Custer Gallatin National Forest; Montana; Revision of the Land Management Plan for the Custer Gallatin National Forest, 342-344 [2017-28402]

Download as PDF 342 Notices Federal Register Vol. 83, No. 2 Wednesday, January 3, 2018 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. An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to respond to the collection of information that such persons are not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE National Agricultural Statistics Service Title: Agricultural Labor Survey. OMB Control Number: 0535–0109. Summary of Collection: The 1938 Agricultural Adjustment Act, as amended, requires USDA to compute parity prices of farm products. This computation uses an index of Prices Paid by Farmers which in turn is composed of five indexes, one of which is an index of wage rates. These estimates measure actual agricultural wage rates and the year-to-year changes. General authority for these data collection activities is granted under U.S. Code Title 7, Section 2204. Agricultural labor statistics are an integral part of National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) primary function of collecting, processing, and disseminating current state, regional, and national agricultural statistics. Comprehensive and reliable agricultural labor data are also needed by the Department of Labor in the administration of the ‘‘H–2A’’ program (non-immigrants who enter the United States for temporary or seasonal agricultural labor) and for setting ‘‘Adverse Effect Wage Rates.’’ The Agricultural Labor Survey is the only timely and reliable source of information on the size of the farm worker population. NASS will collect information using a survey. Need and Use of the Information: NASS will collect information on wage rate estimates and the year-to-year changes in these rates and how changes in wage rates help measure the changes in costs of production of major farm commodities. NASS will also collect Standard Occupational Classifications data information for field workers, livestock workers, supervisors and other workers to measure the availability of national farm workers. The information is used by farm worker organizations to help set wage rates and negotiate labor contracts as well as determine the need for additional workers and to help Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES December 28, 2017. The Department of Agriculture will submit the following information collection requirement(s) to OMB for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104–13 on or after the date of publication of this notice. Comments are requested regarding: (1) Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology should be addressed to: Desk Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), New Executive Office Building, Washington, DC; New Executive Office Building, 725—17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20503. Commenters are encouraged to submit their comments to OMB via email to: OIRA_Submission@ omb.eop.gov or fax (202) 395–5806 and to Departmental Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO, Mail Stop 7602, Washington, DC 20250–7602. Comments regarding these information collections are best assured of having their full effect if received by February 2, 2018. Copies of the submission(s) may be obtained by calling (202) 720–8681. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:13 Jan 02, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 ensure federal assistance for farm worker assistance programs supported with government funding. Description of Respondents: Farms. Number of Respondents: 15,050. Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Quarterly; Annually. Total Burden Hours: 14,499. Ruth Brown, Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. 2017–28373 Filed 1–2–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–20–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Custer Gallatin National Forest; Montana; Revision of the Land Management Plan for the Custer Gallatin National Forest Forest Service, USDA. Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement. AGENCY: ACTION: The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, is preparing the Custer Gallatin National Forest’s revised land management plan (forest plan). The Forest Service will prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) for its revised forest plan. This notice briefly describes the proposed action based on the need to change the existing forest plans, the nature of the decision to be made, and information concerning public participation. This notice also describes estimated dates for filing the environmental impact statement, the name and address of the responsible agency officials, and the individuals who can provide additional information. Finally, this notice identifies the applicable planning rule that will be used for completing the plan revision. The revised Custer Gallatin Forest Plan will replace the existing Custer and Gallatin National Forest plans that were approved by the Regional Forester in 1986 and 1987. The existing forest plans will remain in effect until the revised forest plan takes effect. In response to this notice we are asking for comments on the proposed action and the Regional Forester’s list of species of conservation concern. The full text of the proposed action, maps, and information on public engagement SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\03JAN1.SGM 03JAN1 sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 2 / Wednesday, January 3, 2018 / Notices opportunities can be found at www.fs.usda.gov/custergallatin by clicking on ‘‘Forest Plan Revision’’ and the link of interest. Information related to the Regional Forester’s list of species of conservation concern can be found at https://bit.ly/NorthernRegion-SCC. Input gathered during this scoping period, as well as other information, will be used to prepare the draft forest plan and the draft EIS. DATES: Comments concerning the proposed action provided in this notice will be most useful in development of the draft forest plan and draft environmental impact statement. Comments must be received, in writing, on or before March 5, 2018. The draft EIS is expected autumn of 2018 and the final EIS is expected summer of 2019. ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted electronically online at https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/ ?project=50185 or by navigating to www.fs.usda.gov/custergallatin and clicking on ‘‘Forest Plan Revision— Commenting’’ and following on-screen instructions. Written comments concerning this notice should be addressed to Custer Gallatin National Forest, Attn: Forest Plan Revision Team, P.O. Box 130 (10 E Babcock), Bozeman, MT 59771. Comments may also be sent via email to cgplanrevision@fs.fed.us with subject line: ‘‘Comment draft plan, CGNF’’ or via facsimile to 406–587– 6758. All comments, including names and addresses when provided, are placed in the record and are available for public inspection and copying. The public may inspect comments received by visiting the public reading room online at www.fs.usda.gov/custergallatin and clicking on ‘‘Forest Plan Revision— Public Reading Room.’’ FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Forest Plan Revision Team Leader Virginia Kelly or Forest Plan Revision Public Affairs Specialist Mariah Leuschen-Lonergan by emailing cgplanrevision@fs.fed.us or mail at Custer Gallatin National Forest, Attn: Forest Plan Revision Team, P.O. Box 130 (10 E Babcock), Bozeman, MT 59771. Additional information concerning the planning process can be found online at https:// www.fs.usda.gov/custergallatin by clicking on ‘‘Forest Plan Revision.’’ Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–800–877–8339 between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:13 Jan 02, 2018 Jkt 244001 Purpose and Need for Action The purpose of the Custer Gallatin National Forest plan revision is to set forth guidance for future decision making which provides people and communities with a range of social and economic benefits, promotes sound land stewardship in partnership with communities, and maintains or restores ecological integrity. The plan revision will implement the Forest Service’s 2012 Land Management Planning Rule (36 CFR part 219), which requires inclusion of plan components that address multiple uses; social, economic, and ecological sustainability; ecosystem services; and species diversity. Public involvement, along with science-based evaluations such as the findings from the development of the Assessment of the Custer Gallatin National Forest, have helped identify the need to change the existing forest plans. As described in the Preliminary Need for Change, the need for the plan revision is due to lack of direction for certain resources, stressors and land uses, as well as new policy requirements, since the Custer National Forest and the Gallatin National Forest plans were approved in 1986 and 1987. In addition, the Custer National Forest and the Gallatin National Forest were recently adminstratively combined and there is a need to provide clear and consistent plan direction through one unified forest plan across the administrative unit. To implement the requirements of the 2012 planning rule, new management direction is needed to: • Contribute to social and economic sustainability by providing people and communities with a range of social and economic benefits for present and future generations. These benefits include timber production, grazing, recreation, and additional multiple uses. • Provide for ecological sustainability by addressing ecosystem diversity (including key ecosystem characteristics and their integrity), in light of stressors such as changes in climate. • Provide for species diversity by maintaining or restoring vegetation and ecosystems, including for threatened and endangered species, species of conservation concern, and species of public interest. • Provide for multiple uses by addressing suitability of certain areas for particular uses; addressing access and sustainable recreation; providing for the management of existing and anticipated uses, as well as protecting resources. • Identify and evaluate lands that may be suitable for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System. PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 343 • Identify eligible rivers for inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Public participation through scoping may identify other issues or concerns that will be considered during the plan revision. Proposed Action The Forest Service is preparing the revised forest plan for the Custer Gallatin National Forest. The full proposed action for the revised forest plan includes forestwide and geographic area desired conditions, goals, objectives, standards, guidelines, and the suitability of lands for specific multiple uses. The proposed action includes lands that could be recommended to Congress for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System and the identification of rivers eligible for inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The proposed action includes a description of the plan area’s distinctive roles and contributions within the broader landscape, the identification of priority restoration watersheds, and suitability of national forest lands to support a variety of proposed and possible actions that may occur on the plan area over the life of the plan. The proposed action also identifies a monitoring program. The proposed action and appendices can be found on the Custer Gallatin National Forest Revision website at www.fs.usda.gov/custergallatin by clicking on ‘‘Forest Plan Revision.’’ Responsible Official The responsible official who will approve the Record of Decision for the Custer Gallatin National Forest revised forest plan is Mary Erickson, Forest Supervisor for the Custer Gallatin National Forest, P.O. Box 130, (10 E Babcock), Bozeman, MT 59771. Nature of Decision To Be Made For the Custer Gallatin National Forest plan revision, the responsible official will decide whether the required plan components (desired conditions, goals, objectives, standards, guidelines, and suitability) are sufficient to promote the ecological integrity and sustainability of the Custer Gallatin National Forest’s ecosystems, watersheds, and diverse plant and animal communities. In addition, the responsible official will decide if the plan provides sufficient management guidance to contribute to social and economic sustainability, to provide people and communities with ecosystem services and multiple uses including a range of social, economic, and ecological benefits for the present E:\FR\FM\03JAN1.SGM 03JAN1 344 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 2 / Wednesday, January 3, 2018 / Notices and into the future. Standards, guidelines, and other direction related to conservation of at-risk species will be evaluated for the Custer Gallatin National Forest in the EIS. This proposed action is programmatic in nature and guides future implementation of site-specific projects. Additional National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance would be required for site-specific projects as part of a two-stage decision making process (40 CFR 1508.23, 42 U.S.C. 4322(2)(C)), 36 CFR 219.7(f)). sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES Scoping Process This notice of intent initiates the scoping process, which guides the development of the draft forest plan and draft EIS. We are seeking your input to continue to develop the Custer Gallatin National Forest revised plan. Community meetings will be held to provide additional information and address questions related to the proposed action. Dates and locations will be posted on the Custer Gallatin Forest plan revision web page at www.fs.usda.gov/custergallatin and clicking on ‘‘Public Involvement.’’ Any changes to the meeting schedule will be communicated on the same web page. It is important that reviewers provide their comments at such times and in such manner that they are useful to the agency’s preparation of the environmental impact statement. Therefore, comments should be provided prior to the close of the comment period and should clearly articulate the reviewer’s concerns and as well as proposed solutions. Further instructions for providing comments that will assist the planning team in reviewing comments can be found at www.fs.usda.gov/custergallatin by clicking on ‘‘Forest Plan Revision— Commenting.’’ Decision Will Be Subject to Objection Only those individuals and entities who have submitted substantive formal comments related to the Custer Gallatin National Forest plan revision during the opportunities provided for public comment during the planning process will be eligible to file an objection (36 CFR 219.53(a)). The decision to approve the revised forest plan for the Custer Gallatin National Forest will be subject to the objection process identified in 36 CFR part 219 Subpart B (219.50 to 219.62). 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:13 Jan 02, 2018 Jkt 244001 considered, however, anonymous comments will not provide the Agency with the ability to provide the respondent with subsequent environmental documents. Dated: December 8, 2017. Chris French, Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest System. [FR Doc. 2017–28402 Filed 1–2–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3411–15–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration [A–570–970, C–570–971] Multilayered Wood Flooring From the People’s Republic of China: Continuation of Antidumping Duty Orders Enforcement and Compliance, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce. SUMMARY: As a result of the determinations by the Department of Commerce (Commerce) and the International Trade Commission (ITC) that revocation of the antidumping duty (AD) and countervailing duty (CVD) orders on multilayered wood flooring from the People’s Republic of China (China) would likely lead to a continuation or recurrence of dumping and material injury to an industry in the United States, the Commerce is publishing a notice of continuation of the AD and CVD orders. DATES: Applicable January 3, 2018. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Maliha Khan or Thomas Martin (AD order), Office IV; telephone: 202–482– 0895 or 202–482–3936, respectively, or Robert James or John Anwesen (CVD order), Office VIII; telephone: 202–482– 0649 or 202–482–0131, respectively; AD/CVD Operations, Enforcement and Compliance, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20230. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: AGENCY: Background On December 8, 2011, Commerce published in the Federal Register the AD and CVD orders on multilayered wood flooring from the PRC.1 On 1 See Multilayered Wood Flooring from the People’s Republic of China: Amended Final Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value and Antidumping Duty Order, 76 FR 76690 (December 8, 2011) and Multilayered Wood Flooring from the People’s Republic of China: Countervailing Duty Order, 76 FR 76692 (December 8, 2011) (collectively, the Orders). PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 November 1, 2016, Commerce published in the Federal Register the initiation notice for the first sunset review of the Orders on multilayered wood flooring from China, pursuant to section 751(c) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (the Act).2 On November 16, 2016, Commerce received a timely notice of intent to participate in these reviews from the Coalition for American Hardwood Parity (CAHP), a domestic interested party, within the 15-day deadline specified in 19 CFR 351.218(d)(1)(i).3 As a result of its reviews, Commerce determined that revocation of the Orders on multilayered wood flooring from China would likely lead to continuation or recurrence of dumping and countervailable subsidies and notified the ITC of the magnitude of the margins and net countervailable subsidy rates likely to prevail should these Orders be revoked.4 On December 19, 2017, the ITC published its determination that revocation of the Orders would likely lead to a continuation or recurrence of material injury to an industry in the United States within a reasonably foreseeable time, pursuant to section 751(c) of the Act.5 Scope of the Orders Multilayered wood flooring is composed of an assembly of two or more layers or plies of wood veneer(s) 6 in combination with a core.7 The several layers, along with the core, are glued or otherwise bonded together to form a final assembled product. Multilayered wood flooring is often referred to by other terms, e.g., ‘‘engineered wood flooring’’ or ‘‘plywood flooring.’’ Regardless of the particular terminology, all products that meet the description 2 See Initiation of Five-Year (Sunset) Review, 81 FR 75808 (November 1, 2016). 3 See Letters from CAHP to Commerce, ‘‘Petitioners’ Notice of Intent to Participate: FiveYear (‘‘Sunset’’) Review: Multilayered Wood Flooring from the People’s Republic of China’’ (November 16, 2016) for both AD and CVD reviews. 4 See Multilayered Wood Flooring from the People’s Republic of China: Final Results of the Expedited First Sunset Review of the Antidumping Duty Order, 82 FR 13092 (March 9, 2017) and Multilayered Wood Flooring from the People’s Republic of China: Final Results of Expedited First Sunset Review of the Countervailing Duty Order, 82 FR 12555 (March 6, 2017). 5 See Investigation Nos. 731–TA–1179 and 701– TA–476 (Review) Multilayered Wood Flooring from China, 82 FR 242 (December 19, 2017), and USITC Publication 4746 (December 2017), entitled Multilayered Wood Flooring from China: Investigation Nos. 701–TA–476 and 731–TA–1179 (Review). 6 A ‘‘veneer’’ is a thin slice of wood, rotary cut, sliced or sawed from a log, bolt or flitch. Veneer is referred to as a ply when assembled. 7 Department of Commerce Interpretive Note: Commerce interprets this language to refer to wood flooring products with a minimum of three layers. E:\FR\FM\03JAN1.SGM 03JAN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 3, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 342-344]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-28402]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Custer Gallatin National Forest; Montana; Revision of the Land 
Management Plan for the Custer Gallatin National Forest

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

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

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

SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, is 
preparing the Custer Gallatin National Forest's revised land management 
plan (forest plan). The Forest Service will prepare an environmental 
impact statement (EIS) for its revised forest plan.
    This notice briefly describes the proposed action based on the need 
to change the existing forest plans, the nature of the decision to be 
made, and information concerning public participation. This notice also 
describes estimated dates for filing the environmental impact 
statement, the name and address of the responsible agency officials, 
and the individuals who can provide additional information. Finally, 
this notice identifies the applicable planning rule that will be used 
for completing the plan revision.
    The revised Custer Gallatin Forest Plan will replace the existing 
Custer and Gallatin National Forest plans that were approved by the 
Regional Forester in 1986 and 1987. The existing forest plans will 
remain in effect until the revised forest plan takes effect.
    In response to this notice we are asking for comments on the 
proposed action and the Regional Forester's list of species of 
conservation concern. The full text of the proposed action, maps, and 
information on public engagement

[[Page 343]]

opportunities can be found at www.fs.usda.gov/custergallatin by 
clicking on ``Forest Plan Revision'' and the link of interest. 
Information related to the Regional Forester's list of species of 
conservation concern can be found at https://bit.ly/NorthernRegion-SCC. 
Input gathered during this scoping period, as well as other 
information, will be used to prepare the draft forest plan and the 
draft EIS.

DATES: Comments concerning the proposed action provided in this notice 
will be most useful in development of the draft forest plan and draft 
environmental impact statement. Comments must be received, in writing, 
on or before March 5, 2018. The draft EIS is expected autumn of 2018 
and the final EIS is expected summer of 2019.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted electronically online at https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=50185 or by navigating to 
www.fs.usda.gov/custergallatin and clicking on ``Forest Plan Revision--
Commenting'' and following on-screen instructions. Written comments 
concerning this notice should be addressed to Custer Gallatin National 
Forest, Attn: Forest Plan Revision Team, P.O. Box 130 (10 E Babcock), 
Bozeman, MT 59771. Comments may also be sent via email to 
[email protected] with subject line: ``Comment draft plan, 
CGNF'' or via facsimile to 406-587-6758.
    All comments, including names and addresses when provided, are 
placed in the record and are available for public inspection and 
copying. The public may inspect comments received by visiting the 
public reading room online at www.fs.usda.gov/custergallatin and 
clicking on ``Forest Plan Revision--Public Reading Room.''

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Forest Plan Revision Team Leader 
Virginia Kelly or Forest Plan Revision Public Affairs Specialist Mariah 
Leuschen-Lonergan by emailing [email protected] or mail at 
Custer Gallatin National Forest, Attn: Forest Plan Revision Team, P.O. 
Box 130 (10 E Babcock), Bozeman, MT 59771. Additional information 
concerning the planning process can be found online at https://www.fs.usda.gov/custergallatin by clicking on ``Forest Plan Revision.''
    Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) 
may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 
between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through 
Friday.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Purpose and Need for Action

    The purpose of the Custer Gallatin National Forest plan revision is 
to set forth guidance for future decision making which provides people 
and communities with a range of social and economic benefits, promotes 
sound land stewardship in partnership with communities, and maintains 
or restores ecological integrity. The plan revision will implement the 
Forest Service's 2012 Land Management Planning Rule (36 CFR part 219), 
which requires inclusion of plan components that address multiple uses; 
social, economic, and ecological sustainability; ecosystem services; 
and species diversity.
    Public involvement, along with science-based evaluations such as 
the findings from the development of the Assessment of the Custer 
Gallatin National Forest, have helped identify the need to change the 
existing forest plans. As described in the Preliminary Need for Change, 
the need for the plan revision is due to lack of direction for certain 
resources, stressors and land uses, as well as new policy requirements, 
since the Custer National Forest and the Gallatin National Forest plans 
were approved in 1986 and 1987. In addition, the Custer National Forest 
and the Gallatin National Forest were recently adminstratively combined 
and there is a need to provide clear and consistent plan direction 
through one unified forest plan across the administrative unit.
    To implement the requirements of the 2012 planning rule, new 
management direction is needed to:
     Contribute to social and economic sustainability by 
providing people and communities with a range of social and economic 
benefits for present and future generations. These benefits include 
timber production, grazing, recreation, and additional multiple uses.
     Provide for ecological sustainability by addressing 
ecosystem diversity (including key ecosystem characteristics and their 
integrity), in light of stressors such as changes in climate.
     Provide for species diversity by maintaining or restoring 
vegetation and ecosystems, including for threatened and endangered 
species, species of conservation concern, and species of public 
interest.
     Provide for multiple uses by addressing suitability of 
certain areas for particular uses; addressing access and sustainable 
recreation; providing for the management of existing and anticipated 
uses, as well as protecting resources.
     Identify and evaluate lands that may be suitable for 
inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System.
     Identify eligible rivers for inclusion in the National 
Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
    Public participation through scoping may identify other issues or 
concerns that will be considered during the plan revision.

Proposed Action

    The Forest Service is preparing the revised forest plan for the 
Custer Gallatin National Forest. The full proposed action for the 
revised forest plan includes forestwide and geographic area desired 
conditions, goals, objectives, standards, guidelines, and the 
suitability of lands for specific multiple uses. The proposed action 
includes lands that could be recommended to Congress for inclusion in 
the National Wilderness Preservation System and the identification of 
rivers eligible for inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers 
System. The proposed action includes a description of the plan area's 
distinctive roles and contributions within the broader landscape, the 
identification of priority restoration watersheds, and suitability of 
national forest lands to support a variety of proposed and possible 
actions that may occur on the plan area over the life of the plan. The 
proposed action also identifies a monitoring program. The proposed 
action and appendices can be found on the Custer Gallatin National 
Forest Revision website at www.fs.usda.gov/custergallatin by clicking 
on ``Forest Plan Revision.''

Responsible Official

    The responsible official who will approve the Record of Decision 
for the Custer Gallatin National Forest revised forest plan is Mary 
Erickson, Forest Supervisor for the Custer Gallatin National Forest, 
P.O. Box 130, (10 E Babcock), Bozeman, MT 59771.

Nature of Decision To Be Made

    For the Custer Gallatin National Forest plan revision, the 
responsible official will decide whether the required plan components 
(desired conditions, goals, objectives, standards, guidelines, and 
suitability) are sufficient to promote the ecological integrity and 
sustainability of the Custer Gallatin National Forest's ecosystems, 
watersheds, and diverse plant and animal communities. In addition, the 
responsible official will decide if the plan provides sufficient 
management guidance to contribute to social and economic 
sustainability, to provide people and communities with ecosystem 
services and multiple uses including a range of social, economic, and 
ecological benefits for the present

[[Page 344]]

and into the future. Standards, guidelines, and other direction related 
to conservation of at-risk species will be evaluated for the Custer 
Gallatin National Forest in the EIS.
    This proposed action is programmatic in nature and guides future 
implementation of site-specific projects. Additional National 
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance would be required for site-
specific projects as part of a two-stage decision making process (40 
CFR 1508.23, 42 U.S.C. 4322(2)(C)), 36 CFR 219.7(f)).

Scoping Process

    This notice of intent initiates the scoping process, which guides 
the development of the draft forest plan and draft EIS. We are seeking 
your input to continue to develop the Custer Gallatin National Forest 
revised plan.
    Community meetings will be held to provide additional information 
and address questions related to the proposed action. Dates and 
locations will be posted on the Custer Gallatin Forest plan revision 
web page at www.fs.usda.gov/custergallatin and clicking on ``Public 
Involvement.'' Any changes to the meeting schedule will be communicated 
on the same web page.
    It is important that reviewers provide their comments at such times 
and in such manner that they are useful to the agency's preparation of 
the environmental impact statement. Therefore, comments should be 
provided prior to the close of the comment period and should clearly 
articulate the reviewer's concerns and as well as proposed solutions. 
Further instructions for providing comments that will assist the 
planning team in reviewing comments can be found at www.fs.usda.gov/custergallatin by clicking on ``Forest Plan Revision--Commenting.''

Decision Will Be Subject to Objection

    Only those individuals and entities who have submitted substantive 
formal comments related to the Custer Gallatin National Forest plan 
revision during the opportunities provided for public comment during 
the planning process will be eligible to file an objection (36 CFR 
219.53(a)). The decision to approve the revised forest plan for the 
Custer Gallatin National Forest will be subject to the objection 
process identified in 36 CFR part 219 Subpart B (219.50 to 219.62).
    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, anonymous comments will not provide 
the Agency with the ability to provide the respondent with subsequent 
environmental documents.

    Dated: December 8, 2017.
Chris French,
Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest System.
[FR Doc. 2017-28402 Filed 1-2-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3411-15-P

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