White River National Forest; Eagle County, CO; Camp Hale Restoration and Enhancement Project EIS, 13515-13516 [2015-05895]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 50 / Monday, March 16, 2015 / Notices coop/frcc within 21 days after the meeting. Meeting Accommodations: If you are a person requiring reasonable accommodation, please make requests in advance for sign language interpreting, assistive listening devices or other reasonable accommodations for access to the facility or proceedings by contacting the person listed under the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. All reasonable accommodation requests are managed on a case by case basis. Dated: March 6, 2015. Patricia Hirami, Associate Deputy Chief, State and Private Forestry. [FR Doc. 2015–05872 Filed 3–13–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3411–15–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service White River National Forest; Eagle County, CO; Camp Hale Restoration and Enhancement Project EIS Forest Service, USDA. Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement. AGENCY: ACTION: The Camp Hale-Eagle River Headwaters Collaborative Group recently submitted a proposal to the White River National Forest (WRNF) for restorative and enhancement activities in the Camp Hale area. The WRNF is initiating a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis to document and disclose potential impacts. The Proposed Action—the Camp Hale Restoration and Enhancement Project— is built on the recommendations from the collaborative group to restore ecosystems, enhance recreation opportunities, protect historic values, and preserve existing valid permits and rights. DATES: Comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received by April 30, 2015. The draft environmental impact statement is expected to be available for public review in August 2015 and the final environmental impact statement is expected in the spring of 2016. ADDRESSES: Send written comments to Scott Fitzwilliams, Forest Supervisor, c/o Matt Grove, East Zone Fisheries Biologist, White River National Forest, P.O. Box 190, Minturn, CO 81645. Comments may also be sent via email to https://cara.ecosystemmanagement.org/Public// CommentInput?Project=46121 (include ‘‘Camp Hale Restoration and Rmajette on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:09 Mar 13, 2015 Jkt 235001 Enhancement Project EIS’’ in the subject line), or via facsimile to (970) 827–5715. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Additional information related to the project can be obtained from the project Web page: https://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/fsusda-pop.php/?project=46121: & Matt Grove, East Zone Fisheries Biologist, Eagle/Holy Cross Ranger District, 24747 U.S. Hwy 24, P.O. Box 190, Minturn, Colorado 81645. Mr. Grove can be reached by phone at (970) 827–5166 or by email at magrove@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 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Purpose and Need for Action: The purpose of action is to improve aquatic, riparian, and wetland conditions in and along the Eagle River and its tributaries, maintain or improve recreation opportunities and facilities, and conserve historic values in the Camp Hale area, while preserving existing valid rights and permits. The need for action is driven by historic and ongoing impairment of stream health, riparian condition and hydrologic function in the upper Eagle River and its tributaries. Current recreational infrastructure and facilities are quickly becoming outdated and overused. Recreational sites throughout the project area are in various states of deterioration and/or are entirely lacking. The project would focus on repairing and enhancing existing infrastructure thereby improving the overall experience at these sites. There is a commitment at the same time to retain features that reflect historic values of the Camp Hale area. Proposed Action: To address the purpose of and need for action specific project components would: • Create and/or enhance up to 340 acres of wetland habitat and increase sinuosity up to 6 miles collectively in the South Fork, East Fork, and main stem Eagle River. • Create an inset floodplain located approximately in the 1939 stream alignment; increase sinuosity and reconnect the upper Eagle River and its tributaries within this floodplain or wetlands connected to this floodplain. • Create inset wetlands that are outside or adjacent to the floodplain but connected by hydrologic function. • Modify the travel system to maintain recreation access and accommodate restoration activities. Install open arch structures or bridges where designated roads or trails cross PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 13515 the restored stream alignment. Modification to the travel system could result in closing road segments that are now open to public access, and opening segments of road currently closed to public access. • Improve access at Camp Hale Memorial Campground, and improve deteriorating infrastructure at Camp Hale Memorial and Camp Hale Group Campground. • Improve recreational infrastructure including: Access across the Eagle River for cross country skiing, designated dispersed camping, improved parking areas, and trailhead access improvements. • Improve terrestrial habitat through the removal of noxious weeds, reintroduction of native vegetation, and incorporating soil amendments to create a better growing environment for native plants. • Retain identified historically significant remnant structures such as the fixed-distance rifle range, field house, warehouse area, pasture barn, core service command, climbing wall, and portions of the straightened stream channel outside the constructed inset floodplain. The main river would not continue to directly flow through the retained portion of the straightened channel. • Dispose of excavated fill material from the restored stream channel and wetlands into identified borrow sites in the vicinity or haul to an offsite location. • Amend the Forest Plan to provide long term protection for restored or enhanced wetlands. Responsible Official: The Responsible Official is Scott Fitzwilliams, Forest Supervisor for the WRNF. Nature of Decision To Be Made: Based on the analysis that will be documented in the forthcoming EIS, the Responsible Official will decide whether or not to implement, in whole or in part, the Proposed Action or another alternative that may be developed by the Forest Service as a result of scoping. Scoping Process: This notice of intent initiates the scoping process, which guides the development of the environmental impact statement. The Forest Service is soliciting comments from Federal, State and local agencies and other individuals or organizations that may be interested in or affected by implementation of the proposed project. Public questions and comments regarding this proposal are an integral part of this environmental analysis process. Input provided by interested and/or affected individuals, organizations and governmental agencies will be used to identify E:\FR\FM\16MRN1.SGM 16MRN1 13516 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 50 / Monday, March 16, 2015 / Notices alternative actions and resource issues that will be analyzed in the environmental impact statement. The Forest Service will identify significant issues raised during the scoping process, and use them to formulate alternatives, prescribe mitigation measures and project design features, or analyze environmental effects. It is important that reviewers provide their comments at such times and in such manner that they are useful to the agency’s preparation of the environmental impact statement. Therefore, comments should be provided prior to the close of the comment period and should clearly articulate the reviewer’s concerns and contentions. Comments received in response to this solicitation, 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. Those who submit comments will have eligibility to file an objection under 36 CFR 219.32 because the decision includes a forest plan amendment. There will be an additional opportunity to comment when the Notice of Availability of the Draft EIS is published in the Federal Register. For objection eligibility, each individual or representative from each entity submitting written comments must either sign the comment or verify identity upon request. Individuals and organizations wishing to be eligible to object must meet the information requirements in 36 CFR 219.32. Dated: March 4, 2015. Scott G. Fitzwilliams, Forest Supervisor, White River National Forest. [FR Doc. 2015–05895 Filed 3–13–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–11–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Office of the Secretary Provincial Advisory Committees Office of the Secretary, USDA. Notice of Intent to Re-establish the Charter for the Provincial Advisory Committees. AGENCY: ACTION: The Department of Agriculture, in consultation with the Department of the Interior, intends to reestablish the Provincial Advisory Committees (PACs) for the provinces in Oregon and Washington. This reestablishment is in response to the continued need for the PACs to provide advice on coordinating the Rmajette on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:09 Mar 13, 2015 Jkt 235001 implementation of the Record of Decision (ROD) of April 13, 1994, for Management of Habitat for LateSuccession and Old-Growth Forest Related Species within the Range of the Northern Spotted Owl. The PACs also provide advice and recommendations to promote integration and coordination of forest management activities between Federal and non-Federal entities. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shandra L. Terry, PACs Program Manager, USDA Forest Service, Region 6 Regional Office, 333 Southwest First Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97204; by phone at 503–808–2242 or by email at sterry@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: Background Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.), notice is hereby given that the Department of Agriculture, in consultation with the Department of the Interior, intends to reestablish the PACs. The purpose of the PACs is to facilitate the coordinated implementation of the ROD of April 13, 1994, for Management of Habitat for Late-Succession and Old-Growth Forest Related Species within the Range of the Northern Spotted Owl. The PACs consists of representatives of the following Federal agencies: Forest Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Land Management, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey Biological Resources Division, Environmental Protection Agency, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Ecosystem management at the province level requires improved coordination among governmental entities responsible for land management decisions and the public those agencies serve. Each PAC will provide advice and recommendations regarding implementation to promote integration and coordination of forest management activities between Federal and non-Federal entities. Each PAC will provide advice regarding implementation of a comprehensive ecosystem management strategy for Federal land within a province (provinces are defined in the ROD at E19). Re-establishment of the PACs does not require an amendment of Bureau of PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Land Management or Forest Service planning documents because the reestablishment does not affect the standards and guidelines or land allocations. The Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service will provide further notice, as needed, for additional actions or adjustments when implementing interagency coordination, public involvement, and other aspects of the ROD. PAC Membership Each PAC will be comprised of no more than 30 members approved by the Secretary of Agriculture. This Committee will be fairly balanced in its membership in terms of the points of view represented and the functions to be performed. The PACs may include representation in the following areas: (1) One or more representatives of the Environmental Protection Agency; (2) One or more representatives of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service; (3) One or more representatives of the Forest Service; (4) One or more representatives of the BLM in each province where lands administered by BLM occur in the province; (5) One or more representatives of the National Park Service in each province where a National Park occurs in the province; (6) One or more representatives of the National Marine Fisheries Service; (7) One or more representatives of the Bureau of Indian Affairs; (8) Up to a maximum of three representatives of the government of each State within whose boundaries all or a portion of the province is located (the State agencies/departments to be represented will be determined by the Federal officials described in Paragraphs 3a(1) through 3a(7); (9) One or more representatives of each county government within whose boundaries all or a portion of the province is located, up to a maximum of three county representatives; (10) One or more representatives of each tribal government whose reservation, ceded land, or usual and accustomed areas are within all or a portion of the province, up to a maximum of three tribal representatives; (11) Up to a maximum of two representatives of environmental interests; (12) Up to a maximum of two representatives of different sectors of the forest products industry; (13) Up to a maximum of four representatives of the recreation and tourism sectors; (14) Three to five representatives of the following interests when those E:\FR\FM\16MRN1.SGM 16MRN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 50 (Monday, March 16, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 13515-13516]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-05895]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


White River National Forest; Eagle County, CO; Camp Hale 
Restoration and Enhancement Project EIS

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

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

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

SUMMARY: The Camp Hale-Eagle River Headwaters Collaborative Group 
recently submitted a proposal to the White River National Forest (WRNF) 
for restorative and enhancement activities in the Camp Hale area. The 
WRNF is initiating a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis 
to document and disclose potential impacts. The Proposed Action--the 
Camp Hale Restoration and Enhancement Project--is built on the 
recommendations from the collaborative group to restore ecosystems, 
enhance recreation opportunities, protect historic values, and preserve 
existing valid permits and rights.

DATES: Comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received 
by April 30, 2015. The draft environmental impact statement is expected 
to be available for public review in August 2015 and the final 
environmental impact statement is expected in the spring of 2016.

ADDRESSES: Send written comments to Scott Fitzwilliams, Forest 
Supervisor, c/o Matt Grove, East Zone Fisheries Biologist, White River 
National Forest, P.O. Box 190, Minturn, CO 81645. Comments may also be 
sent via email to https://cara.ecosystem-management.org/Public//CommentInput?Project=46121 (include ``Camp Hale Restoration and 
Enhancement Project EIS'' in the subject line), or via facsimile to 
(970) 827-5715.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Additional information related to the 
project can be obtained from the project Web page: https://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/fs-usda-pop.php/?project=46121: & Matt Grove, East 
Zone Fisheries Biologist, Eagle/Holy Cross Ranger District, 24747 U.S. 
Hwy 24, P.O. Box 190, Minturn, Colorado 81645. Mr. Grove can be reached 
by phone at (970) 827-5166 or by email at magrove@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 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    Purpose and Need for Action: The purpose of action is to improve 
aquatic, riparian, and wetland conditions in and along the Eagle River 
and its tributaries, maintain or improve recreation opportunities and 
facilities, and conserve historic values in the Camp Hale area, while 
preserving existing valid rights and permits.
    The need for action is driven by historic and ongoing impairment of 
stream health, riparian condition and hydrologic function in the upper 
Eagle River and its tributaries. Current recreational infrastructure 
and facilities are quickly becoming outdated and overused. Recreational 
sites throughout the project area are in various states of 
deterioration and/or are entirely lacking. The project would focus on 
repairing and enhancing existing infrastructure thereby improving the 
overall experience at these sites. There is a commitment at the same 
time to retain features that reflect historic values of the Camp Hale 
area.
    Proposed Action: To address the purpose of and need for action 
specific project components would:
     Create and/or enhance up to 340 acres of wetland habitat 
and increase sinuosity up to 6 miles collectively in the South Fork, 
East Fork, and main stem Eagle River.
     Create an inset floodplain located approximately in the 
1939 stream alignment; increase sinuosity and reconnect the upper Eagle 
River and its tributaries within this floodplain or wetlands connected 
to this floodplain.
     Create inset wetlands that are outside or adjacent to the 
floodplain but connected by hydrologic function.
     Modify the travel system to maintain recreation access and 
accommodate restoration activities. Install open arch structures or 
bridges where designated roads or trails cross the restored stream 
alignment. Modification to the travel system could result in closing 
road segments that are now open to public access, and opening segments 
of road currently closed to public access.
     Improve access at Camp Hale Memorial Campground, and 
improve deteriorating infrastructure at Camp Hale Memorial and Camp 
Hale Group Campground.
     Improve recreational infrastructure including: Access 
across the Eagle River for cross country skiing, designated dispersed 
camping, improved parking areas, and trailhead access improvements.
     Improve terrestrial habitat through the removal of noxious 
weeds, reintroduction of native vegetation, and incorporating soil 
amendments to create a better growing environment for native plants.
     Retain identified historically significant remnant 
structures such as the fixed-distance rifle range, field house, 
warehouse area, pasture barn, core service command, climbing wall, and 
portions of the straightened stream channel outside the constructed 
inset floodplain. The main river would not continue to directly flow 
through the retained portion of the straightened channel.
     Dispose of excavated fill material from the restored 
stream channel and wetlands into identified borrow sites in the 
vicinity or haul to an offsite location.
     Amend the Forest Plan to provide long term protection for 
restored or enhanced wetlands.
    Responsible Official: The Responsible Official is Scott 
Fitzwilliams, Forest Supervisor for the WRNF.
    Nature of Decision To Be Made: Based on the analysis that will be 
documented in the forthcoming EIS, the Responsible Official will decide 
whether or not to implement, in whole or in part, the Proposed Action 
or another alternative that may be developed by the Forest Service as a 
result of scoping.
    Scoping Process: This notice of intent initiates the scoping 
process, which guides the development of the environmental impact 
statement. The Forest Service is soliciting comments from Federal, 
State and local agencies and other individuals or organizations that 
may be interested in or affected by implementation of the proposed 
project. Public questions and comments regarding this proposal are an 
integral part of this environmental analysis process. Input provided by 
interested and/or affected individuals, organizations and governmental 
agencies will be used to identify

[[Page 13516]]

alternative actions and resource issues that will be analyzed in the 
environmental impact statement. The Forest Service will identify 
significant issues raised during the scoping process, and use them to 
formulate alternatives, prescribe mitigation measures and project 
design features, or analyze environmental effects.
    It is important that reviewers provide their comments at such times 
and in such manner that they are useful to the agency's preparation of 
the environmental impact statement. Therefore, comments should be 
provided prior to the close of the comment period and should clearly 
articulate the reviewer's concerns and contentions.
    Comments received in response to this solicitation, 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. Those who submit comments will have 
eligibility to file an objection under 36 CFR 219.32 because the 
decision includes a forest plan amendment. There will be an additional 
opportunity to comment when the Notice of Availability of the Draft EIS 
is published in the Federal Register. For objection eligibility, each 
individual or representative from each entity submitting written 
comments must either sign the comment or verify identity upon request. 
Individuals and organizations wishing to be eligible to object must 
meet the information requirements in 36 CFR 219.32.

    Dated: March 4, 2015.
Scott G. Fitzwilliams,
Forest Supervisor, White River National Forest.
[FR Doc. 2015-05895 Filed 3-13-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3410-11-P
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