Extension of Comment Period on the Proposed Directive on Groundwater Resource Management, Forest Service Manual 2560, 52628-52629 [2014-21092]

Download as PDF 52628 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 171 / Thursday, September 4, 2014 / Notices Service-wide administrative procedures, program processes, or instructions.’’ The Agency has concluded that this directive falls within this category of actions and that no extraordinary circumstances exist which would require preparation of an environment assessment or environmental impact statement. mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Regulatory Impact The proposed directive has been reviewed under USDA procedures and Executive Order 12866 on regulatory planning and review. It has been determined that this is not an economically significant action. This action will not have an annual effect of $100 million or more on the economy, nor will it adversely affect productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public health and safety, or State or local governments. This proposed directive will not interfere with an action taken or planned by another agency, nor will it raise new legal or policy issues. Finally the proposed directive will not alter the budgetary impact of entitlement, grant, user fee, or loan programs or the rights and obligations of beneficiaries of those programs. The proposed directive has been considered in light of Executive Order 13272 regarding proper consideration of small entities and the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (SBREFA), which amended the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). A small entity flexibility assessment has determined that this action will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities as defined by SBREFA. This proposed directive focuses on National Forest System special use permits regarding still photography and commercial filming in congressionally designated wilderness areas. Federalism The Agency has considered this directive under the requirements of Executive Order 13132 on federalism and has determined that the proposed directive conforms with the federalism principles set out in this Executive Order; will not impose any compliance costs on the states; and will not have substantial direct effects on the States, the relationship between the Federal Government and the States, or the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. Therefore, the Agency has determined that no further assessment of federalism implications is necessary. VerDate Mar<15>2010 19:05 Sep 03, 2014 Jkt 232001 Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal Governments In conjunction with Executive Order 13175, entitled ‘‘Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments’’ the Agency invited Tribes to consult on the proposed directive prior to review and comment by the general public starting November 29, 2013, and ending on April 30, 2014. The consultation process was initiated through written instructions from the Deputy Chief for the National Forest System to the Regional Foresters and subsequently to the Forest Supervisors. Tribes were provided 120 days to discuss the proposed policy. During that time, Tribal Liaisons and Line Officers were available to review the proposed directive and answer Tribal concerns. Through this Tribal consultation, the Agency has assessed the impact of this proposed directive on Indian Tribes and determined that it does not have substantial direct or unique effects on Indian Tribes, on the relationship between the Federal Government and Indian Tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian Tribes. The Agency has also determined that the directive does not impose substantial direct compliance costs on Indian tribal governments or preempt tribal law. Energy Effects The Agency has reviewed the proposed directive under Executive Order 13211 of May 18, 2001, ‘‘Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use.’’ The Agency has determined that the directive does not constitute a significant energy action as defined in the Executive Order. Controlling Paperwork Burdens on the Public The directive does not contain any additional record keeping or reporting requirements or other information collection requirements as defined in 5 CFR part 1320 that are not already required by law or not already approved for use and, therefore, imposes no additional paperwork burden on the public. Accordingly, the review provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et al.) and its implementing regulations at 5 CFR part 1320 do not apply. Dated: August 27, 2014. Mary Wagner, Associate Chief, Forest Service. [FR Doc. 2014–21093 Filed 9–3–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3411–15–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE No Taking Implications The Agency has analyzed the proposed directive in accordance with the principles and criteria contained in Executive Order 12630. The Agency has determined that the proposed directive does not pose the risk of taking private property. Forest Service Civil Justice Reform The directive has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988 of February 7th, 1996, ‘‘Civil Justice Reform’’. At the time of adoption of the directives, (1) all State and local laws and regulations that conflict with the directives or that impede full implementation of the directives were not preempted; (2) no retroactive effect was given to the directives; and (3) administrative proceedings are not required before parties can file suit in court to challenge its provisions. AGENCY: Unfunded Mandates Pursuant to Title II of the Unfunded Mandate Reform Act of 1995, (2 U.S.C. 1531–1538) the Agency has assessed the effects of the proposed directive on State, local and Tribal governments and the private sector. Therefore a statement under section 202 of the act is not required. PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 RIN 0596–AC51 Extension of Comment Period on the Proposed Directive on Groundwater Resource Management, Forest Service Manual 2560 Forest Service, USDA. Notice of proposed directive; extension of comment period. ACTION: The Forest Service published a notice in the Federal Register on May 6, 2014, initiating a 90-day comment period on the Proposed Directive on Groundwater Resource Management, Forest Service Manual 2560. The closing date for that 90-day comment period was August 4, 2014. The agency extended the comment period and published a notice in the Federal Register on August 1, 2014, extending the comment period to September 3, 2015. The Agency is extending the comment period; therefore, the comment period has been extended to October 3, 2014. DATES: Comments must be received by October 3, 2014. ADDRESSES: Send comments electronically by following the SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\04SEN1.SGM 04SEN1 mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 171 / Thursday, September 4, 2014 / Notices instructions at the Federal eRulemaking portal at https://www.regulation.gov. Comments may also be submitted by electronic mail to fsm2500@fs.fed.us or by mail to Groundwater Directive Comments, USDA Forest Service, Attn: Rob Harper—WFWARP, 201 14th Street SW., Washington, DC 20250. If comments are sent electronically, the public is requested not to send duplicate comments by mail. Please confine comments to issues pertinent to the proposed directive; explain the reasons for any recommended changes; and, where possible, refer to the specific wording being addressed. All comments, including names and addresses when provided, will be placed in the record and will be available for public inspection and copying. The public may inspect the comments received on the proposed directive at the USDA Forest Service Headquarters, located in the Yates Federal Building at 201 14th Street SW., Washington, DC, on regular business days between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Those wishing to inspect the comments are encouraged to call ahead at (202) 205–0967 to facilitate entry into the building. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher Carlson, Watershed, Fish, Wildlife, Air and Rare Plants Staff and Minerals and Geology Management Staff, 202–205–1481. Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service at 800–877– 8339 between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Forest Service proposes to amend its internal Agency directives for Watershed and Air Management to establish direction for management of groundwater resources on National Forest System (NFS) lands as an integral component of watershed management. Specifically, the proposed amendment would provide direction on the consideration of groundwater resources in agency activities, approvals, and authorizations; encourage source water protection and water conservation; establish procedures for reviewing new proposals for groundwater withdrawals on NFS lands; require the evaluation of potential impacts from groundwater withdrawals on NFS resources; and provide for measurement and reporting for some larger groundwater withdrawals. This proposed amendment would supplement existing special uses and minerals and geology directives to address issues of groundwater resource management and would help ensure VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:14 Sep 03, 2014 Jkt 232001 consistent and adequate analyses for evaluating potential uses of NFS lands that could affect groundwater resources. Public comment is invited and will be considered in development of the final directive. The Forest Service wants to ensure that there is sufficient time for potentially affected parties, including States, to comment. Thus the Agency is providing an extended comment period for the proposed directive. In addition, the Forest Service may host meetings and/or webinars as needed on the proposed directive to present information and answer questions on the proposed policy and the comment process during the comment period. Specific information regarding the dates and times of the webinar will be announced by news release and at the following Web site: https://www.fs.fed.us/geology/ groundwater. A recording of the webinar may also be posted on the Web site. Reviewers may obtain a copy of the proposed directive from the Forest Service Minerals and Geology Management Staff Web site, https:// www.fs.fed.us/geology/groundwater, or from the Regulations.gov Web site, https://www.regulations.gov. Dated: August 29, 2014. Thomas L. Tidwell, Chief, Forest Service. [FR Doc. 2014–21092 Filed 9–3–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3411–15–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Black Hills National Forest Advisory Board Forest Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice of meeting. AGENCY: The Black Hills National Forest Advisory Board (Board) will meet in Rapid City, South Dakota. The Board is established consistent with the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972 (5 U.S.C. App. II), the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. sec. 1600 et.seq.), the National Forest Management Act of 1976 (16 U.S.C. sec. 1612), and the Federal Public Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (Pub. L. 108–447). Additional information concerning the Board, including the meeting summary/minutes, can be found by visiting the Board’s Web site at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/ blackhills/workingtogether/ advisorycommittees. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 52629 The meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 17, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. All meetings are subject to cancellation. For updated status of meeting prior to attendance, please contact the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the Mystic Ranger District, 8221 South Highway 16, Rapid City, South Dakota. Written comments may be submitted as described under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. All comments, including names and addresses, when provided, are placed in the record and available for public inspection and copying. The public may inspect comments received at the Black Hills National Forest Supervisor’s Office. Please call ahead to facilitate entry into the building. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Scott Jacobson, Committee Coordinator, by phone at 605–673–9216, or by email at sjjacobson@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. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The purpose of the meeting is to provide: (1) Conduct elections for Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Black Hills National Forest Advisory Board; (2) Briefing on grazing and range management on the Forest; (3) Presentation on Forest Inventory and Analysis; (4) Update on the Northern Long Eared Bat listing; (5) Update from the Forest Health working group; and (6) Update from the Recreational Facility working group. The meeting is open to the public. The agenda will include time for people to make oral statements of three minutes or less. Individuals wishing to make an oral statement should submit a request in writing by September 8, 2014 to be scheduled on the agenda. Anyone who would like to bring related matters to the attention of the Board may file written statements with the Board’s staff before or after the meeting. Written comments and time requests for oral comments must be sent to Scott Jacobson, Black Hills National Forest Supervisor’s Office, 1019 North Fifth Street, Custer, South Dakota 57730; by email to sjjacobson@fs.fed.us, or via facsimile to 605–673–9208. Meeting Accommodations: If you are a person requiring reasonable accommodation, please make requests DATES: E:\FR\FM\04SEN1.SGM 04SEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 171 (Thursday, September 4, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 52628-52629]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-21092]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service

RIN 0596-AC51


Extension of Comment Period on the Proposed Directive on 
Groundwater Resource Management, Forest Service Manual 2560

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of proposed directive; extension of comment period.

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

SUMMARY: The Forest Service published a notice in the Federal Register 
on May 6, 2014, initiating a 90-day comment period on the Proposed 
Directive on Groundwater Resource Management, Forest Service Manual 
2560. The closing date for that 90-day comment period was August 4, 
2014. The agency extended the comment period and published a notice in 
the Federal Register on August 1, 2014, extending the comment period to 
September 3, 2015. The Agency is extending the comment period; 
therefore, the comment period has been extended to October 3, 2014.

DATES: Comments must be received by October 3, 2014.

ADDRESSES: Send comments electronically by following the

[[Page 52629]]

instructions at the Federal eRulemaking portal at https://www.regulation.gov. Comments may also be submitted by electronic mail 
to fsm2500@fs.fed.us or by mail to Groundwater Directive Comments, USDA 
Forest Service, Attn: Rob Harper--WFWARP, 201 14th Street SW., 
Washington, DC 20250. If comments are sent electronically, the public 
is requested not to send duplicate comments by mail. Please confine 
comments to issues pertinent to the proposed directive; explain the 
reasons for any recommended changes; and, where possible, refer to the 
specific wording being addressed. All comments, including names and 
addresses when provided, will be placed in the record and will be 
available for public inspection and copying. The public may inspect the 
comments received on the proposed directive at the USDA Forest Service 
Headquarters, located in the Yates Federal Building at 201 14th Street 
SW., Washington, DC, on regular business days between 8:30 a.m. and 
4:30 p.m. Those wishing to inspect the comments are encouraged to call 
ahead at (202) 205-0967 to facilitate entry into the building.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher Carlson, Watershed, Fish, 
Wildlife, Air and Rare Plants Staff and Minerals and Geology Management 
Staff, 202-205-1481. Individuals who use telecommunication devices for 
the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service at 800-
877-8339 between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday 
through Friday.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Forest Service proposes to amend its 
internal Agency directives for Watershed and Air Management to 
establish direction for management of groundwater resources on National 
Forest System (NFS) lands as an integral component of watershed 
management. Specifically, the proposed amendment would provide 
direction on the consideration of groundwater resources in agency 
activities, approvals, and authorizations; encourage source water 
protection and water conservation; establish procedures for reviewing 
new proposals for groundwater withdrawals on NFS lands; require the 
evaluation of potential impacts from groundwater withdrawals on NFS 
resources; and provide for measurement and reporting for some larger 
groundwater withdrawals. This proposed amendment would supplement 
existing special uses and minerals and geology directives to address 
issues of groundwater resource management and would help ensure 
consistent and adequate analyses for evaluating potential uses of NFS 
lands that could affect groundwater resources. Public comment is 
invited and will be considered in development of the final directive. 
The Forest Service wants to ensure that there is sufficient time for 
potentially affected parties, including States, to comment. Thus the 
Agency is providing an extended comment period for the proposed 
directive.
    In addition, the Forest Service may host meetings and/or webinars 
as needed on the proposed directive to present information and answer 
questions on the proposed policy and the comment process during the 
comment period. Specific information regarding the dates and times of 
the webinar will be announced by news release and at the following Web 
site: https://www.fs.fed.us/geology/groundwater. A recording of the 
webinar may also be posted on the Web site.
    Reviewers may obtain a copy of the proposed directive from the 
Forest Service Minerals and Geology Management Staff Web site, https://www.fs.fed.us/geology/groundwater, or from the Regulations.gov Web 
site, https://www.regulations.gov.

    Dated: August 29, 2014.
Thomas L. Tidwell,
Chief, Forest Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-21092 Filed 9-3-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3411-15-P
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