Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests; Gunnison County; Colorado; Crested Butte Mountain Resort Ski Area Projects, 68497-68498 [2015-27718]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 214 / Thursday, November 5, 2015 / Notices provided to the State agency without a signed agreement. Description of Respondents: State, Local, or Tribal Government. Number of Respondents: 188. Frequency of Responses: Recordkeeping; Reporting: Annually. Total Burden Hours: 31. Ruth Brown, Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. 2015–28270 Filed 11–4–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–30–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests; Gunnison County; Colorado; Crested Butte Mountain Resort Ski Area Projects Forest Service, USDA. Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement. AGENCY: ACTION: Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR) has submitted a proposal to the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests (NF) to pursue approval of select projects from its 2013 Master Development Plan (MDP). The GMUG has accepted this proposal and is initiating the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to analyze and disclose the potential environmental effects of implementing the projects. The Proposed Action includes: A Special Use Permit (SUP) boundary adjustment to include skiable terrain in the Teo Drainage area, the addition of lift-served terrain in the Teo Park and Teo Drainage area, installation of additional snowmaking infrastructure, realignment of the existing North Face lift, and supplemental mountain biking trails. DATES: Comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received by December 7, 2015. Two public open houses regarding this proposal will be held: One on November 18, 2015 from 5–8 p.m.; and one on November 19, 2015 from 5–8 p.m. (See the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for further information on the open houses). The draft environmental impact statement is expected to be available for public review in November 2016, and the final environmental impact statement is expected June 2017. ADDRESSES: Send written comments to: Scott Armentrout, Forest Supervisor, c/ o Aaron Drendel, Recreation Staff Officer, Gunnison Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:06 Nov 04, 2015 Jkt 238001 Gunnison National Forests, 216 N. Colorado St., Gunnison, CO 81230; FAX (970) 642–4425 or by email to: cbmr@ fs.fed.us (please include ‘‘CBMR EIS Projects’’ in the subject line). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Additional information related to the proposed project can be obtained from: Aaron Drendel, Recreation Staff Officer, Gunnison Ranger District. Mr. Drendel can be reached by phone at (970) 641– 0471 or by email at adrendel@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 Forest Service is responding to an application submitted under the National Forest Ski Area Permit Act of 1986 and Ski Area Recreational Opportunity Enhancement Act of 2011 (SAROEA) by CBMR to implement projects from their accepted MDP. In the MDP, CBMR identified a deficiency in developed intermediate/advanced terrain compared with CBMR’s skier and rider market. It also noted a slight deficit of developed expert terrain. The MDP also identifies a need to enhance summer recreation activities (consistent with the SAREOEA) in order to meet increasing guest expectations. The GMUG, through acceptance of CBMR’s Master Development Plan, has identified a need to: • Meet increased public demand for developed intermediate, advanced, and expert terrain skiing terrain by developing the main mountain; • Develop the total amount of developed and undeveloped terrain and ski pods, with an emphasis on intermediate and advanced skiers, in order to increase the skiing opportunities for the guests and thereby increase their length of stay; • Provide an expanded offering of additional recreational activities for year-round utilization of existing facilities, consistent with summer use impact zones in the MDP; • Continue to increase the quality of the facilities to meet the ever-increasing expectations of the local, regional, and destination skier markets; and • Improve skier circulation and opportunities by realigning the North Face Lift and adding snowmaking infrastructure. Proposed Action The Proposed Action includes the following six elements: PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 68497 • SUP boundary adjustment and amendment to the 1991 GMUG National Forests’ Amended Land and Resource Management Plan; • Construction of new intermediate and advanced ski trails and glades in Teo Park and Teo Drainage; • Construction of two new lifts (Teo Drainage, and Teo Park), and realignment of the existing North Face lift; • New snowmaking infrastructure on the following existing trails: Championship, Black Eagle, Lower Gallowich, Rachel’s, and Shep’s Chute; • Construction of approximately 2,300 feet of new road and 450 feet of realigned road for construction and maintenance access; and • Construction of approximately 15 miles of multi-use and mountain biking trails. A full description of each element can be found at: www.crestedbutte-eis.com. Responsible Official The Responsible Official is Scott Armentrout, Forest Supervisor for the GMUG. Nature of Decision To Be Made Given the purpose and need, the Responsible Official will review the proposed action, the other alternatives, and the environmental consequences in order to decide the following: • Whether to approve, approve with modifications, or deny the application for additional ski area improvements and associated activities. • Whether to prescribe conditions needed for the protection of the environment on NFS lands. • Whether or not to approve a sitespecific Forest Plan Amendment changing the management area boundaries for the expansion. Permits or Licenses Required Forest Service Special Use Permit (SUP) 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 projects. Two public open houses regarding this proposal will be held: one at the Fred R. Field Western Heritage Center located at 275 S. Spruce Street, Gunnison, CO 81230 on November 18, 2015 from 5–8 p.m.; and one at the Ballrooms at the Lodge at Mountaineer Square, 620 Gothic Road, E:\FR\FM\05NON1.SGM 05NON1 68498 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 214 / Thursday, November 5, 2015 / Notices Crested Butte, CO 81225 on November 19, 2015 from 5–8 p.m. Representatives from the GMUG and CBMR will be present to answer questions and provide additional information on this project. To be most helpful, comments should be specific to the project area and should identify resources or effects that should be considered by the Forest Service. Submitting timely, specific written comments during this scoping period or any other official comment period establishes standing for filing objections under 36 CFR part 218, subparts A and B. Additional information and maps of this proposal can be found at: www.crestedbutteeis.com. 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. Dated: October 26, 2015. Scott Armentrout, Forest Supervisor. [FR Doc. 2015–27718 Filed 11–4–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3411–15–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Yavapai Resource Advisory Committee Forest Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice of meeting. AGENCY: The Yavapai Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet in Prescott, Arizona. The committee is authorized under the Secure Rural Schools and Community SelfDetermination Act (the Act) and operates in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The purpose of the committee is to improve collaborative relationships and to provide advice and recommendations to the Forest Service concerning projects and funding consistent with Title II of the Act. Additional RAC information, including the meeting agenda and the meeting summary/minutes can be found at the following Web site: https:// jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:06 Nov 04, 2015 Jkt 238001 www.fs.usda.gov/main/prescott/ workingtogether/advisorycommittees. DATES: The meeting will be held December 1, 2015, at 9:00 a.m. All RAC meetings are subject to cancellation. For status of meeting prior to attendance, please contact the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the Prescott Fire Center, 2400 Melville Drive, Prescott, Arizona. Written comments may be submitted as described under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. All comments, including names and addresses when provided, are placed in the record and are available for public inspection and copying. The public may inspect comments received at the Prescott National Forest Supervisor’s Office, 2971 Willow Creek Road, Bldg. 4, Prescott, Arizona. Please call ahead to facilitate entry into the building. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Debbie Maneely, RAC Coordinator, by phone at 928–443–8130 or via email at dmaneely@fs.fed.us. Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–800–877–8339 between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The purpose of the meeting is: 1. Update RAC on Outreach Efforts For Vacant Positions; 2. Review Round 5 Projects; and 3. Rank and Select Round 5 Projects. The meeting is open to the public. The agenda will include time for people to make oral statements of three minutes or less. Individuals wishing to make an oral statement should request in writing by December 1, 2015, to be scheduled on the agenda. Anyone who would like to bring related matters to the attention of the committee may file written statements with the committee staff before or after the meeting. Written comments and requests for time to make oral comments must be sent to Debbie Maneely, RAC Coordinator, 344 South Cortez, Prescott, Arizona 86301; or by email to dmaneely@fs.fed.us, or via facsimile to 928–443–8208. 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 accommodation for access to the facility or proceedings by contacting the person listed in the section titled FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. All reasonable PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 accommodation requests are managed on a case by case basis. Dated: October 28, 2015. Teresa A. Chase, Forest Supervisor. [FR Doc. 2015–28201 Filed 11–4–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3411–15–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Natural Resources Conservation Service [Docket No. NRCS–2015–0014] Notice of Availability of Proposed Changes to Section I of the Illinois Field Office Technical Guide for Public Review and Comment Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). ACTION: Notice and request for comments. AGENCY: NRCS is proposing to revise Section I of the Illinois Field Office Technical Guide to include ‘‘Guidance for Illinois Food Security Act Wetland Determinations Including Offsite Methods’’ which will replace the existing ‘‘Wetland Mapping Conventions NRCS Illinois’’ (commonly referred as State Wetland Mapping Conventions). DATES: Effective Date: This notice is effective November 5, 2015. ‘‘Guidance for Illinois Food Security Act Wetland Determinations Including Offsite Methods’’ is in final draft, subject to revision and will be utilized immediately in order to better service requests for wetland determinations for compliance with the Food Security Act of 1985 (as amended) in a timely manner. Comment Date: Submit comments on or before December 7, 2015. ADDRESSES: Comments should be submitted, identified by Docket Number NRCS–2015–0014, using any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Mail or hand-delivery: Submit state specific comments to the Illinois NRCS State Office, located at 2118 West Park Court, Champaign, Illinois 61821. • NRCS will post all comments on https://www.regulations.gov. In general, personal information provided with comments will be posted. If your comment includes your address, phone number, email, or other personal identifying information, your SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\05NON1.SGM 05NON1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 214 (Thursday, November 5, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 68497-68498]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-27718]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests; Gunnison 
County; Colorado; Crested Butte Mountain Resort Ski Area Projects

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

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

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

SUMMARY: Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR) has submitted a proposal 
to the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests 
(NF) to pursue approval of select projects from its 2013 Master 
Development Plan (MDP). The GMUG has accepted this proposal and is 
initiating the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) 
to analyze and disclose the potential environmental effects of 
implementing the projects. The Proposed Action includes: A Special Use 
Permit (SUP) boundary adjustment to include skiable terrain in the Teo 
Drainage area, the addition of lift-served terrain in the Teo Park and 
Teo Drainage area, installation of additional snowmaking 
infrastructure, realignment of the existing North Face lift, and 
supplemental mountain biking trails.

DATES: Comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received 
by December 7, 2015. Two public open houses regarding this proposal 
will be held: One on November 18, 2015 from 5-8 p.m.; and one on 
November 19, 2015 from 5-8 p.m. (See the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION 
section for further information on the open houses). The draft 
environmental impact statement is expected to be available for public 
review in November 2016, and the final environmental impact statement 
is expected June 2017.

ADDRESSES: Send written comments to: Scott Armentrout, Forest 
Supervisor, c/o Aaron Drendel, Recreation Staff Officer, Gunnison 
Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National 
Forests, 216 N. Colorado St., Gunnison, CO 81230; FAX (970) 642-4425 or 
by email to: cbmr@fs.fed.us (please include ``CBMR EIS Projects'' in 
the subject line).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Additional information related to the 
proposed project can be obtained from: Aaron Drendel, Recreation Staff 
Officer, Gunnison Ranger District. Mr. Drendel can be reached by phone 
at (970) 641-0471 or by email at adrendel@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 Forest Service is responding to an application submitted under 
the National Forest Ski Area Permit Act of 1986 and Ski Area 
Recreational Opportunity Enhancement Act of 2011 (SAROEA) by CBMR to 
implement projects from their accepted MDP. In the MDP, CBMR identified 
a deficiency in developed intermediate/advanced terrain compared with 
CBMR's skier and rider market. It also noted a slight deficit of 
developed expert terrain. The MDP also identifies a need to enhance 
summer recreation activities (consistent with the SAREOEA) in order to 
meet increasing guest expectations.
    The GMUG, through acceptance of CBMR's Master Development Plan, has 
identified a need to:
     Meet increased public demand for developed intermediate, 
advanced, and expert terrain skiing terrain by developing the main 
mountain;
     Develop the total amount of developed and undeveloped 
terrain and ski pods, with an emphasis on intermediate and advanced 
skiers, in order to increase the skiing opportunities for the guests 
and thereby increase their length of stay;
     Provide an expanded offering of additional recreational 
activities for year-round utilization of existing facilities, 
consistent with summer use impact zones in the MDP;
     Continue to increase the quality of the facilities to meet 
the ever-increasing expectations of the local, regional, and 
destination skier markets; and
     Improve skier circulation and opportunities by realigning 
the North Face Lift and adding snowmaking infrastructure.

Proposed Action

    The Proposed Action includes the following six elements:
     SUP boundary adjustment and amendment to the 1991 GMUG 
National Forests' Amended Land and Resource Management Plan;
     Construction of new intermediate and advanced ski trails 
and glades in Teo Park and Teo Drainage;
     Construction of two new lifts (Teo Drainage, and Teo 
Park), and realignment of the existing North Face lift;
     New snowmaking infrastructure on the following existing 
trails: Championship, Black Eagle, Lower Gallowich, Rachel's, and 
Shep's Chute;
     Construction of approximately 2,300 feet of new road and 
450 feet of realigned road for construction and maintenance access; and
     Construction of approximately 15 miles of multi-use and 
mountain biking trails.
    A full description of each element can be found at: 
www.crestedbutte-eis.com.

Responsible Official

    The Responsible Official is Scott Armentrout, Forest Supervisor for 
the GMUG.

Nature of Decision To Be Made

    Given the purpose and need, the Responsible Official will review 
the proposed action, the other alternatives, and the environmental 
consequences in order to decide the following:
     Whether to approve, approve with modifications, or deny 
the application for additional ski area improvements and associated 
activities.
     Whether to prescribe conditions needed for the protection 
of the environment on NFS lands.
     Whether or not to approve a site-specific Forest Plan 
Amendment changing the management area boundaries for the expansion.

Permits or Licenses Required

    Forest Service Special Use Permit (SUP)

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 projects. Two public open 
houses regarding this proposal will be held: one at the Fred R. Field 
Western Heritage Center located at 275 S. Spruce Street, Gunnison, CO 
81230 on November 18, 2015 from 5-8 p.m.; and one at the Ballrooms at 
the Lodge at Mountaineer Square, 620 Gothic Road,

[[Page 68498]]

Crested Butte, CO 81225 on November 19, 2015 from 5-8 p.m. 
Representatives from the GMUG and CBMR will be present to answer 
questions and provide additional information on this project.
    To be most helpful, comments should be specific to the project area 
and should identify resources or effects that should be considered by 
the Forest Service. Submitting timely, specific written comments during 
this scoping period or any other official comment period establishes 
standing for filing objections under 36 CFR part 218, subparts A and B. 
Additional information and maps of this proposal can be found at: 
www.crestedbutte-eis.com.
    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.

    Dated: October 26, 2015.
Scott Armentrout,
Forest Supervisor.
[FR Doc. 2015-27718 Filed 11-4-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3411-15-P
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