types would be protected from fire except where
burn plans identify resource and ecological needs. A variety of fuels
management techniques may be used to reduce natural and activity fuels
to condition class 1 (e.g., fire regime within historic range and
vegetation composition, function, and structure are within normal
range), including fuel wood harvesting, chipping, pile and burn, and
broadcast burning.
2C Upper Salt River Management Area--Globe Ranger District
Wildland fire would be managed to protect, maintain, and enhance
Federal lands in a cost effective manner. Fire management objectives
for this area include providing a mosaic of age classes within total
type, which would provide a mix of successional stages, and allow
wildfire to resume its natural ecological role within ecosystems.
Wildfires, or portions of those fires, would be suppressed when they
adversely affect forest resources, endanger public safety, or have
potential to damage property and natural/cultural resources.
2B Salt River Canyon Wilderness--Globe Ranger District/5A Sierra Ancha
Wilderness--Pleasant Valley Ranger District
Wildland fire would be managed to protect, maintain, and enhance
Federal lands in a cost effective manner consistent with wilderness
resource objectives. Wildfire may be used to play, as nearly as
possible, its natural role in wilderness while also reducing unnatural
fuel hazards as identified in Forest Service Manual and approved
Wilderness Implementation Plan.
Responsible Officials
Richard Reitz, Globe District Ranger and Kelly Jardine, Tonto Basin
District Ranger.
Nature of Decision To Be Made
The Forest Service would evaluate the proposed action and
alternatives to the proposed action. After reviewing the proposed
action, the alternatives, the environmental analysis, and considering
public comment, the two District Rangers would reach a decision that is
in accordance with the purpose and need of this project. The decision
would include a description of activities that would be implemented.
Preliminary Issues
Multiple uses considered within the Salt River Corridor is an issue
with Threatened, Endangered and Sensitive species, recreation, and
riparian resources.
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 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
[[Page 31935]]
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.
Dated: May 25, 2011.
Richard Reitz,
Globe District Ranger.
Dated: May 25, 2011.
Kelly Jardine,
Tonto Basin District Ranger.
[FR Doc. 2011-13640 Filed 6-1-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-11-P
