Revision of the Land Management Plan for the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas, 17629-17630 [2017-07407]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 69 / Wednesday, April 12, 2017 / Notices the Forest Supervisor for the Monongahela National Forest. mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with NOTICES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Additional information about the projects is available from the FERC’s Office of External Affairs at 866–208– FERC (3372), or on the FERC Web site (www.ferc.gov). On the FERC’s Web site, go to ‘‘Documents & Filings,’’ click on the ‘‘eLibrary’’ link, click on ‘‘General Search’’ and enter the docket number CP16–38. Be sure you have selected an appropriate date range. For assistance, please contact FERC Online Support at FercOnlineSupport@ferc.gov, or toll free at 866–208–3676, or for TTY, contact 202–502–8659. The eLibrary link also provides access to the texts of formal documents issues by the FERC such as orders, notices, and rulemakings. For additional information about authorizing project activities on NFS lands, contact Clyde Thompson at (304) 636–1800. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This NOA is specific to the FS and provides notice that the agency has participated as a cooperating agency with FERC in the preparation of the WB XPress Project EA. The WB XPress route would cross about 11.4 miles of NFS lands managed by the Monongahela National Forest, in Randolph and Pendleton counties, West Virginia. The FERC is the NEPA Lead Federal Agency for the environmental analysis of the construction and operation of the proposed WB XPress Project. The FS is the federal agency responsible for authorizing this use and issuing special use permits for natural gas pipelines across NFS lands under its jurisdiction. Before issuing a Special Use permit (SUP) to construct, operate, maintain, and eventually decommission a natural gas transmission pipeline that crosses NFS lands, the FS would include any specific stipulations applicable to lands, facilities, water bodies, and easements for inclusion in the SUP. The FERC’s EA includes the consideration of a USFS authorization across NFS lands. The USFS intends to adopt FERC’s EA for agency decisions if the analysis provides sufficient evidence to support the agency’s decisions and the agency is satisfied that agency comments and suggestions have been addressed. The FS will prepare separate Decision Notice (DN) for the authorization decision after issuance of the FERC EA. The FS decision to authorize WB XPress will be subject to FS predecisional administrative review procedures established in 36 CFR 218. The FS is requesting public comments on the authorization of WB XPress on NFS VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:45 Apr 11, 2017 Jkt 241001 lands that would allow WB XPress to cross the MNF. All comments must be submitted to the FERC, the Lead Federal Agency, within 30 days following the date of publication of the FERC Notice of Availability for their EA in the Federal Register. Refer to Docket CP16– 38–000 in all correspondence to ensure that your comments are correctly filed in the record. You may submit comments to the FERC using one of the methods listed in the ADDRESSES section above. Only those who submit timely and specific written comments regarding the proposed project during a public comment period are eligible to file an objection with the FS. Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comments, you should be aware that the entire text of your comments—including your personal identifying information— would be publicly available through the FERC eLibrary system if you file your comments with the Secretary of the FERC. Responsible Official for FS Authorization of Use to Issue a Special Use Permit: The Regional Forester Eastern Region is the Responsible Official. Authority: 40 CFR 1506.6. Dated: March 28, 2017. Glenn P. Casamassa, Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest System. [FR Doc. 2017–07042 Filed 4–11–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3411–15–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Revision of the Land Management Plan for the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas Forest Service, USDA. Notice of initiating the assessment phase of the land management plan revision for the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas. AGENCY: ACTION: The National Forests and Grasslands in Texas, located in central and east Texas, is initiating the first phase of the forest planning process pursuant to the 2012 National Forest System land management planning rule. This process will result in a revised land management plan (Forest Plan) which describes the strategic direction for management of forest and grassland resources on the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas for the next ten to fifteen years. The planning process SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 17629 encompasses three stages: Assessment, plan revision, and monitoring. The first phase of the process, the assessment phase, is beginning on the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas and involves assessing ecological, social, and economic conditions of the planning area, which is documented in an assessment report. The Forest is inviting the public to contribute to the development of the assessment. The Forest will be hosting public forums where the public will be invited to share information relevant to the assessment, including existing information, current trends, and local knowledge. DATES: Public meetings associated with the development of the assessment will be announced on the Forest’s Web site at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/texas/ planrevision and sent to individuals and organizations on the Forest’s mailing list. A draft of the assessment report for the revision of National Forests and Grasslands land management plan is anticipated to be available by March 2018. Following completion of the assessment, the Forest will initiate procedures pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to prepare and evaluate a revised land management plan. ADDRESSES: Written comments or questions concerning this notice should be addressed to National Forests and Grasslands in Texas, Attn: Forest Plan, 2221 N. Raguet St., Lufkin, Texas 75904. Comments or questions may also be sent via email to TexasPlanRev@fs.fed.us. All correspondence, including names and addresses when provided, are placed in the record and are available for public inspection and copying. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Theresa Mathis, Forest Planner, National Forests and Grasslands in Texas at 936–639–8586. More information on the plan revision process can be found on the Forest’s Web site at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/texas/ planrevision. If you have questions or would like to sign up to be on the Forest’s mailing list, send an email to TexasPlanRev@fs.fed.us or call the Forest Plan Revision number 936–639– 8586. 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 time), Monday through Friday. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The National Forest Management Act (NFMA) of 1976 requires that every National Forest System (NFS) unit develop a land management plan. On April 9, 2012, the Forest Service E:\FR\FM\12APN1.SGM 12APN1 mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with NOTICES 17630 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 69 / Wednesday, April 12, 2017 / Notices finalized its land management planning rule (2012 Planning Rule, 36 CFR 219), which describes requirements for the planning process and the content of land management plans. Forest plans describe the strategic direction for management of forest and grassland resources for ten to fifteen years, and are adaptive and amendable as conditions change over time. Pursuant to the 2012 Forest Planning Rule (36 CFR 219), the planning process encompasses threestages: Assessment, plan revision, and monitoring. The first stage of the planning process involves assessing social, economic, and ecological conditions of the planning area, which is documented in an assessment report. This notice announces the start of the initial stage of the planning process, which is the development of the assessment report. The second stage, formal plan revision, involves the development of the Forest Plan in conjunction with the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement under the NEPA. Once the plan revision is completed, it will be subject to the objection procedures of 36 CFR 219, subpart B, before it can be approved. The third stage of the planning process is the monitoring and evaluation of the revised plan, which is ongoing over the life of the revised plan. The assessment is a rapid evaluation of the existing information about the relevant ecological, economic, cultural and social conditions, trends, and sustainability and their relationship to land management plans within the context of the broader landscape. This information builds a common understanding prior to entering formal plan revision. The development of the assessment will include public engagement. With this notice, the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas invite other governments, non-governmental parties, and the public to contribute to the development of the assessment. The intent of public engagement during development of the assessment is to identify as much relevant information as possible to inform the upcoming plan revision process. We encourage contributors to share material about existing conditions, trends, and perceptions of social, economic, and ecological systems relevant to the planning process. The assessment also supports the development of relationships with key stakeholders that will be used throughout the plan revision process. As public meetings, other opportunities for public engagement, and public review and comment opportunities are identified to assist VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:45 Apr 11, 2017 Jkt 241001 with the development of the forest plan revision, public announcements will be made, notifications will be posted on the Forest’s Web site at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/texas/ planrevision and information will be sent out to the Forest’s mailing list. If anyone is interested in being on the Forest’s mailing list to receive these notifications, please contact Theresa Mathis, Forest Planner, at the address or phone number identified above, or by sending an email to TexasPlanRev@ fs.fed.us. Responsible Official The responsible official for the revision of the land management plan for the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas is William E. Taylor, Jr., Forest Supervisor, National Forests and Grasslands in Texas, 2221 N. Raguet St., Lufkin, Texas 75904. Dated: March 15, 2017. Jeanne M. Higgins, Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest System. [FR Doc. 2017–07407 Filed 4–11–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3411–15–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request The Department of Commerce will submit to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for clearance the following proposal for collection of information under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. chapter 35). AGENCY: U.S. Census Bureau. Title: Current Population Survey, Housing Vacancy Survey. OMB Control Number: 0607–0179. Form Number(s): There are no forms for data collection. We conduct all interviews on computers. Type of Request: Regular Submission. Number of Respondents: 84,000. Average Hours per Response: 3 minutes. Burden Hours: 4200. Needs and Uses: Collection of the HVS in conjunction with the Current Population Survey began in 1956, and serves a broad array of data users. We conduct the HVS interviews with landlords or other knowledgeable people concerning vacant housing units identified in the monthly CPS sample and meeting certain criteria. The HVS provides the only quarterly statistics on rental vacancy rates and homeownership rates for the United States, the four census regions, the 50 states and the District of Columbia, and PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 9990 the 75 largest metropolitan areas (MAs). Private and public sector organizations use these rates extensively to gauge and analyze the housing market with regard to supply, cost, and affordability at various points in time. In addition, the rental vacancy rate is a component of the index of leading economic indicators published by the Department of Commerce. Policy analysts, program managers, budget analysts, and congressional staff use these data to advise the executive and legislative branches of government with respect to the number and characteristics of units available for occupancy and the suitability of housing initiatives. Several other government agencies use these data on a continuing basis in calculating consumer expenditures for housing as a component of the gross national product; to project mortgage demands; and to measure the adequacy of the supply of rental and homeowner units. In addition, investment firms use the HVS data to analyze market trends and for economic forecasting. Affected Public: Individuals who have knowledge of the vacant sample unit (e.g., landlord, rental agents, neighbors). Frequency: Monthly. Respondent’s Obligation: Voluntary. Legal Authority: 13 U.S.C. 182 and 29 U.S.C. 1–9. This information collection request may be viewed at www.reginfo.gov. Follow the instructions to view Department of Commerce collections currently under review by OMB. Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of this notice to OIRA_Submission@omb. eop.gov or fax to (202)395–5806. Sheleen Dumas, Departmental PRA Lead, Office of the Chief Information Officer. [FR Doc. 2017–07289 Filed 4–11–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–07–P E:\FR\FM\12APN1.SGM 12APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 69 (Wednesday, April 12, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 17629-17630]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-07407]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Revision of the Land Management Plan for the National Forests and 
Grasslands in Texas

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of initiating the assessment phase of the land 
management plan revision for the National Forests and Grasslands in 
Texas.

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

SUMMARY: The National Forests and Grasslands in Texas, located in 
central and east Texas, is initiating the first phase of the forest 
planning process pursuant to the 2012 National Forest System land 
management planning rule. This process will result in a revised land 
management plan (Forest Plan) which describes the strategic direction 
for management of forest and grassland resources on the National 
Forests and Grasslands in Texas for the next ten to fifteen years. The 
planning process encompasses three stages: Assessment, plan revision, 
and monitoring. The first phase of the process, the assessment phase, 
is beginning on the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas and 
involves assessing ecological, social, and economic conditions of the 
planning area, which is documented in an assessment report.
    The Forest is inviting the public to contribute to the development 
of the assessment. The Forest will be hosting public forums where the 
public will be invited to share information relevant to the assessment, 
including existing information, current trends, and local knowledge.

DATES: Public meetings associated with the development of the 
assessment will be announced on the Forest's Web site at 
www.fs.usda.gov/goto/texas/planrevision and sent to individuals and 
organizations on the Forest's mailing list. A draft of the assessment 
report for the revision of National Forests and Grasslands land 
management plan is anticipated to be available by March 2018. Following 
completion of the assessment, the Forest will initiate procedures 
pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to prepare and 
evaluate a revised land management plan.

ADDRESSES: Written comments or questions concerning this notice should 
be addressed to National Forests and Grasslands in Texas, Attn: Forest 
Plan, 2221 N. Raguet St., Lufkin, Texas 75904. Comments or questions 
may also be sent via email to TexasPlanRev@fs.fed.us. All 
correspondence, including names and addresses when provided, are placed 
in the record and are available for public inspection and copying.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Theresa Mathis, Forest Planner, 
National Forests and Grasslands in Texas at 936-639-8586. More 
information on the plan revision process can be found on the Forest's 
Web site at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/texas/planrevision. If you have 
questions or would like to sign up to be on the Forest's mailing list, 
send an email to TexasPlanRev@fs.fed.us or call the Forest Plan 
Revision number 936-639-8586. 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 time), Monday through Friday.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The National Forest Management Act (NFMA) of 
1976 requires that every National Forest System (NFS) unit develop a 
land management plan. On April 9, 2012, the Forest Service

[[Page 17630]]

finalized its land management planning rule (2012 Planning Rule, 36 CFR 
219), which describes requirements for the planning process and the 
content of land management plans. Forest plans describe the strategic 
direction for management of forest and grassland resources for ten to 
fifteen years, and are adaptive and amendable as conditions change over 
time. Pursuant to the 2012 Forest Planning Rule (36 CFR 219), the 
planning process encompasses three-stages: Assessment, plan revision, 
and monitoring. The first stage of the planning process involves 
assessing social, economic, and ecological conditions of the planning 
area, which is documented in an assessment report. This notice 
announces the start of the initial stage of the planning process, which 
is the development of the assessment report.
    The second stage, formal plan revision, involves the development of 
the Forest Plan in conjunction with the preparation of an Environmental 
Impact Statement under the NEPA. Once the plan revision is completed, 
it will be subject to the objection procedures of 36 CFR 219, subpart 
B, before it can be approved. The third stage of the planning process 
is the monitoring and evaluation of the revised plan, which is ongoing 
over the life of the revised plan.
    The assessment is a rapid evaluation of the existing information 
about the relevant ecological, economic, cultural and social 
conditions, trends, and sustainability and their relationship to land 
management plans within the context of the broader landscape. This 
information builds a common understanding prior to entering formal plan 
revision. The development of the assessment will include public 
engagement.
    With this notice, the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas 
invite other governments, non-governmental parties, and the public to 
contribute to the development of the assessment. The intent of public 
engagement during development of the assessment is to identify as much 
relevant information as possible to inform the upcoming plan revision 
process. We encourage contributors to share material about existing 
conditions, trends, and perceptions of social, economic, and ecological 
systems relevant to the planning process. The assessment also supports 
the development of relationships with key stakeholders that will be 
used throughout the plan revision process.
    As public meetings, other opportunities for public engagement, and 
public review and comment opportunities are identified to assist with 
the development of the forest plan revision, public announcements will 
be made, notifications will be posted on the Forest's Web site at 
www.fs.usda.gov/goto/texas/planrevision and information will be sent 
out to the Forest's mailing list. If anyone is interested in being on 
the Forest's mailing list to receive these notifications, please 
contact Theresa Mathis, Forest Planner, at the address or phone number 
identified above, or by sending an email to TexasPlanRev@fs.fed.us.

Responsible Official

    The responsible official for the revision of the land management 
plan for the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas is William E. 
Taylor, Jr., Forest Supervisor, National Forests and Grasslands in 
Texas, 2221 N. Raguet St., Lufkin, Texas 75904.

    Dated: March 15, 2017.
Jeanne M. Higgins,
Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest System.
[FR Doc. 2017-07407 Filed 4-11-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3411-15-P

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