White River National Forest; Eagle County; Colorado; Golden Peak Improvements Project, 15685-15686 [2017-06310]

Download as PDF 15685 Notices Federal Register Vol. 82, No. 60 Thursday, March 30, 2017 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency statements of organization and functions are examples of documents appearing in this section. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service White River National Forest; Eagle County; Colorado; Golden Peak Improvements Project Forest Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement. AGENCY: Vail Ski Resort (Vail) has submitted a proposal to the White River National Forest (WRNF) for improvements to ski/snowboard racing facilities within its Forest Serviceadministered Special User Permit (SUP) area. The WRNF has accepted this proposal, and is initiating a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis to document and disclose potential impacts. The Proposed Action includes: Developing 42 acres of new terrain with associated snowmaking; installing one lift, two lift operation shelters, one restroom facility, snowmaking infrastructure, multiple small race event buildings, one equipment storage facility, one fuel storage facility, and one maintenance building; and constructing one access road and multiple drainage management structures. DATES: Comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received by May 1, 2017. The draft environmental impact statement is expected October 2017 and the final environmental impact statement is expected April 2018. ADDRESSES: Send written comments to Scott Fitzwilliams, Forest Supervisor, c/o Max Forgensi, Mountain Sports/ Special Uses Administrator, White River National Forest, P.O. Box 190, Minturn, CO 81645. Comments may also be sent via FAX (970) 827–9343. Electronic comments including attachments can be submitted to: https://cara.ecosystemmanagement.org/Public//Comment Input?Project=47937. asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:09 Mar 29, 2017 Jkt 241001 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Additional information related to the proposed project can be found on the project Web site: https:// www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project= 47937, or obtained from: Max Forgensi, Mountain Sports/Special Uses Administrator, Eagle/Holy Cross Ranger District. Mr. Forgensi can be reached by phone at (970) 827–5157 or by email at mforgensi@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 Golden Peak is the primary ski/ snowboard racing and training venue for Vail and the Ski and Snowboard Club Vail (SSCV), and provides a world-class venue for local athletes and international events. As local, regional, national, and international groups continue to seek areas devoted specifically to ski/snowboard racing and training, providing a contained venue with adequate facilities to serve highcaliber events is needed. Currently, the limited training and racing space on Golden Peak is unable to accommodate all users, and many activities must be held at other locations on the mountain, resulting in a disruption to the public’s skiing experience. There is a need for: • Developed racing and training terrain at Vail that meets international racing standards for women’s Downhill and men’s Super G courses, a moguls course, and skier cross course to adequately meet demand. • Adequate separation between ski/ snowboard racing and training terrain and terrain used by the general public at Vail to improve the quality of both the training venue and the guest experience. Proposed Action The Proposed Action includes the following elements: • Lift and Terrain—construction of one lift (either surface or aerial) and approximately 42 acres of new ski trails for women’s Downhill and men’s Super G courses, moguls course and skier cross course • Facilities—construction of lift operating buildings, race start PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 buildings, an equipment storage building, a fuel storage facility, and a maintenance building • Snowmaking and Infrastructure— construction of infrastructure to support snowmaking on new ski trails • Construction Maintenance and Access—access road for construction of new lift and ski trails • Clearing, Grading and Surface Smoothing—vegetation removal and surface smoothing/grading for new ski trails and drainage management Responsible Official The Responsible Official is the WRNF Forest Supervisor. 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. 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. One public open house regarding this proposal will be held on April 6, 2017 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Forest Service Holy Cross Office, 24747 US Highway 24, Minturn, Colorado 81645. Representatives from the WRNF and Vail Resort 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 parts 218 A and B. It is important that reviewers provide their comments at such times and in E:\FR\FM\30MRN1.SGM 30MRN1 15686 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 60 / Thursday, March 30, 2017 / Notices 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: March 24, 2017. Glenn P. Casamassa, Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest System. [FR Doc. 2017–06310 Filed 3–29–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3411–15–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Caribou-Targhee National Forest, Idaho; John Wood Forest Management Project Forest Service, USDA. Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement. AGENCY: ACTION: The Soda Springs Ranger District proposes to conduct forest vegetation management activities and road work in a 5,590-acre project area within the Wood Canyon and Johnson Creek drainages located in the CaribouTarghee National Forest, approximately six miles east of Soda Springs, Idaho. The project area has a forest vegetation management emphasis designated in the Caribou Revised Forest Plan (RFP) (2003). Overall, the landscape in which the project area is located has been identified as being outside of desired conditions outlined in the RFP with respect to forest structure and species composition. SUMMARY: Comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received by May 1, 2017. The draft environmental impact statement is expected August 2017 and the final environmental impact statement is expected October 2017. ADDRESSES: Send written comments to Soda Springs Ranger District, 410 East Hooper Avenue, Soda Springs, ID 83276. Comments may also be sent via email to comments-intermtn-cariboutarghee-soda-springs@fs.fed.us or via facsimile to (208) 547–2235. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Wayne Beck, Project Leader, (208) 847– 8941. A public scoping letter with more asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES DATES: VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:09 Mar 29, 2017 Jkt 241001 details is posted on the forest Web site (https://www.fs.usda.gov/projects/ctnf/ landmanagement/ projects). In addition, a copy of the Caribou RFP is available on the forest Web site (https:// www.fs.usda.gov/main/ctnf/ landmanagement/planning). Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–800–877–8339 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Purpose and Need for Action The purpose of the project proposal is to improve the overall composition, health and resilience of the forest within the project area, utilize and improve timber resources, and improve the Forest transportation system. The project proposal is needed because a fire regime condition class assessment of the forested landscape indicated that the landscape qualifies as Condition Class 2. This means that the vegetation composition, structure and fuels have moderate departure from the natural regime and predispose the system to risk of loss of key ecosystem components. Also, the project area is within a Caribou RFP 5.2 prescription area. The emphasis in this prescription area is on scheduled wood-fiber production, timber growth and yield, while maintaining or restoring forested ecosystems (RFP at 4–71). This prescription area also sets the following guidelines: [p]ractices to prevent or control natural disturbances, such as insects and disease losses and wildfire, are emphasized. (RFP at 4–72) and where aspen exists, it should be maintained or enhanced as a component through restoration treatments (RFP at 4–72). Many of the stands in the project area that were previously harvested are becoming overly dense, which impacts growth and yield and increases risk to forest pests such as the western spruce budworm. Finally, there is a need to address the poor condition and resource concerns of the existing transportation system within the project area. Proposed Action A combination of vegetation management activities would occur on approximately 760 acres. More specifically, approximately 395 acres are proposed for selection harvest, which would require approximately 1.6 miles of temporary road construction to facilitate the harvest. Additionally, approximately 365 acres are proposed for non-harvest stand-tending treatments (pre-commercial thinning, PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 piling, pile burning, jackpot burning and chopping). Several different types of road work are also proposed. The road work is proposed to meet transportation system needs for timber removal, resource needs, and public safety. It is proposed to reconstruct and improve the condition of approximately 5.1 miles of roads within the project area. This would include activities such as blading and shaping the road bed, spot graveling, culvert replacements, and other minor repairs. Approximately, 2.3 miles of road has been identified as needing to be relocated to address resource concerns. These roads will be located in the same general area, but large portions will be moved to a new foot print. Additionally, it is proposed to construct Road 574 in a more sustainable location (1.6 miles new construction), obliterate the previous location along with several other short segments of road (2.1 miles), and close 0.3 miles. Development of a gravel pit within the project area is also be considered. Possible Alternatives The Forest Service would develop alternatives to the proposed action based on internal and public scoping comments and analyze any viable alternatives in a draft environmental impact statement. Responsible Official Soda Springs District Ranger, Bryan K. Fuell, is the responsible official. Nature of Decision To Be Made The decisions to be made include whether to implement the proposed action, as designed; whether there are other alternatives capable of satisfying the purpose and need; and whether any mitigation measures or monitoring is required to implement the proposed action or alternatives. These decisions would be made in the record of decision, which would be issued following the publication of a final environmental impact statement and completion of the Forest Service objection process (36 CFR part 218, subparts A and B). Scoping Process This notice of intent initiates the scoping process, which guides the development of the environmental impact statement. At this time, no public meeting will be held. This decision may be reconsidered depending on the outcome of scoping. In addition to this notice of intent, a legal notice will be published in the Idaho State Journal, newspaper of E:\FR\FM\30MRN1.SGM 30MRN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 60 (Thursday, March 30, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 15685-15686]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-06310]


========================================================================
Notices
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules 
or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings 
and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, 
delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency 
statements of organization and functions are examples of documents 
appearing in this section.

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 60 / Thursday, March 30, 2017 / 
Notices

[[Page 15685]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


White River National Forest; Eagle County; Colorado; Golden Peak 
Improvements Project

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

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

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

SUMMARY: Vail Ski Resort (Vail) has submitted a proposal to the White 
River National Forest (WRNF) for improvements to ski/snowboard racing 
facilities within its Forest Service-administered Special User Permit 
(SUP) area. The WRNF has accepted this proposal, and is initiating a 
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis to document and 
disclose potential impacts. The Proposed Action includes: Developing 42 
acres of new terrain with associated snowmaking; installing one lift, 
two lift operation shelters, one restroom facility, snowmaking 
infrastructure, multiple small race event buildings, one equipment 
storage facility, one fuel storage facility, and one maintenance 
building; and constructing one access road and multiple drainage 
management structures.

DATES: Comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received 
by May 1, 2017. The draft environmental impact statement is expected 
October 2017 and the final environmental impact statement is expected 
April 2018.

ADDRESSES: Send written comments to Scott Fitzwilliams, Forest 
Supervisor, c/o Max Forgensi, Mountain Sports/Special Uses 
Administrator, White River National Forest, P.O. Box 190, Minturn, CO 
81645. Comments may also be sent via FAX (970) 827-9343. Electronic 
comments including attachments can be submitted to: https://cara.ecosystem-management.org/Public//CommentInput?Project=47937.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Additional information related to the 
proposed project can be found on the project Web site: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=47937, or obtained from: Max Forgensi, 
Mountain Sports/Special Uses Administrator, Eagle/Holy Cross Ranger 
District. Mr. Forgensi can be reached by phone at (970) 827-5157 or by 
email at mforgensi@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

    Golden Peak is the primary ski/snowboard racing and training venue 
for Vail and the Ski and Snowboard Club Vail (SSCV), and provides a 
world-class venue for local athletes and international events. As 
local, regional, national, and international groups continue to seek 
areas devoted specifically to ski/snowboard racing and training, 
providing a contained venue with adequate facilities to serve high-
caliber events is needed.
    Currently, the limited training and racing space on Golden Peak is 
unable to accommodate all users, and many activities must be held at 
other locations on the mountain, resulting in a disruption to the 
public's skiing experience. There is a need for:
     Developed racing and training terrain at Vail that meets 
international racing standards for women's Downhill and men's Super G 
courses, a moguls course, and skier cross course to adequately meet 
demand.
     Adequate separation between ski/snowboard racing and 
training terrain and terrain used by the general public at Vail to 
improve the quality of both the training venue and the guest 
experience.

Proposed Action

    The Proposed Action includes the following elements:

 Lift and Terrain--construction of one lift (either surface or 
aerial) and approximately 42 acres of new ski trails for women's 
Downhill and men's Super G courses, moguls course and skier cross 
course
 Facilities--construction of lift operating buildings, race 
start buildings, an equipment storage building, a fuel storage 
facility, and a maintenance building
 Snowmaking and Infrastructure--construction of infrastructure 
to support snowmaking on new ski trails
 Construction Maintenance and Access--access road for 
construction of new lift and ski trails
 Clearing, Grading and Surface Smoothing--vegetation removal 
and surface smoothing/grading for new ski trails and drainage 
management

Responsible Official

    The Responsible Official is the WRNF Forest Supervisor.

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.

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. One public open 
house regarding this proposal will be held on April 6, 2017 from 5:30 
p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Forest Service Holy Cross Office, 24747 US 
Highway 24, Minturn, Colorado 81645. Representatives from the WRNF and 
Vail Resort 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 parts 218 A and B.
    It is important that reviewers provide their comments at such times 
and in

[[Page 15686]]

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: March 24, 2017.
Glenn P. Casamassa,
Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest System.
[FR Doc. 2017-06310 Filed 3-29-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3411-15-P
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