Proposed Establishment of the Eagle Foothills Viticultural Area, 19908-19914 [2015-08496]
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Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 71 / Tuesday, April 14, 2015 / Proposed Rules
boundary line of section 18, crossing
over the Snake River, and continue
along the southern boundary line of
section 17, T11N/R45E, to the southeast
corner of section 17; then
(2) Proceed north along the eastern
boundary line of section 17 to the 600meter elevation contour; then
(3) Proceed generally east-northeast
along the meandering 600-meter
elevation contour, crossing into Idaho
and onto the Orofino map, then
continue to follow the elevation contour
in an overall clockwise direction,
crossing back and forth between the
Orofino and Clarkston maps and finally
onto the Potlatch map, and then
continuing to follow the 600-meter
elevation contour in a clockwise
direction to the elevation contour’s
intersection with the southern boundary
line of section 1, T37N/R1W, on the
Potlatch map, north of the Nez Perce
Indian Reservation boundary and west
of the Dworshak Reservoir (North Fork
of the Clearwater River) in Clearwater
County, Idaho; then
(4) Cross the Dworshak Reservoir
(North Fork of the Clearwater River) by
proceeding east along the southern
boundary line of section 1, T37N/R1E,
to the southeastern corner of section 1;
then by proceeding north along the
eastern boundary line of section 1 to the
southwest corner of section 6, T37N/
R2E; and then by proceeding east along
the southern boundary line of section 6
to the 600-meter elevation contour; then
(5) Proceed generally east initially,
then generally south, and then generally
southeast along the meandering 600meter elevation contour, crossing onto
the Orofino map, and then continuing to
follow the elevation contour in an
overall clockwise direction, crossing
back and forth between the Orofino and
Potlatch maps, to the eastern boundary
of section 13, T35N/R2E, on the Orofino
map in Clearwater County, Idaho; then
(6) Proceed south along the eastern
boundary of section 13, T35N/R2E, to
the southeastern corner of section 13,
T35N/R2E, northeast of Lolo Creek; then
(7) Proceed west along the southern
boundary line of section 13, T35N/R2E,
to the Clearwater–Idaho County line in
the middle of Lolo Creek; then
(8) Proceed generally west-northwest
along the Clearwater–Idaho County line
(concurrent with Lolo Creek) to the
Lewis County line at the confluence of
Lolo Creek and the Clearwater River;
then
(9) Proceed generally south along the
Lewis–Idaho County line (concurrent
with the Clearwater River) to the
northern boundary line of section 23,
T35N/R2E; then
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(10) Proceed west along the northern
boundary line of section 23, T35N/R2E,
to the 600-meter elevation contour; then
(11) Proceed generally northwest
along the meandering 600-meter
elevation contour, crossing onto the
Potlatch map and then back onto the
Orofino map and continuing generally
southwest along the 600-meter elevation
contour to the common T32N/T31N
township boundary line along the
southern boundary line of section 35,
T32N/R5W, south of Chimney Creek (a
tributary of the Snake River) in Nez
Perce County, Idaho; then
(12) Proceed west along the common
T32N/T31N township boundary line,
crossing Chimney Creek, to the Idaho–
Washington State line (concurrent with
the Nez Perce–Asotin County line) at
the center of the Snake River; then
(13) Proceed generally southeast along
the Idaho–Washington State line in the
Snake River to the northern boundary
line of section 29, T31N/R5W; then
(14) Proceed west along the northern
boundary line of section 29, T31N/R5W,
to the 600-meter elevation contour,
northeast of Lime Hill in Asotin County,
Washington; then
(15) Proceed generally west and then
generally south-southwest along the
meandering 600-meter elevation contour
to the southern boundary line of section
25, T7N/R46E; then
(16) Proceed west along the southern
boundary lines of section 25 and 26,
crossing onto the Clarkston map, and
continuing along the southern boundary
lines of section 26 to the 600-meter
elevation contour west of Joseph Creek;
then
(17) Proceed southeast along the
meandering 600-meter elevation contour
to the western boundary line of section
34, T7N/R46E; then
(18) Proceed north along the western
boundary lines of sections 34 and 27,
T7N/R46E, crossing over the Grande
Ronde River, to the 600-meter elevation
contour; then
(19) Proceed generally northeast along
the meandering 600-meter elevation
contour and continue along the 600meter elevation contour in a clockwise
direction, crossing back and forth
between the Clarkston and Orofino
maps, until, on the Clarkston map, the
600-meter elevation line intersects the
Garfield–Asotin County line for the
third time along the western boundary
of section 19, T11N/R45E; and then
(20) Proceed north along the Garfield–
Asotin County line, returning to the
beginning point.
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Signed: April 7, 2015.
John J. Manfreda,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2015–08501 Filed 4–13–15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4810–31–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade
Bureau
27 CFR Part 9
[Docket No. TTB–2015–0006; Notice No.
150]
RIN 1513–AC18
Proposed Establishment of the Eagle
Foothills Viticultural Area
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and
Trade Bureau, Treasury.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.
AGENCY:
The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax
and Trade Bureau (TTB) proposes to
establish the approximately 49,815-acre
‘‘Eagle Foothills’’ viticultural area in
Gem and Ada Counties in Idaho. The
proposed viticultural area lies entirely
within the Snake River Valley
viticultural area. TTB designates
viticultural areas to allow vintners to
better describe the origin of their wines
and to allow consumers to better
identify wines they may purchase. TTB
invites comments on this proposed
addition to its regulations.
DATES: Comments must be received by
June 15, 2015.
ADDRESSES: Please send your comments
on this notice to one of the following
addresses:
• Internet: https://www.regulations.gov
(via the online comment form for this
notice as posted within Docket No.
TTB–2015–0006 at ‘‘Regulations.gov,’’
the Federal e-rulemaking portal);
• U.S. Mail: Director, Regulations and
Rulings Division, Alcohol and Tobacco
Tax and Trade Bureau, 1310 G Street
NW., Box 12, Washington, DC 20005; or
• Hand delivery/courier in lieu of
mail: Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and
Trade Bureau, 1310 G Street NW., Suite
200–E, Washington, DC 20005.
See the Public Participation section of
this notice for specific instructions and
requirements for submitting comments,
and for information on how to request
a public hearing or view or obtain
copies of the petition and supporting
materials.
SUMMARY:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Karen A. Thornton, Regulations and
Rulings Division, Alcohol and Tobacco
Tax and Trade Bureau, 1310 G Street
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Requirements
NW., Box 12, Washington, DC 20005;
phone 202–453–1039, ext. 175.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background on Viticultural Areas
TTB Authority
Section 105(e) of the Federal Alcohol
Administration Act (FAA Act), 27
U.S.C. 205(e), authorizes the Secretary
of the Treasury to prescribe regulations
for the labeling of wine, distilled spirits,
and malt beverages. The FAA Act
provides that these regulations should,
among other things, prohibit consumer
deception and the use of misleading
statements on labels and ensure that
labels provide the consumer with
adequate information as to the identity
and quality of the product. The Alcohol
and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau
(TTB) administers the FAA Act
pursuant to section 1111(d) of the
Homeland Security Act of 2002,
codified at 6 U.S.C. 531(d). The
Secretary has delegated various
authorities through Treasury
Department Order 120–01 (Revised),
dated December 10, 2013, to the TTB
Administrator to perform the functions
and duties in the administration and
enforcement of this law.
Part 4 of the TTB regulations (27 CFR
part 4) authorizes TTB to establish
definitive viticultural areas and regulate
the use of their names as appellations of
origin on wine labels and in wine
advertisements. Part 9 of the TTB
regulations (27 CFR part 9) sets forth
standards for the preparation and
submission of petitions for the
establishment or modification of
American viticultural areas (AVAs) and
lists the approved AVAs.
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
Definition
Section 4.25(e)(1)(i) of the TTB
regulations (27 CFR 4.25(e)(1)(i)) defines
a viticultural area for American wine as
a delimited grape-growing region having
distinguishing features, as described in
part 9 of the regulations, and a name
and a delineated boundary, as
established in part 9 of the regulations.
These designations allow vintners and
consumers to attribute a given quality,
reputation, or other characteristic of a
wine made from grapes grown in an area
to the wine’s geographic origin. The
establishment of AVAs allows vintners
to describe more accurately the origin of
their wines to consumers and helps
consumers to identify wines they may
purchase. Establishment of an AVA is
neither an approval nor an endorsement
by TTB of the wine produced in that
area.
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Section 4.25(e)(2) of the TTB
regulations (27 CFR 4.25(e)(2)) outlines
the procedure for proposing an AVA
and provides that any interested party
may petition TTB to establish a grapegrowing region as an AVA. Section 9.12
of the TTB regulations (27 CFR 9.12)
prescribes the standards for petitions for
the establishment or modification of
AVAs. Petitions to establish an AVA
must include the following:
• Evidence that the area within the
proposed AVA boundary is nationally
or locally known by the AVA name
specified in the petition;
• An explanation of the basis for
defining the boundary of the proposed
AVA;
• A narrative description of the
features of the proposed AVA affecting
viticulture, such as climate, geology,
soils, physical features, and elevation,
that make the proposed AVA distinctive
and distinguish it from adjacent areas
outside the proposed viticultural AVA;
• The appropriate United States
Geological Survey (USGS) map(s)
showing the location of the proposed
AVA, with the boundary of the
proposed AVA clearly drawn thereon;
and
• A detailed narrative description of
the proposed AVA boundary based on
USGS map markings.
Eagle Foothills Petition
TTB received a petition from Martha
Cunningham, owner of the 3 Horse
Ranch Vineyards, on behalf of the local
grape growers and vintners, proposing
the establishment of the ‘‘Eagle
Foothills’’ AVA. The original proposed
name for the AVA was ‘‘Willow Creek
Idaho.’’ However, after TTB determined
that the name evidence provided in the
petition did not sufficiently demonstrate
that the region is known by that name,
the petitioner submitted a request to
change the proposed AVA name to
‘‘Eagle Foothills.’’
The proposed Eagle Foothills AVA
covers portions of Gem and Ada
Counties, Idaho, and is located to the
immediate north of the city of Eagle and
approximately 10 miles northwest of the
city of Boise. The proposed AVA lies
entirely within the established Snake
River Valley AVA (27 CFR 9.208) and
does not overlap any other existing or
proposed AVA. The proposed Eagle
Foothills AVA contains approximately
49,815 acres, with 9 commerciallyproducing vineyards covering a total of
67 acres distributed throughout the
proposed AVA. The petition states that
an additional 4 acres will soon be added
to an existing vineyard. Additionally, 7
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commercial vineyards covering
approximately 472 acres are planned
within the proposed AVA in the next
few years.
According to the petition, the
distinguishing features of the proposed
Eagle Foothills AVA include its
topography, soils, and climate. Unless
otherwise noted, all information and
data pertaining to the proposed AVA
contained in this document are from the
petition for the proposed Eagle Foothills
AVA and its supporting exhibits.
Name Evidence
The proposed Eagle Foothills AVA is
located on the southwestern flanks of
Prospect Peak and Crown Point, two
prominent peaks in the mountainous
region known as the ‘‘Boise Front,’’
which rises to the east of the proposed
AVA. Due to its location north of the
city of Eagle and within the foothills of
the Boise Front, the region of the
proposed AVA is commonly referred to
as the ‘‘Eagle Foothills.’’
The petitioner provided several
examples of the use of ‘‘Eagle Foothills’’
to refer to the region of the proposed
AVA. For example, a local ranch offers
several guided horseback tours,
including one through the ‘‘Eagle
Foothills.’’ 1 A Web site dedicated to
hiking in Idaho features the ‘‘Eagle
Foothills Little Gulch Loop’’ trail, which
is located within the proposed AVA.2 A
news story from a local television
station described a wildfire within the
proposed AVA, which destroyed several
houses in ‘‘the Eagle Foothills.’’ 3 A Web
site dedicated to news and reviews of
wines from the northwestern United
States features a story about 3 Horse
Ranch Vineyards, which is located
within the proposed AVA, and refers to
the vineyard and winery as being
located ‘‘in the Eagle Foothills north of
Boise.’’ 4 The Ada County Highway
District Web site includes a page about
transportation projects ‘‘in and around
the Eagle Foothills,’’ including funding
to improve State Highway 16, which
runs through the proposed AVA.5 A real
estate listing for a home for sale within
the proposed AVA, describes the home
as being ‘‘close to the Eagle Foothills
1 www.sweetpepperranch.com/local-attractions/
riding-destinations/eagle-foothills.
2 www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/1709698.
3 www.ktvb.com/story/local/2014/07/16/
11528375.
4 Eric Degerman. ‘‘Idaho’s high-elevation Pinot
Gris produces awards, fans.’’ Great Northwest Wine,
June 11, 2013. www.greatnorthwestwine.com/2013/
06/11.
5 www.achdidaho.org/projects/
PublicProject.aspx?ProjectID=124.
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equestrian trails.’’ 6 Finally, a planned
community being developed within a
portion of the proposed AVA is
described as covering ‘‘land running
. . . along the Eagle Foothills.’’ 7
Boundary Evidence
The northern boundary of the
proposed Eagle Foothills AVA follows
straight lines drawn between peaks
marked on the USGS Southwest Emmett
and Southeast Emmett quadrangle
maps. The boundary separates the
rugged terrain of the proposed AVA
from the lower, flatter elevations of
Emmett Valley and the Payette River
Plain. The proposed eastern boundary
follows the 3,400-foot elevation contour
and lines drawn between peaks on the
USGS Pearl and Eagle quadrangle maps
to approximate the eastern boundary of
the established Snake River Valley
AVA. TTB notes that the proposed
boundary is only an approximation of
the Snake River Valley AVA because the
established AVA’s boundaries were
drawn using maps that measure
elevations in meters instead of feet. The
proposed eastern boundary separates
the proposed AVA from the higher
elevations of the Boise Front, including
Prospect Peak and Crown Point. The
proposed southern boundary follows
roads marked on the USGS Eagle, Star,
and Middleton quadrangle maps in
order to separate the proposed AVA
from the lower elevations and urban
landscape of the cities of Eagle and
Boise. The proposed western boundary
follows the Ada–Canyon County line
and separates the proposed AVA from
the lower elevations and flatter terrain
of the Boise River Plain.
Distinguishing Features
The distinguishing features of the
proposed Eagle Foothills AVA include
its topography, soils, and climate.
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Topography
According to the petition, the
proposed Eagle Foothills AVA is located
within the Unwooded Alkaline
Foothills ecoregion of Idaho.8 This
ecoregion is defined as an arid, sparsely
populated region of rolling foothills,
benches, and alluvial fans commonly
underlain by alkaline lake bed deposits.
Perennial streams are rare, but limited
agriculture occurs where there is water
available for irrigation. Most of the
6 www.brechtproperties.com/Property/3175-WHomer-Road-Eagle-Idaho.
7 www.m3companiesllc.com/communities/
m3eagle.
8 C.L. McGrath, Ecoregions of Idaho (Reston, VA:
U.S. Geological Survey, 2002).
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landscape is used for grazing livestock
or as wildlife habitat.
A network of seasonal creeks,
including Willow Creek, Big Gulch
Creek, Little Gulch Creek, Woods Gulch,
and their tributaries, flow southwesterly
through the proposed AVA and have
etched deep gulches. The rugged terrain
has a variety of slope aspects, including
a multitude of south-facing slopes that
are preferred by vineyard owners. Slope
angles vary within the proposed AVA
from 2 to 15 degrees, with an average of
8 degrees. Elevations within the
proposed AVA range from 2,490 feet to
approximately 3,400 feet, with an
average elevation of approximately
2,900 feet.
The topography of the proposed Eagle
Foothills AVA is distinguishable from
that of the surrounding regions. To the
north of the proposed AVA is Emmett
Valley and the Payette River Plain,
which are classified within the Treasure
Valley ecoregion of Idaho. The Treasure
Valley ecoregion is described as being
heavily irrigated for agricultural
purposes and having a much greater
population density than the Unwooded
Alkaline Foothills ecoregion in which
the proposed AVA is located.9
Elevations in Emmett Valley and the
Payette River Plain are lower and flatter
than within the proposed AVA. To the
east of the proposed AVA is the
mountainous region known as the Boise
Front, which has higher elevations than
the proposed AVA. Crown Point and
Prospect Peak, the two peaks in the
Boise Front that are closest to the
proposed AVA, reach 5,163 feet and
4,867 feet, respectively. To the south
and west of the proposed AVA is the
Boise River Plain, which has lower
elevations and is classified as a
continuation of the Treasure Valley
ecoregion. Slope angles are shallow in
the Boise River Plain, averaging less
than 2 percent. The region to the south
of the proposed AVA is also heavily
urbanized and contains the cities of
Boise and Eagle, in contrast with the
relatively undeveloped proposed AVA.
The topography of the proposed Eagle
Foothills AVA has an effect on
viticulture. For example, the elevations
within the proposed AVA are higher
than the elevations in the regions to the
north, west and south, so cold air drains
away from the proposed AVA and pools
in the neighboring plains and valleys.
As a result, damaging frosts are not as
common within the proposed AVA as
they are in the lower surrounding
regions. Additionally, the abundance of
south-facing slopes within the proposed
AVA allows vineyards to be planted
9 Ibid.
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where the vines can receive the most
sunlight. According to the petition, a
vineyard on a south-facing slope with a
10 percent slope angle can receive 25
percent more sunlight than a vineyard
planted on a flat site.
Soils
Loams, sandy loams, coarse sandy
loams, and stony loams are the
predominate soils of the proposed Eagle
Foothills AVA. These soils derived from
the erosion of the sedimentary bedrock
that once formed the bottom of the
ancient Lake Idaho, as well as from the
erosion of the granitic mountains of the
Boise Front. Small amounts of volcanic
ash are present in the soils, and levels
of organic matter are low. The soils are
notable for their large, irregularly
shaped, coarse grains, which allow
water to drain quickly and thoroughly
and contribute to a relatively low waterholding capacity. Depth to bedrock
ranges from 25 to 50 inches, and pH
levels range from mildly acidic (6.75) to
mildly alkaline (7.25).
The soils of the surrounding regions
are distinguishable from the soils of the
proposed AVA. To the north and south
of the proposed AVA, the soils are
primarily derived from active floodplain alluvium from the Payette and
Boise River systems, respectively. These
soils have a finer, more uniform texture
and greater water-holding capacity than
the coarser, larger-grained soils of the
proposed Eagle Foothills AVA. To the
east, the soils in the mountains of the
Boise Front are derived primarily from
granite and volcanic materials and lack
the sedimentary materials found in the
soils of the proposed AVA. To the west
of the proposed AVA, the soils become
increasingly fine-grained and the depth
to bedrock increases due to greater
wind-blown and alluvial deposition.
According to the petition, soils to the
west of the proposed AVA can reach
depths of 150 inches or more.
The soils of the proposed Eagle
Foothills AVA have an effect on
viticulture. The large, coarse, irregularly
shaped grains found in most of the soils
of the proposed AVA do not fit together
tightly, allowing for ‘‘pockets’’ of
oxygen to form between the grains.
These ‘‘pockets’’ promote healthy root
growth because if a soil is too
compacted, the roots can essentially
suffocate and die from lack of oxygen.
The spaces between soil grains also
discourage rot and mildew because they
allow water to drain more rapidly than
finer, uniform soil grains that are more
closely packed together. The depth of
the soil within the proposed AVA
allows roots to reach depths that are
deep enough to not be overly sensitive
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to changes in soil moisture level, but the
soils are not so deep as to encourage
overly vigorous vine growth. Finally,
the pH levels of the soils are neutral
enough to promote the optimal
absorption of necessary mineral
nutrients such as zinc and iron.
Climate
The petition provided information to
show that the climate of the proposed
Eagle Foothills AVA is distinguishable
from that of the surrounding regions.
The following table from the petition
summarizes the annual precipitation
amounts, average growing season
temperature, growing degree day (GDD)
accumulation 10, last spring and first fall
frost dates, and length of the frost-free
period for the proposed AVA and the
surrounding regions 11. Because there
are no weather stations located within
the proposed AVA, the petitioner used
the PRISM climate model 12 to estimate
the temperature and precipitation data
for the proposed AVA.
Variable
Proposed Eagle
Foothills AVA
Caldwell
(southwest of
proposed AVA)
Emmett (north
of proposed
AVA)
Nampa
(southwest of
proposed AVA)
Boise–‘‘7 N’’
Station (east of
proposed AVA)
Boise–Air
Terminal
Station
(southeast of
proposed AVA)
Average annual precipitation
(inches).
Average annual GDD accumulation.
Average date of last spring frost
Average date of first fall frost ......
Average annual frost-free period
(days).
14.3 ..................
11.4 ..................
13.8 ..................
10.9 ..................
19.2 ..................
11.7.
2,418 ................
2,939 ................
2,728 ................
2,695 ................
2,299 ................
2,930.
May 12 .............
October 3 .........
144 ...................
April 24 ............
October 7 .........
165 ...................
May 6 ...............
October 7 .........
153 ...................
May 5 ...............
October 11 .......
160 ...................
May 24 .............
October 5 .........
133 ...................
May 10.
October 6.
149.
The proposed Eagle Foothills AVA
has a cool climate, as evidenced by the
short growing season and low GDD
accumulations. The cool climate of the
proposed AVA places it in Region 1b of
the Winkler classification system,
meaning that early- and mid-season
varieties of grapes, such as Chardonnay,
Pinot Gris, and Riesling, can
successfully grow and ripen.
Additionally, the cool temperatures of
the proposed AVA produce grapes with
lower acidity levels than the same grape
varietals grown in warmer climates.
Finally, the rainfall amounts within the
proposed AVA are sufficient to promote
healthy vine growth but also are low
enough to produce small berries with
concentrated flavors that are not diluted
by an excess of water.
The climate of the proposed Eagle
Foothills AVA is different from that of
the surrounding region. The higher
elevations to the east, where the Boise
‘‘7N’’ weather station is located, have
higher precipitation amounts, a shorter
growing season, and lower GDD
accumulations (indicating cooler
growing season temperatures) that
would not allow most varieties of grapes
to ripen reliably. The Caldwell, Emmett,
Nampa, and Boise Air Terminal weather
stations, all of which are at lower
elevations than the proposed AVA, have
lower precipitation amounts, a longer
growing season, and higher GDD
accumulations (indicating warmer
growing season temperatures). Based on
the GDD accumulations, these lower
plains regions are classified as Region II
areas in the Winkler classification
system.
Summary of Distinguishing Features
In summary, the topography, soils,
and climate of the proposed Eagle
Foothills AVA distinguish it from the
surrounding regions. The following
table, derived from information in the
petition, compares the features of the
proposed AVA to the features of the
surrounding areas.
Region
Characteristics
Proposed Eagle Foothills
AVA.
North, South, and West of
proposed AVA.
East of proposed AVA .........
Rugged terrain; moderate elevations; low GDD accumulations; short growing season; moderate annual rainfall
amounts; rapidly-draining coarse-grained soils derived from sedimentary bedrock.
Flat valley terrain; low elevations; low annual rainfall amounts; high GDD accumulations; long growing season;
slow draining, fine-grained soils derived from alluvium.
Mountainous terrain; very high elevations; very low GDD accumulations; very short growing season; high annual
rainfall amounts; soils derived from granite and volcanic material.
T.D. TTB–59, which published in the
Federal Register on March 9, 2007 (72
FR 10598), established the Snake River
Valley AVA in portions of southeastern
Oregon and southwestern Idaho. The
AVA covers the remains of the ancient
Lake Idaho, which filled the western
part of the Snake River Valley
approximately 4 million years ago.
Much of the AVA boundary follows the
1,040-meter elevation contour because
conditions above that elevation are not
conducive to viticulture. The Snake
River Valley AVA is described in T.D.
TTB–59 as a semiarid desert with
annual rainfall amounts of 10 to 12
10 In the Winkler climate classification system,
annual heat accumulation during the growing
season, measured in annual growing degree days
(GDD), defines climatic regions. One GDD
accumulates for each degree Fahrenheit that a day’s
mean temperature is above 50 degrees, the
minimum temperature required for grapevine
growth (‘‘General Viticulture,’’ by Albert J. Winkler,
University of California Press, 1974, pages 61–64).
11 Data for the listed weather stations gathered
from the Western Regional Climate Center,
www.wrcc.dri.edu.
12 The Parameter Elevation Regression on
Independent Slopes Model (PRISM) climate data
mapping system combined climate normals
gathered from weather stations, along with other
factors such as elevation, longitude, slope angles,
and solar aspect to estimate the general climate
patterns for the proposed AVA and the surrounding
regions. Climate normals are only calculated every
10 years, using 30 years of data, and at the time the
petition was submitted, the most recent climate
normals available were from the period of 1971–
2000.
Comparison of the Proposed Eagle
Foothills AVA to the Existing Snake
River Valley AVA
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Snake River Valley AVA
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inches and as having a frost-free period
from May 10 to September 29.
Vineyards within the AVA are typically
planted in shallow soils on slopes.
The proposed Eagle Foothills AVA is
located along the eastern edge of the
Snake River Valley AVA and shares
some broad characteristics with the
established AVA. The proposed AVA is
also located within the remains of
ancient Lake Idaho at elevations below
1,040 meters (approximately 3,412 feet).
Like much of the Snake River Valley
AVA, the proposed Eagle Foothills AVA
is a semiarid region with vineyards
planted on slopes to maximize sunlight
exposure and minimize the risk of frost.
However, the proposed viticultural area
receives several more inches of rainfall
annually, in comparison with the
majority of the Snake River Valley AVA.
Additionally, the growing season for the
proposed Eagle Foothills AVA is
slightly longer. Finally, although T.D.
TTB–59 states that the soils within the
large Snake River Valley AVA are too
varied to be a distinguishing feature, the
much smaller proposed Eagle Foothills
AVA has fairly uniform soil
characteristics throughout, and the soils
of the proposed AVA can be
distinguished from the soils of the
surrounding regions.
TTB Determination
TTB concludes that the petition to
establish the approximately 49,815-acre
Eagle Foothills AVA merits
consideration and public comment, as
invited in this notice of proposed
rulemaking.
Boundary Description
See the narrative description of the
boundary of the petitioned-for AVA in
the proposed regulatory text published
at the end of this proposed rule.
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
Maps
The petitioner provided the required
maps, and they are listed below in the
proposed regulatory text.
Impact on Current Wine Labels
Part 4 of the TTB regulations prohibits
any label reference on a wine that
indicates or implies an origin other than
the wine’s true place of origin. For a
wine to be labeled with an AVA name
or with a brand name that includes an
AVA name or other term identified as
being viticulturally significance in part
9 of the TTB regulations, at least 85
percent of the wine must be derived
from grapes grown within the area
represented by that name or other term,
and the wine must meet the other
conditions listed in 27 CFR 4.25(e)(3). If
the wine is not eligible for labeling with
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an AVA name or other viticulturally
significant term and that name or term
appears in the brand name, then the
label is not in compliance and the
bottler must change the brand name and
obtain approval of a new label.
Similarly, if the AVA name or other
viticulturally significant term appears in
another reference on the label in a
misleading manner, the bottler would
have to obtain approval of a new label.
Different rules apply if a wine has a
brand name containing an AVA name or
other viticulturally significant term that
was used as a brand name on a label
approved before July 7, 1986. See
§ 4.39(i)(2) of the TTB regulations (27
CFR 4.39(i)(2)) for details.
If TTB establishes this proposed AVA,
its name, ‘‘Eagle Foothills,’’ will be
recognized as a name of viticultural
significance under § 4.39(i)(3) of the
TTB regulations (27 CFR 4.39(i)(3)). The
text of the proposed regulation clarifies
this point. Consequently, wine bottlers
using the name ‘‘Eagle Foothills’’ in a
brand name, including a trademark, or
in another label reference as to the
origin of the wine, would have to ensure
that the product is eligible to use the
AVA name as an appellation of origin if
this proposed rule is adopted as a final
rule.
The approval of the proposed Eagle
Foothills AVA would not affect any
existing AVA, and any bottlers using
‘‘Snake River Valley’’ as an appellation
of origin or in a brand name for wines
made from grapes grown within the
Snake River Valley would not be
affected by the establishment of this
new AVA. The establishment of the
proposed Eagle Foothills AVA would
allow vintners to use ‘‘Eagle Foothills’’
and ‘‘Snake River Valley’’ as
appellations of origin for wines made
from grapes grown within the proposed
Eagle Foothills AVA, if the wines meet
the eligibility requirements for the
appellation.
Public Participation
Comments Invited
TTB invites comments from interested
members of the public on whether it
should establish the proposed AVA.
TTB is also interested in receiving
comments on the sufficiency and
accuracy of the name, boundary, soils,
climate, and other required information
submitted in support of the petition. In
addition, given the proposed Eagle
Foothills AVA’s location within the
existing Snake River Valley AVA, TTB
is interested in comments on whether
the evidence submitted in the petition
regarding the distinguishing features of
the proposed AVA sufficiently
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differentiates it from the existing Snake
River Valley AVA. TTB is also
interested in comments on whether the
geographic features of the proposed
AVA are so distinguishable from the
surrounding Snake River Valley AVA
that the proposed Eagle Foothills AVA
should no longer be part of that AVA.
Please provide any available specific
information in support of your
comments.
Because of the potential impact of the
establishment of the proposed Eagle
Foothills AVA on wine labels that
include the term ‘‘Eagle Foothills’’ as
discussed above under Impact on
Current Wine Labels, TTB is
particularly interested in comments
regarding whether there will be a
conflict between the proposed AVA
name and currently used brand names.
If a commenter believes that a conflict
will arise, the comment should describe
the nature of that conflict, including any
anticipated negative economic impact
that approval of the proposed AVA will
have on an existing viticultural
enterprise. TTB is also interested in
receiving suggestions for ways to avoid
conflicts, for example, by adopting a
modified or different name for the AVA.
Submitting Comments
You may submit comments on this
notice by using one of the following
three methods:
• Federal e-Rulemaking Portal: You
may send comments via the online
comment form posted with this notice
within Docket No. TTB–2015–0006 on
‘‘Regulations.gov,’’ the Federal erulemaking portal, at https://
www.regulations.gov. A direct link to
that docket is available under Notice
No. 150 on the TTB Web site at
https://www.ttb.gov/wine/winerulemaking.shtml. Supplemental files
may be attached to comments submitted
via Regulations.gov. For complete
instructions on how to use
Regulations.gov, visit the site and click
on the ‘‘Help’’ tab.
• U.S. Mail: You may send comments
via postal mail to the Director,
Regulations and Rulings Division,
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade
Bureau, 1310 G Street NW., Box 12,
Washington, DC 20005.
• Hand Delivery/Courier: You may
hand-carry your comments or have them
hand-carried to the Alcohol and
Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, 1310 G
Street NW., Suite 200–E, Washington,
DC 20005.
Please submit your comments by the
closing date shown above in this notice.
Your comments must reference Notice
No. 150 and include your name and
mailing address. Your comments also
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must be made in English, be legible, and
be written in language acceptable for
public disclosure. TTB does not
acknowledge receipt of comments, and
TTB considers all comments as
originals.
In your comment, please clearly state
if you are commenting for yourself or on
behalf of an association, business, or
other entity. If you are commenting on
behalf of an entity, your comment must
include the entity’s name, as well as
your name and position title. If you
comment via Regulations.gov, please
enter the entity’s name in the
‘‘Organization’’ blank of the online
comment form. If you comment via
postal mail or hand delivery/courier,
please submit your entity’s comment on
letterhead.
You may also write to the
Administrator before the comment
closing date to ask for a public hearing.
The Administrator reserves the right to
determine whether to hold a public
hearing.
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
Confidentiality
All submitted comments and
attachments are part of the public record
and subject to disclosure. Do not
enclose any material in your comments
that you consider to be confidential or
inappropriate for public disclosure.
Public Disclosure
TTB will post, and you may view,
copies of this notice, selected
supporting materials, and any online or
mailed comments received about this
proposal within Docket No. TTB–2015–
0006 on the Federal e-rulemaking
portal, Regulations.gov, at https://
www.regulations.gov. A direct link to
that docket is available on the TTB Web
site at https://www.ttb.gov/wine/wine_
rulemaking.shtml under Notice No. 150.
You may also reach the relevant docket
through the Regulations.gov search page
at https://www.regulations.gov. For
information on how to use
Regulations.gov, click on the site’s
‘‘Help’’ tab.
All posted comments will display the
commenter’s name, organization (if
any), city, and State, and, in the case of
mailed comments, all address
information, including email addresses.
TTB may omit voluminous attachments
or material that the Bureau considers
unsuitable for posting.
You may also view copies of this
notice, all related petitions, maps and
other supporting materials, and any
electronic or mailed comments that TTB
receives about this proposal by
appointment at the TTB Information
Resource Center, 1310 G Street NW.,
Washington, DC 20005. You may also
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obtain copies at 20 cents per 8.5- x 11inch page. Please note that TTB is
unable to provide copies of USGS maps
or other similarly-sized documents that
may be included as part of the AVA
petition. Contact TTB’s information
specialist at the above address or by
telephone at 202–453–2270 to schedule
an appointment or to request copies of
comments or other materials.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
TTB certifies that this proposed
regulation, if adopted, would not have
a significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities.
The proposed regulation imposes no
new reporting, recordkeeping, or other
administrative requirement. Any benefit
derived from the use of a viticultural
area name would be the result of a
proprietor’s efforts and consumer
acceptance of wines from that area.
Therefore, no regulatory flexibility
analysis is required.
Executive Order 12866
It has been determined that this
proposed rule is not a significant
regulatory action as defined by
Executive Order 12866 of September 30,
1993. Therefore, no regulatory
assessment is required.
Drafting Information
Karen A. Thornton of the Regulations
and Rulings Division drafted this notice
of proposed rulemaking.
List of Subjects in 27 CFR Part 9
Wine.
Proposed Regulatory Amendment
For the reasons discussed in the
preamble, TTB proposes to amend title
27, chapter I, part 9, Code of Federal
Regulations, as follows:
PART 9—AMERICAN VITICULTURAL
AREAS
1. The authority citation for part 9
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 27 U.S.C. 205.
Subpart C—Approved American
Viticultural Areas
2. Subpart C is amended by adding
§ 9.___ to read as follows:
■
§ 9.
Eagle Foothills.
(a) Name. The name of the viticultural
area described in this section is ‘‘Eagle
Foothills’’. For purposes of part 4 of this
chapter, ‘‘Eagle Foothills’’ is a term of
viticultural significance.
(b) Approved maps. The 6 United
States Geological Survey (USGS)
1:24,000 scale topographic maps used to
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19913
determine the boundary of the Eagle
Foothills viticultural area are titled:
(1) Southwest Emmett, Idaho, 1970;
(2) Southeast Emmett, Idaho,
provisional edition 1985;
(3) Pearl, Idaho, provisional edition
1985;
(4) Eagle, Idaho, 1998;
(5) Star, Idaho, 1953; and
(6) Middleton, Idaho, 1958;
photorevised 1971.
(c) Boundary. The Eagle Foothills
viticultural area is located in Gem and
Ada Counties in Idaho. The boundary of
the Eagle Foothills viticultural area is as
described below:
(1) The beginning point is on the
Southwest Emmett map at the
intersection of the Ada, Gem, and
Canyon County lines at the
southwestern corner of section 31, T6N/
R1W.
(2) From the beginning point, proceed
north along the western boundary of
sections 31 and 30 to the northwest
corner of section 31, T6N/R1W; then
(3) Proceed north-northeast in a
straight line to the marked 3,109-foot
elevation point near the southwest
corner of section 31, T6N/R1W; then
(4) Proceed northeast in a straight
line, crossing onto the Southeast
Emmett map, to the marked 3,230-foot
elevation point in section 22, T6N/R1W;
then
(5) Proceed east-northeast in a straight
line to the marked 3,258-foot elevation
point in section 23, T6N/R1W; then
(6) Proceed easterly in a straight line
to the 3,493-foot elevation point in
section 23, T6N/R1W; then
(7) Proceed northeast in a straight line
to the 3,481-foot elevation point in
section 13, T6N/R1W; then
(8) Proceed northeast in a straight line
to the intersection of the marked 4wheel drive trail with the R1W range
line; then
(9) Proceed north along the R1W
range line to its first intersection with
the 3,400-foor elevation contour; then
(10) Proceed east along the
meandering 3,400-foot elevation
contour, crossing onto the Pearl map,
then continuing easterly, then southerly,
along the meandering 3,400-foot
elevation contour, crossing Schiller
Creek, the North and South Forks of
Willow Creek, and Big Gulch Creek, to
the first intersection of the 3,400-foot
contour line with the R1E/R2E range
line, with forms the eastern boundary of
section 13, T5N/R1E; then
(11) Proceed southeast in a straight
line to the marked 3,613-foot elevation
in point Section 18, T5N/R2E; then
(12) Proceed southwest in a straight
line to the marked 3,426-foot elevation
point in Section 24, T5N/R1E; then
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(13) Proceed west in a straight line to
the marked 3,416-foot elevation point in
Section 24, T5N/R1E; then
(14) Proceed west in a straight line to
the marked 3,119-foot elevation point in
Section 23, T5N/R1E; then
(15) Proceed south in a straight line to
the marked 3,366-foot elevation point in
Section 23, T5N/R1E; then
(16) Proceed southwest in a straight
line, crossing onto the Eagle map, to the
marked 3,372-foot elevation point in
Section 26, T5N/R1E; then
(17) Proceed northwest in a straight
line, crossing back onto the Pearl map,
to the marked 3,228-foot elevation point
in Section 22, T5N/R1E; then
(18) Proceed southwest in a straight
line to the marked 3,205-foot elevation
point in Section 22, T5N/R1E; then
(19) Proceed south in a straight line,
crossing onto the Eagle map, to the
marked 3,163-foot elevation point in
Section 27, T5N/R1E; then
(20) Proceed southwest in a straight
line to the marked 2,958-foot elevation
point in Section 28, T5N/R1E; then
(21) Proceed southwest in a straight
line to the northeast corner of section
32, T5N/R1E; then
(22) Proceed south along the eastern
boundary of Section 32 to the point
where the boundary joins Pearl Road,
then continue south along Pearl Road to
the intersection of the road with Beacon
Road; then
(23) Proceed west along Beacon Road,
crossing onto the Star map, to the
intersection of Beacon Road with an
unnamed light-duty road known locally
as North Wing Road at the southern
boundary of section 32, T5N/R1W; then
(24) Proceed south along North Wing
Road to the intersection of the road with
New Hope Road in Section 5, T4N/R1W;
then
(25) Proceed west along New Hope
Road, crossing onto the Middleton map,
to the intersection of the road with the
Ada-Canyon County line; then
(26) Proceed north along the AdaCanyon County line, crossing onto the
Southwest Emmett map, to the
beginning point.
Signed: April 7, 2015.
John J. Manfreda,
Administrator.
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[FR Doc. 2015–08496 Filed 4–13–15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4810–31–P
POSTAL SERVICE
39 CFR Part 111
Standards Governing the Design of
Curbside Mailboxes
AGENCY:
Postal ServiceTM.
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Notice of proposed revision of
standards; invitation to comment.
ACTION:
The Postal Service proposes
to replace USPS STD 7B, which governs
the design of curbside mailboxes, with
new USPS STD 7C. The proposed new
STD 7C was developed internally to
meet the operational requirements of the
Postal Service.
DATES: The Postal Service must receive
written comments on or before June 15,
2015.
ADDRESSES: Comments regarding this
proposal are invited. Written comments
should be mailed to U.S. Postal Service,
Delivery Operations ATTN: Ashlea
Meyer, 475 L’Enfant Plaza, Room 7142,
Washington, DC 20260–7142. Copies of
all written comments will be available
for public inspection and copying
between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, at the address
above.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ashlea Meyer, (202) 268–7256.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
SUMMARY:
Overview
U.S. Postal Service Standard,
Mailboxes, City and Rural Curbside,
USPS STD 7B, governs the design of
curbside mailboxes. Pursuant to the
Mailing Standards of the United States
Postal Service, Domestic Mail Manual
(DMM®) 508.3.2.1, USPS STD 7B
applies to mailboxes manufactured to be
erected at the edge of a roadway or
curbside of a street and to be served by
a carrier from a vehicle on any city
route, rural route, or highway contract
route. Copies of current STD 7B, or
other information about the
manufacture of curbside boxes may be
obtained from USPS Engineering, 8403
Lee Highway, Merrifield, VA 22082–
8101 (see DMM 608.8.0). The current
standard, effective February 8, 2001, (66
FR 9509–9522) prescribes designs that
in several respects are no longer ideal
for the operational requirements of the
Postal Service.
As discussed in more detail below,
the Postal Service is proposing that the
design and performance requirements
for new versions of both locking and
non-locking curbside mailboxes be
included in the proposed USPS STD 7C.
These new design options would be able
to accommodate the insertion and
removal of a new minimum-sized mail
item 7 inches high by 13 inches wide by
16 inches deep. We believe that
instituting these mailbox design options
would allow for improvement in the
Postal Service’s capacity for this mode
of delivery as vendors choose to
produce these curbside mailboxes, and
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should the mailboxes come into
widespread use.
The addition of these new design
options does not impact the continued
approval status of any current USPS
STD 7B mailbox.
Specific New Design Options Proposed
in New USPS STD 7C
Options incorporated in the proposed
new standard USPS STD 7C include the
following:
1. Introduces for a new version of
locked and non-locked mailbox designs
the requirement to accommodate the
insertion and removal of a test gauge
measuring 7 inches high by 13 inches
wide by 16 inches deep. This test gauge
is the most significant proposed change
for the new mailbox designs. The
proposed minimum size requirement
will allow for a much higher delivery
rate in the current mail stream.
2. Adds new Figures 1B and 3 for the
new enhanced capacity non-locked and
locked mailbox design options. These
figures provide overall design
parameters for the two new mailbox
design options and the figures are not
mandatory design templates.
3. Introduces, for the new locked
mailbox designs only, the requirement
to pass a 3-minute physical security test
of the customer access door (using a
specified set of pry tools) and a 3minute manual test to ensure that no
mail item can be removed through the
front carrier access door. The Postal
Service sees value in establishing a
USPS-performed test requirement for
this new locked curbside mailbox
design option. Any product validated to
meet this requirement would provide a
specified level of security that would be
adequate to thwart quick-strike attacks.
4. Reaffirms the prohibition of any
style of locks, locking devices, or inserts
that require the carrier to use a key or
restrict or reduce the interior opening of
the mailbox, once the front door has
been fully opened for any approved
non-locked curbside mailbox. ‘‘No mail
service’’ will continue to be the Postal
Service’s policy for any approved nonlocked curbside mailbox that has been
internally modified with any of these
unapproved add-on products. To assure
the effectiveness of the new minimum
parcel capacity requirement under
USPS STD 7C, internal obstructions that
prevent this requirement from being met
will result in a suspension of service
when the situation is identified.
5. Introduces minimal door catch and
signal flag force tests to ensure those
components meet prescribed limits.
6. Updates the provisions in Sections
6, Application Requirements and 7,
Approval or Disapproval. The
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 71 (Tuesday, April 14, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 19908-19914]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-08496]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau
27 CFR Part 9
[Docket No. TTB-2015-0006; Notice No. 150]
RIN 1513-AC18
Proposed Establishment of the Eagle Foothills Viticultural Area
AGENCY: Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, Treasury.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) proposes to
establish the approximately 49,815-acre ``Eagle Foothills''
viticultural area in Gem and Ada Counties in Idaho. The proposed
viticultural area lies entirely within the Snake River Valley
viticultural area. TTB designates viticultural areas to allow vintners
to better describe the origin of their wines and to allow consumers to
better identify wines they may purchase. TTB invites comments on this
proposed addition to its regulations.
DATES: Comments must be received by June 15, 2015.
ADDRESSES: Please send your comments on this notice to one of the
following addresses:
Internet: https://www.regulations.gov (via the online
comment form for this notice as posted within Docket No. TTB-2015-0006
at ``Regulations.gov,'' the Federal e-rulemaking portal);
U.S. Mail: Director, Regulations and Rulings Division,
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, 1310 G Street NW., Box 12,
Washington, DC 20005; or
Hand delivery/courier in lieu of mail: Alcohol and Tobacco
Tax and Trade Bureau, 1310 G Street NW., Suite 200-E, Washington, DC
20005.
See the Public Participation section of this notice for specific
instructions and requirements for submitting comments, and for
information on how to request a public hearing or view or obtain copies
of the petition and supporting materials.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karen A. Thornton, Regulations and
Rulings Division, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, 1310 G
Street
[[Page 19909]]
NW., Box 12, Washington, DC 20005; phone 202-453-1039, ext. 175.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background on Viticultural Areas
TTB Authority
Section 105(e) of the Federal Alcohol Administration Act (FAA Act),
27 U.S.C. 205(e), authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe
regulations for the labeling of wine, distilled spirits, and malt
beverages. The FAA Act provides that these regulations should, among
other things, prohibit consumer deception and the use of misleading
statements on labels and ensure that labels provide the consumer with
adequate information as to the identity and quality of the product. The
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) administers the FAA Act
pursuant to section 1111(d) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002,
codified at 6 U.S.C. 531(d). The Secretary has delegated various
authorities through Treasury Department Order 120-01 (Revised), dated
December 10, 2013, to the TTB Administrator to perform the functions
and duties in the administration and enforcement of this law.
Part 4 of the TTB regulations (27 CFR part 4) authorizes TTB to
establish definitive viticultural areas and regulate the use of their
names as appellations of origin on wine labels and in wine
advertisements. Part 9 of the TTB regulations (27 CFR part 9) sets
forth standards for the preparation and submission of petitions for the
establishment or modification of American viticultural areas (AVAs) and
lists the approved AVAs.
Definition
Section 4.25(e)(1)(i) of the TTB regulations (27 CFR 4.25(e)(1)(i))
defines a viticultural area for American wine as a delimited grape-
growing region having distinguishing features, as described in part 9
of the regulations, and a name and a delineated boundary, as
established in part 9 of the regulations. These designations allow
vintners and consumers to attribute a given quality, reputation, or
other characteristic of a wine made from grapes grown in an area to the
wine's geographic origin. The establishment of AVAs allows vintners to
describe more accurately the origin of their wines to consumers and
helps consumers to identify wines they may purchase. Establishment of
an AVA is neither an approval nor an endorsement by TTB of the wine
produced in that area.
Requirements
Section 4.25(e)(2) of the TTB regulations (27 CFR 4.25(e)(2))
outlines the procedure for proposing an AVA and provides that any
interested party may petition TTB to establish a grape-growing region
as an AVA. Section 9.12 of the TTB regulations (27 CFR 9.12) prescribes
the standards for petitions for the establishment or modification of
AVAs. Petitions to establish an AVA must include the following:
Evidence that the area within the proposed AVA boundary is
nationally or locally known by the AVA name specified in the petition;
An explanation of the basis for defining the boundary of
the proposed AVA;
A narrative description of the features of the proposed
AVA affecting viticulture, such as climate, geology, soils, physical
features, and elevation, that make the proposed AVA distinctive and
distinguish it from adjacent areas outside the proposed viticultural
AVA;
The appropriate United States Geological Survey (USGS)
map(s) showing the location of the proposed AVA, with the boundary of
the proposed AVA clearly drawn thereon; and
A detailed narrative description of the proposed AVA
boundary based on USGS map markings.
Eagle Foothills Petition
TTB received a petition from Martha Cunningham, owner of the 3
Horse Ranch Vineyards, on behalf of the local grape growers and
vintners, proposing the establishment of the ``Eagle Foothills'' AVA.
The original proposed name for the AVA was ``Willow Creek Idaho.''
However, after TTB determined that the name evidence provided in the
petition did not sufficiently demonstrate that the region is known by
that name, the petitioner submitted a request to change the proposed
AVA name to ``Eagle Foothills.''
The proposed Eagle Foothills AVA covers portions of Gem and Ada
Counties, Idaho, and is located to the immediate north of the city of
Eagle and approximately 10 miles northwest of the city of Boise. The
proposed AVA lies entirely within the established Snake River Valley
AVA (27 CFR 9.208) and does not overlap any other existing or proposed
AVA. The proposed Eagle Foothills AVA contains approximately 49,815
acres, with 9 commercially-producing vineyards covering a total of 67
acres distributed throughout the proposed AVA. The petition states that
an additional 4 acres will soon be added to an existing vineyard.
Additionally, 7 commercial vineyards covering approximately 472 acres
are planned within the proposed AVA in the next few years.
According to the petition, the distinguishing features of the
proposed Eagle Foothills AVA include its topography, soils, and
climate. Unless otherwise noted, all information and data pertaining to
the proposed AVA contained in this document are from the petition for
the proposed Eagle Foothills AVA and its supporting exhibits.
Name Evidence
The proposed Eagle Foothills AVA is located on the southwestern
flanks of Prospect Peak and Crown Point, two prominent peaks in the
mountainous region known as the ``Boise Front,'' which rises to the
east of the proposed AVA. Due to its location north of the city of
Eagle and within the foothills of the Boise Front, the region of the
proposed AVA is commonly referred to as the ``Eagle Foothills.''
The petitioner provided several examples of the use of ``Eagle
Foothills'' to refer to the region of the proposed AVA. For example, a
local ranch offers several guided horseback tours, including one
through the ``Eagle Foothills.'' \1\ A Web site dedicated to hiking in
Idaho features the ``Eagle Foothills Little Gulch Loop'' trail, which
is located within the proposed AVA.\2\ A news story from a local
television station described a wildfire within the proposed AVA, which
destroyed several houses in ``the Eagle Foothills.'' \3\ A Web site
dedicated to news and reviews of wines from the northwestern United
States features a story about 3 Horse Ranch Vineyards, which is located
within the proposed AVA, and refers to the vineyard and winery as being
located ``in the Eagle Foothills north of Boise.'' \4\ The Ada County
Highway District Web site includes a page about transportation projects
``in and around the Eagle Foothills,'' including funding to improve
State Highway 16, which runs through the proposed AVA.\5\ A real estate
listing for a home for sale within the proposed AVA, describes the home
as being ``close to the Eagle Foothills
[[Page 19910]]
equestrian trails.'' \6\ Finally, a planned community being developed
within a portion of the proposed AVA is described as covering ``land
running . . . along the Eagle Foothills.'' \7\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ www.sweetpepperranch.com/local-attractions/riding-destinations/eagle-foothills.
\2\ www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/1709698.
\3\ www.ktvb.com/story/local/2014/07/16/11528375.
\4\ Eric Degerman. ``Idaho's high-elevation Pinot Gris produces
awards, fans.'' Great Northwest Wine, June 11, 2013.
www.greatnorthwestwine.com/2013/06/11.
\5\ www.achdidaho.org/projects/PublicProject.aspx?ProjectID=124.
\6\ www.brechtproperties.com/Property/3175-W-Homer-Road-Eagle-Idaho.
\7\ www.m3companiesllc.com/communities/m3eagle.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boundary Evidence
The northern boundary of the proposed Eagle Foothills AVA follows
straight lines drawn between peaks marked on the USGS Southwest Emmett
and Southeast Emmett quadrangle maps. The boundary separates the rugged
terrain of the proposed AVA from the lower, flatter elevations of
Emmett Valley and the Payette River Plain. The proposed eastern
boundary follows the 3,400-foot elevation contour and lines drawn
between peaks on the USGS Pearl and Eagle quadrangle maps to
approximate the eastern boundary of the established Snake River Valley
AVA. TTB notes that the proposed boundary is only an approximation of
the Snake River Valley AVA because the established AVA's boundaries
were drawn using maps that measure elevations in meters instead of
feet. The proposed eastern boundary separates the proposed AVA from the
higher elevations of the Boise Front, including Prospect Peak and Crown
Point. The proposed southern boundary follows roads marked on the USGS
Eagle, Star, and Middleton quadrangle maps in order to separate the
proposed AVA from the lower elevations and urban landscape of the
cities of Eagle and Boise. The proposed western boundary follows the
Ada-Canyon County line and separates the proposed AVA from the lower
elevations and flatter terrain of the Boise River Plain.
Distinguishing Features
The distinguishing features of the proposed Eagle Foothills AVA
include its topography, soils, and climate.
Topography
According to the petition, the proposed Eagle Foothills AVA is
located within the Unwooded Alkaline Foothills ecoregion of Idaho.\8\
This ecoregion is defined as an arid, sparsely populated region of
rolling foothills, benches, and alluvial fans commonly underlain by
alkaline lake bed deposits. Perennial streams are rare, but limited
agriculture occurs where there is water available for irrigation. Most
of the landscape is used for grazing livestock or as wildlife habitat.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\8\ C.L. McGrath, Ecoregions of Idaho (Reston, VA: U.S.
Geological Survey, 2002).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
A network of seasonal creeks, including Willow Creek, Big Gulch
Creek, Little Gulch Creek, Woods Gulch, and their tributaries, flow
southwesterly through the proposed AVA and have etched deep gulches.
The rugged terrain has a variety of slope aspects, including a
multitude of south-facing slopes that are preferred by vineyard owners.
Slope angles vary within the proposed AVA from 2 to 15 degrees, with an
average of 8 degrees. Elevations within the proposed AVA range from
2,490 feet to approximately 3,400 feet, with an average elevation of
approximately 2,900 feet.
The topography of the proposed Eagle Foothills AVA is
distinguishable from that of the surrounding regions. To the north of
the proposed AVA is Emmett Valley and the Payette River Plain, which
are classified within the Treasure Valley ecoregion of Idaho. The
Treasure Valley ecoregion is described as being heavily irrigated for
agricultural purposes and having a much greater population density than
the Unwooded Alkaline Foothills ecoregion in which the proposed AVA is
located.\9\ Elevations in Emmett Valley and the Payette River Plain are
lower and flatter than within the proposed AVA. To the east of the
proposed AVA is the mountainous region known as the Boise Front, which
has higher elevations than the proposed AVA. Crown Point and Prospect
Peak, the two peaks in the Boise Front that are closest to the proposed
AVA, reach 5,163 feet and 4,867 feet, respectively. To the south and
west of the proposed AVA is the Boise River Plain, which has lower
elevations and is classified as a continuation of the Treasure Valley
ecoregion. Slope angles are shallow in the Boise River Plain, averaging
less than 2 percent. The region to the south of the proposed AVA is
also heavily urbanized and contains the cities of Boise and Eagle, in
contrast with the relatively undeveloped proposed AVA.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\9\ Ibid.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The topography of the proposed Eagle Foothills AVA has an effect on
viticulture. For example, the elevations within the proposed AVA are
higher than the elevations in the regions to the north, west and south,
so cold air drains away from the proposed AVA and pools in the
neighboring plains and valleys. As a result, damaging frosts are not as
common within the proposed AVA as they are in the lower surrounding
regions. Additionally, the abundance of south-facing slopes within the
proposed AVA allows vineyards to be planted where the vines can receive
the most sunlight. According to the petition, a vineyard on a south-
facing slope with a 10 percent slope angle can receive 25 percent more
sunlight than a vineyard planted on a flat site.
Soils
Loams, sandy loams, coarse sandy loams, and stony loams are the
predominate soils of the proposed Eagle Foothills AVA. These soils
derived from the erosion of the sedimentary bedrock that once formed
the bottom of the ancient Lake Idaho, as well as from the erosion of
the granitic mountains of the Boise Front. Small amounts of volcanic
ash are present in the soils, and levels of organic matter are low. The
soils are notable for their large, irregularly shaped, coarse grains,
which allow water to drain quickly and thoroughly and contribute to a
relatively low water-holding capacity. Depth to bedrock ranges from 25
to 50 inches, and pH levels range from mildly acidic (6.75) to mildly
alkaline (7.25).
The soils of the surrounding regions are distinguishable from the
soils of the proposed AVA. To the north and south of the proposed AVA,
the soils are primarily derived from active flood-plain alluvium from
the Payette and Boise River systems, respectively. These soils have a
finer, more uniform texture and greater water-holding capacity than the
coarser, larger-grained soils of the proposed Eagle Foothills AVA. To
the east, the soils in the mountains of the Boise Front are derived
primarily from granite and volcanic materials and lack the sedimentary
materials found in the soils of the proposed AVA. To the west of the
proposed AVA, the soils become increasingly fine-grained and the depth
to bedrock increases due to greater wind-blown and alluvial deposition.
According to the petition, soils to the west of the proposed AVA can
reach depths of 150 inches or more.
The soils of the proposed Eagle Foothills AVA have an effect on
viticulture. The large, coarse, irregularly shaped grains found in most
of the soils of the proposed AVA do not fit together tightly, allowing
for ``pockets'' of oxygen to form between the grains. These ``pockets''
promote healthy root growth because if a soil is too compacted, the
roots can essentially suffocate and die from lack of oxygen. The spaces
between soil grains also discourage rot and mildew because they allow
water to drain more rapidly than finer, uniform soil grains that are
more closely packed together. The depth of the soil within the proposed
AVA allows roots to reach depths that are deep enough to not be overly
sensitive
[[Page 19911]]
to changes in soil moisture level, but the soils are not so deep as to
encourage overly vigorous vine growth. Finally, the pH levels of the
soils are neutral enough to promote the optimal absorption of necessary
mineral nutrients such as zinc and iron.
Climate
The petition provided information to show that the climate of the
proposed Eagle Foothills AVA is distinguishable from that of the
surrounding regions. The following table from the petition summarizes
the annual precipitation amounts, average growing season temperature,
growing degree day (GDD) accumulation \10\, last spring and first fall
frost dates, and length of the frost-free period for the proposed AVA
and the surrounding regions \11\. Because there are no weather stations
located within the proposed AVA, the petitioner used the PRISM climate
model \12\ to estimate the temperature and precipitation data for the
proposed AVA.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\10\ In the Winkler climate classification system, annual heat
accumulation during the growing season, measured in annual growing
degree days (GDD), defines climatic regions. One GDD accumulates for
each degree Fahrenheit that a day's mean temperature is above 50
degrees, the minimum temperature required for grapevine growth
(``General Viticulture,'' by Albert J. Winkler, University of
California Press, 1974, pages 61-64).
\11\ Data for the listed weather stations gathered from the
Western Regional Climate Center, www.wrcc.dri.edu.
\12\ The Parameter Elevation Regression on Independent Slopes
Model (PRISM) climate data mapping system combined climate normals
gathered from weather stations, along with other factors such as
elevation, longitude, slope angles, and solar aspect to estimate the
general climate patterns for the proposed AVA and the surrounding
regions. Climate normals are only calculated every 10 years, using
30 years of data, and at the time the petition was submitted, the
most recent climate normals available were from the period of 1971-
2000.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boise-Air
Proposed Eagle Caldwell Emmett (north of Nampa (southwest Boise-``7 N'' Terminal Station
Variable Foothills AVA (southwest of proposed AVA) of proposed AVA) Station (east of (southeast of
proposed AVA) proposed AVA) proposed AVA)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average annual precipitation 14.3.............. 11.4.............. 13.8.............. 10.9.............. 19.2.............. 11.7.
(inches).
Average annual GDD accumulation. 2,418............. 2,939............. 2,728............. 2,695............. 2,299............. 2,930.
Average date of last spring May 12............ April 24.......... May 6............. May 5............. May 24............ May 10.
frost.
Average date of first fall frost October 3......... October 7......... October 7......... October 11........ October 5......... October 6.
Average annual frost-free period 144............... 165............... 153............... 160............... 133............... 149.
(days).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The proposed Eagle Foothills AVA has a cool climate, as evidenced
by the short growing season and low GDD accumulations. The cool climate
of the proposed AVA places it in Region 1b of the Winkler
classification system, meaning that early- and mid-season varieties of
grapes, such as Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Riesling, can successfully
grow and ripen. Additionally, the cool temperatures of the proposed AVA
produce grapes with lower acidity levels than the same grape varietals
grown in warmer climates. Finally, the rainfall amounts within the
proposed AVA are sufficient to promote healthy vine growth but also are
low enough to produce small berries with concentrated flavors that are
not diluted by an excess of water.
The climate of the proposed Eagle Foothills AVA is different from
that of the surrounding region. The higher elevations to the east,
where the Boise ``7N'' weather station is located, have higher
precipitation amounts, a shorter growing season, and lower GDD
accumulations (indicating cooler growing season temperatures) that
would not allow most varieties of grapes to ripen reliably. The
Caldwell, Emmett, Nampa, and Boise Air Terminal weather stations, all
of which are at lower elevations than the proposed AVA, have lower
precipitation amounts, a longer growing season, and higher GDD
accumulations (indicating warmer growing season temperatures). Based on
the GDD accumulations, these lower plains regions are classified as
Region II areas in the Winkler classification system.
Summary of Distinguishing Features
In summary, the topography, soils, and climate of the proposed
Eagle Foothills AVA distinguish it from the surrounding regions. The
following table, derived from information in the petition, compares the
features of the proposed AVA to the features of the surrounding areas.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Region Characteristics
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proposed Eagle Foothills AVA. Rugged terrain; moderate elevations; low
GDD accumulations; short growing season;
moderate annual rainfall amounts;
rapidly-draining coarse-grained soils
derived from sedimentary bedrock.
North, South, and West of Flat valley terrain; low elevations; low
proposed AVA. annual rainfall amounts; high GDD
accumulations; long growing season; slow
draining, fine-grained soils derived
from alluvium.
East of proposed AVA......... Mountainous terrain; very high
elevations; very low GDD accumulations;
very short growing season; high annual
rainfall amounts; soils derived from
granite and volcanic material.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comparison of the Proposed Eagle Foothills AVA to the Existing Snake
River Valley AVA
Snake River Valley AVA
T.D. TTB-59, which published in the Federal Register on March 9,
2007 (72 FR 10598), established the Snake River Valley AVA in portions
of southeastern Oregon and southwestern Idaho. The AVA covers the
remains of the ancient Lake Idaho, which filled the western part of the
Snake River Valley approximately 4 million years ago. Much of the AVA
boundary follows the 1,040-meter elevation contour because conditions
above that elevation are not conducive to viticulture. The Snake River
Valley AVA is described in T.D. TTB-59 as a semiarid desert with annual
rainfall amounts of 10 to 12
[[Page 19912]]
inches and as having a frost-free period from May 10 to September 29.
Vineyards within the AVA are typically planted in shallow soils on
slopes.
The proposed Eagle Foothills AVA is located along the eastern edge
of the Snake River Valley AVA and shares some broad characteristics
with the established AVA. The proposed AVA is also located within the
remains of ancient Lake Idaho at elevations below 1,040 meters
(approximately 3,412 feet). Like much of the Snake River Valley AVA,
the proposed Eagle Foothills AVA is a semiarid region with vineyards
planted on slopes to maximize sunlight exposure and minimize the risk
of frost. However, the proposed viticultural area receives several more
inches of rainfall annually, in comparison with the majority of the
Snake River Valley AVA. Additionally, the growing season for the
proposed Eagle Foothills AVA is slightly longer. Finally, although T.D.
TTB-59 states that the soils within the large Snake River Valley AVA
are too varied to be a distinguishing feature, the much smaller
proposed Eagle Foothills AVA has fairly uniform soil characteristics
throughout, and the soils of the proposed AVA can be distinguished from
the soils of the surrounding regions.
TTB Determination
TTB concludes that the petition to establish the approximately
49,815-acre Eagle Foothills AVA merits consideration and public
comment, as invited in this notice of proposed rulemaking.
Boundary Description
See the narrative description of the boundary of the petitioned-for
AVA in the proposed regulatory text published at the end of this
proposed rule.
Maps
The petitioner provided the required maps, and they are listed
below in the proposed regulatory text.
Impact on Current Wine Labels
Part 4 of the TTB regulations prohibits any label reference on a
wine that indicates or implies an origin other than the wine's true
place of origin. For a wine to be labeled with an AVA name or with a
brand name that includes an AVA name or other term identified as being
viticulturally significance in part 9 of the TTB regulations, at least
85 percent of the wine must be derived from grapes grown within the
area represented by that name or other term, and the wine must meet the
other conditions listed in 27 CFR 4.25(e)(3). If the wine is not
eligible for labeling with an AVA name or other viticulturally
significant term and that name or term appears in the brand name, then
the label is not in compliance and the bottler must change the brand
name and obtain approval of a new label. Similarly, if the AVA name or
other viticulturally significant term appears in another reference on
the label in a misleading manner, the bottler would have to obtain
approval of a new label. Different rules apply if a wine has a brand
name containing an AVA name or other viticulturally significant term
that was used as a brand name on a label approved before July 7, 1986.
See Sec. 4.39(i)(2) of the TTB regulations (27 CFR 4.39(i)(2)) for
details.
If TTB establishes this proposed AVA, its name, ``Eagle
Foothills,'' will be recognized as a name of viticultural significance
under Sec. 4.39(i)(3) of the TTB regulations (27 CFR 4.39(i)(3)). The
text of the proposed regulation clarifies this point. Consequently,
wine bottlers using the name ``Eagle Foothills'' in a brand name,
including a trademark, or in another label reference as to the origin
of the wine, would have to ensure that the product is eligible to use
the AVA name as an appellation of origin if this proposed rule is
adopted as a final rule.
The approval of the proposed Eagle Foothills AVA would not affect
any existing AVA, and any bottlers using ``Snake River Valley'' as an
appellation of origin or in a brand name for wines made from grapes
grown within the Snake River Valley would not be affected by the
establishment of this new AVA. The establishment of the proposed Eagle
Foothills AVA would allow vintners to use ``Eagle Foothills'' and
``Snake River Valley'' as appellations of origin for wines made from
grapes grown within the proposed Eagle Foothills AVA, if the wines meet
the eligibility requirements for the appellation.
Public Participation
Comments Invited
TTB invites comments from interested members of the public on
whether it should establish the proposed AVA. TTB is also interested in
receiving comments on the sufficiency and accuracy of the name,
boundary, soils, climate, and other required information submitted in
support of the petition. In addition, given the proposed Eagle
Foothills AVA's location within the existing Snake River Valley AVA,
TTB is interested in comments on whether the evidence submitted in the
petition regarding the distinguishing features of the proposed AVA
sufficiently differentiates it from the existing Snake River Valley
AVA. TTB is also interested in comments on whether the geographic
features of the proposed AVA are so distinguishable from the
surrounding Snake River Valley AVA that the proposed Eagle Foothills
AVA should no longer be part of that AVA. Please provide any available
specific information in support of your comments.
Because of the potential impact of the establishment of the
proposed Eagle Foothills AVA on wine labels that include the term
``Eagle Foothills'' as discussed above under Impact on Current Wine
Labels, TTB is particularly interested in comments regarding whether
there will be a conflict between the proposed AVA name and currently
used brand names. If a commenter believes that a conflict will arise,
the comment should describe the nature of that conflict, including any
anticipated negative economic impact that approval of the proposed AVA
will have on an existing viticultural enterprise. TTB is also
interested in receiving suggestions for ways to avoid conflicts, for
example, by adopting a modified or different name for the AVA.
Submitting Comments
You may submit comments on this notice by using one of the
following three methods:
Federal e-Rulemaking Portal: You may send comments via the
online comment form posted with this notice within Docket No. TTB-2015-
0006 on ``Regulations.gov,'' the Federal e-rulemaking portal, at https://www.regulations.gov. A direct link to that docket is available under
Notice No. 150 on the TTB Web site at https://www.ttb.gov/wine/wine_rulemaking.shtml">https://www.ttb.gov/wine/wine_rulemaking.shtml. Supplemental files may be attached to comments
submitted via Regulations.gov. For complete instructions on how to use
Regulations.gov, visit the site and click on the ``Help'' tab.
U.S. Mail: You may send comments via postal mail to the
Director, Regulations and Rulings Division, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and
Trade Bureau, 1310 G Street NW., Box 12, Washington, DC 20005.
Hand Delivery/Courier: You may hand-carry your comments or
have them hand-carried to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau,
1310 G Street NW., Suite 200-E, Washington, DC 20005.
Please submit your comments by the closing date shown above in this
notice. Your comments must reference Notice No. 150 and include your
name and mailing address. Your comments also
[[Page 19913]]
must be made in English, be legible, and be written in language
acceptable for public disclosure. TTB does not acknowledge receipt of
comments, and TTB considers all comments as originals.
In your comment, please clearly state if you are commenting for
yourself or on behalf of an association, business, or other entity. If
you are commenting on behalf of an entity, your comment must include
the entity's name, as well as your name and position title. If you
comment via Regulations.gov, please enter the entity's name in the
``Organization'' blank of the online comment form. If you comment via
postal mail or hand delivery/courier, please submit your entity's
comment on letterhead.
You may also write to the Administrator before the comment closing
date to ask for a public hearing. The Administrator reserves the right
to determine whether to hold a public hearing.
Confidentiality
All submitted comments and attachments are part of the public
record and subject to disclosure. Do not enclose any material in your
comments that you consider to be confidential or inappropriate for
public disclosure.
Public Disclosure
TTB will post, and you may view, copies of this notice, selected
supporting materials, and any online or mailed comments received about
this proposal within Docket No. TTB-2015-0006 on the Federal e-
rulemaking portal, Regulations.gov, at https://www.regulations.gov. A
direct link to that docket is available on the TTB Web site at https://www.ttb.gov/wine/wine_rulemaking.shtml under Notice No. 150. You may
also reach the relevant docket through the Regulations.gov search page
at https://www.regulations.gov. For information on how to use
Regulations.gov, click on the site's ``Help'' tab.
All posted comments will display the commenter's name, organization
(if any), city, and State, and, in the case of mailed comments, all
address information, including email addresses. TTB may omit voluminous
attachments or material that the Bureau considers unsuitable for
posting.
You may also view copies of this notice, all related petitions,
maps and other supporting materials, and any electronic or mailed
comments that TTB receives about this proposal by appointment at the
TTB Information Resource Center, 1310 G Street NW., Washington, DC
20005. You may also obtain copies at 20 cents per 8.5- x 11-inch page.
Please note that TTB is unable to provide copies of USGS maps or other
similarly-sized documents that may be included as part of the AVA
petition. Contact TTB's information specialist at the above address or
by telephone at 202-453-2270 to schedule an appointment or to request
copies of comments or other materials.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
TTB certifies that this proposed regulation, if adopted, would not
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small
entities. The proposed regulation imposes no new reporting,
recordkeeping, or other administrative requirement. Any benefit derived
from the use of a viticultural area name would be the result of a
proprietor's efforts and consumer acceptance of wines from that area.
Therefore, no regulatory flexibility analysis is required.
Executive Order 12866
It has been determined that this proposed rule is not a significant
regulatory action as defined by Executive Order 12866 of September 30,
1993. Therefore, no regulatory assessment is required.
Drafting Information
Karen A. Thornton of the Regulations and Rulings Division drafted
this notice of proposed rulemaking.
List of Subjects in 27 CFR Part 9
Wine.
Proposed Regulatory Amendment
For the reasons discussed in the preamble, TTB proposes to amend
title 27, chapter I, part 9, Code of Federal Regulations, as follows:
PART 9--AMERICAN VITICULTURAL AREAS
0
1. The authority citation for part 9 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 27 U.S.C. 205.
Subpart C--Approved American Viticultural Areas
0
2. Subpart C is amended by adding Sec. 9.___ to read as follows:
Sec. 9. Eagle Foothills.
(a) Name. The name of the viticultural area described in this
section is ``Eagle Foothills''. For purposes of part 4 of this chapter,
``Eagle Foothills'' is a term of viticultural significance.
(b) Approved maps. The 6 United States Geological Survey (USGS)
1:24,000 scale topographic maps used to determine the boundary of the
Eagle Foothills viticultural area are titled:
(1) Southwest Emmett, Idaho, 1970;
(2) Southeast Emmett, Idaho, provisional edition 1985;
(3) Pearl, Idaho, provisional edition 1985;
(4) Eagle, Idaho, 1998;
(5) Star, Idaho, 1953; and
(6) Middleton, Idaho, 1958; photorevised 1971.
(c) Boundary. The Eagle Foothills viticultural area is located in
Gem and Ada Counties in Idaho. The boundary of the Eagle Foothills
viticultural area is as described below:
(1) The beginning point is on the Southwest Emmett map at the
intersection of the Ada, Gem, and Canyon County lines at the
southwestern corner of section 31, T6N/R1W.
(2) From the beginning point, proceed north along the western
boundary of sections 31 and 30 to the northwest corner of section 31,
T6N/R1W; then
(3) Proceed north-northeast in a straight line to the marked 3,109-
foot elevation point near the southwest corner of section 31, T6N/R1W;
then
(4) Proceed northeast in a straight line, crossing onto the
Southeast Emmett map, to the marked 3,230-foot elevation point in
section 22, T6N/R1W; then
(5) Proceed east-northeast in a straight line to the marked 3,258-
foot elevation point in section 23, T6N/R1W; then
(6) Proceed easterly in a straight line to the 3,493-foot elevation
point in section 23, T6N/R1W; then
(7) Proceed northeast in a straight line to the 3,481-foot
elevation point in section 13, T6N/R1W; then
(8) Proceed northeast in a straight line to the intersection of the
marked 4-wheel drive trail with the R1W range line; then
(9) Proceed north along the R1W range line to its first
intersection with the 3,400-foor elevation contour; then
(10) Proceed east along the meandering 3,400-foot elevation
contour, crossing onto the Pearl map, then continuing easterly, then
southerly, along the meandering 3,400-foot elevation contour, crossing
Schiller Creek, the North and South Forks of Willow Creek, and Big
Gulch Creek, to the first intersection of the 3,400-foot contour line
with the R1E/R2E range line, with forms the eastern boundary of section
13, T5N/R1E; then
(11) Proceed southeast in a straight line to the marked 3,613-foot
elevation in point Section 18, T5N/R2E; then
(12) Proceed southwest in a straight line to the marked 3,426-foot
elevation point in Section 24, T5N/R1E; then
[[Page 19914]]
(13) Proceed west in a straight line to the marked 3,416-foot
elevation point in Section 24, T5N/R1E; then
(14) Proceed west in a straight line to the marked 3,119-foot
elevation point in Section 23, T5N/R1E; then
(15) Proceed south in a straight line to the marked 3,366-foot
elevation point in Section 23, T5N/R1E; then
(16) Proceed southwest in a straight line, crossing onto the Eagle
map, to the marked 3,372-foot elevation point in Section 26, T5N/R1E;
then
(17) Proceed northwest in a straight line, crossing back onto the
Pearl map, to the marked 3,228-foot elevation point in Section 22, T5N/
R1E; then
(18) Proceed southwest in a straight line to the marked 3,205-foot
elevation point in Section 22, T5N/R1E; then
(19) Proceed south in a straight line, crossing onto the Eagle map,
to the marked 3,163-foot elevation point in Section 27, T5N/R1E; then
(20) Proceed southwest in a straight line to the marked 2,958-foot
elevation point in Section 28, T5N/R1E; then
(21) Proceed southwest in a straight line to the northeast corner
of section 32, T5N/R1E; then
(22) Proceed south along the eastern boundary of Section 32 to the
point where the boundary joins Pearl Road, then continue south along
Pearl Road to the intersection of the road with Beacon Road; then
(23) Proceed west along Beacon Road, crossing onto the Star map, to
the intersection of Beacon Road with an unnamed light-duty road known
locally as North Wing Road at the southern boundary of section 32, T5N/
R1W; then
(24) Proceed south along North Wing Road to the intersection of the
road with New Hope Road in Section 5, T4N/R1W; then
(25) Proceed west along New Hope Road, crossing onto the Middleton
map, to the intersection of the road with the Ada-Canyon County line;
then
(26) Proceed north along the Ada-Canyon County line, crossing onto
the Southwest Emmett map, to the beginning point.
Signed: April 7, 2015.
John J. Manfreda,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2015-08496 Filed 4-13-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4810-31-P
