Ochoco National Forest, Lookout Mountain Ranger District; Oregon; Bear Creek Allotment Management Plans EIS, 11391-11393 [2014-04394]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 40 / Friday, February 28, 2014 / Notices Notice and request for comments. ACTION: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), this notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service’s (AMS) intention to request approval, from the Office of Management and Budget, for an extension without change of a currently approved information collection titled Data Collection for Container Availability. SUMMARY: Comments on this notice must be received by April 29, 2014 to be assured of consideration. Additional Information Or Comments: Contact April Taylor, Transportation Services Division, Transportation and Marketing Program, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave. SW.—Room 4534 South, Stop 0266, Washington, DC 20250, telephone 202– 295–7374, fax 202–690-2451. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Data Collection for Container Availability. OMB Number: 0581–0276. Expiration Date of Approval: September 30, 2014. Type of Request: Extension without change of a currently approved information collection. Abstract: The Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621–1627) directs and authorizes the collection and dissemination of marketing information including adequate outlook information, on a market area basis, for the purpose of anticipating and meeting consumer requirements aiding in the maintenance of farm income and to bring about a balance between production and utilization. As part of the Agricultural Marketing Service, the Transportation Services Division (TSD) provides insightful agricultural transportation information and analysis to help move agricultural products to market. TSD informs, represents, and assists agricultural shippers and government policymakers through: Market reports, representation, analysis, assistance, and responses to inquiries. TSD collects data for its analysis from public resources as well as unique data sources to help the agricultural exporters make the most out of the transportation options available. The Data Collection for Container Availability provides U.S. agricultural exporters with weekly data detailing the availability of containers at 18 select locations around the country. AMS collects these data on a voluntary basis from ocean container carriers and then tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES DATES: VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:47 Feb 27, 2014 Jkt 232001 11391 provides these up-to-date data in an aggregate report on its Web site. The goal of the report is to provide more transparency in the market for the location and availability of marine shipping containers for U.S. exporters. Exporters use this tool to make more knowledgeable decisions about which locations provide the best chance for finding available containers to move their products overseas. Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 1.61 hours per response. Respondents: Ocean Container/Liner Carriers and the Transpacific Stabilization Agreement. Estimated Number of Respondents: 21. Estimated Total Annual Responses: 1,092. Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 52. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 1,759.26. Comments are invited on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments may be sent to April Taylor, Transportation Services Division, Transportation and Marketing Program, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave. SW.—Rm 4534 South, Stop 0266, Washington, DC 20250, telephone 202–295–7374, fax 202–690–2451. All comments received will be available for public inspection during regular business hours at the same address. All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will become a matter of public record. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Dated: February 18 2014. Rex A. Barnes, Associate Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. Purpose and Need for Action The purpose of this proposal is to reauthorize livestock grazing consistent with Forest Plan standards and guidelines. Based on surveys, conditions on some streams in the [FR Doc. 2014–04169 Filed 2–27–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–02–M PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Forest Service Ochoco National Forest, Lookout Mountain Ranger District; Oregon; Bear Creek Allotment Management Plans EIS Forest Service, USDA. Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement. AGENCY: ACTION: The Ochoco National Forest is preparing an environmental impact statement (EIS) to analyze the effects of changing grazing management in four grazing allotments on the Ochoco National Forest. These four allotments are Bear Creek, Elkhorn, Snowshoe, and Trout Creek. The proposed action would reauthorize term grazing permits, make rangeland improvements, manage livestock use and distribution to facilitate the improvement of riparian conditions, including streambank stability, riparian vegetation, and water temperature, and would conduct riparian restoration activities on some streams in the project area. These actions are needed to achieve and maintain consistency with the Ochoco National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan, as amended. DATES: Comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received by March 31, 2014. The draft environmental impact statement is expected to be completed and available for public comment in January, 2015. The final environmental impact statement is expected to be completed in May, 2015. ADDRESSES: Send written comments to Slater Turner, District Ranger, Lookout Mountain District, Ochoco National Forest, 3160 NE Third Street, Prineville, Oregon 97754. Alternately, electronic comments may be sent to commentspacificnorthwest-ochoco@fs.fed.us. Electronic comments must be submitted as part of the actual email message, or as an attachment in plain text (.txt), Microsoft Word (.doc), rich text format (.rtf), or portable document format (.pdf). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tory Kurtz, Project Leader, at 3160 NE Third Street, Prineville, Oregon 97754, or at (541) 416–6407, or by email at tlkurtz@ fs.fed.us. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\28FEN1.SGM 28FEN1 11392 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 40 / Friday, February 28, 2014 / Notices project area are not consistent with desired condition; there is a need to make range improvements and change livestock management to move towards desired conditions for stream shade, bank stability and width-to-depth ratio. Livestock grazing is one of the factors that can contribute to altered riparian function. Active riparian restoration activities will facilitate the achievement of the desired condition. tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Proposed Action The proposed action includes a variety of pasture-specific management strategies and activities, including active management of livestock, relocation or reconstruction of existing water developments, planting of riparian hardwoods, placing logs and rocks in and along stream channels, and protection of riparian vegetation and streambanks. Bear Creek Allotment • The allotment would continue to consist of 11,158 acres divided between three pastures: North Bear, South Bear and Dodd’s. • Either cattle or sheep grazing would be authorized, as follows: Æ The current permitted amount of 685 AUMs with 132 cow/calf pair from June 5 to September 30 would be authorized; Æ OR ewe/lamb livestock kind may be used instead of cow/calf pair; a permitted amount of 1,298 AUMs with 1,100 ewe/lamb pairs from June 5 to September 30 would be authorized. • Existing structural improvements would be reauthorized including 16 troughs, 8 reservoirs and approximately 21 miles of fence. • Approximately 12 miles of fence would be reauthorized; (interior fence lines would not be required with ewe/ lamb pairs since there is a herder). • The grazing system for cattle would be a three pasture rotation, deferring North Bear and South Bear pastures each year and utilizing Dodd’s pasture last each year. • Active management of livestock would be required for cattle. • The grazing system for ewe/lamb pairs would be a herded system with the following rules: Æ Sheep would not be grazed within a minimum of 1⁄4 mile of anadromous fish-bearing streams prior to July 15th. Æ Siesta or bedding places would be far from open roads, streams, new plantations, aspen stands, heritage sites and prairies, and would not be located in riparian areas or scablands. Æ The sheep would not take siesta or bedding at the same place more than once per grazing season. VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:47 Feb 27, 2014 Jkt 232001 Æ Salt and supplements would be placed in portable containers, on rocks, sawed tree trunks and fallen tree trunks, and would be located away from roads and generally 1⁄4 mile away from Riparian Habitat Conservation Areas (RHCAs) and scablands. Æ Streams containing anadromous fish habitat would not be used prior to July 15th; off-source water including water brought in by truck would be used prior to July 15th. Æ Drafting for water would not occur in streams that are occupied by steelhead. • Aspen stands identified in the field would be protected and enhanced through conifer thinning and utilization of thinned materials, prescribed fire, and mechanical treatment. Exclosures may be used when thinning and placement of thinned materials to protect aspens stands is not found to provide adequate protection. Elkhorn Allotment • The allotment would continue to consist of 9,620 acres divided between four pastures: Bridge Creek, Elkhorn, Indian Prairie and Val Trail. • The current permitted amount of 1,378 AUMs with 290 cow/calf pair from June 15 to September 30 would be authorized. • Existing structural improvements would be reauthorized including 30 troughs and approximately 18 miles of fence. • The grazing system would be a three pasture rotation using Elkhorn first to decrease the spread of Cynoglossum officinale (houndstongue) infestations, Val Trail pasture and utilizing Bridge Creek pasture last each year. Indian Prairie pasture would be used as needed for gathering and holding. • Active management of livestock would be required. • Trailing routes and anticipated crossings between pastures would be identified for Cynoglossum officinale (houndstongue) infestations and other listed non-native invasive plants and routes and crossings would either be avoided, relocated or be a priority for treatment. • Aspen stands identified in the field would be protected and enhanced through conifer thinning and utilization of thinned materials, prescribed fire, and mechanical treatment. Exclosures may be used when thinning and placement of thinned materials to protect aspens stands is not found to provide adequate protection. PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Snowshoe Allotment • The allotment would continue to consist of 2,711 acres divided between two pastures: North Nature Creek and Snowshoe. • The current permitted amount of 343 AUMs with 156 cow/calf pair from August 12 to September 30 would be authorized. • Existing structural improvements would be reauthorized including 10 troughs and approx. 9.25 miles of fence. • The grazing system would be a two pasture rotation deferring Snowshoe pasture each year until after July 15th at the earliest. • Active management of livestock would be required. • Trailing routes and anticipated crossings between pastures would be identified for Cynoglossum officinale (houndstongue) infestations and other listed non-native invasive plants and routes and crossings would either be avoided, relocated or be a priority for treatment. • Existing aspen stands identified in the field would be protected and enhanced through conifer thinning and utilization of thinned materials, prescribed fire, and mechanical treatment. Exclosures may be used when thinning and placement of thinned materials to protect aspens stands is not found to provide adequate protection. Trout Creek Allotment • The allotment would consist of 21,370 acres. • The current permitted amount of 1,797 AUMs with 1,953 ewe/lamb pairs from June 16 to September 15 would be authorized. • Existing structural improvements would be reauthorized including 22 troughs, 5 ponds, and approx. 20 miles of fence. • The grazing system for ewe/lamb pairs would be a herded system with the following rules: Æ Sheep would not be grazed within a minimum of 1⁄4 mile of anadromous fish-bearing streams prior to July 15th. Æ Siesta or bedding places would be far from open roads, streams, new plantations, aspen stands, heritage sites and prairies, and would not be located in riparian areas or scablands. Æ The sheep would not take siesta or bedding at the same place more than once per grazing season. Æ Salt and supplements would be placed in portable containers, on rocks, sawed tree trunks and fallen tree trunks, and would be located away from roads and generally 1⁄4 mile away from Riparian Habitat Conservation Areas (RHCAs) and scablands. E:\FR\FM\28FEN1.SGM 28FEN1 tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 40 / Friday, February 28, 2014 / Notices Æ Streams containing anadromous fish habitat would not be used prior to July 15th; off-source water including water brought in by truck would be used prior to July 15th. Æ Drafting for water would not occur in streams that are occupied by steelhead. • Twenty-five water developments would be reconstructed and associated springs would be protected as needed. • Two water developments would be removed and their sites restored to a natural state. • Existing aspen stands identified in the field would be protected and enhanced through conifer thinning and utilization of thinned materials, prescribed fire, and mechanical treatment. Exclosures may be used when thinning and placement of thinned materials to protect aspens stands is not found to provide adequate protection. • Juniper up to 12″ diameter would be mechanically thinned and/or thinned by prescribed fire. • An approximately 2-acre aspen stand would be enhanced and protected through conifer thinning and utilization of thinned materials, prescribed fire and mechanical treatment. Exclosures may be used when thinning and placement of thinned materials to protect aspens stands is not found to provide adequate protection. • Bedding/camping areas would be monitored for known Taeniatherum caput-medusae (medusahead) populations. Trailing routes onto the allotment would be identified for listed non-native invasive plants. • Riparian restoration activities would take place where necessary on 4.5 miles of Little McKay Creek and tributaries; activities would include instream placement of wood and/or rock structures, filling and connecting floodplains, planting hardwoods, and creating physical barriers (such as wood, rock or fences) to protect hardwoods and improve bank stability, conifer thinning to improve RHCA stand conditions and utilization of thinning materials for in-stream placement and improved bank stability. Wood and physical barrier material may come from on-site. • An alternative grazing plan would be included to have two total grazing plans that can be alternated. Possible Alternatives In addition to the Proposed Action and any alternative that is developed following this scoping effort, the project interdisciplinary team will analyze the effects of: VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:47 Feb 27, 2014 Jkt 232001 • No Action alternative: No grazing permits would be reauthorized; cattle would be removed from all allotments within two years. • Current management alternative: Permits would be reauthorized at current levels; there would be no new water developments, no riparian restoration, and there would be no requirement for permittees to move livestock out of sensitive areas, except as required by current permits. Dated: February 21, 2014. Slater R. Turner, District Ranger. Responsible Official ACTION: The responsible official will be District Ranger, Lookout Mountain Ranger District, Ochoco National Forest, 3160 NE Third Street, Prineville, Oregon 97754. SUMMARY: 11393 Nature of Decision To Be Made Given the purpose and need, the deciding official will review the proposed action, the other alternatives, and the environmental consequences in order to make the following decisions: • Whether and under what circumstances grazing will be reauthorized in the Bear Creek, Elkhorn, Snowshoe, and Trout Creek allotments. • Whether and under what circumstances range improvements will be constructed. • Whether and under what circumstances riparian restoration activities will be implemented. Preliminary Issues Preliminary issues identified include the potential effect of the proposed action on livestock grazing, heritage resources, fisheries, water quality, sensitive plants, and on the introduction and/or spread of invasive plants, as well as the cumulative effects of the proposed action where the effects of associated activities overlap with the effects of other management activities. Scoping Process Public comments about this proposal are requested in order to assist in identifying issues, determining how to best manage the resources, and focusing the analysis. Comments received to this notice, 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. PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 [FR Doc. 2014–04394 Filed 2–27–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–11–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service GMUG Resource Advisory Committee Forest Service, USDA. Notice of meeting. AGENCY: The GMUG Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet in Delta, Colorado. 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 of the meeting is to review past and current project proposals to recommend for funding and implementation under the Secure Rural Schools, Title II disbursements. DATES: The meeting will be held April 8, 2014 at 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. All RAC meetings are subject to cancellation. For status of meeting prior to attendance, please contact the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at 2250 Highway 50, Delta, Colorado at the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre & Gunnison National Forests Forest Headquarters in the North Spruce conference room. 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 the Forest Headquarters Office at 2250 Highway 50, Delta, Colorado. Please call ahead to facilitate entry into the building. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lee Ann Loupe, RAC Coordinator by phone at 970.874.6717 or via email at lloupe@ 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 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday. Please make requests in E:\FR\FM\28FEN1.SGM 28FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 40 (Friday, February 28, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 11391-11393]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-04394]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Ochoco National Forest, Lookout Mountain Ranger District; Oregon; 
Bear Creek Allotment Management Plans EIS

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

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

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

SUMMARY: The Ochoco National Forest is preparing an environmental 
impact statement (EIS) to analyze the effects of changing grazing 
management in four grazing allotments on the Ochoco National Forest. 
These four allotments are Bear Creek, Elkhorn, Snowshoe, and Trout 
Creek. The proposed action would reauthorize term grazing permits, make 
rangeland improvements, manage livestock use and distribution to 
facilitate the improvement of riparian conditions, including streambank 
stability, riparian vegetation, and water temperature, and would 
conduct riparian restoration activities on some streams in the project 
area. These actions are needed to achieve and maintain consistency with 
the Ochoco National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan, as 
amended.

DATES: Comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received 
by March 31, 2014. The draft environmental impact statement is expected 
to be completed and available for public comment in January, 2015. The 
final environmental impact statement is expected to be completed in 
May, 2015.

ADDRESSES: Send written comments to Slater Turner, District Ranger, 
Lookout Mountain District, Ochoco National Forest, 3160 NE Third 
Street, Prineville, Oregon 97754. Alternately, electronic comments may 
be sent to comments-pacificnorthwest-ochoco@fs.fed.us. Electronic 
comments must be submitted as part of the actual email message, or as 
an attachment in plain text (.txt), Microsoft Word (.doc), rich text 
format (.rtf), or portable document format (.pdf).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tory Kurtz, Project Leader, at 3160 NE 
Third Street, Prineville, Oregon 97754, or at (541) 416-6407, or by 
email at tlkurtz@fs.fed.us.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Purpose and Need for Action

    The purpose of this proposal is to reauthorize livestock grazing 
consistent with Forest Plan standards and guidelines. Based on surveys, 
conditions on some streams in the

[[Page 11392]]

project area are not consistent with desired condition; there is a need 
to make range improvements and change livestock management to move 
towards desired conditions for stream shade, bank stability and width-
to-depth ratio. Livestock grazing is one of the factors that can 
contribute to altered riparian function. Active riparian restoration 
activities will facilitate the achievement of the desired condition.

Proposed Action

    The proposed action includes a variety of pasture-specific 
management strategies and activities, including active management of 
livestock, relocation or reconstruction of existing water developments, 
planting of riparian hardwoods, placing logs and rocks in and along 
stream channels, and protection of riparian vegetation and streambanks.

Bear Creek Allotment

     The allotment would continue to consist of 11,158 acres 
divided between three pastures: North Bear, South Bear and Dodd's.
     Either cattle or sheep grazing would be authorized, as 
follows:
    [cir] The current permitted amount of 685 AUMs with 132 cow/calf 
pair from June 5 to September 30 would be authorized;
    [cir] OR ewe/lamb livestock kind may be used instead of cow/calf 
pair; a permitted amount of 1,298 AUMs with 1,100 ewe/lamb pairs from 
June 5 to September 30 would be authorized.
     Existing structural improvements would be reauthorized 
including 16 troughs, 8 reservoirs and approximately 21 miles of fence.
     Approximately 12 miles of fence would be reauthorized; 
(interior fence lines would not be required with ewe/lamb pairs since 
there is a herder).
     The grazing system for cattle would be a three pasture 
rotation, deferring North Bear and South Bear pastures each year and 
utilizing Dodd's pasture last each year.
     Active management of livestock would be required for 
cattle.
     The grazing system for ewe/lamb pairs would be a herded 
system with the following rules:
    [cir] Sheep would not be grazed within a minimum of \1/4\ mile of 
anadromous fish-bearing streams prior to July 15th.
    [cir] Siesta or bedding places would be far from open roads, 
streams, new plantations, aspen stands, heritage sites and prairies, 
and would not be located in riparian areas or scablands.
    [cir] The sheep would not take siesta or bedding at the same place 
more than once per grazing season.
    [cir] Salt and supplements would be placed in portable containers, 
on rocks, sawed tree trunks and fallen tree trunks, and would be 
located away from roads and generally \1/4\ mile away from Riparian 
Habitat Conservation Areas (RHCAs) and scablands.
    [cir] Streams containing anadromous fish habitat would not be used 
prior to July 15th; off-source water including water brought in by 
truck would be used prior to July 15th.
    [cir] Drafting for water would not occur in streams that are 
occupied by steelhead.
     Aspen stands identified in the field would be protected 
and enhanced through conifer thinning and utilization of thinned 
materials, prescribed fire, and mechanical treatment. Exclosures may be 
used when thinning and placement of thinned materials to protect aspens 
stands is not found to provide adequate protection.

Elkhorn Allotment

     The allotment would continue to consist of 9,620 acres 
divided between four pastures: Bridge Creek, Elkhorn, Indian Prairie 
and Val Trail.
     The current permitted amount of 1,378 AUMs with 290 cow/
calf pair from June 15 to September 30 would be authorized.
     Existing structural improvements would be reauthorized 
including 30 troughs and approximately 18 miles of fence.
     The grazing system would be a three pasture rotation using 
Elkhorn first to decrease the spread of Cynoglossum officinale 
(houndstongue) infestations, Val Trail pasture and utilizing Bridge 
Creek pasture last each year. Indian Prairie pasture would be used as 
needed for gathering and holding.
     Active management of livestock would be required.
     Trailing routes and anticipated crossings between pastures 
would be identified for Cynoglossum officinale (houndstongue) 
infestations and other listed non-native invasive plants and routes and 
crossings would either be avoided, relocated or be a priority for 
treatment.
     Aspen stands identified in the field would be protected 
and enhanced through conifer thinning and utilization of thinned 
materials, prescribed fire, and mechanical treatment. Exclosures may be 
used when thinning and placement of thinned materials to protect aspens 
stands is not found to provide adequate protection.

Snowshoe Allotment

     The allotment would continue to consist of 2,711 acres 
divided between two pastures: North Nature Creek and Snowshoe.
     The current permitted amount of 343 AUMs with 156 cow/calf 
pair from August 12 to September 30 would be authorized.
     Existing structural improvements would be reauthorized 
including 10 troughs and approx. 9.25 miles of fence.
     The grazing system would be a two pasture rotation 
deferring Snowshoe pasture each year until after July 15th at the 
earliest.
     Active management of livestock would be required.
     Trailing routes and anticipated crossings between pastures 
would be identified for Cynoglossum officinale (houndstongue) 
infestations and other listed non-native invasive plants and routes and 
crossings would either be avoided, relocated or be a priority for 
treatment.
     Existing aspen stands identified in the field would be 
protected and enhanced through conifer thinning and utilization of 
thinned materials, prescribed fire, and mechanical treatment. 
Exclosures may be used when thinning and placement of thinned materials 
to protect aspens stands is not found to provide adequate protection.

Trout Creek Allotment

     The allotment would consist of 21,370 acres.
     The current permitted amount of 1,797 AUMs with 1,953 ewe/
lamb pairs from June 16 to September 15 would be authorized.
     Existing structural improvements would be reauthorized 
including 22 troughs, 5 ponds, and approx. 20 miles of fence.
     The grazing system for ewe/lamb pairs would be a herded 
system with the following rules:
    [cir] Sheep would not be grazed within a minimum of \1/4\ mile of 
anadromous fish-bearing streams prior to July 15th.
    [cir] Siesta or bedding places would be far from open roads, 
streams, new plantations, aspen stands, heritage sites and prairies, 
and would not be located in riparian areas or scablands.
    [cir] The sheep would not take siesta or bedding at the same place 
more than once per grazing season.
    [cir] Salt and supplements would be placed in portable containers, 
on rocks, sawed tree trunks and fallen tree trunks, and would be 
located away from roads and generally \1/4\ mile away from Riparian 
Habitat Conservation Areas (RHCAs) and scablands.

[[Page 11393]]

    [cir] Streams containing anadromous fish habitat would not be used 
prior to July 15th; off-source water including water brought in by 
truck would be used prior to July 15th.
    [cir] Drafting for water would not occur in streams that are 
occupied by steelhead.
     Twenty-five water developments would be reconstructed and 
associated springs would be protected as needed.
     Two water developments would be removed and their sites 
restored to a natural state.
     Existing aspen stands identified in the field would be 
protected and enhanced through conifer thinning and utilization of 
thinned materials, prescribed fire, and mechanical treatment. 
Exclosures may be used when thinning and placement of thinned materials 
to protect aspens stands is not found to provide adequate protection.
     Juniper up to 12'' diameter would be mechanically thinned 
and/or thinned by prescribed fire.
     An approximately 2-acre aspen stand would be enhanced and 
protected through conifer thinning and utilization of thinned 
materials, prescribed fire and mechanical treatment. Exclosures may be 
used when thinning and placement of thinned materials to protect aspens 
stands is not found to provide adequate protection.
     Bedding/camping areas would be monitored for known 
Taeniatherum caput-medusae (medusahead) populations. Trailing routes 
onto the allotment would be identified for listed non-native invasive 
plants.
     Riparian restoration activities would take place where 
necessary on 4.5 miles of Little McKay Creek and tributaries; 
activities would include in-stream placement of wood and/or rock 
structures, filling and connecting floodplains, planting hardwoods, and 
creating physical barriers (such as wood, rock or fences) to protect 
hardwoods and improve bank stability, conifer thinning to improve RHCA 
stand conditions and utilization of thinning materials for in-stream 
placement and improved bank stability. Wood and physical barrier 
material may come from on-site.
     An alternative grazing plan would be included to have two 
total grazing plans that can be alternated.

Possible Alternatives

    In addition to the Proposed Action and any alternative that is 
developed following this scoping effort, the project interdisciplinary 
team will analyze the effects of:
     No Action alternative: No grazing permits would be 
reauthorized; cattle would be removed from all allotments within two 
years.
     Current management alternative: Permits would be 
reauthorized at current levels; there would be no new water 
developments, no riparian restoration, and there would be no 
requirement for permittees to move livestock out of sensitive areas, 
except as required by current permits.

Responsible Official

    The responsible official will be District Ranger, Lookout Mountain 
Ranger District, Ochoco National Forest, 3160 NE Third Street, 
Prineville, Oregon 97754.

Nature of Decision To Be Made

    Given the purpose and need, the deciding official will review the 
proposed action, the other alternatives, and the environmental 
consequences in order to make the following decisions:
     Whether and under what circumstances grazing will be 
reauthorized in the Bear Creek, Elkhorn, Snowshoe, and Trout Creek 
allotments.
     Whether and under what circumstances range improvements 
will be constructed.
     Whether and under what circumstances riparian restoration 
activities will be implemented.

Preliminary Issues

    Preliminary issues identified include the potential effect of the 
proposed action on livestock grazing, heritage resources, fisheries, 
water quality, sensitive plants, and on the introduction and/or spread 
of invasive plants, as well as the cumulative effects of the proposed 
action where the effects of associated activities overlap with the 
effects of other management activities.

Scoping Process

    Public comments about this proposal are requested in order to 
assist in identifying issues, determining how to best manage the 
resources, and focusing the analysis. Comments received to this notice, 
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: February 21, 2014.
Slater R. Turner,
District Ranger.
[FR Doc. 2014-04394 Filed 2-27-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-11-P
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