Notice of Availability of the Record of Decision for the Approved Land Use Plan Amendment to the California Desert Conservation Area Plan for the West Mojave Route Network Project, California, 53169-53170 [2019-21556]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 193 / Friday, October 4, 2019 / Notices link on the left side of the screen to find the electronic version of these materials. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joseph Vieira, Project Manager, telephone 719–246–9966; address 5575 Cleora Road, Salida, CO 81201; email blm_co_brownscanyon@blm.gov. Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1–800– 877–8339 to contact Mr. Vieira during normal business hours. The FRS is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to leave a message or question. You will receive a reply during normal business hours. The BLM and USFS have prepared the Draft BCNM RMP–FP amendment and Draft EIS to evaluate the management strategy for resources, resource uses, and special designations within the BCNM. The planning area is located in Chaffee County, Colorado, and encompasses approximately 21,600 acres. The BCNM RMP/FP amendment will determine management for approximately 9,790 acres of BLM-administered surface land and approximately 11,810 acres of national forest. The formal public scoping process for the BCNM Draft RMP–FP amendment/ Draft EIS began May 14, 2019, with the publication of a Notice of Intent in the Federal Register (84 FR 21352). The BLM and USFS held three open-house scoping meetings in June 2019. The BLM and USFS used public scoping comments to help identify planning issues and frame the scope of analysis in the Draft EIS. The BLM and USFS also used the scoping process to introduce the public to the preliminary alternatives and the Draft Basis for Analysis to obtain feedback on the alternatives and the analysis strategy. Major planning issues considered in the Draft RMP–FP amendment/Draft EIS are conserving and protecting monument resources and objects or values including bighorn sheep, peregrine falcon, terrestrial and avian wildlife habitat, cultural and historical resources, geological features and riparian values; maintaining monument values and settings; understanding and addressing tribal values including religious and other significant sites; addressing existing uses such as livestock grazing; managing for sustainable outdoor recreation, visitor growth and visitor enjoyment. The Draft RMP–FP amendment also considers decisions regarding wild and scenic rivers, areas of critical environmental concern (ACECs), and management of lands with wilderness characteristics. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:49 Oct 03, 2019 Jkt 250001 The Draft RMP–FP amendment/Draft EIS evaluates in detail the No Action Alternative (Alternative A) and two action alternatives (Alternatives B and C). The BLM identified Alternative C as the Preferred Alternative. This alternative, however, does not represent the final agency direction. After the public comment period closes, the BLM and USFS will prepare a Proposed RMP and Proposed FP amendment, which may reflect changes or adjustments based on information received during public comment on the Draft RMP–FP amendment/Draft EIS, new information, or changes in BLM or USFS policies or priorities. The Proposed RMP–FP amendment may include objectives and actions described in any of the alternatives analyzed in the Draft. Alternative A continues existing management in the Planning Area, as reflected in decisions from the Royal Gorge Resource Area Management Plan (BLM 1996) and Pike and San Isabel National Forests; Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands Land and Resource Management Plan (USFS 1984), as amended. In addition, Alternative A reflects management direction in Presidential Proclamation 9232. Alternative B focuses on protecting monument resources, objects, and values while providing primarily non-motorized recreation activities, such as hiking and boating, in a predominantly primitive and backcountry setting. Alternative B limits future recreational infrastructure development while still allowing varied river-based and upland outdoor recreation experiences and outcomes. Alternative C focuses on a wider variety of river and upland recreation opportunities in backcountry, middle and front country settings to enhance the local economy and quality of life for residents and visitors. Alternative C includes protections for monument resources, objects, and values though emphasizes more proactive management of natural resources to address stressors and drivers, and a wider range of recreation opportunities and access as compared with management under Alternative B. Pursuant to 43 CFR 1610.7–2(b), this notice announces a concurrent public comment period on the proposed designation of ACECs. The BLM analyzed one potential ACEC meeting the relevance and importance criteria within the range of action alternatives: Alternative B would retain the BCNM portion of the Browns Canyon ACEC in its current size (9,755 acres). The following management would apply: Avoid rights-of-way, restrict vehicles and bicycles to existing designated PO 00000 Frm 00072 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 53169 roads and trails and prohibit new route construction, and allow seasonal wildlife closures. Please note that public comments and information submitted including names, street addresses, and email addresses of persons who submit comments will be available for public review and disclosure at the above address during regular business hours (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.), Monday through Friday, except holidays. Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. (Authority: 40 CFR 1506.6, 40 CFR 1506.10, 43 CFR 1610.2) Gregory P. Shoop, Acting Colorado State Director. [FR Doc. 2019–21560 Filed 10–3–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–JB–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [LLCAD08000.L16100000.DT0000. 19XL1109AF.LXSSB0010000 (MO#4500137107)] Notice of Availability of the Record of Decision for the Approved Land Use Plan Amendment to the California Desert Conservation Area Plan for the West Mojave Route Network Project, California Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability. AGENCY: In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended, and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, as amended, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announces the availability of the Record of Decision (ROD) for the West Mojave Route Network Project (WMRNP) Approved Land Use Plan Amendment (LUPA) for public lands located in Inyo, Kern, Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties, California. DATES: The California State Director signed the ROD on October 3, 2019, which constitutes the final decision of the BLM, and the Approved LUPA takes effect immediately. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\04OCN1.SGM 04OCN1 53170 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 193 / Friday, October 4, 2019 / Notices The ROD/Approved LUPA and associated Travel Management Plans (TMPs) are available electronically on the BLM ePlanning project website at https://go.usa.gov/ xE6YH. Copies of the ROD/Approved LUPA and TMPs are available for public inspection at the BLM-Ridgecrest Field Office, 300 South Richmond Road, Ridgecrest, CA 93555; the BLM-Barstow Field Office, 2601 Barstow Road, Barstow, CA 92311; and the BLMCalifornia Desert District Office, 22835 Calle San Juan de Los Lagos, Moreno Valley, CA 92553. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt Toedtli, BLM Planning and Environmental Coordinator, telephone: 760–252–6026; address: 2601 Barstow Road, Barstow, CA 92311; email: mtoedtli@blm.gov. Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1–800–877–8339 to contact Mr. Toedtli during normal business hours. The FRS is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to leave a message or question. You will receive a reply during normal business hours. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The ROD also approves a travel and transportation route network and nine associated TMPs. These implementation-level decisions for each of the nine individual travel management plans are subject to appeal pursuant to 43 CFR, part 4, subpart E. The ROD contains the BLM’s decisions and rationale, and a brief summary of alternatives considered, public involvement, required findings, and other information. The ROD includes three appendices: United States Fish and Wildlife Service Biological Opinion (Appendix A), an Errata to the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (Appendix B), and the WMRNP Programmatic Agreement (Appendix C). The WMRNP includes both plan-level and implementation-level actions. The WMRNP ROD approves seven land use plan amendments to the motor vehicle access, recreation and livestock grazing elements within the California Desert Conservation Area Plan for the West Mojave planning area. It also approves nine travel management plans, including a designated route network and implementation strategies and actions. The WMRNP ROD, Approved LUPA and Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), including Errata, were developed pursuant to a U.S. District Court Order that partially remanded the 2006 West Mojave (WEMO) Plan Amendment ROD to the khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES ADDRESSES: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:49 Oct 03, 2019 Jkt 250001 BLM and directed the BLM to reconsider route designation throughout the WEMO Planning Area, as well as other specified issues in the 2006 WEMO Plan. In response to public comments, updated information, and internal review, the BLM did not carry forward the Preferred Alternative identified in the Draft LUPA/Draft Supplemental EIS, published in March 2018. Rather, the Proposed LUPA/Final Supplemental EIS, published on April 26, 2019, identified Alternative 5 as the Selected Alternative. There were no inconsistencies with State- or localplans, policies or programs identified during the Governor’s consistency review of the Proposed LUPA/Final Supplemental EIS. At the close of the protest period, 29 protests were received. The Director’s Protest Summary Report containing Protest Resolution is available electronically at https://www.blm.gov/ programs/planning-and-nepa/publicparticipation/protest-resolution-reports. Minor modifications were made to the Final Supplemental EIS to provide further clarification of the environmental impacts from the decisions. These minor modifications and changes in land status from the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act (Pub. L. 116–9) resulted in an Errata to the WMRNP Final Supplemental EIS. In response to changes in land status from Public Law 116–9 and comments received during the protest period, modifications were made to the travel and transportation management route network. The Selected Alternative has approximately 6,000 miles of OHV open and limited routes and 230 miles of OHV closed routes that include nonmotorized and non-mechanized use designations. Any party adversely affected by the approved route designations may appeal within 30 days of publication of this Notice of Availability pursuant to 43 CFR, part 4, subpart E. The appeal must be filed with the California Desert District Manager at the previously listed address (see ADDRESSES). Please consult the appropriate regulations (43 CFR, part 4, subpart E) for further appeal requirements. Before including your phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your appeal, you should be aware that your entire appeal—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your appeal to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we PO 00000 Frm 00073 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. (Authority: 40 CFR 1506.6) Danielle Chi, Deputy State Director, Fire and Resources. [FR Doc. 2019–21556 Filed 10–3–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–40–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [L13200000 DS0000 LXSSK1700000 20X LLWYP07000] Notice of Availability of the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement and Potential Amendment to the Approved Resource Management Plan for the Buffalo Field Office, Wyoming Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability. AGENCY: In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended, and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, as amended, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Wyoming prepared this Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the 2015 Buffalo Field Office Approved Resource Management Plan (RMP). This effort is in response to a United States District Court of Montana opinion and order (Western Organization of Resource Councils, et al. v. BLM; 3/26/2018 and 7/31/2018). By this notice, the BLM is announcing the opening of the protest period. SUMMARY: To ensure that a protest will be considered, the BLM must receive protests on the Final Supplemental EIS by November 4, 2019. ADDRESSES: Copies of the Final Supplemental EIS are available at the Buffalo Field Office at 1425 Fort Street, Buffalo, Wyoming 82834, and online at https://go.usa.gov/xP6S3. All protests on the Final Supplemental EIS must be submitted in writing by any of the following methods: • Website: https://go.usa.gov/xP6S3. • Regular Mail: BLM Director (210), Attention: Protest Coordinator, P.O. Box 71383, Washington, DC 20024–1383. • Overnight Delivery: BLM Director (210), Attention: Protest Coordinator, 20 M Street SE, Room 2134LM, Washington, DC 20003. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Thomas (Tom) Bills, RMP Supplemental EIS Project Manager; telephone: 307– DATES: E:\FR\FM\04OCN1.SGM 04OCN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 193 (Friday, October 4, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 53169-53170]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-21556]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management

[LLCAD08000.L16100000.DT0000.19XL1109AF.LXSSB0010000 (MO#4500137107)]


Notice of Availability of the Record of Decision for the Approved 
Land Use Plan Amendment to the California Desert Conservation Area Plan 
for the West Mojave Route Network Project, California

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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

SUMMARY: In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 
1969, as amended, and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 
1976, as amended, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announces the 
availability of the Record of Decision (ROD) for the West Mojave Route 
Network Project (WMRNP) Approved Land Use Plan Amendment (LUPA) for 
public lands located in Inyo, Kern, Los Angeles, Riverside, and San 
Bernardino counties, California.

DATES: The California State Director signed the ROD on October 3, 2019, 
which constitutes the final decision of the BLM, and the Approved LUPA 
takes effect immediately.

[[Page 53170]]


ADDRESSES: The ROD/Approved LUPA and associated Travel Management Plans 
(TMPs) are available electronically on the BLM ePlanning project 
website at https://go.usa.gov/xE6YH. Copies of the ROD/Approved LUPA 
and TMPs are available for public inspection at the BLM-Ridgecrest 
Field Office, 300 South Richmond Road, Ridgecrest, CA 93555; the BLM-
Barstow Field Office, 2601 Barstow Road, Barstow, CA 92311; and the 
BLM-California Desert District Office, 22835 Calle San Juan de Los 
Lagos, Moreno Valley, CA 92553.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matt Toedtli, BLM Planning and 
Environmental Coordinator, telephone: 760-252-6026; address: 2601 
Barstow Road, Barstow, CA 92311; email: [email protected]. Persons who 
use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal 
Relay Service (FRS) at 1-800-877-8339 to contact Mr. Toedtli during 
normal business hours. The FRS is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a 
week, to leave a message or question. You will receive a reply during 
normal business hours.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The ROD also approves a travel and 
transportation route network and nine associated TMPs. These 
implementation-level decisions for each of the nine individual travel 
management plans are subject to appeal pursuant to 43 CFR, part 4, 
subpart E.
    The ROD contains the BLM's decisions and rationale, and a brief 
summary of alternatives considered, public involvement, required 
findings, and other information. The ROD includes three appendices: 
United States Fish and Wildlife Service Biological Opinion (Appendix 
A), an Errata to the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement 
(Appendix B), and the WMRNP Programmatic Agreement (Appendix C).
    The WMRNP includes both plan-level and implementation-level 
actions. The WMRNP ROD approves seven land use plan amendments to the 
motor vehicle access, recreation and livestock grazing elements within 
the California Desert Conservation Area Plan for the West Mojave 
planning area. It also approves nine travel management plans, including 
a designated route network and implementation strategies and actions.
    The WMRNP ROD, Approved LUPA and Final Supplemental Environmental 
Impact Statement (EIS), including Errata, were developed pursuant to a 
U.S. District Court Order that partially remanded the 2006 West Mojave 
(WEMO) Plan Amendment ROD to the BLM and directed the BLM to reconsider 
route designation throughout the WEMO Planning Area, as well as other 
specified issues in the 2006 WEMO Plan. In response to public comments, 
updated information, and internal review, the BLM did not carry forward 
the Preferred Alternative identified in the Draft LUPA/Draft 
Supplemental EIS, published in March 2018. Rather, the Proposed LUPA/
Final Supplemental EIS, published on April 26, 2019, identified 
Alternative 5 as the Selected Alternative. There were no 
inconsistencies with State- or local-plans, policies or programs 
identified during the Governor's consistency review of the Proposed 
LUPA/Final Supplemental EIS.
    At the close of the protest period, 29 protests were received. The 
Director's Protest Summary Report containing Protest Resolution is 
available electronically at https://www.blm.gov/programs/planning-and-nepa/public-participation/protest-resolution-reports. Minor 
modifications were made to the Final Supplemental EIS to provide 
further clarification of the environmental impacts from the decisions. 
These minor modifications and changes in land status from the John D. 
Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act (Pub. L. 116-
9) resulted in an Errata to the WMRNP Final Supplemental EIS.
    In response to changes in land status from Public Law 116-9 and 
comments received during the protest period, modifications were made to 
the travel and transportation management route network. The Selected 
Alternative has approximately 6,000 miles of OHV open and limited 
routes and 230 miles of OHV closed routes that include non-motorized 
and non-mechanized use designations.
    Any party adversely affected by the approved route designations may 
appeal within 30 days of publication of this Notice of Availability 
pursuant to 43 CFR, part 4, subpart E. The appeal must be filed with 
the California Desert District Manager at the previously listed address 
(see ADDRESSES). Please consult the appropriate regulations (43 CFR, 
part 4, subpart E) for further appeal requirements.
    Before including your phone number, email address, or other 
personal identifying information in your appeal, you should be aware 
that your entire appeal--including your personal identifying 
information--may be made publicly available at any time. While you can 
ask us in your appeal to withhold your personal identifying information 
from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.

(Authority: 40 CFR 1506.6)

Danielle Chi,
Deputy State Director, Fire and Resources.
[FR Doc. 2019-21556 Filed 10-3-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-40-P

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