Notice of Intent To Prepare a Resource Management Plan Amendment (RMPA) and Associated Environmental Assessment Addressing Four Federal Coal Lease Applications in Haskell and LeFlore Counties, OK, 37145-37147 [2011-15808]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 122 / Friday, June 24, 2011 / Notices srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES improving habitat quality for the ground lizard. We will also continue management efforts on behalf of nesting and roosting brown pelicans and white-crowned pigeons. We will continue our habitat recovery (reforestation) efforts so as to complete 100 percent of the area intended for reforestation by the end of the 15-year planning period. An important part of accelerating habitat recovery will be to increase the control of invasive plants and invasive animals. We will continue to protect and manage Green Cay NWR’s cultural resources. Also, we will develop and begin to implement a Cultural Resources Management Plan. To conduct outreach and education, we will continue to maintain the refuge Web site, distribute information, maintain signage on the island identifying it as a national wildlife refuge closed to the public, and conduct periodic presentations offrefuge. These efforts will be augmented by installing larger signs that can be seen and read from a greater distance, expanding outreach efforts to nearby hotels, and considering alternatives to visitation within the refuge itself, such as offering or promoting boat and kayak tours around the island. Buck Island NWR We developed two alternatives for managing Buck Island NWR. After considering the comments we received and based on the professional judgment of the planning team, we selected Alternative B for implementation. While both alternatives will result in benefits to some extent for wildlife, habitat, and public use, Alternative B is more ambitious than Alternative A, and thus will yield greater benefits for both wildlife and the public. In general, Alternative B maintains and expands upon all programs of Alternative A. We will strive to provide more active management of the island’s indigenous wildlife, particularly species of concern. We will draft and begin implementing an inventorying and monitoring plan for the slipperyback skink, Puerto Rican racer, magnificent frigatebird, and redbilled tropicbird. We will continue to monitor for rat reinvasions. To pursue and promote habitat recovery on Buck Island NWR, we will develop and begin to implement a Habitat Restoration Plan. We will increase control of invasive plants and animals using appropriate means, and will evaluate the effectiveness of different methods of control. We will continue to manage cultural resources, particularly the historic lighthouse. However, we will also evaluate the condition and safety of the VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:06 Jun 23, 2011 Jkt 223001 lighthouse and decide on the feasibility of preservation or restoration. In addition, we will develop and begin to implement a Cultural Resources Management Plan. With regard to conducting outreach and education, we will continue to maintain the refuge Web site, distribute information, maintain limited signage on the island, and make periodic presentations off-refuge. We will continue to cooperate with the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources on joint wildlife and habitat management efforts for Buck Island and adjacent Capella Island. Also, we will expand cooperative education and interpretive efforts with the city of Charlotte Amalie and ecotourism companies which bring visitors to offshore waters to explore coral reefs. We will also explore the development of a friends group, to provide a more active management presence on the island. Authority: This notice is published under the authority of the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, Pub. L. 105–57. Dated: October 1, 2010. Mark J. Musaus, Acting Regional Director. Editorial Note: This document was received in the Office of the Federal Register on June 21, 2011. [FR Doc. 2011–15819 Filed 6–23–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [LLNM004200.L13200000.GA0000] Notice of Intent To Prepare a Resource Management Plan Amendment (RMPA) and Associated Environmental Assessment Addressing Four Federal Coal Lease Applications in Haskell and LeFlore Counties, OK Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of Intent. AGENCY: In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended, and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, as amended, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Oklahoma Field Office intends to prepare an amendment to the 1994 Oklahoma Resource Management Plan, as amended, and associated Environmental Assessment (EA) in response to four coal lease applications covering lands in Haskell and LeFlore Counties, SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00093 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 37145 Oklahoma. By this notice, the Oklahoma Field Office announces the beginning of the scoping process to solicit public comments and identify issues. DATES: This notice initiates the public scoping process for the Draft Resource Management Plan (RMP) amendment/ EA. Comments on issues may be submitted in writing until August 8, 2011. The date(s) and location(s) of any scoping meetings will be announced at least 15 days in advance through local media, newspapers and the BLM Web site at: https://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/fo/ Oklahoma_Field_Office.html. We will provide additional opportunities for public participation upon publication of the Draft RMP amendment/EA. Comments: You may submit comments on issues and planning criteria related to the four Federal coal lease applications in Haskell and LeFlore Counties, Oklahoma, RMP amendment/EA by any of the following methods: • E-mail: rwymer@blm.gov. • Fax: (918) 621–4130. • Mail: RMPA/EA Comments, BLM, Oklahoma Field Office, 7906 E 33rd Street, Suite 101, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74145–1352. Documents pertinent to this proposal may be examined at the Oklahoma Field Office. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information and/or to have your name added to our mailing list, contact: Laurence Levesque or Richard Wymer, Co-Team Leaders, BLM, Oklahoma Field Office, 7906 E 33rd Street, Suite 101, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74145–1352, phone (918) 621–4100. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: During the period June 2008 to April 2010, the BLM received three coal lease modification applications and one competitive coal lease application from Farrell-Cooper Mining Company, Georges Colliers Inc., and Mining Systems Corporation. These applications were for resources located outside the areas that the Oklahoma RMP designated as available for coal leasing. The RMP amendment will evaluate the four Lease Application Areas to determine suitability for further leasing consideration. The RMP amendment will be prepared in accordance with guidance provided in BLM Land Use Planning Handbook (H–1601–1). The Lease Application Areas total approximately 2,500 acres of previously unleased coal and are part of the Federal mineral estate, but have not previously undergone land-use planning analysis. The Lease Application Areas total 2,500 acres of Federal mineral E:\FR\FM\24JNN1.SGM 24JNN1 37146 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 122 / Friday, June 24, 2011 / Notices srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES estate administered by the BLM, and the surface is privately owned. The sizes and locations of these four Lease Application Areas are as follows: Indian Meridian, Oklahoma T. 8 N., R. 22 E., Sec. 23, N1⁄2NE1⁄4SE1⁄4; Sec. 24, SE1⁄4NE1⁄4SE1⁄4, W1⁄2NE1⁄4SE1⁄4, N1⁄2SE1⁄4SE1⁄4, SE1⁄4SE1⁄4SE1⁄4, NW1⁄4SE1⁄4, and N1⁄2N1⁄2SW1⁄4; Sec. 25, NE1⁄4NE1⁄4NE1⁄4; T. 8 N., R. 23 E., Sec. 19, S1⁄2SE1⁄4SE1⁄4, S1⁄2N1⁄2SE1⁄4SE1⁄4, S1⁄2SW1⁄4SE1⁄4, S1⁄2N1⁄2SW1⁄4SE1⁄4, S1⁄2SE1⁄4SW1⁄4, and S1⁄2N1⁄2SE1⁄4SW1⁄4; Sec. 30, N1⁄2NW1⁄4NW1⁄4, and NW1⁄4NE1⁄4NW1⁄4; The area described contains 290 acres, according to the official plat of the survey of the said lands, on file with the BLM. T. 9 N., R. 26 E., Sec. 21, N1⁄2SE1⁄4, NE1⁄4SW1⁄4, and SE1⁄4SE1⁄4NE1⁄4; Sec. 22, S1⁄2, and S1⁄2S1⁄2N1⁄2; Sec. 23, SW1⁄4SW1⁄4, NW1⁄4SE1⁄4SW1⁄4, N1⁄2SW1⁄4, and S1⁄2S1⁄2NW1⁄4; Sec. 26, NW1⁄4NW1⁄4NW1⁄4; Sec. 27, N1⁄2N1⁄2N1⁄2; The area described contains 790 acres, according to the official plat of the survey of the said lands, on file with the BLM. T. 10 N., R. 21 E., Sec. 28, SW1⁄4, and W1⁄2SE1⁄4; Sec. 33, NW1⁄4, NW1⁄4NE1⁄4, and N1⁄2N1⁄2N1⁄2SW1⁄4; The area described contains 460 acres, according to the official plat of the survey of the said lands, on file with the BLM. T. 8 N., R. 22 E Sec.11, E1⁄2W1⁄2, and E1⁄2; Sec. 12, NW1⁄4, W1⁄2NE1⁄4, N1⁄2SW1⁄4, NW1⁄4SE1⁄4, and a tract of land described as follows: Beginning at the southwest corner of Section 12, T. 8 N., R., 22 E., thence 111.61 feet N. 0°1′ W., along the west side of said section to point of beginning. Thence 5326.57 feet N. 80°45′30″ E., to a point on the east line of said section, thence 579.46 feet North along the east line of said section, thence 1316.39 feet S. 89°24′44″ W., to a point on the west line of the NE quarter of the SE quarter of said section, thence 182.04 feet S. 0°4′31″ E., along the west line of the NE quarter of the SE quarter of said section to the SW corner of the NE quarter of the SE quarter of said section, thence 1316.13 feet S. 89°33′ W., along the north line of the SW quarter of the SE quarter to the NW corner of the SW quarter of the SE quarter of said section, thence 2625.69 feet S. 89°33′ W., along the north lines of the SE quarter of the SW quarter and the SW quarter of the SW quarter to the NW corner of the SW quarter of the SW quarter of said section, thence 1208.39 feet S. 0°1′ E., along the west line of said section to the point of beginning. Sec. 14, a tract of land described as follows: Beginning at the northeast corner of VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:06 Jun 23, 2011 Jkt 223001 Section 14, T. 8 N., R. 22 E., thence 682.72 feet S. 89°40 W., along the north line of said section to the point of beginning. Thence 1946.72 feet S. 89°40′ W., along the north line of said section to the north quarter corner, thence 794.04 feet S. 0°1′8″ W., along the west line of the NE quarter of said section, thence 2106.95 feet N. 67°31′38″ E., to the point of beginning. The area described contains 960 acres, according to the official plat of the survey of the said lands, on file with the BLM. Opportunities for the public to be informed and participate will occur throughout the planning process. To ensure local community participation and input, public scoping meetings will be held in two towns strategically located near the lease application areas. Early participation by all interested parties is encouraged and will help guide the planning process. A list of attendees at each meeting and a summary of their input will be available to the public and participants may clarify their input for 30 days. The results of scoping will be sent to all parties on the mailing list for this project in a newsletter or scoping report. The purpose of the public scoping process is to determine relevant issues that will influence the scope of the environmental analysis, including alternatives, and guide the process for developing the EIS. At present, the BLM has identified the following preliminary issues: Access and traffic; public interest/benefits regarding the extraction of the coal; identification of resource values on the private lands; and water quality. Preliminary management concerns include the following: Special status species of plants and animals; maintaining government-to-government relationships with tribal governments; socioeconomics, potential disproportionate impacts on disadvantaged communities resulting from coal lease decisions (Environmental Justice Executive Order 12898); potential for spread of noxious weeds; protection of designated streams (Clean Water Act, Section 303–d); and application of unsuitability criteria. The public is encouraged to help identify any additional issues or concerns during the initial scoping phase. Industry and other interested parties are asked to provide any information that will be useful in applying the Federal Coal Management Program defined in 43 CFR 3420 and 43 CFR 3430, including application of coal planning criteria outlined in 43 CFR 1600. Information resulting from this call for information will be used to determine potential for coal development in the application areas and likelihood of conflict with other resources. PO 00000 Frm 00094 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 The issue of Federal coal leasing and development will include: 1. Determining if these areas are acceptable for further coal leasing consideration with standard stipulations; 2. Determining if these areas are acceptable for consideration with special stipulations; and 3. Determining if these areas are unacceptable for further coal leasing consideration. Any individual, business entity, or public body may participate in this process by providing coal or other resource information under this notice. Planning criteria will be developed during the initial public scoping to help guide the planning effort. Preliminary planning criteria being considered include the following: Recognize valid existing rights; comply with existing laws, executive orders, regulations, and BLM policy and program guidance; seek public input; consider adjoining lands to minimize land-use conflict when making decisions; consider planning jurisdictions of other Federal agencies and State, local, and tribal governments; develop reasonable and sound alternatives; use current scientific data to evaluate appropriate strategies; and consider public welfare and safety. Written comments should address one or more of the following: (1) Issues to be considered; (2) Whether the planning criteria are adequate for the issues; (3) Feasible and reasonable alternatives to examine; or (4) Relevant coal or other resource information. The BLM will utilize and coordinate the NEPA commenting process to satisfy the public involvement process for Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470f) as provided for in 36 CFR 800.2(d)(3). Native American tribal consultations will be conducted in accordance with policy, and tribal concerns will be given due consideration, including impacts on Indian trust assets. Federal, State, and local agencies, along with other stakeholders that may be interested or affected by the BLM’s decision on this project, are invited to participate in the scoping process and, if eligible, may request or be requested by the BLM to participate as a cooperating agency. Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we E:\FR\FM\24JNN1.SGM 24JNN1 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 122 / Friday, June 24, 2011 / Notices cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Authority: 40 CFR 1501.7; 43 CFR 1610.2. Linda S.C. Rundell, State Director. [FR Doc. 2011–15808 Filed 6–23–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4313–AW–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [ORE000.L58820000 PH0000 LXRSEE990000 HAG11–0265] Notice of Public Meetings for the Eugene District Resource Advisory Committee Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of public meetings. AGENCY: In accordance with the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, Title VI, Secure Schools and Community Self-Determination Program (H.R. 1424), the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, and the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972, the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Eugene District Resource Advisory Committee will meet as indicated below. DATES: The meetings will be held on August 4, 2011, beginning at 9 a.m. and ending at approximately 12 p.m.; August 12, 2011, beginning at 8:30 a.m. and ending at approximately 5 p.m.; and September 1, 2011, beginning at 8:30 a.m. and ending at approximately 5 p.m. If unfinished business necessitates, a meeting will be held on September 2, 2011, beginning at 8:30 a.m. and ending at 5 p.m. All times are Pacific Daylight Saving Time. ADDRESSES: The meetings will take place at the BLM, Eugene District Office, Springfield Interagency Center, 3106 Pierce Parkway, Suite E, Springfield, OR 97477. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Patricia K. Johnston, Bureau of Land Management, P.O. Box 10226, Eugene, Oregon 97440–2226, (541) 683–6181 or e-mail pat_johnston@blm.gov. Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1– 800–877–8339 to contact the above individual during normal business hours. The FIRS is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to leave a message or question with the above individual. You will receive a reply during normal business hours. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Eugene District Resource Advisory srobinson on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:06 Jun 23, 2011 Jkt 223001 Committee was appointed originally by the Secretary of the Interior pursuant to the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (Pub. L. 106–393) and reauthorized by the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, Title VI, Secure Schools and Community SelfDetermination Program (H.R. 1424). Topics to be discussed by the Eugene District Resource Advisory Committee at these meetings include reviewing project proposals meeting the requirements under Section 201, H.R. 1424, ‘‘Title II—Special Projects on Federal Land,’’ recommending funding for such projects to the Secretary of the Interior, and other matters as may reasonably come before the council. All meetings are open to the public in their entirety. Public comment is generally scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., each meeting session. The amount of time scheduled for public presentations and meeting times may be extended when the authorized representative considers it necessary to accommodate all who seek to be heard regarding matters on the agenda. Virginia Grilley, Eugene District Manager. [FR Doc. 2011–15835 Filed 6–23–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–33–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [LLNVW03500.L12320000.EA0000 .LVRDNV190000.241A; MO#4500020764; 11–08807; TAS: 14X5017] Notice of Temporary Closures and Temporary Restrictions on Specific Uses of Public Lands in Pershing County, NV Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: Notice is hereby given that under the authority of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA), as amended, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Winnemucca District, Black Rock Field Office, will implement and enforce temporary closures and temporary restrictions to protect public safety and resources on public lands within and adjacent to the Burning Man event on the Black Rock Desert playa. DATES: The temporary closures and temporary restrictions will be in effect from August 1, 2011 through September 19, 2011 and August 29, 2011 through September 5, 2011. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00095 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 37147 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gene Seidlitz, BLM District Manager, Winnemucca District, 5100 E. Winnemucca Boulevard, Winnemucca, Nevada 89445–2921, telephone: (775) 623–1500, e-mail: gene_seidlitz@blm.gov. Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–800–877–8339 to contact the above individual during normal business hours. The FIRS is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to leave a message or question with the above individual. You will receive a reply during normal hours. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: These temporary closures and temporary restrictions affect public lands at and adjacent to the Burning Man event permitted on the Black Rock Desert playa within the Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area in Pershing County, Nevada. The legal description of the affected public lands is: Mount Diablo Meridian, Nevada Unsurveyed T. 33 N., R. 24 E., Secs. 1 and 2; Sec. 3; Sec. 4, portion east of Washoe County Road 34; Sec. 5; Sec. 8, NE1⁄4; Sec. 9, N1⁄2; Sec. 10, N1⁄2; Sec. 11, N1⁄2. Unsurveyed T. 331⁄2; N., R. 24 E., Secs. 25, 26, and 27; Sec. 28, portion east of Washoe County Road 34; Sec. 33, portions east of Washoe County Road 34; Secs. 34, 35, and 36. Unsurveyed T. 34 N., R. 24 E., Sec. 23, S1⁄2; Sec. 24, S1⁄2; Secs. 25 and 26; Sec. 27, SE1⁄4, E1⁄2NE1⁄2, E1⁄2SW1⁄4; Sec. 33, SE1⁄4, S1⁄2NE1⁄4, NE1⁄4NE1⁄4; Secs. 34, 35, and 36. T. 33 N., R. 25 E., Sec. 4, Lots 2, 3, 4, and 5. Unsurveyed T. 34 N., R. 25 E., Sec. 16, S1⁄2; Sec. 21; Sec. 22, SW1⁄4, W1⁄2NW1⁄4; Sec. 27, W1⁄2; Sec. 28; Sec. 33; Sec. 34, W1⁄2. The public closure area comprises 14,153 acres, more or less. Within the public closure area is the event area, which is defined as the portion of the public closure area (1) E:\FR\FM\24JNN1.SGM 24JNN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 122 (Friday, June 24, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 37145-37147]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-15808]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management

[LLNM004200.L13200000.GA0000]


Notice of Intent To Prepare a Resource Management Plan Amendment 
(RMPA) and Associated Environmental Assessment Addressing Four Federal 
Coal Lease Applications in Haskell and LeFlore Counties, OK

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of Intent.

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

SUMMARY: In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act 
(NEPA) of 1969, as amended, and the Federal Land Policy and Management 
Act of 1976, as amended, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Oklahoma 
Field Office intends to prepare an amendment to the 1994 Oklahoma 
Resource Management Plan, as amended, and associated Environmental 
Assessment (EA) in response to four coal lease applications covering 
lands in Haskell and LeFlore Counties, Oklahoma. By this notice, the 
Oklahoma Field Office announces the beginning of the scoping process to 
solicit public comments and identify issues.

DATES: This notice initiates the public scoping process for the Draft 
Resource Management Plan (RMP) amendment/EA. Comments on issues may be 
submitted in writing until August 8, 2011. The date(s) and location(s) 
of any scoping meetings will be announced at least 15 days in advance 
through local media, newspapers and the BLM Web site at: https://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/fo/Oklahoma_Field_Office.html. We will provide 
additional opportunities for public participation upon publication of 
the Draft RMP amendment/EA.
    Comments: You may submit comments on issues and planning criteria 
related to the four Federal coal lease applications in Haskell and 
LeFlore Counties, Oklahoma, RMP amendment/EA by any of the following 
methods:
     E-mail: rwymer@blm.gov.
     Fax: (918) 621-4130.
     Mail: RMPA/EA Comments, BLM, Oklahoma Field Office, 7906 E 
33rd Street, Suite 101, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74145-1352.
    Documents pertinent to this proposal may be examined at the 
Oklahoma Field Office.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information and/or to have 
your name added to our mailing list, contact: Laurence Levesque or 
Richard Wymer, Co-Team Leaders, BLM, Oklahoma Field Office, 7906 E 33rd 
Street, Suite 101, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74145-1352, phone (918) 621-4100.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: During the period June 2008 to April 2010, 
the BLM received three coal lease modification applications and one 
competitive coal lease application from Farrell-Cooper Mining Company, 
Georges Colliers Inc., and Mining Systems Corporation. These 
applications were for resources located outside the areas that the 
Oklahoma RMP designated as available for coal leasing. The RMP 
amendment will evaluate the four Lease Application Areas to determine 
suitability for further leasing consideration. The RMP amendment will 
be prepared in accordance with guidance provided in BLM Land Use 
Planning Handbook (H-1601-1). The Lease Application Areas total 
approximately 2,500 acres of previously unleased coal and are part of 
the Federal mineral estate, but have not previously undergone land-use 
planning analysis. The Lease Application Areas total 2,500 acres of 
Federal mineral

[[Page 37146]]

estate administered by the BLM, and the surface is privately owned.
    The sizes and locations of these four Lease Application Areas are 
as follows:

Indian Meridian, Oklahoma

T. 8 N., R. 22 E.,
    Sec. 23, N\1/2\NE\1/4\SE\1/4\;
    Sec. 24, SE\1/4\NE\1/4\SE\1/4\, W\1/2\NE\1/4\SE\1/4\, N\1/
2\SE\1/4\SE\1/4\, SE\1/4\SE\1/4\SE\1/4\, NW\1/4\SE\1/4\, and N\1/
2\N\1/2\SW\1/4\;
    Sec. 25, NE\1/4\NE\1/4\NE\1/4\;
T. 8 N., R. 23 E.,
    Sec. 19, S\1/2\SE\1/4\SE\1/4\, S\1/2\N\1/2\SE\1/4\SE\1/4\, S\1/
2\SW\1/4\SE\1/4\, S\1/2\N\1/2\SW\1/4\SE\1/4\, S\1/2\SE\1/4\SW\1/4\, 
and S\1/2\N\1/2\SE\1/4\SW\1/4\;
    Sec. 30, N\1/2\NW\1/4\NW\1/4\, and NW\1/4\NE\1/4\NW\1/4\;

    The area described contains 290 acres, according to the official 
plat of the survey of the said lands, on file with the BLM.

T. 9 N., R. 26 E.,
    Sec. 21, N\1/2\SE\1/4\, NE\1/4\SW\1/4\, and SE\1/4\SE\1/4\NE\1/
4\;
    Sec. 22, S\1/2\, and S\1/2\S\1/2\N\1/2\;
    Sec. 23, SW\1/4\SW\1/4\, NW\1/4\SE\1/4\SW\1/4\, N\1/2\SW\1/4\, 
and S\1/2\S\1/2\NW\1/4\;
    Sec. 26, NW\1/4\NW\1/4\NW\1/4\;
    Sec. 27, N\1/2\N\1/2\N\1/2\;

    The area described contains 790 acres, according to the official 
plat of the survey of the said lands, on file with the BLM.

T. 10 N., R. 21 E.,
    Sec. 28, SW\1/4\, and W\1/2\SE\1/4\;
    Sec. 33, NW\1/4\, NW\1/4\NE\1/4\, and N\1/2\N\1/2\N\1/2\SW\1/4\;

    The area described contains 460 acres, according to the official 
plat of the survey of the said lands, on file with the BLM.

T. 8 N., R. 22 E
    Sec.11, E\1/2\W\1/2\, and E\1/2\;
    Sec. 12, NW\1/4\, W\1/2\NE\1/4\, N\1/2\SW\1/4\, NW\1/4\SE\1/4\, 
and a tract of land described as follows: Beginning at the southwest 
corner of Section 12, T. 8 N., R., 22 E., thence 111.61 feet N. 
0[deg]1' W., along the west side of said section to point of 
beginning. Thence 5326.57 feet N. 80[deg]45'30'' E., to a point on 
the east line of said section, thence 579.46 feet North along the 
east line of said section, thence 1316.39 feet S. 89[deg]24'44'' W., 
to a point on the west line of the NE quarter of the SE quarter of 
said section, thence 182.04 feet S. 0[deg]4'31'' E., along the west 
line of the NE quarter of the SE quarter of said section to the SW 
corner of the NE quarter of the SE quarter of said section, thence 
1316.13 feet S. 89[deg]33' W., along the north line of the SW 
quarter of the SE quarter to the NW corner of the SW quarter of the 
SE quarter of said section, thence 2625.69 feet S. 89[deg]33' W., 
along the north lines of the SE quarter of the SW quarter and the SW 
quarter of the SW quarter to the NW corner of the SW quarter of the 
SW quarter of said section, thence 1208.39 feet S. 0[deg]1' E., 
along the west line of said section to the point of beginning.
    Sec. 14, a tract of land described as follows: Beginning at the 
northeast corner of Section 14, T. 8 N., R. 22 E., thence 682.72 
feet S. 89[deg]40 W., along the north line of said section to the 
point of beginning. Thence 1946.72 feet S. 89[deg]40' W., along the 
north line of said section to the north quarter corner, thence 
794.04 feet S. 0[deg]1'8'' W., along the west line of the NE quarter 
of said section, thence 2106.95 feet N. 67[deg]31'38'' E., to the 
point of beginning.

    The area described contains 960 acres, according to the official 
plat of the survey of the said lands, on file with the BLM.

    Opportunities for the public to be informed and participate will 
occur throughout the planning process. To ensure local community 
participation and input, public scoping meetings will be held in two 
towns strategically located near the lease application areas. Early 
participation by all interested parties is encouraged and will help 
guide the planning process. A list of attendees at each meeting and a 
summary of their input will be available to the public and participants 
may clarify their input for 30 days. The results of scoping will be 
sent to all parties on the mailing list for this project in a 
newsletter or scoping report.
    The purpose of the public scoping process is to determine relevant 
issues that will influence the scope of the environmental analysis, 
including alternatives, and guide the process for developing the EIS. 
At present, the BLM has identified the following preliminary issues: 
Access and traffic; public interest/benefits regarding the extraction 
of the coal; identification of resource values on the private lands; 
and water quality. Preliminary management concerns include the 
following: Special status species of plants and animals; maintaining 
government-to-government relationships with tribal governments; 
socioeconomics, potential disproportionate impacts on disadvantaged 
communities resulting from coal lease decisions (Environmental Justice 
Executive Order 12898); potential for spread of noxious weeds; 
protection of designated streams (Clean Water Act, Section 303-d); and 
application of unsuitability criteria. The public is encouraged to help 
identify any additional issues or concerns during the initial scoping 
phase. Industry and other interested parties are asked to provide any 
information that will be useful in applying the Federal Coal Management 
Program defined in 43 CFR 3420 and 43 CFR 3430, including application 
of coal planning criteria outlined in 43 CFR 1600. Information 
resulting from this call for information will be used to determine 
potential for coal development in the application areas and likelihood 
of conflict with other resources.
    The issue of Federal coal leasing and development will include:
    1. Determining if these areas are acceptable for further coal 
leasing consideration with standard stipulations;
    2. Determining if these areas are acceptable for consideration with 
special stipulations; and
    3. Determining if these areas are unacceptable for further coal 
leasing consideration.
    Any individual, business entity, or public body may participate in 
this process by providing coal or other resource information under this 
notice.
    Planning criteria will be developed during the initial public 
scoping to help guide the planning effort. Preliminary planning 
criteria being considered include the following: Recognize valid 
existing rights; comply with existing laws, executive orders, 
regulations, and BLM policy and program guidance; seek public input; 
consider adjoining lands to minimize land-use conflict when making 
decisions; consider planning jurisdictions of other Federal agencies 
and State, local, and tribal governments; develop reasonable and sound 
alternatives; use current scientific data to evaluate appropriate 
strategies; and consider public welfare and safety.
    Written comments should address one or more of the following: (1) 
Issues to be considered; (2) Whether the planning criteria are adequate 
for the issues; (3) Feasible and reasonable alternatives to examine; or 
(4) Relevant coal or other resource information.
    The BLM will utilize and coordinate the NEPA commenting process to 
satisfy the public involvement process for Section 106 of the National 
Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470f) as provided for in 36 CFR 
800.2(d)(3). Native American tribal consultations will be conducted in 
accordance with policy, and tribal concerns will be given due 
consideration, including impacts on Indian trust assets. Federal, 
State, and local agencies, along with other stakeholders that may be 
interested or affected by the BLM's decision on this project, are 
invited to participate in the scoping process and, if eligible, may 
request or be requested by the BLM to participate as a cooperating 
agency.
    Before including your address, phone number, email address, or 
other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be 
aware that your entire comment--including your personal identifying 
information--may be made publicly available at any time. While you can 
ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying 
information from public review, we

[[Page 37147]]

cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.

    Authority:  40 CFR 1501.7; 43 CFR 1610.2.

Linda S.C. Rundell,
State Director.
[FR Doc. 2011-15808 Filed 6-23-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4313-AW-P
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