Assessment Report of Ecological, Social, and Economic Sustainability, Conditions, and Trends for the Rio Grande National Forest, 77444-77445 [2014-30189]

Download as PDF mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 77444 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 247 / Wednesday, December 24, 2014 / Notices Expiration Date of Approval: Three years from approval date. Type of Request: New information collection. Abstract: This information collection is required for affidavits submitted to FAS for claims against the Agriculture Wool Apparel Manufacturers Trust Fund. Claimants of the Agriculture Wool Apparel Manufacturers Trust Fund will be required to submit electronically a notarized affidavit and information pertaining to the production of worsted wool suits, suittype jackets, or trousers for boys and men; or the weaving of wool yarn, wool fiber, or wool top to request a distribution from the Agriculture Wool Apparel Manufacturers Trust Fund electronically to FAS and will be available on the FAS Web site under the Agriculture Wool Apparel Manufacturers Trust Fund section. Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 3 hour per response for affidavits related to the Agriculture Wool Apparel Manufacturers Trust Fund. Type of Respondents: Under the Agriculture Wool Apparel Manufacturers Trust Fund there are three groups of potential respondents, as authorized by Section 12315 of Act (Pub. L. 113–79): (1) Persons in the United States that produce worsted wool suits, suit-type jackets, or trousers for men and boys in the year prior to the application using worsted wool fabric of the kind described in headings 9902.51.11, 9902.51.15, or who weave worsted wool fabrics suitable for use in making men and boys suits under heading 9902.51.16 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States; (2) Persons in the United States that process wool yarn, wool fiber, or wool top of the kind described in headings 9902.51.13 or 9902.51.14 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States in the year prior to the application; (3) Persons in the United States who weave worsted wool fabrics of the kind described in headings 9902.51.11 and or 9902.51.15 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States in the year prior to the application and must have also woven worsted wool fabrics in the United States of the kind described above in the years 1999, 2000, and 2001. Estimated Number of Respondents: 55. Estimated Number of Responses: 55. Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 164 hours. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:34 Dec 23, 2014 Jkt 235001 Copies of this information collection can be obtained from Connie Ehrhart, the Agency Information Collection Coordinator, at (202) 690–1578 or email at Connie.Ehrhart@fas.usda.gov. Request for Comments: We are requesting comments on all aspects of this information collection to help us to: (1) Evaluate whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of FAS’s functions, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) Evaluate the accuracy of FAS’s estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) Enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments may be sent to Benjamin Chan, Import Programs and Export Reporting Division, Foreign Agricultural Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave. SW., Mail Stop 1021, Washington, DC 20250. Electronic mail submissions should be addressed to: iperd@fas.usda.gov. All comments received in response to this notice, including names and addresses when provided, will be a matter of public record. Comments will be summarized and included in the submission for Office of Management and Budget approval. E-Government Act Compliance FAS is committed to complying with the E-Government Act, to promote the use of the Internet and other information technologies to provide increased opportunities for citizen access to Government information and services, and for other purposes. Persons with disabilities who require an alternative means for communication of information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s Target Center at (202) 720–2600 (voice and TDD). Signed at Washington, DC, on December 9, 2014. Philip C. Karsting, Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service. [FR Doc. 2014–30183 Filed 12–23–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–10–P PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Assessment Report of Ecological, Social, and Economic Sustainability, Conditions, and Trends for the Rio Grande National Forest Forest Service, USDA. Notice of initiating the assessment phase of the Rio Grande National Forest land management plan revision. AGENCY: ACTION: The Rio Grande National Forest, located in south central Colorado, is initiating the forest planning process pursuant to the 2012 Forest Planning Rule (36 CFR 219). This process results in a Forest Land Management Plan which describes the strategic direction for management of forest resources for the next fifteen to twenty years on the Rio Grande National Forest. The first phase of the process, the assessment phase, has begun and interested parties will be invited to contribute to the development of the assessment (36 CFR 219.6). The Forest hosted a series of informational meetings with key stakeholders and the public in the fall of 2014, and will be hosting additional meetings between January and June 2015. Additional information on public participation opportunities will be available on the project Web site: https://www.fs.usda. gov/riogrande. The trends and conditions identified in the assessment will help in identifying the need for change, in the development of plan components. DATES: A draft of the assessment report for the Rio Grande National Forest is expected to be completed by fall of 2015 and will be posted on the Rio Grande National Forest Web site at https://www. fs.usda.gov/riogrande. From January 2015 through June 2015, the public is invited to engage in a collaborative process to identify relevant information and local knowledge to be considered for the assessment. The Forest will then initiate procedures pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and prepare a forest plan revision. The Forest will again be inviting the public to help identify the appropriate plan components that will become the NEPA proposed action and/ or alternatives for the land management plan revision. The NEPA procedures result in a record of decision and the plan revision process results in a draft revised plan. The Federal Register availability announcement for these documents starts the pre-decisional administrative review process (36 CFR SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\24DEN1.SGM 24DEN1 mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 247 / Wednesday, December 24, 2014 / Notices 219 Subpart B). The administrative review process provides an individual or entity an opportunity for an independent Forest Service review and resolution of issues before the final approval of a plan, plan amendment or plan revision. ADDRESSES: Written comments or questions concerning this notice should be addressed to Rio Grande National Forest, Attn.: Plan Revision, 1803 W. Hwy 160, Monte Vista, CO 81144, or by email to: comments-rocky-mountain-riogrande@fs.fed.us (subject heading titled Forest Plan Revision). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Amy Waring, Forest Planner, (719) 852– 6215. Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–800–877–8339 between 5 a.m. and 5 p.m., Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. More information on the planning process can also be found on the Rio Grande National Forest Web site at https://www. fs.usda.gov/riogrande. 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 fifteen to twenty 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 NEPA and includes the preparation of a 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. With this notice, the agency invites other governments, non-governmental parties, and the public to contribute to the development of the assessment report. The assessment will rapidly evaluate the sustainability of existing ecological, economic, and social conditions and trends within the VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:34 Dec 23, 2014 Jkt 235001 context of the broader landscape. It will help inform the planning process through the use of Best Available Scientific Information, while also taking into account other forms of knowledge, such as local information, national perspectives, and native knowledge. Lastly, the assessment will help identify the need to change the existing 1996 plan. Collaboration as part of the assessment phase supports the development of relationships of key stakeholders throughout the plan revision process, and is an essential step to understanding current conditions, available data, and feedback needed to support a strategic, efficient planning process. As public meetings, other opportunities for public engagement, and public review and comment opportunities are identified to assist with the development of the forest plan revision, public announcements will be made, notifications will be posted on the Forest’s Web site at https://www.fs. usda.gov/riogrande, and information will be sent out to the Forest’s mailing list. If anyone is interested in being on the Forest’s mailing list to receive these notifications, please contact Amy Waring, Forest Planner, at the mailing address identified above, by sending an email to: comments-rocky-mountain-riogrande@fs.fed.us (subject heading titled Forest Plan Revision). Responsible Official: The responsible official for the revision of the land management plan for the Rio Grande National Forest is Dan Dallas, Forest Supervisor, Rio Grande National Forest, 1803 W. Hwy 160, Monte Vista, CO 81144. Dated: December 17, 2014. Dan S. Dallas, Forest Supervisor, Rio Grande National Forest. [FR Doc. 2014–30189 Filed 12–23–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–11–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service King Fire Restoration Project, Eldorado National Forest, Placer and El Dorado Counties, California Forest Service, USDA. Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement. AGENCY: ACTION: The Eldorado National Forest proposes to restore portions of the King Fire of 2014. The proposed action includes hazard tree removal, fuel reduction, salvage logging, reforestation, SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 77445 road improvements, watershed improvements, and research. DATES: Comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received by January 23, 2015. The draft environmental impact statement is expected March 2015 and the final environmental impact statement is expected June 2015. ADDRESSES: Send written comments to 100 Forni Road, Placerville, CA 95667, Attention: King Fire Restoration Project. Comments may also be sent via email to comments-pacificsouthwest-eldorado@ fs.fed.us, or via facsimile to 530–621– 5297. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Patricia Ferrell, Team Leader, Eldorado National Forest, 100 Forni Road, Placerville, CA 95667, phone 530–642– 5146 or email to pferrell@fs.fed.us. A scoping package, maps and other information are online at: https://www.fs. fed.us/nepa/nepa_project_exp.php ?project=45952. 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: General Background The King Fire started September 13, 2104 and burned approximately 97,000 acres on the Eldorado National Forest and on private timberlands. The project area for this analysis is the approximately 63,000 acre portion of the King Fire on Eldorado National Forest lands within the Georgetown, Pacific, and Placerville Ranger Districts administrative boundary. The project area includes all or portions of 30 watersheds. The large high severity portions of this fire resulted in adverse effects to forest resources such as soil, riparian areas, and wildlife habitat, and killed thousands of trees that contribute to hazardous conditions for people and extremely high fuel loading over time. Purpose and Need for Action The underlying need(s) for this proposal include: Reduce the risk from falling dead, dying, and defective trees to the safety of forest visitors and workers, and of damaging private property, structures, and cultural resources; reduce accumulation of fuel over the long term in strategic fire management areas for the purpose of improving the ability to manage and control future fires; maintain the ecological integrity of post fire habitat while restoring diverse conifer forests and laying the foundation for resiliency E:\FR\FM\24DEN1.SGM 24DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 247 (Wednesday, December 24, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 77444-77445]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-30189]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Assessment Report of Ecological, Social, and Economic 
Sustainability, Conditions, and Trends for the Rio Grande National 
Forest

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of initiating the assessment phase of the Rio Grande 
National Forest land management plan revision.

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

SUMMARY: The Rio Grande National Forest, located in south central 
Colorado, is initiating the forest planning process pursuant to the 
2012 Forest Planning Rule (36 CFR 219). This process results in a 
Forest Land Management Plan which describes the strategic direction for 
management of forest resources for the next fifteen to twenty years on 
the Rio Grande National Forest. The first phase of the process, the 
assessment phase, has begun and interested parties will be invited to 
contribute to the development of the assessment (36 CFR 219.6). The 
Forest hosted a series of informational meetings with key stakeholders 
and the public in the fall of 2014, and will be hosting additional 
meetings between January and June 2015. Additional information on 
public participation opportunities will be available on the project Web 
site: https://www.fs.usda.gov/riogrande. The trends and conditions 
identified in the assessment will help in identifying the need for 
change, in the development of plan components.

DATES: A draft of the assessment report for the Rio Grande National 
Forest is expected to be completed by fall of 2015 and will be posted 
on the Rio Grande National Forest Web site at https://www.fs.usda.gov/riogrande. From January 2015 through June 2015, the public is invited 
to engage in a collaborative process to identify relevant information 
and local knowledge to be considered for the assessment. The Forest 
will then initiate procedures pursuant to the National Environmental 
Policy Act (NEPA) and prepare a forest plan revision. The Forest will 
again be inviting the public to help identify the appropriate plan 
components that will become the NEPA proposed action and/or 
alternatives for the land management plan revision. The NEPA procedures 
result in a record of decision and the plan revision process results in 
a draft revised plan. The Federal Register availability announcement 
for these documents starts the pre-decisional administrative review 
process (36 CFR

[[Page 77445]]

219 Subpart B). The administrative review process provides an 
individual or entity an opportunity for an independent Forest Service 
review and resolution of issues before the final approval of a plan, 
plan amendment or plan revision.

ADDRESSES: Written comments or questions concerning this notice should 
be addressed to Rio Grande National Forest, Attn.: Plan Revision, 1803 
W. Hwy 160, Monte Vista, CO 81144, or by email to: comments-rocky-mountain-rio-grande@fs.fed.us (subject heading titled Forest Plan 
Revision).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Amy Waring, Forest Planner, (719) 852-
6215. Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) 
may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 
between 5 a.m. and 5 p.m., Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. More 
information on the planning process can also be found on the Rio Grande 
National Forest Web site at https://www.fs.usda.gov/riogrande.

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 fifteen to twenty 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 NEPA and includes the preparation of a 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.
    With this notice, the agency invites other governments, non-
governmental parties, and the public to contribute to the development 
of the assessment report. The assessment will rapidly evaluate the 
sustainability of existing ecological, economic, and social conditions 
and trends within the context of the broader landscape. It will help 
inform the planning process through the use of Best Available 
Scientific Information, while also taking into account other forms of 
knowledge, such as local information, national perspectives, and native 
knowledge. Lastly, the assessment will help identify the need to change 
the existing 1996 plan.
    Collaboration as part of the assessment phase supports the 
development of relationships of key stakeholders throughout the plan 
revision process, and is an essential step to understanding current 
conditions, available data, and feedback needed to support a strategic, 
efficient planning process. As public meetings, other opportunities for 
public engagement, and public review and comment opportunities are 
identified to assist with the development of the forest plan revision, 
public announcements will be made, notifications will be posted on the 
Forest's Web site at https://www.fs.usda.gov/riogrande, and information 
will be sent out to the Forest's mailing list. If anyone is interested 
in being on the Forest's mailing list to receive these notifications, 
please contact Amy Waring, Forest Planner, at the mailing address 
identified above, by sending an email to: comments-rocky-mountain-rio-grande@fs.fed.us (subject heading titled Forest Plan Revision).
    Responsible Official: The responsible official for the revision of 
the land management plan for the Rio Grande National Forest is Dan 
Dallas, Forest Supervisor, Rio Grande National Forest, 1803 W. Hwy 160, 
Monte Vista, CO 81144.

    Dated: December 17, 2014.
Dan S. Dallas,
Forest Supervisor, Rio Grande National Forest.
[FR Doc. 2014-30189 Filed 12-23-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-11-P
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