Kootenai National Forest; Buckhorn Planning Subunit; Lincoln County, Montana; Environmental Impact Statement, 8102-8104 [2013-02418]
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 24 / Tuesday, February 5, 2013 / Notices
‘‘Prepared foods’’ (replies to CL 2012/5–
FA Part B, point 9). (CX/FA 13/45/11).
• Proposals for new additive
provisions and/or revision of food
additive provisions of the GSFA (replies
to CL 2012/5–FA Part B, point 10). (CX/
FA 13/45/12).
• Proposals for application of Note
188 to provisions for acesulfame
potassium (INS 950) and Note 191 to
provisions for aspartame (INS 951). (CX/
FA 13/45/13).
• Proposals for Changes and/or
Addition to the International
Numbering System for Food Additives.
(CX/FA 13/45/14).
• Specifications for the Identity and
Purity of food additives arising from the
76th JECFA Meeting. (CX/FA 13/45/15).
• Proposals for additions and changes
to the Priority List of Food Additives
proposed for evaluation by JECFA
(replies to CL 2012/8–FA) (CX/FA 13/
45/16).
• Proposed prioritized list of colors
for re-evaluation by JECFA. (CX/FA 13/
45/17).
• Database on processing aids—
criteria for entry of substances in the
database (CX/FA 13/45/18).
• Discussion paper on
recommendations for Note 161 of the
GSFA (CX/FA 13/45/19).
Each issue listed will be fully
described in documents distributed, or
to be distributed, by the Secretariat prior
to the meeting. Members of the public
may access these documents at ftp://
ftp.fao.org/codex/meetings/CCFA/
CCFA45.
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Public Meeting
At the February 11, 2013, public
meeting, draft U.S. positions on the
agenda items will be described and
discussed, and attendees will have the
opportunity to pose questions and offer
comments. Written comments may be
offered at the meeting or sent to the U.S.
Delegate for the 45th Session of the
CCFA, Dr. Susan Carberry at the
following address: ccfa@fda.hhs.gov.
Written comments should state that they
relate to activities of the 45th Session of
the CCFA.
Additional Public Notification
FSIS will announce this notice online
through the FSIS Web page located at
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/
regulations_&_policies/
Federal_Register_Notices/index.asp.
FSIS will also make copies of this
Federal Register publication available
through the FSIS Constituent Update,
which is used to provide information
regarding FSIS policies, procedures,
regulations, Federal Register notices,
FSIS public meetings, and other types of
VerDate Mar<15>2010
17:18 Feb 04, 2013
Jkt 229001
information that could affect or would
be of interest to constituents and
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communicated via Listserv, a free
electronic mail subscription service for
industry, trade groups, consumer
interest groups, health professionals,
and other individuals who have asked
to be included. The Update is also
available on the FSIS Web page. In
addition, FSIS offers an electronic mail
subscription service which provides
automatic and customized access to
selected food safety news and
information. This service is available at
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News_&_Events/Email_Subscription/.
Options range from recalls to export
information to regulations, directives,
and notices. Customers can add or
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USDA Nondiscrimination Statement
USDA prohibits discrimination in all
its programs and activities on the basis
of race, color, national origin, gender,
religion, age, disability, political beliefs,
sexual orientation, and marital or family
status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to
all programs.) Persons with disabilities
who require alternative means for
communication of program information
(Braille, large print, or audiotape.)
should contact USDA’s Target Center at
202–720–2600 (voice and TTY).
To file a written complaint of
discrimination, write USDA, Office of
the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights,
1400 Independence Avenue SW.,
Washington, DC 20250–9410 or call
202–720–5964 (voice and TTY). USDA
is an equal opportunity provider and
employer.
Done at Washington, DC, on: January 30,
2013.
MaryFrances Lowe,
U.S. Manager for Codex Alimentarius.
[FR Doc. 2013–02470 Filed 1–31–13; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3410–DM–P
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service
Kootenai National Forest; Buckhorn
Planning Subunit; Lincoln County,
Montana; Environmental Impact
Statement
Forest Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an
environmental impact statement.
AGENCY:
The Forest Service will
prepare an Environmental Impact
Statement (EIS) to disclose the
SUMMARY:
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environmental effects of commercial
and non-commercial vegetation
management activities, prescribed
burning, and watershed improvement
activities. Access management changes
and other design features are included
to protect resources and facilitate
management activities. The project is
located in the Buckhorn Planning
Subunit on the Three Rivers Ranger
District, Kootenai National Forest,
Lincoln County, Montana, and north of
Troy, Montana.
DATES: Comments concerning the scope
of the analysis must be received within
30 days from the date of publication in
the Federal Register.
ADDRESSES: Send written comments to
Kirsten Kaiser; District Ranger, Three
Rivers Ranger District, 12858 US Hwy 2,
Troy, MT 59935. Comments may also be
sent via email to comments-northernkootenai-three-rivers@fs.fed.us; or via
facsimile to (406) 295–7410.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Contact Pat Shira, Project Team Leader,
Three Rivers Ranger District, 12858 US
Hwy 2, Troy, MT 59935. Phone: (406)
295–4693. 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: The
project area is approximately 56,000
acres in size and is located about 27
miles north of Troy, Montana in the
Yaak River Valley and includes the
following drainages: Spread Creek,
Hellroaring Creek, and Meadow Creek.
The legal description includes
Townships 35 and 36 North, Ranges 34
and 33 West, Lincoln County, Montana;
and Township 64 North, Range 3 East,
Boundary County, Idaho.
Purpose and Need for Action
The purpose and need for this project
is: (1) Promote resilient vegetation
conditions by managing towards
charactertic landscape-level vegetation
patterns, structure, patch size, fuel
loading and species composition; (2)
maintain or improve water quality and
native aquatic species habitat; and, (3)
provide wood products to contribute to
local and regional economies.
Proposed Action
The proposed action includes timber
harvest and associated fuels treatments,
prescribed burning and watershed work
to address the purpose and need. The
proposed action includes:
(1) Approximately 1,300 acres of
regeneration harvest that would initially
produce foraging opportunities for
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tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 24 / Tuesday, February 5, 2013 / Notices
wildlife species including big game and
grizzly bear, which would transition
into seedling and pole sized stands that
provide young forest habitat before the
stands further develop mature forest
characteristics. Grouping of some units
would create large areas of openings
within a matrix of leave areas to mimic
a stand replacing fire. There are nine
units proposed that would create
openings larger than 40 acres and
requires a 60-day public review and
Regional Forester approval (FSM
2471.1). This notice serves as the
beginning of the 60-day public review.
The largest of these treatment units
would be approximately 280 acres. The
openings are designed to provide no
greater than 600 feet distance to cover
for grizzly bear and big game species.
All riparian areas will be identified by
the Interdisciplinary Team and
excluded from harvest units.
Approximately 414 acres are proposed
for treatments within the Wildland
Urban Interface (WUI).
(2) About 94 acres of intermediate
harvest is proposed to improve stand
conditions and increase huckleberry
growth in the understory.
(3) In an effort to return fire to the
landscape and promote increased
huckleberry growth and foraging
opportunities, approximately 12,127
acres of prescribed burning is being
proposed with up to 17,793 acres
considered as part of the maximum
allowable burn area. Approximately
1,096 acres of burning will occur in the
Wildland Urban Interface (WUI).
Approximately 7,195 acres of this
burning will occur within two
Inventoried Roadless Areas (IRAs)
located in and adjacent to the project
area. To achieve burn objectives of
reducing canopy cover in portions of the
proposed burn units, hand slashing
would occur within the IRAs to create
a fuel bed which helps carry fire
through the burn area and meet
objectives. In areas of suitable whitebark
pine habitat, slashing of other
encroaching conifers around existing
live whitebark pine may occur before
burning. Whitebark pine seedlings may
be planted after the burns are
completed. Whitebark pine is listed as
a sensitive species in Region One and is
a Candidate species for listing as
threatened under the endangered
species act (ESA). The US Fish and
Wildlife Service found that whitebark
pine is ‘‘warranted but precluded’’ from
listing at this time.
(4) It is estimated that two temporary
roads, totaling 0.7 miles would be
constructed to accomplish the timber
harvest and associated fuel reduction
work and would be obliterated
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17:18 Feb 04, 2013
Jkt 229001
following activities. Approximately 26
miles of haul routes would receive Best
Management Practices (BMPs) and road
maintenance work to meet State BMP
requirements for water quality.
(5) Approximately 28 miles of road
have been identified for stabilization to
reduce the potential for sediment
delivery to streams. This work includes,
but is not limited to the removal of
culverts, removal of log stream crossing
structures, water bars and removing
unstable fill material. A Travel Analysis
has been completed for the Project Area.
Roads identified in the Travel Analysis,
as needed for long-term management of
the National Forest would be put into
intermittent stored service. Roads
identified in the Travel Analysis, as not
needed for long-term management
would be decommissioned. All road
decommissioning and intermittent
stored services work is proposed on
roads currently closed to motor vehicle
access. Coordination with recreational
users (snowmobilers, mountain bikers,
hikers and stock users) would be
ongoing through analysis and
implementation to maintain popular
access routes.
Possible Alternatives
The Forest Service will consider a
range of alternatives. One of these will
be the ‘‘no action’’ alternative in which
none of the proposed action would be
implemented. Additional alternatives
may be included in response to issues
raised by the public during the scoping
process or due to additional concerns
for resource values identified by the
Interdisciplinary Team.
Responsible Official
The Forest Supervisor of the Kootenai
National Forest, 31374 US Highway 2,
Libby, MT 59923–3022, is the
Responsible Official. As the Responsible
Official, I will decide if the proposed
action will be implemented. I will
document the decision and rationale for
the decision in the Record of Decision.
I have delegated the responsibility for
preparing the DEIS and FEIS to the
District Ranger, Three Rivers Ranger
District.
Nature of Decision To Be Made
Based on the purpose and need, the
Responsible Official reviews the
proposed action, the other alternatives,
the environmental consequences, and
public comments on the analysis in
order to make the following decision:
(1) Whether to implement timber
harvest and associated fuels treatments,
prescribed burning, and watershed
work, including the design features and
potential mitigation measures to protect
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8103
resources; and if so, how much and at
what specific locations;
(2) What, if any, specific project
monitoring requirements are needed to
assure design features and potential
mitigation measures are implemented
and effective, and to evaluate the
success of the project objectives.
Preliminary project monitoring needs
identified include pre- and posttreatment huckleberry production,
effectiveness of BMP work, and
retention of coarse woody debris. A
project specific monitoring plan will be
developed.
Preliminary Issues
Initial analysis by the
Interdisciplinary Team has brought
forward two issues that may affect the
design of the project.
(1) There are nine units proposed that
would create openings larger than 40
acres. This action requires a 60 day
public review and Regional Forester
approval (FSM 2471.1) This document
serves as the beginning of the 60 day
public review period.
(2) Based on the nine units proposed
that would create openings larger than
40 acres, a site-specific Forest Plan
amendment for MA 12 (big game
summer range) may be required for
Wildlife Standard 7, Forest Plan page
III–49, which states that generally
harvest unit size should not exceed 40
acres in elk and mule deer habitat or 20
acres in size for moose and whitetail
deer habitat. Potentially, maintaining
two sight distances between openings as
movement corridors for wildlife may
also be an issue. The larger openings are
designed to mimic the effects of a stand
replacing fire and to meet the purpose
and need for the project.
Scoping Process
This notice of intent initiates the
scoping process, which guides the
development of the environmental
impact statement. The Interdisciplinary
Team will continue to seek information,
comments, and assistance from Federal,
State, and local agencies, Tribal
governments, and other individuals or
organizations that may be interested in,
or affected by, the proposed action.
There are several collaborative groups in
the area that the Interdisciplinary Team
will interact with during the analysis
process.
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
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 24 / Tuesday, February 5, 2013 / Notices
articulate the reviewer’s concerns and
contentions.
Comments received in response to
this solicitation, including names and
addresses of those who comment, will
become part of the public record for this
proposed action. Comments submitted
anonymously will be accepted and
considered, however.
Dated: January 24, 2013.
Paul Bradford,
Forest Supervisor, Kootenai National Forest.
[FR Doc. 2013–02418 Filed 2–4–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE P
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service
First Phase of the Forest Planning
Process for the Bio-Region; Correction
USDA, Forest Service.
Notice; correction.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
The Department of
Agriculture (USDA), Forest Service,
Pacific Southwest Region, published a
notice in the Federal Register of January
24, 2013, (78 FR 5165) which concerned
initiating a forest planning process
under the new planning rule entitled
First Phase of the Forest Planning
Process for the Bio-Region. The
document contained incorrect wording
describing the Notice as a Notice of
Intent and introducing terms associated
with National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA) process, and extraneous
material not associated with the forest
planning revision process.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ronald L. Pugh, Deputy Director,
Ecosystem Planning, 707–562–8951.
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.
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
SUMMARY:
Correction
In the Federal Register of January 24,
2013, in FR doc. 2013–1254, on page
5165, in the first column, correct the
SUMMARY to read:
The Department of Agriculture
(USDA), Forest Service, Pacific
Southwest Region is initiating the first
phase of the forest planning process
pursuant to the 2012 Forest Planning
Rule. This process results in Forest
Land Management Plans which describe
the strategic direction for management
of forest resources for the next ten to
fifteen years on these National Forests.
The first phase of the process, the
assessment phase, has begun on the
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17:18 Feb 04, 2013
Jkt 229001
Sequoia, Sierra, and Inyo National
Forests and that interested parties are
invited to contribute in the development
of the assessment (36 CFR 219.6), and
that associated NEPA processes will be
initiated after its completion.
In the Federal Register of January 24,
2013, in FR doc. 2013–1254, on page
5165, in the second column, correct the
DATES to:
The assessments for the Inyo,
Sequoia, and Sierra National Forests
will be completed by December 31,
2013. Following completion of the
assessments each forest will initiate
procedure pursuant to the NEPA and
prepare forest plan revisions.
In the Federal Register of January 24,
2013, in FR doc. 2013–1254, on page
5165, in the second column, correct the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION to read:
The National Forest Management Act
(NFMA) of 1976 requires that every
National Forest System (NFS) unit
develop a land management plan (LMP).
On April 9, 2012, the Forest Service
finalized its land management planning
rule (2012 Planning Rule), which
provides broad programmatic direction
to National Forests and National
Grasslands for developing and
implementing their land management
plans (LMPs). Forest plans describe the
strategic direction for management of
forest resources for ten to fifteen years,
and are adaptive and amendable as
conditions change over time. Under the
2012 Planning Rule, the assessment of
ecological, social, and economic trends
and conditions is the first stage of the
planning process. The second stage is a
development and decision process
guided, in part, by the National
Environment Policy Act (NEPA) and
includes the preparation of Draft
Environmental Impact Statement and
Revised Forest Plan for public review
and comment, and the preparation of
the Final Environmental Impact
Statement and Revised Forest Plan. The
third stage of the process is monitoring
and feedback, which is ongoing over the
life of the revised forest plans.
The Pacific Southwest Region of the
Forest Service, United States
Department of Agriculture, along with
the Sierra, Inyo, and Sequoia National
Forests, is preparing assessments
pursuant to 2012 Forest Planning Rule.
The assessments will rapidly evaluate
existing information about relevant
ecological, economic, and social
conditions, trends, and sustainability
and their relationship to land
management plans within the context of
the broader landscape. The assessments
will identify existing information
relevant to the planning areas and build
common understanding of that
PO 00000
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Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
information prior to initiating formal
plan revision processes. The process to
develop these assessments will be
carried out using an open, collaborative,
and transparent public engagement
process. With this notice, the agency
invites other governments, nongovernmental parties, and the public to
contribute in assessment development.
The intent of public engagement during
development of the assessment is to
identify as much relevant information as
possible to inform the land management
plan development process. We
encourage contributors to share material
about existing conditions, trends, and
perceptions of social, economic, and
ecological systems relevant to the
planning process. Public participation
in the assessment process supports the
development of relationships of key
stakeholders throughout the plan
development process and is a first step
to understanding current conditions,
available data, and feedback needed to
support a strategic, efficient planning
process.
Due to commonality of issues and the
broader landscape to consider, these
assessment processes will begin with a
larger geographic or regional
assessment. This broader area
evaluation will not only provide a
landscape scale context for the revision
of the Inyo, Sequoia, and Sierra National
Forests, it will provide information that
will be used as the agency moves into
the revision process for adjacent forests
in the near future, and provide for a
more comprehensive and efficient
process.
We are committed to collaboration
and to strengthening public engagement
throughout the process. Collaboration
and communication plans are being
developed with the help of stakeholders
at the regional and forest levels. Each
plan is unique to the needs of the
people and communities being served.
Regional and forest specialists have
begun collecting information and
working with stakeholders to describe
existing resource conditions and trends.
If you would like to contribute to the
process or for more information, please
contact Ronald L. Pugh, Deputy
Director, Ecosystem Planning of the
Pacific Southwest Region, 707–562–
8951 or visit intranet site:
www.ourforestplace.ning.com. The
projected completion date for the
assessments for the Inyo, Sequoia, and
Sierra National Forests is December 31,
2013.
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 24 (Tuesday, February 5, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 8102-8104]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-02418]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service
Kootenai National Forest; Buckhorn Planning Subunit; Lincoln
County, Montana; Environmental Impact Statement
AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Forest Service will prepare an Environmental Impact
Statement (EIS) to disclose the environmental effects of commercial and
non-commercial vegetation management activities, prescribed burning,
and watershed improvement activities. Access management changes and
other design features are included to protect resources and facilitate
management activities. The project is located in the Buckhorn Planning
Subunit on the Three Rivers Ranger District, Kootenai National Forest,
Lincoln County, Montana, and north of Troy, Montana.
DATES: Comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received
within 30 days from the date of publication in the Federal Register.
ADDRESSES: Send written comments to Kirsten Kaiser; District Ranger,
Three Rivers Ranger District, 12858 US Hwy 2, Troy, MT 59935. Comments
may also be sent via email to comments-northern-kootenai-three-rivers@fs.fed.us; or via facsimile to (406) 295-7410.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Contact Pat Shira, Project Team
Leader, Three Rivers Ranger District, 12858 US Hwy 2, Troy, MT 59935.
Phone: (406) 295-4693. 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: The project area is approximately 56,000
acres in size and is located about 27 miles north of Troy, Montana in
the Yaak River Valley and includes the following drainages: Spread
Creek, Hellroaring Creek, and Meadow Creek. The legal description
includes Townships 35 and 36 North, Ranges 34 and 33 West, Lincoln
County, Montana; and Township 64 North, Range 3 East, Boundary County,
Idaho.
Purpose and Need for Action
The purpose and need for this project is: (1) Promote resilient
vegetation conditions by managing towards charactertic landscape-level
vegetation patterns, structure, patch size, fuel loading and species
composition; (2) maintain or improve water quality and native aquatic
species habitat; and, (3) provide wood products to contribute to local
and regional economies.
Proposed Action
The proposed action includes timber harvest and associated fuels
treatments, prescribed burning and watershed work to address the
purpose and need. The proposed action includes:
(1) Approximately 1,300 acres of regeneration harvest that would
initially produce foraging opportunities for
[[Page 8103]]
wildlife species including big game and grizzly bear, which would
transition into seedling and pole sized stands that provide young
forest habitat before the stands further develop mature forest
characteristics. Grouping of some units would create large areas of
openings within a matrix of leave areas to mimic a stand replacing
fire. There are nine units proposed that would create openings larger
than 40 acres and requires a 60-day public review and Regional Forester
approval (FSM 2471.1). This notice serves as the beginning of the 60-
day public review. The largest of these treatment units would be
approximately 280 acres. The openings are designed to provide no
greater than 600 feet distance to cover for grizzly bear and big game
species. All riparian areas will be identified by the Interdisciplinary
Team and excluded from harvest units. Approximately 414 acres are
proposed for treatments within the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI).
(2) About 94 acres of intermediate harvest is proposed to improve
stand conditions and increase huckleberry growth in the understory.
(3) In an effort to return fire to the landscape and promote
increased huckleberry growth and foraging opportunities, approximately
12,127 acres of prescribed burning is being proposed with up to 17,793
acres considered as part of the maximum allowable burn area.
Approximately 1,096 acres of burning will occur in the Wildland Urban
Interface (WUI). Approximately 7,195 acres of this burning will occur
within two Inventoried Roadless Areas (IRAs) located in and adjacent to
the project area. To achieve burn objectives of reducing canopy cover
in portions of the proposed burn units, hand slashing would occur
within the IRAs to create a fuel bed which helps carry fire through the
burn area and meet objectives. In areas of suitable whitebark pine
habitat, slashing of other encroaching conifers around existing live
whitebark pine may occur before burning. Whitebark pine seedlings may
be planted after the burns are completed. Whitebark pine is listed as a
sensitive species in Region One and is a Candidate species for listing
as threatened under the endangered species act (ESA). The US Fish and
Wildlife Service found that whitebark pine is ``warranted but
precluded'' from listing at this time.
(4) It is estimated that two temporary roads, totaling 0.7 miles
would be constructed to accomplish the timber harvest and associated
fuel reduction work and would be obliterated following activities.
Approximately 26 miles of haul routes would receive Best Management
Practices (BMPs) and road maintenance work to meet State BMP
requirements for water quality.
(5) Approximately 28 miles of road have been identified for
stabilization to reduce the potential for sediment delivery to streams.
This work includes, but is not limited to the removal of culverts,
removal of log stream crossing structures, water bars and removing
unstable fill material. A Travel Analysis has been completed for the
Project Area. Roads identified in the Travel Analysis, as needed for
long-term management of the National Forest would be put into
intermittent stored service. Roads identified in the Travel Analysis,
as not needed for long-term management would be decommissioned. All
road decommissioning and intermittent stored services work is proposed
on roads currently closed to motor vehicle access. Coordination with
recreational users (snowmobilers, mountain bikers, hikers and stock
users) would be ongoing through analysis and implementation to maintain
popular access routes.
Possible Alternatives
The Forest Service will consider a range of alternatives. One of
these will be the ``no action'' alternative in which none of the
proposed action would be implemented. Additional alternatives may be
included in response to issues raised by the public during the scoping
process or due to additional concerns for resource values identified by
the Interdisciplinary Team.
Responsible Official
The Forest Supervisor of the Kootenai National Forest, 31374 US
Highway 2, Libby, MT 59923-3022, is the Responsible Official. As the
Responsible Official, I will decide if the proposed action will be
implemented. I will document the decision and rationale for the
decision in the Record of Decision. I have delegated the responsibility
for preparing the DEIS and FEIS to the District Ranger, Three Rivers
Ranger District.
Nature of Decision To Be Made
Based on the purpose and need, the Responsible Official reviews the
proposed action, the other alternatives, the environmental
consequences, and public comments on the analysis in order to make the
following decision:
(1) Whether to implement timber harvest and associated fuels
treatments, prescribed burning, and watershed work, including the
design features and potential mitigation measures to protect resources;
and if so, how much and at what specific locations;
(2) What, if any, specific project monitoring requirements are
needed to assure design features and potential mitigation measures are
implemented and effective, and to evaluate the success of the project
objectives. Preliminary project monitoring needs identified include
pre- and post-treatment huckleberry production, effectiveness of BMP
work, and retention of coarse woody debris. A project specific
monitoring plan will be developed.
Preliminary Issues
Initial analysis by the Interdisciplinary Team has brought forward
two issues that may affect the design of the project.
(1) There are nine units proposed that would create openings larger
than 40 acres. This action requires a 60 day public review and Regional
Forester approval (FSM 2471.1) This document serves as the beginning of
the 60 day public review period.
(2) Based on the nine units proposed that would create openings
larger than 40 acres, a site-specific Forest Plan amendment for MA 12
(big game summer range) may be required for Wildlife Standard 7, Forest
Plan page III-49, which states that generally harvest unit size should
not exceed 40 acres in elk and mule deer habitat or 20 acres in size
for moose and whitetail deer habitat. Potentially, maintaining two
sight distances between openings as movement corridors for wildlife may
also be an issue. The larger openings are designed to mimic the effects
of a stand replacing fire and to meet the purpose and need for the
project.
Scoping Process
This notice of intent initiates the scoping process, which guides
the development of the environmental impact statement. The
Interdisciplinary Team will continue to seek information, comments, and
assistance from Federal, State, and local agencies, Tribal governments,
and other individuals or organizations that may be interested in, or
affected by, the proposed action. There are several collaborative
groups in the area that the Interdisciplinary Team will interact with
during the analysis process.
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
[[Page 8104]]
articulate the reviewer's concerns and contentions.
Comments received in response to this solicitation, including names
and addresses of those who comment, will become part of the public
record for this proposed action. Comments submitted anonymously will be
accepted and considered, however.
Dated: January 24, 2013.
Paul Bradford,
Forest Supervisor, Kootenai National Forest.
[FR Doc. 2013-02418 Filed 2-4-13; 8:45 am]
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