Revision of Land and Resource Management Plan for the Tonto National Forest; Counties of Coconino, Gila, Maricopa, Pinal, and Yavapai, Arizona, 16779-16782 [2017-06788]
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16779
Notices
Federal Register
Vol. 82, No. 65
Thursday, April 6, 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
Revision of Land and Resource
Management Plan for the Tonto
National Forest; Counties of Coconino,
Gila, Maricopa, Pinal, and Yavapai,
Arizona
Forest Service, USDA.
Notice of intent to revise the
Tonto National Forest Land and
Resource Management Plan and prepare
an associated Environmental Impact
Statement.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
As directed by the National
Forest Management Act, the USDA
Forest Service is revising the existing
Tonto National Forest’s Land and
Resource Management Plan (hereafter
referred to as Forest Plan) through
development of an associated National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
This notice describes the documents
available for review and how to obtain
them; summarizes the needs to change
to the existing Forest Plan; provides
information concerning public
participation and collaboration,
including the process for submitting
comments; provides an estimated
schedule for the planning process,
including the time available for
comments; and includes the names and
addresses of agency contacts who can
provide additional information.
DATES: Comments concerning the Need
to Change and Proposed Action
provided in this notice will be most
useful in the development of the revised
plan and draft EIS if received by May
22, 2017. The agency expects to release
a draft revised plan and draft EIS,
developed through a collaborative
public engagement process by late
Spring 2018 and a final revised plan and
final EIS by Summer/Fall 2019.
ADDRESSES: Send written comments to:
Tonto National Forest, Attn: Plan
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SUMMARY:
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Revision, 2324 East McDowell Road,
Phoenix, AZ 85006. Comments may also
be sent via email to tontoplan@fs.fed.us.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Kenna Belsky, Forest Planner, Tonto
National Forest, 602–225–5378. More
information on our forest plan revision
process can be found on our Web site
at www.tontoplan.org.
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 8p.m., Eastern Time,
Monday through Friday.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
National Forest Management Act
(NFMA) of 1976 requires that every
National Forest System (NFS) unit
develop a forest plan. On April 9, 2012,
the Forest Service finalized its land
management planning rule (2012
Planning Rule, 36 CFR part 219), which
describes requirements for the planning
process and the content of the forest
plans. Forest plans describe the strategic
direction for management of forest
resources for ten to fifteen years, and are
adaptive and amendable as conditions
change over time. Under the 2012
Planning Rule, the assessment of
ecological, social, cultural, and
economic conditions and trends is the
first stage of the planning process (36
CFR 219.6). The second stage, formal
plan revision, involves the development
of our forest plan in conjunction with
the preparation of an Environmental
Impact Statement under the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The
third stage of the process is monitoring
and feedback, which is ongoing over the
life of the revised forest plans.
The Tonto National Forest has
completed its assessment pursuant to
2012 Forest Planning Rule. The
assessment was developed with public
participation and includes an evaluation
of existing information about relevant
ecological, economic, cultural and
social conditions, trends, and
sustainability and their relationship to
forest plans within the context of the
broader landscape. The intent of the
Tonto National Forest is that this
information builds a common
understanding prior to entering formal
plan revision. With this notice, the
Tonto National Forest is initiating
formal plan revision and invites other
governments, non-governmental parties,
and the public to contribute. The intent
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of public engagement is to inform
development of the plan revision. We
encourage contributors to share material
that may be relevant to the planning
process, including desired conditions
for the Tonto National Forest. As we
develop public engagement
opportunities to assist with the plan
revision phase, public announcements
will be made and information will be
posted on the Forest’s Web site:
www.tontoplan.org. If you would like to
contribute to the process or for more
information email tontoplan@fs.fed.us,
or contact Kenna Belsky, Forest Planner,
Tonto National Forest, 602–225–5378.
Name and Address of the Responsible
Official
Neil Bosworth, Forest Supervisor,
Tonto National Forest, 2324 E
McDowell Road, Phoenix, Arizona
85006.
Nature of the Decision To Be Made
The Tonto National Forest is
preparing an EIS to revise the existing
forest plan. The EIS process is meant to
inform the Forest Supervisor so he can
decide which alternative best maintains
and restores National Forest System
terrestrial and aquatic resources while
providing ecosystem services and
multiple uses, as required by the
National Forest Management Act and
the Multiple Use Sustained Yield Act.
The revised forest plan will describe
the strategic intent of managing the
Forest for the next 10 to 15 years and
will address the identified needs for
change to the existing land management
plans. The revised forest plan will
provide management direction in the
form of desired conditions, objectives,
standards, guidelines, and suitability of
lands. It will identify delineation of new
management areas and possibly
geographic areas across the Forest;
identify the timber sale program
quantity; make recommendations to
Congress for Wilderness designation;
and list rivers and streams eligible for
inclusion in the National Wild and
Scenic Rivers System. The revised forest
plan will also provide a description of
the plan area’s distinctive roles and
contributions within the broader
landscape, identify watersheds that are
a priority for maintenance or
restoration, include a monitoring
program, and contain information
reflecting expected possible actions over
the life of the plan.
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It is also important to identify the
types of decisions that will not be made
within the revised forest plan. The
revised forest plan will represent
decisions that are strategic in nature, but
will not make site-specific project
decisions and will not dictate day-today administrative activities needed to
carry on the Forest Service’s internal
operations. The authorization of project
level activities will be based on the
guidance/direction contained in the
revised plan, but will occur through
subsequent project specific NEPA
analysis and decision-making.
The revised forest plan will provide
broad, strategic guidance that is
consistent with other laws and
regulations. Though strategic guidance
will be provided, no decisions will be
made regarding the management of
individual roads or trails, such as those
might be associated with a Travel
Management plan under 36 CFR part
212. Some issues (e.g., hunting
regulations), although important, are
beyond the authority or control of the
National Forest System and will not be
considered.
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Purpose and Need (Needs for Change)
and Proposed Action
According to the National Forest
Management Act, forest plans are to be
revised at least every 15 years. The
purpose and need for revising the
current forest plan are to: (1) Update the
Forest Plan which was approved in
1985 and is over 30 years old, (2) reflect
changes in economic, social, and
ecological conditions, new policies and
priorities, and new information based
on monitoring and scientific research,
and (3) address the preliminary
identified needs for change to the
existing plan, which are summarized
below. Extensive public and employee
involvement, along with science-based
evaluations, have helped to identify
theses preliminary needs for change to
the existing forest plan.
The proposed action is to revise the
Forest Plan to address the identified
needs for change to the existing Forest
Plan. Alternatives to the Proposed
Action will be developed to address
significant issues that will be identified
through scoping.
What follows is a summary of the
preliminary identified needs for change.
A more fully developed description of
the preliminary needs for change, which
has been organized into several resource
and management topic sections, is
available for review on the plan revision
Web site at: www.tontoplan.org/publicinvolvement/needs-to-change.
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Throughout the Plan
1. There is a need for plan
components that incorporate best
available scientific information (BASI).
2. There is a need to reduce the
complexity of plan components related
to management areas that fragment the
landscape by their arrangement,
boundaries, and differing management
direction.
3. There is a need to remove plan
components that require developing
additional planning documents, many
of which require updates on a regular
cycle.
4. There is a need for plan
components that are adaptable to
changes in technology, tools, and
communication style demands.
5. There is a need for management
approaches that emphasize public
education about the Tonto National
Forest’s diverse ecological, social, and
economic resources, the multiple-use
philosophy, public laws and
regulations, and management strategies.
Monitoring
6. There is a need for a monitoring
program that tracks progress toward
desired conditions and allows for a
responsive adaptive management
program with available resources.
Collaboration and Partnerships
7. There is a need to include
management approaches that strengthen
existing relationships, promote new
relationships, and incorporate strategies
that prioritize partnerships (e.g. local,
state, and federal agencies, tribal
governments, law enforcement,
permitees, recreation and forest user
groups, environmental groups, users
with historic ties to the forest, and
youth groups).
8. There is a need for management
approaches that promote seeking
outside assistance in addition to
working with partners and volunteers to
manage resources and monitor
activities.
9. There is a need for management
approaches that emphasize better
coordination and collaboration with
other forests, local governments, and
tribes to minimize conflict between
local planning and zoning direction as
a result of our decisions, while at the
same time becoming more aware of how
local regulation might enhance our own
management goals, or alternatively,
interfere with our own desired
outcomes.
10. There is a need for management
approaches that integrate forest
restoration and tribal needs, for working
across boundaries in partnership with
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tribes to manage landscapes, and to
address threats to tribal resources to
meet common objectives.
Terrestrial Ecosystems
11. There is a need to develop desired
conditions and other plan components
that support heterogeneity and habitat
diversity at multiple spatial scales.
12. There is a need to include plan
components that focus on addressing
the impacts of exotic and invasive
species on terrestrial and aquatic
ecosystems.
13. There is a need to develop desired
conditions, standards, and guidelines
that address terrestrial and aquatic
habitat linkages and connectivity for
species migration and movement across
the landscape.
14. There is a need for plan
components that incorporate adaptive
management strategies that increase
ecosystem resiliency to changing
environmental conditions and stressors.
15. There is a need for standards or
guidelines that prioritize use of native
plant materials (the use of local and
genetically appropriate seed sources) for
revegetation, restoration and
rehabilitation of native plant
communities to provide for the
conservation of ecosystem diversity and
maintain healthy ecosystem function.
16. There is a need to add plan
components that emphasize landscape
scale restoration.
17. There is a need to develop desired
conditions (at multiple scales) for
vegetation structure by promoting a
diversity of seral states, vegetation
function, and species composition.
Frequent Fire Ecosystems
18. There is a need for plan
components, including desired
conditions and objectives that recognize
fire-adapted ecosystems, the role of fire
on the landscape (including
wilderness), and its use as a
management tool, including planned
and unplanned ignitions.
Desert Ecosystems
19. There is a need for plan
components, including desired
conditions and standards and
guidelines, to address current and
foreseeable stressors in desert
ecosystems (e.g., fire, exotic species, and
other disturbances) and to better
understand post-disturbance recovery of
desert species.
Soils
20. There is a need to develop
standards and guidelines that promote
the maintenance, restoration and
monitoring of soil condition and
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function (e.g., hydrology, stability, and
nutrient cycling) by improving and
maintaining sufficient ground cover
(biotic and abiotic components).
Riparian Ecosystems
21. There is a need for desired
conditions that identify appropriate
riparian characteristics (e.g.,
biodiversity, connectivity, water
availability) that promote functionality
and resiliency while taking into account
multiple stressors.
22. There is a need for standards and
guidelines that minimize ecological
impacts of multiple uses in riparian
areas.
Watersheds and Water Resources
23. There is a need for standards and
guidelines that reduce pollutant runoff
into streams.
24. There is a need for providing plan
components on the sustainable
management of groundwater and
groundwater dependent ecosystems
(springs, wetlands, riparian areas,
perennial waters) and their
interconnections.
25. There is a need to develop plan
components for the long term health
and sustainability of watersheds
utilizing best available scientific
information.
26. There is a need to develop plan
components to ensure stream channels
and floodplains are dynamic and
resilient to disturbances.
At-Risk Species
27. There is a need to develop
standards or guidelines to provide for
the conservation and recovery of
federally listed species, as well as
maintain viable populations of species
of conservation concern.
Climate Change
28. There is a need to include plan
components that consider potential
climate change impacts (e.g., increases
in storm events, uncharacteristic
wildfire, drought, flooding, and other
extreme weather) to ecosystems and
natural resources.
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Social and Economic Conditions
29. There is a need to add plan
components that recognize the Tonto
National Forest’s role in contributing to
local economies, including servicebased sectors such as recreation and
tourism, timber, grazing, and other
multiple-use related activities and
products.
Ecosystems Services
30. There is a need to include plan
components for key ecosystem services
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identified in the Assessment including:
Water for consumption; water for
recreation; habitat for hunting, fishing,
and watchable wildlife; sustainable and
productive rangelands; and cultural
heritage.
31. There is a need for updating plan
components that provide for the
management of sustainable water
supply for multiple uses (e.g. wildlife,
grazing, and recreation) including
public water supplies.
Timber and Forest Products
32. There is a need for plan
components to ensure the sustainability
and availability of forest products such
as firewood, medicinal and ceremonial
plants, and edible plants.
33. There is a need for desired
conditions that incorporate a wide range
of silvicultural practices to promote
forest health, resiliency, and
sustainability.
Rangeland Resources
34. There is a need to add plan
components for rangeland management
that maintain or restore ecological
integrity of rangelands.
35. There is a need for plan
components to allow flexibility in
rangeland management to prepare for
changing conditions such as drought,
fire, social and economic needs.
Recreation
36. There is a need to include plan
components for sustainable recreation
management to ensure that recreation
resources are integrated into all resource
management decisions.
37. There is a need for desired
conditions to address the long-term
sustainability of recreation
infrastructure (e.g., trails, facilities,
roads), maintenance, design, and
improvement.
38. There is a need for management
approaches to address changing trends
in services, activities, and types of
facilities desired by the public, while
balancing those trends with other
resources.
39. There is a need for plan
components to address user conflicts
(e.g., recreational shooting and hikers,
equestrians and bicyclists, and
motorized and non-motorized users).
Scenic Character
40. There is a need for plan
components to incorporate scenery
management with all forest management
(e.g., restoration, habitat diversity,
timber management) to further positive
outcomes for all resources.
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Renewable and Nonrenewable Energy
Resources, Mineral Resources &
Geologic Hazards
41. There is a need for desired
conditions that address transmission
corridors and renewable energy
generation, including wind, solar,
biomass, and geothermal, while
protecting natural resources, heritage
and sacred sites, traditional tribal
activities, and scenery.
42. There is a need for plan
components regarding the use of
common variety mineral materials, such
as commercial contracts, personal use,
and free use permits.
43. There is a need for standards and
guidelines for meteorite collection, rock
hounding and mineral collection.
Infrastructure
44. There is a need for plan
components that ensure sustainable
infrastructure (e.g., roads, trails,
recreation and administrative facilities,
range improvements, maintenance
backlog, etc.).
Cultural and Historic Resources and
Tribal Uses
45. There is a need for plan
components aimed at managing for
Native American traditional cultural
properties and sacred sites, and nonNative American traditional cultural
properties, while conserving anonymity
of such sites where appropriate.
46. There is a need for plan
components that protect historic
properties and tribal use areas at risk of
damage or destruction during nonprescribed/unplanned fire.
47. There is a need to update plan
components to protect areas that may be
identified as a sacred site or part of an
important cultural landscape by tribe.
48. There is a need for desired
conditions in the plan that address the
alignment of heritage resources
management objectives (the
management of historic properties and
landscapes, sacred sites, contemporary
uses) with other resource management
objectives (ecosystem restoration,
rangeland management, recreation).
Land Ownership, Status, Use, and
Access
49. There is a need to develop,
modify, or remove plan components to
allow flexible and efficient management
of special uses while balancing resource
protection with public needs.
50. There is a need to develop plan
components related to Forest Service
lands acquisitions, disposals, and
exchanges.
51. There is a need for plan
components that encourage the
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protection of existing public access and
address the acquisition of new public
access opportunities.
52. There is a need to include
management approaches to develop a
strategy to address issues related to
known and suspected trespass and
encroachment issues present on the
forest.
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Designated Areas
53. There is a need for the revised
plan to identify and evaluate potential
additions to the National Wilderness
Preservation System and eligibility of
rivers for inclusion in the National Wild
and Scenic Rivers Systems, and
potentially other types of designated
areas.
54. There is a need to reevaluate
designated and proposed special areas
that no longer suite the original purpose
for designation (i.e., research natural
areas, botanical areas, burro territories,
etc.), excluding congressionaly
designated areas.
Public Involvement
A Notice of Initiation of the
assessment phase of forest plan revision
for the Tonto National Forest was
published in the Federal Register on
February 26, 2014 (79 FR 10763). Prior
to the formal initiation of the
assessment, the Tonto National Forest
held four listening sessions in
Scottsdale, Globe, Payson, and Mesa,
Arizona. These listening sessions
provided existing collaborative
porential and limitations and helped the
plan revision team organize the public
participation efforts for forest plan
revision. In March of 2014 the Tonto
National Forest hosted two all-day
workshops to solicit comments, input,
and desires from the public,
governmental entities, tribes, land
grants, and nongovernmental
organization for public participation
through the forest plan revision process.
Between May–July 2014, eight
community forums provided an
introduction to forest plan revision and
an opportunity for the public to provide
input for the assessment by expressing
how they use and value the forest, and
what trends or changes they have
observed. In September and October
2016 the Tonto National Forest hosted
seven Needs to Change Public Meetings
to discuss key findings from the draft
assessment and collabotate on needs to
change. The discussion focused on
eleven key themes that ranged from
ecological sustainability; social,
cultural, and economic sustainability;
and forest-wide management.
Discussions from these meetings helped
to shape the Draft Needs to Change
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document which was available for
public reivew between December 15,
2016–January 11, 2017. Comments
received from the public along with
responses are posted to the Web site:
www.tontoplan.org. The final needs to
change statements are based on results
from the assessment, input from a round
of seven public meetings, and two
rounds of public comment.
Additionally, the Tonto National
Forest is utilizing internet based
collabotation techniquies to gather
public input and engaging communities
at a local level through presentations at
meetings hosted by organizations,
government groups and Tribes;
informational booths at fairs and local
community events; and presentations
and field trips for local schools. Public
Informaiton to the public was provided
by a dedicated Forest Plan revision Web
page and through mailings, flyers, news
releases, Twitter, and radio interview.
Detailed information, including dates
and notes of specific events, can be
found on the Tonto National Forest Plan
Revision Web site: www.tontoplan.org.
Any comments related to the Tonto
National Forest’s assessment report that
are received following the publication of
this Notice will be considered in the
draft and final environmental impact
statements.
Scoping Process
Written comments received in
response to this notice will be analyzed
to complete the identification of the
needs for change to the existing plan,
further develop the proposed action,
and identify potential significant issues.
Significant issues will, in turn, form the
basis for developing alternatives to the
proposed action. Comments on the
preliminary needs for change and
proposed action will be most valuable if
received by May 23, 2017, and should
clearly articulate the reviewer’s
opinions and concerns. Comments
received in response to this notice,
including the names and addresses of
those who comment, will be part of the
public record. Comments submitted
anonymously will be accepted and
considered in the NEPA process;
however, anonymous comments will
not provide the Agency with the ability
to provide the respondent with
subsequent environmental documents,
nor will anonymous comments provide
standing to the commenter for the
eventual Objection process. See the
below Objection process material,
particularly the requirements for filing
an objection, for how anonymous
comments are handled during the
objection process. Refer to the Forest’s
plan revision Web site
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(www.tontoplan.org) for information on
when public meetings will be scheduled
for refining the proposed action and
identifying possible alternatives to the
proposed action.
Applicable Planning Rule
Preparation of the revised forest plan
for the Tonto National Forest began with
the publication of a Notice of
Assessment Initiation in the Federal
Register on February 26, 2014 (79 FR
10763) and was initiated under the
planning procedures contained in the
2012 Forest Service planning rule (36
CFR part 219 (2012)).
Permits or Licenses Required To
Implement the Proposed Action
No permits or licenses are needed for
the development or revision of a forest
plan.
Decisions Will Be Subject To Objection
The decision to approve the revised
forest plan for the Tonto National Forest
will be subject to the objection process
identified in 36 CFR part 219 subpart B
(219.50 to 219.62). According to 36 CFR
219.53(a), those who may file an
objection are individuals and entities
who have submitted substantive formal
comments related to plan revision
during the opportunities provided for
public comment during the planning
process.
Documents Available for Review
The Needs for Change documentation,
Assessment Report including specialist
reports, summaries of the public
meetings and public meeting materials,
and public comments are posted on the
Forest’s Web site at: www.tontoplan.org.
As necessary or appropriate, the
material available on this site will be
further adjusted as part of the planning
process using the provisions of the 2012
planning rule.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1600–1614; 36 CFR
part 219 [77 FR 21260–21273].
Dated: March 20, 2017.
Jeanne M. Higgins,
Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest
System.
[FR Doc. 2017–06788 Filed 4–5–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3411–15–P
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 65 (Thursday, April 6, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 16779-16782]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-06788]
========================================================================
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. 65 / Thursday, April 6, 2017 /
Notices
[[Page 16779]]
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service
Revision of Land and Resource Management Plan for the Tonto
National Forest; Counties of Coconino, Gila, Maricopa, Pinal, and
Yavapai, Arizona
AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice of intent to revise the Tonto National Forest Land and
Resource Management Plan and prepare an associated Environmental Impact
Statement.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: As directed by the National Forest Management Act, the USDA
Forest Service is revising the existing Tonto National Forest's Land
and Resource Management Plan (hereafter referred to as Forest Plan)
through development of an associated National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA) Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). This notice describes the
documents available for review and how to obtain them; summarizes the
needs to change to the existing Forest Plan; provides information
concerning public participation and collaboration, including the
process for submitting comments; provides an estimated schedule for the
planning process, including the time available for comments; and
includes the names and addresses of agency contacts who can provide
additional information.
DATES: Comments concerning the Need to Change and Proposed Action
provided in this notice will be most useful in the development of the
revised plan and draft EIS if received by May 22, 2017. The agency
expects to release a draft revised plan and draft EIS, developed
through a collaborative public engagement process by late Spring 2018
and a final revised plan and final EIS by Summer/Fall 2019.
ADDRESSES: Send written comments to: Tonto National Forest, Attn: Plan
Revision, 2324 East McDowell Road, Phoenix, AZ 85006. Comments may also
be sent via email to tontoplan@fs.fed.us.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kenna Belsky, Forest Planner, Tonto
National Forest, 602-225-5378. More information on our forest plan
revision process can be found on our Web site at www.tontoplan.org.
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 8p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The National Forest Management Act (NFMA) of
1976 requires that every National Forest System (NFS) unit develop a
forest plan. On April 9, 2012, the Forest Service finalized its land
management planning rule (2012 Planning Rule, 36 CFR part 219), which
describes requirements for the planning process and the content of the
forest plans. Forest plans describe the strategic direction for
management of forest resources for ten to fifteen years, and are
adaptive and amendable as conditions change over time. Under the 2012
Planning Rule, the assessment of ecological, social, cultural, and
economic conditions and trends is the first stage of the planning
process (36 CFR 219.6). The second stage, formal plan revision,
involves the development of our forest plan in conjunction with the
preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement under the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The third stage of the process is
monitoring and feedback, which is ongoing over the life of the revised
forest plans.
The Tonto National Forest has completed its assessment pursuant to
2012 Forest Planning Rule. The assessment was developed with public
participation and includes an evaluation of existing information about
relevant ecological, economic, cultural and social conditions, trends,
and sustainability and their relationship to forest plans within the
context of the broader landscape. The intent of the Tonto National
Forest is that this information builds a common understanding prior to
entering formal plan revision. With this notice, the Tonto National
Forest is initiating formal plan revision and invites other
governments, non-governmental parties, and the public to contribute.
The intent of public engagement is to inform development of the plan
revision. We encourage contributors to share material that may be
relevant to the planning process, including desired conditions for the
Tonto National Forest. As we develop public engagement opportunities to
assist with the plan revision phase, public announcements will be made
and information will be posted on the Forest's Web site:
www.tontoplan.org. If you would like to contribute to the process or
for more information email tontoplan@fs.fed.us, or contact Kenna
Belsky, Forest Planner, Tonto National Forest, 602-225-5378.
Name and Address of the Responsible Official
Neil Bosworth, Forest Supervisor, Tonto National Forest, 2324 E
McDowell Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85006.
Nature of the Decision To Be Made
The Tonto National Forest is preparing an EIS to revise the
existing forest plan. The EIS process is meant to inform the Forest
Supervisor so he can decide which alternative best maintains and
restores National Forest System terrestrial and aquatic resources while
providing ecosystem services and multiple uses, as required by the
National Forest Management Act and the Multiple Use Sustained Yield
Act.
The revised forest plan will describe the strategic intent of
managing the Forest for the next 10 to 15 years and will address the
identified needs for change to the existing land management plans. The
revised forest plan will provide management direction in the form of
desired conditions, objectives, standards, guidelines, and suitability
of lands. It will identify delineation of new management areas and
possibly geographic areas across the Forest; identify the timber sale
program quantity; make recommendations to Congress for Wilderness
designation; and list rivers and streams eligible for inclusion in the
National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The revised forest plan will
also provide a description of the plan area's distinctive roles and
contributions within the broader landscape, identify watersheds that
are a priority for maintenance or restoration, include a monitoring
program, and contain information reflecting expected possible actions
over the life of the plan.
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It is also important to identify the types of decisions that will
not be made within the revised forest plan. The revised forest plan
will represent decisions that are strategic in nature, but will not
make site-specific project decisions and will not dictate day-to-day
administrative activities needed to carry on the Forest Service's
internal operations. The authorization of project level activities will
be based on the guidance/direction contained in the revised plan, but
will occur through subsequent project specific NEPA analysis and
decision-making.
The revised forest plan will provide broad, strategic guidance that
is consistent with other laws and regulations. Though strategic
guidance will be provided, no decisions will be made regarding the
management of individual roads or trails, such as those might be
associated with a Travel Management plan under 36 CFR part 212. Some
issues (e.g., hunting regulations), although important, are beyond the
authority or control of the National Forest System and will not be
considered.
Purpose and Need (Needs for Change) and Proposed Action
According to the National Forest Management Act, forest plans are
to be revised at least every 15 years. The purpose and need for
revising the current forest plan are to: (1) Update the Forest Plan
which was approved in 1985 and is over 30 years old, (2) reflect
changes in economic, social, and ecological conditions, new policies
and priorities, and new information based on monitoring and scientific
research, and (3) address the preliminary identified needs for change
to the existing plan, which are summarized below. Extensive public and
employee involvement, along with science-based evaluations, have helped
to identify theses preliminary needs for change to the existing forest
plan.
The proposed action is to revise the Forest Plan to address the
identified needs for change to the existing Forest Plan. Alternatives
to the Proposed Action will be developed to address significant issues
that will be identified through scoping.
What follows is a summary of the preliminary identified needs for
change. A more fully developed description of the preliminary needs for
change, which has been organized into several resource and management
topic sections, is available for review on the plan revision Web site
at: www.tontoplan.org/public-involvement/needs-to-change.
Throughout the Plan
1. There is a need for plan components that incorporate best
available scientific information (BASI).
2. There is a need to reduce the complexity of plan components
related to management areas that fragment the landscape by their
arrangement, boundaries, and differing management direction.
3. There is a need to remove plan components that require
developing additional planning documents, many of which require updates
on a regular cycle.
4. There is a need for plan components that are adaptable to
changes in technology, tools, and communication style demands.
5. There is a need for management approaches that emphasize public
education about the Tonto National Forest's diverse ecological, social,
and economic resources, the multiple-use philosophy, public laws and
regulations, and management strategies.
Monitoring
6. There is a need for a monitoring program that tracks progress
toward desired conditions and allows for a responsive adaptive
management program with available resources.
Collaboration and Partnerships
7. There is a need to include management approaches that strengthen
existing relationships, promote new relationships, and incorporate
strategies that prioritize partnerships (e.g. local, state, and federal
agencies, tribal governments, law enforcement, permitees, recreation
and forest user groups, environmental groups, users with historic ties
to the forest, and youth groups).
8. There is a need for management approaches that promote seeking
outside assistance in addition to working with partners and volunteers
to manage resources and monitor activities.
9. There is a need for management approaches that emphasize better
coordination and collaboration with other forests, local governments,
and tribes to minimize conflict between local planning and zoning
direction as a result of our decisions, while at the same time becoming
more aware of how local regulation might enhance our own management
goals, or alternatively, interfere with our own desired outcomes.
10. There is a need for management approaches that integrate forest
restoration and tribal needs, for working across boundaries in
partnership with tribes to manage landscapes, and to address threats to
tribal resources to meet common objectives.
Terrestrial Ecosystems
11. There is a need to develop desired conditions and other plan
components that support heterogeneity and habitat diversity at multiple
spatial scales.
12. There is a need to include plan components that focus on
addressing the impacts of exotic and invasive species on terrestrial
and aquatic ecosystems.
13. There is a need to develop desired conditions, standards, and
guidelines that address terrestrial and aquatic habitat linkages and
connectivity for species migration and movement across the landscape.
14. There is a need for plan components that incorporate adaptive
management strategies that increase ecosystem resiliency to changing
environmental conditions and stressors.
15. There is a need for standards or guidelines that prioritize use
of native plant materials (the use of local and genetically appropriate
seed sources) for revegetation, restoration and rehabilitation of
native plant communities to provide for the conservation of ecosystem
diversity and maintain healthy ecosystem function.
16. There is a need to add plan components that emphasize landscape
scale restoration.
17. There is a need to develop desired conditions (at multiple
scales) for vegetation structure by promoting a diversity of seral
states, vegetation function, and species composition.
Frequent Fire Ecosystems
18. There is a need for plan components, including desired
conditions and objectives that recognize fire-adapted ecosystems, the
role of fire on the landscape (including wilderness), and its use as a
management tool, including planned and unplanned ignitions.
Desert Ecosystems
19. There is a need for plan components, including desired
conditions and standards and guidelines, to address current and
foreseeable stressors in desert ecosystems (e.g., fire, exotic species,
and other disturbances) and to better understand post-disturbance
recovery of desert species.
Soils
20. There is a need to develop standards and guidelines that
promote the maintenance, restoration and monitoring of soil condition
and
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function (e.g., hydrology, stability, and nutrient cycling) by
improving and maintaining sufficient ground cover (biotic and abiotic
components).
Riparian Ecosystems
21. There is a need for desired conditions that identify
appropriate riparian characteristics (e.g., biodiversity, connectivity,
water availability) that promote functionality and resiliency while
taking into account multiple stressors.
22. There is a need for standards and guidelines that minimize
ecological impacts of multiple uses in riparian areas.
Watersheds and Water Resources
23. There is a need for standards and guidelines that reduce
pollutant runoff into streams.
24. There is a need for providing plan components on the
sustainable management of groundwater and groundwater dependent
ecosystems (springs, wetlands, riparian areas, perennial waters) and
their interconnections.
25. There is a need to develop plan components for the long term
health and sustainability of watersheds utilizing best available
scientific information.
26. There is a need to develop plan components to ensure stream
channels and floodplains are dynamic and resilient to disturbances.
At-Risk Species
27. There is a need to develop standards or guidelines to provide
for the conservation and recovery of federally listed species, as well
as maintain viable populations of species of conservation concern.
Climate Change
28. There is a need to include plan components that consider
potential climate change impacts (e.g., increases in storm events,
uncharacteristic wildfire, drought, flooding, and other extreme
weather) to ecosystems and natural resources.
Social and Economic Conditions
29. There is a need to add plan components that recognize the Tonto
National Forest's role in contributing to local economies, including
service-based sectors such as recreation and tourism, timber, grazing,
and other multiple-use related activities and products.
Ecosystems Services
30. There is a need to include plan components for key ecosystem
services identified in the Assessment including: Water for consumption;
water for recreation; habitat for hunting, fishing, and watchable
wildlife; sustainable and productive rangelands; and cultural heritage.
31. There is a need for updating plan components that provide for
the management of sustainable water supply for multiple uses (e.g.
wildlife, grazing, and recreation) including public water supplies.
Timber and Forest Products
32. There is a need for plan components to ensure the
sustainability and availability of forest products such as firewood,
medicinal and ceremonial plants, and edible plants.
33. There is a need for desired conditions that incorporate a wide
range of silvicultural practices to promote forest health, resiliency,
and sustainability.
Rangeland Resources
34. There is a need to add plan components for rangeland management
that maintain or restore ecological integrity of rangelands.
35. There is a need for plan components to allow flexibility in
rangeland management to prepare for changing conditions such as
drought, fire, social and economic needs.
Recreation
36. There is a need to include plan components for sustainable
recreation management to ensure that recreation resources are
integrated into all resource management decisions.
37. There is a need for desired conditions to address the long-term
sustainability of recreation infrastructure (e.g., trails, facilities,
roads), maintenance, design, and improvement.
38. There is a need for management approaches to address changing
trends in services, activities, and types of facilities desired by the
public, while balancing those trends with other resources.
39. There is a need for plan components to address user conflicts
(e.g., recreational shooting and hikers, equestrians and bicyclists,
and motorized and non-motorized users).
Scenic Character
40. There is a need for plan components to incorporate scenery
management with all forest management (e.g., restoration, habitat
diversity, timber management) to further positive outcomes for all
resources.
Renewable and Nonrenewable Energy Resources, Mineral Resources &
Geologic Hazards
41. There is a need for desired conditions that address
transmission corridors and renewable energy generation, including wind,
solar, biomass, and geothermal, while protecting natural resources,
heritage and sacred sites, traditional tribal activities, and scenery.
42. There is a need for plan components regarding the use of common
variety mineral materials, such as commercial contracts, personal use,
and free use permits.
43. There is a need for standards and guidelines for meteorite
collection, rock hounding and mineral collection.
Infrastructure
44. There is a need for plan components that ensure sustainable
infrastructure (e.g., roads, trails, recreation and administrative
facilities, range improvements, maintenance backlog, etc.).
Cultural and Historic Resources and Tribal Uses
45. There is a need for plan components aimed at managing for
Native American traditional cultural properties and sacred sites, and
non-Native American traditional cultural properties, while conserving
anonymity of such sites where appropriate.
46. There is a need for plan components that protect historic
properties and tribal use areas at risk of damage or destruction during
non-prescribed/unplanned fire.
47. There is a need to update plan components to protect areas that
may be identified as a sacred site or part of an important cultural
landscape by tribe.
48. There is a need for desired conditions in the plan that address
the alignment of heritage resources management objectives (the
management of historic properties and landscapes, sacred sites,
contemporary uses) with other resource management objectives (ecosystem
restoration, rangeland management, recreation).
Land Ownership, Status, Use, and Access
49. There is a need to develop, modify, or remove plan components
to allow flexible and efficient management of special uses while
balancing resource protection with public needs.
50. There is a need to develop plan components related to Forest
Service lands acquisitions, disposals, and exchanges.
51. There is a need for plan components that encourage the
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protection of existing public access and address the acquisition of new
public access opportunities.
52. There is a need to include management approaches to develop a
strategy to address issues related to known and suspected trespass and
encroachment issues present on the forest.
Designated Areas
53. There is a need for the revised plan to identify and evaluate
potential additions to the National Wilderness Preservation System and
eligibility of rivers for inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic
Rivers Systems, and potentially other types of designated areas.
54. There is a need to reevaluate designated and proposed special
areas that no longer suite the original purpose for designation (i.e.,
research natural areas, botanical areas, burro territories, etc.),
excluding congressionaly designated areas.
Public Involvement
A Notice of Initiation of the assessment phase of forest plan
revision for the Tonto National Forest was published in the Federal
Register on February 26, 2014 (79 FR 10763). Prior to the formal
initiation of the assessment, the Tonto National Forest held four
listening sessions in Scottsdale, Globe, Payson, and Mesa, Arizona.
These listening sessions provided existing collaborative porential and
limitations and helped the plan revision team organize the public
participation efforts for forest plan revision. In March of 2014 the
Tonto National Forest hosted two all-day workshops to solicit comments,
input, and desires from the public, governmental entities, tribes, land
grants, and nongovernmental organization for public participation
through the forest plan revision process. Between May-July 2014, eight
community forums provided an introduction to forest plan revision and
an opportunity for the public to provide input for the assessment by
expressing how they use and value the forest, and what trends or
changes they have observed. In September and October 2016 the Tonto
National Forest hosted seven Needs to Change Public Meetings to discuss
key findings from the draft assessment and collabotate on needs to
change. The discussion focused on eleven key themes that ranged from
ecological sustainability; social, cultural, and economic
sustainability; and forest-wide management. Discussions from these
meetings helped to shape the Draft Needs to Change document which was
available for public reivew between December 15, 2016-January 11, 2017.
Comments received from the public along with responses are posted to
the Web site: www.tontoplan.org. The final needs to change statements
are based on results from the assessment, input from a round of seven
public meetings, and two rounds of public comment.
Additionally, the Tonto National Forest is utilizing internet based
collabotation techniquies to gather public input and engaging
communities at a local level through presentations at meetings hosted
by organizations, government groups and Tribes; informational booths at
fairs and local community events; and presentations and field trips for
local schools. Public Informaiton to the public was provided by a
dedicated Forest Plan revision Web page and through mailings, flyers,
news releases, Twitter, and radio interview. Detailed information,
including dates and notes of specific events, can be found on the Tonto
National Forest Plan Revision Web site: www.tontoplan.org. Any comments
related to the Tonto National Forest's assessment report that are
received following the publication of this Notice will be considered in
the draft and final environmental impact statements.
Scoping Process
Written comments received in response to this notice will be
analyzed to complete the identification of the needs for change to the
existing plan, further develop the proposed action, and identify
potential significant issues. Significant issues will, in turn, form
the basis for developing alternatives to the proposed action. Comments
on the preliminary needs for change and proposed action will be most
valuable if received by May 23, 2017, and should clearly articulate the
reviewer's opinions and concerns. Comments received in response to this
notice, including the names and addresses of those who comment, will be
part of the public record. Comments submitted anonymously will be
accepted and considered in the NEPA process; however, anonymous
comments will not provide the Agency with the ability to provide the
respondent with subsequent environmental documents, nor will anonymous
comments provide standing to the commenter for the eventual Objection
process. See the below Objection process material, particularly the
requirements for filing an objection, for how anonymous comments are
handled during the objection process. Refer to the Forest's plan
revision Web site (www.tontoplan.org) for information on when public
meetings will be scheduled for refining the proposed action and
identifying possible alternatives to the proposed action.
Applicable Planning Rule
Preparation of the revised forest plan for the Tonto National
Forest began with the publication of a Notice of Assessment Initiation
in the Federal Register on February 26, 2014 (79 FR 10763) and was
initiated under the planning procedures contained in the 2012 Forest
Service planning rule (36 CFR part 219 (2012)).
Permits or Licenses Required To Implement the Proposed Action
No permits or licenses are needed for the development or revision
of a forest plan.
Decisions Will Be Subject To Objection
The decision to approve the revised forest plan for the Tonto
National Forest will be subject to the objection process identified in
36 CFR part 219 subpart B (219.50 to 219.62). According to 36 CFR
219.53(a), those who may file an objection are individuals and entities
who have submitted substantive formal comments related to plan revision
during the opportunities provided for public comment during the
planning process.
Documents Available for Review
The Needs for Change documentation, Assessment Report including
specialist reports, summaries of the public meetings and public meeting
materials, and public comments are posted on the Forest's Web site at:
www.tontoplan.org. As necessary or appropriate, the material available
on this site will be further adjusted as part of the planning process
using the provisions of the 2012 planning rule.
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1600-1614; 36 CFR part 219 [77 FR 21260-
21273].
Dated: March 20, 2017.
Jeanne M. Higgins,
Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest System.
[FR Doc. 2017-06788 Filed 4-5-17; 8:45 am]
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