Revision of the Land Management Plans for the Helena and Lewis and Clark National Forests, 31083-31084 [2014-12515]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 104 / Friday, May 30, 2014 / Notices mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES considering petitions for determinations of nonregulated status of GE organisms, APHIS accepts written comments regarding a petition once APHIS deems it complete. In a notice 2 published in the Federal Register on April 22, 2013, (78 FR 23738–23740, Docket No. APHIS–2013–0013), APHIS announced the availability of the Monsanto Company and Forage Genetics International petition for public comment. APHIS solicited comments on the petition for 60 days ending on June 21, 2013, in order to help identify potential environmental and interrelated economic impacts that APHIS may determine should be considered in our evaluation of the petition. APHIS received 55 comments on the petition. Issues raised during the comment period included concerns regarding potential impacts on human and animal health and nontarget organisms, herbicide use changes, and herbicide-resistant weeds. APHIS has evaluated the issues raised during the comment period and, where appropriate, has provided a discussion of those issues in our draft environmental assessment (EA). After public comments are received on a completed petition, APHIS evaluates those comments and then provides a second opportunity for public involvement in our decisionmaking process. According to our public input process (see footnote 1), the second opportunity for public involvement follows one of two approaches, as described below. If APHIS decides, based on its review of the petition and its evaluation and analysis of comments received during the 60-day public comment period on the petition, that the petition involves a GE organism that raises no substantive new issues, APHIS will follow Approach 1 for public involvement. Under Approach 1, APHIS announces in the Federal Register the availability of APHIS’ preliminary regulatory determination along with its EA, preliminary finding of no significant impact (FONSI), and its plant pest risk assessment (PPRA) for a 30-day public review period. APHIS will evaluate any information received related to the APHIS–2011–0129) a notice describing our public review process for soliciting public comments and information when considering petitions for determinations of nonregulated status for GE organisms. To view the notice, go to https:// www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=APHIS2011-0129. 2 To view the notice, the petition, and the comments we received, go to https:// www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=APHIS2013-0013. VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:23 May 29, 2014 Jkt 232001 petition and its supporting documents during the 30-day public review period. Alternatively, if APHIS decides, based on its review of the petition and its evaluation and analysis of comments received during the 60-day public comment period on the petition, that the petition involves a new crop-trait GE organism or raises substantive new issues, APHIS will follow Approach 2. Under Approach 2, APHIS first solicits written comments from the public on a draft EA and a PPRA for a 30-day comment period through the publication of a Federal Register notice. Then, after reviewing and evaluating the comments on the draft EA and the PPRA and other information, APHIS will revise the PPRA as necessary and prepare a final EA and, based on the final EA, a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) decision document (either a FONSI or a notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement). For this petition, we are using Approach 2. APHIS has prepared a PPRA to determine if alfalfa event KK179 is unlikely to pose a plant pest risk. In section 403 of the Plant Protection Act, ‘‘plant pest’’ is defined as any living stage of any of the following that can directly or indirectly injure, cause damage to, or cause disease in any plant or plant product: A protozoan, a nonhuman animal, a parasitic plant, a bacterium, a fungus, a virus or viroid, an infectious agent or other pathogen, or any article similar to or allied with any of the foregoing. APHIS has also prepared a draft EA in which we present two alternatives based on our analysis of data submitted by the Monsanto Company and Forage Genetics International, a review of other scientific data, field tests conducted under APHIS oversight, and comments received on the petition. APHIS is considering the following alternatives: (1) Take no action, i.e., APHIS would not change the regulatory status of alfalfa event KK179 and it would continue to be a regulated article, or (2) make a determination of nonregulated status of alfalfa event KK179. APHIS’ preferred alternative is to make a determination of nonregulatory status of alfalfa event KK179. The EA was prepared in accordance with (1) NEPA, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), (2) regulations of the Council on Environmental Quality for implementing the procedural provisions of NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500–1508), (3) USDA regulations implementing NEPA (7 CFR part 1b), and (4) APHIS’ NEPA Implementing Procedures (7 CFR part 372). PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 31083 In accordance with our process for soliciting public input when considering petitions for determinations of nonregulated status of GE organisms, we are publishing this notice to inform the public that APHIS will accept written comments on our draft EA and our PPRA regarding the petition for a determination of nonregulated status from interested or affected persons for a period of 30 days from the date of this notice. Copies of the draft EA and the PPRA, as well as the previously published petition, are available as indicated in the ADDRESSES and FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT sections of this notice. As indicated previously, after the comment period closes, APHIS will review all written comments received during the comment period and any other relevant information. After reviewing and evaluating the comments on the draft EA and the PPRA and other information, APHIS will revise the PPRA as necessary and prepare a final EA. Based on the final EA, APHIS will prepare a NEPA decision document (either a FONSI or a notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement). If a FONSI is reached, APHIS will furnish a response to the petitioner, either approving or denying the petition. APHIS will also publish a notice in the Federal Register announcing the regulatory status of the GE organism and the availability of APHIS’ final EA, PPRA, FONSI, and our regulatory determination. Authority: 7 U.S.C. 7701–7772 and 7781– 7786; 31 U.S.C. 9701; 7 CFR 2.22, 2.80, and 371.3. Done in Washington, DC, this 23rd day of May 2014. Kevin Shea, Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. [FR Doc. 2014–12553 Filed 5–29–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–34–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Revision of the Land Management Plans for the Helena and Lewis and Clark National Forests Forest Service, USDA. Notice of initiation of the assessment phase of the land management plan revision process for the Helena and Lewis and Clark National Forests. AGENCY: ACTION: The Helena and Lewis and Clark National Forests, located in Montana, are initiating the forest SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\30MYN1.SGM 30MYN1 31084 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 104 / Friday, May 30, 2014 / Notices planning process pursuant to the 2012 Forest Planning Rule. One assessment and one plan will be developed for both Forests. This process results in a Forest Land Management Plan which describes the strategic direction for management of forest resources for the next ten to fifteen years on the Helena and Lewis and Clark National Forests. The first phase of the process, the assessment phase, is beginning and interested parties will be invited to contribute in the development of the assessment (36 CFR 219.6). The Forests will host open houses, exact dates and times will be posted on the listed below. The assessment is expected to be completed in December 2014. The trends and conditions identified in the assessment will help inform the need for change. With this notice, the Forests invite other governments, non-governmental parties, and the public to help us identify new information on exisiting forest conditions for consideration in the assessement. The assessment for the Helena and Lewis and Clark National Forests is expected to be completed by December 31, 2014 and will be posted on the following Web site at www.fs.usda.gov/ goto/hlc/forestplanrevision. From May 2014 through August 2014, the public is invited to provide existing resource information to the Forests to include in the assessment. In early 2015, the public will be invited to engage in a collaborative process to develop a proposed action. The Forests will then initiate procedures pursuant to the NEPA and prepare a revised a forest plan. DATES: Written comments or questions concerning this notice should be addressed to Helena and Lewis and Clark National Forests, Attn.: Plan Revision, 2880 Skyway Dr., Helena, Montana 59602. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Erin Swiader, Forest Plan Revision Team Leader, 406–495–3774. 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. More information on the planning process can also be found on the following Web site at www.fs.usda.gov/ goto/hlc/forestplanrevision. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The National Forest Management Act (NFMA) of 1976 requires that every National Forest System (NFS) unit develop a land management plan. On April 9, 2012, the Forest Service mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES ADDRESSES: VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:23 May 29, 2014 Jkt 232001 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. 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. The first phase of the planning process is the assessment phase. Under the 2012 Planning Rule, the assessment rapidly evaluates existing information about relevant ecological, social, and economic trends and conditions. The second stage is guided, in part, by the National Environment Policy Act (NEPA) and includes the preparation of an environmental impact statement and revised Forest Plan for public review and comment. The third stage of the process is monitoring and feedback, which is ongoing over the life of the revised forest plans. As public meetings, other opportunities for public engagement, and public comment opportunities are identified, notifications will be posted on the Forest Plan Revision Web site at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/hlc/ forestplanrevision and information will be sent out to the Forest’s mailing list. If anyone is interested in being on the Forests’ mailing list to receive these notifications, please contact Erin Swiader, Forest Plan Revision Team Leader, at the mailing address identified above, by sending an email to hlcplanrevision@fs.fed.us, or by telephone 406–495–3774. The responsible official for the revision of the land management plan for the Helena and Lewis and Clark National Forests is William Avey, Forest Supervisor, Helena and Lewis and Clark National Forests, 2880 Skyway Dr., Helena, Montana 59602. Dated: May 23, 2014. William Avey, Forest Supervisor. [FR Doc. 2014–12515 Filed 5–29–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3411–15–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service El Dorado County Resource Advisory Committee Forest Service, USDA. Notice of meetings. AGENCY: ACTION: The El Dorado County Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet in Placerville, California. The SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 committee is authorized under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination 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 meetings are open to the public. The purpose of the meeting is to review operational procedures, evaluate project proposals, prioritize a list of projects for funding in FY 2014, and vote to recommend projects for funding. DATES: The meetings will be held at 6 p.m. on the following dates: • June 16, 2014 • June 23, 2014 All RAC meetings are subject to cancellation. For status of meeting prior to attendance, please contact the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. The meeting will be held at the El Dorado Center of Folsom Lake College, Community Room, 6699 Campus Drive, Placerville, California. 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 Eldorado National Forest (ENF) Supervisor’s Office. Please call ahead to facilitate entry into the building. ADDRESSES: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kristi Schroeder, RAC Coordinator, by phone at 530–295–5610 or via email at kschroeder@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 advance for sign language interpreting, assistive listening devices or other reasonable accommodation for access to the facility or proceedings by contacting the person listed above. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Additional RAC information, including the meeting agenda and the meeting summary/minutes can be found at the following Web site: www.fs.usda.gov/ eldorado. The agenda will include time for people to make oral statements of three minutes or less. Individuals wishing to make an oral statement should request in writing by June 11, E:\FR\FM\30MYN1.SGM 30MYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 104 (Friday, May 30, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 31083-31084]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-12515]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Revision of the Land Management Plans for the Helena and Lewis 
and Clark National Forests

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of initiation of the assessment phase of the land 
management plan revision process for the Helena and Lewis and Clark 
National Forests.

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

SUMMARY: The Helena and Lewis and Clark National Forests, located in 
Montana, are initiating the forest

[[Page 31084]]

planning process pursuant to the 2012 Forest Planning Rule. One 
assessment and one plan will be developed for both Forests. This 
process results in a Forest Land Management Plan which describes the 
strategic direction for management of forest resources for the next ten 
to fifteen years on the Helena and Lewis and Clark National Forests. 
The first phase of the process, the assessment phase, is beginning and 
interested parties will be invited to contribute in the development of 
the assessment (36 CFR 219.6). The Forests will host open houses, exact 
dates and times will be posted on the listed below. The assessment is 
expected to be completed in December 2014. The trends and conditions 
identified in the assessment will help inform the need for change. With 
this notice, the Forests invite other governments, non-governmental 
parties, and the public to help us identify new information on 
exisiting forest conditions for consideration in the assessement.

DATES: The assessment for the Helena and Lewis and Clark National 
Forests is expected to be completed by December 31, 2014 and will be 
posted on the following Web site at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/hlc/forestplanrevision.
    From May 2014 through August 2014, the public is invited to provide 
existing resource information to the Forests to include in the 
assessment. In early 2015, the public will be invited to engage in a 
collaborative process to develop a proposed action. The Forests will 
then initiate procedures pursuant to the NEPA and prepare a revised a 
forest plan.

ADDRESSES: Written comments or questions concerning this notice should 
be addressed to Helena and Lewis and Clark National Forests, Attn.: 
Plan Revision, 2880 Skyway Dr., Helena, Montana 59602.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Erin Swiader, Forest Plan Revision 
Team Leader, 406-495-3774. 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.
    More information on the planning process can also be found on the 
following Web site at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/hlc/forestplanrevision.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The National Forest Management Act (NFMA) of 
1976 requires that every National Forest System (NFS) unit develop a 
land management plan. 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. 
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.
    The first phase of the planning process is the assessment phase. 
Under the 2012 Planning Rule, the assessment rapidly evaluates existing 
information about relevant ecological, social, and economic trends and 
conditions. The second stage is guided, in part, by the National 
Environment Policy Act (NEPA) and includes the preparation of an 
environmental impact statement and revised Forest Plan for public 
review and comment. The third stage of the process is monitoring and 
feedback, which is ongoing over the life of the revised forest plans.
    As public meetings, other opportunities for public engagement, and 
public comment opportunities are identified, notifications will be 
posted on the Forest Plan Revision Web site at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/hlc/forestplanrevision and information will be sent out to the Forest's 
mailing list. If anyone is interested in being on the Forests' mailing 
list to receive these notifications, please contact Erin Swiader, 
Forest Plan Revision Team Leader, at the mailing address identified 
above, by sending an email to hlcplanrevision@fs.fed.us, or by 
telephone 406-495-3774.
    The responsible official for the revision of the land management 
plan for the Helena and Lewis and Clark National Forests is William 
Avey, Forest Supervisor, Helena and Lewis and Clark National Forests, 
2880 Skyway Dr., Helena, Montana 59602.

    Dated: May 23, 2014.
William Avey,
Forest Supervisor.
[FR Doc. 2014-12515 Filed 5-29-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3411-15-P
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