Superior National Forest; Cook County; Minnesota; Lutsen Mountains Ski Area Expansion Project EIS, 23501-23502 [2020-08969]

Download as PDF 23501 Notices Federal Register Vol. 85, No. 82 Tuesday, April 28, 2020 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 Superior National Forest; Cook County; Minnesota; Lutsen Mountains Ski Area Expansion Project EIS Forest Service, USDA. Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement; extension of scoping period. AGENCY: ACTION: jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES Purpose and Need for Action The Superior National Forest (SNF) published a notice of intent (NOI) to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) on April 15, 2020 for the Lutsen Mountains Ski Area Expansion Project. Lutsen Mountain Corporation (LMC) has submitted a proposal to the SNF to implement select projects at Lutsen Mountains Resort (Lutsen Mountains). All projects are identified within the Lutsen Mountains 2016 Master Development Plan (MDP). The original scoping period was identified to conclude May 15, 2020. The scoping period will be extended to conclude May 28, 2020. The original NOI also indicated that one public open house meeting would be held; however, in response to the coronavirus (COVID–19) pandemic in the United States, and the Center for Disease Control’s recommendation for social distancing and avoiding large public gatherings, a public meeting will not be scheduled during the scoping period. DATES: Comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received by May 28, 2020. The draft EIS is expected in November 2020, and the final EIS is expected June 2021. ADDRESSES: Comments may be sent by the following methods: • Mail: Constance Cummins, Forest Supervisor, c/o Michael Jimenez, Project Leader, Superior National Forest, 8901 Grand Avenue Place, Duluth, MN 55808. • Email: comments-eastern-superior@ usda.gov (please include ‘‘Lutsen SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:43 Apr 27, 2020 Jkt 250001 Mountains Ski Area Expansion Project’’ in the subject line). • Online: https://www.fs.usda.gov/ project/?project=52440. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Jimenez, Project Leader, Superior National Forest, by phone at (218) 626–4383, or by email at michael.jimenez@usda.gov. Additional information can also be found on the project website at https://www.fs.usda. gov/project/?project=52440. Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–800–877–8339 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Lutsen Mountains Corporation (LMC) has applied to the SNF for a special use permit (SUP) under the National Forest Ski Area Permit Act of 1986 that would authorize LMC to construct, operate, and maintain an expansion to a winter sports resort onto approximately 495 acres of National Forest System (NFS) land. Federal regulations at 16 U.S.C. 497b and 36 CFR 251b specifically identify ski areas and associated facilities as permissible uses of NFS land. The purpose of, and need for, the Forest Service’s action is to respond to the proposal from LMC to implement select projects at the Lutsen Mountain Resort on the SNF. The 2004 Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan) identifies Forest-wide Desired Conditions which guide management direction across the SNF. The Proposed Action could help achieve D–REC–3, which states ‘‘the [SNF] provides developed sites, facilities, trails, water access sites, and other recreation opportunities within health and safety, resource protection, cost, and maintenance requirements.’’ (2004 Forest Plan, Chapter 2, Page 39) The Forest Supervisor will use the EIS to inform the decision regarding: (1) Whether to issue a SUP under the National Forest Ski Area Permit Act of 1986; (2) the selection of a preferred alternative; (3) any need to amend the Forest Plan; and (4) what specific terms and conditions should apply if a SUP is issued. LMC’s overall purpose of the proposed project and associated SUP PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 application is to improve the guest experience at Lutsen Mountains, which cannot be accommodated on adjacent private land controlled by LMC. Specifically, LMC has identified a need to: • Construct additional traditionally cleared alpine ski trails and undeveloped, minimally maintained lift-served terrain to address the current deficit in beginner and expert terrain and to enhance the existing terrain variety and skiing experiences at Lutsen Mountains. • Improve skier circulation and reliable snow conditions, particularly on Eagle Mountain and Moose Mountain. • Improve base area, parking, guest services, and operational facilities to meet the ever-increasing expectations of the local, regional, and destination skier markets. Additional detail on the existing conditions driving the project Purpose and Need as well as the Objectives can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/ project/?project=52440. Proposed Action The Proposed Action includes the following seven elements: • Authorization of an approximately 495-acre SUP; • Construction of seven new chairlifts and one surface lift; • Development of 324 acres of additional ski terrain, including approximately 175 acres of developed ski trails and 149 acres of gladed terrain; • Expansion of guest services including two new base facilities, maintenance facilities, and a mountaintop chalet; • Expansion of ski patrol operations, including construction of an interim ski patrol duty station located in a similar location with the mountain-top chalet; • Development of approximately 1,260 additional parking spaces, construction of approximately 5 miles of permanent access roads, and construction of approximately 0.9 miles of temporary access roads; and • Installation of snowmaking coverage on all 175 acres of developed ski trails and construction of two snowmaking reservoirs with a combined capacity of 13 million gallons. A full description of each element can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/ project/?project=52440. E:\FR\FM\28APN1.SGM 28APN1 23502 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 82 / Tuesday, April 28, 2020 / Notices Responsible Official The Responsible Official is Constance Cummins, Forest Supervisor for the SNF. Nature of Decision to Be Made Given the purpose and need, the Responsible Official will review the proposed action, the other alternatives, and the environmental consequences in order to decide the following: • Whether to approve, approve with modifications, or deny the application for the creation of a SUP and associated expansions. • Whether to prescribe conditions needed for the protection of the environment on NFS lands. Permits or Licenses Required • Forest Service SUP. • Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Water Appropriations Permit. • Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Wastewater Permit. • Other permits or licenses that may be identified through scoping and the EIS analysis process. jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES Scoping Process This NOI initiates the scoping process, which guides the development of the environmental impact statement. The Forest Service is soliciting comments from Federal, State, and local agencies and other individuals or organizations that may be interested in, or affected by implementation of the proposed projects. Tribal consultation is ongoing, and will continue. To be most helpful, comments should be specific to the project area and should identify resources or effects that should be considered by the Forest Service. Submitting timely, specifically written comments during this scoping period or any other official comment period establishes standing for filing objections under 36 CFR parts 218 A and B. Additional information and maps of this proposal can be found at: https:// www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project= 52440. Details of the project proposal can also be viewed through an online interactive viewer here: https://arcg.is/ 18mzzu. It is important that reviewers provide their comments in a timely manner to ensure they are considered in the Agency’s preparation of the environmental impact statement. Therefore, comments should be provided prior to the close of the comment period and should clearly articulate the reviewer’s concerns and contentions. Comments received in response to this solicitation, including names and addresses of those who VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:43 Apr 27, 2020 Jkt 250001 comment, will be part of the public record for this proposed action. AGENCY: available for public viewing as they become available at https://gsageo.force. com/FACA/apex/FACAPublic Committee?id=a10t0000001gzm4AAA; click the ‘‘Meeting Details’’ and ‘‘Documents’’ links. Records generated from this meeting may also be inspected and reproduced at the Midwestern Regional Office, as they become available, both before and after the meetings. Persons interested in the work of this advisory committee are advised to go to the Commission’s website, www.usccr.gov, or to contact the Midwestern Regional Office at the above phone number, email or street address. ACTION: Agenda Lisa A Northrop, Acting Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest System. [FR Doc. 2020–08969 Filed 4–27–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3411–15–P COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS Agenda and Notice of Public Meeting of the Rhode Island Advisory Committee Commission on Civil Rights. Announcement of meetings. Notice is hereby given, pursuant to the provisions of the rules and regulations of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights (Commission), and the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), that a planning meeting of the Rhode Island State Advisory Committee to the Commission will convene by conference call, on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. (EDT). The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the Committee’s next steps for its civil rights project on licensing. DATES: Wednesday, May 20, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. (EDT). Call-In Information: 1 (206) 800–4892 and conference call ID: 193495200#. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mallory Trachtenberg at mtrachtenberg@usccr.gov or by phone at (312) 353–8311. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This meeting is available to the public through the telephone number and conference ID listed above. Callers can expect to incur charges for calls they initiate over wireless lines, and the Commission will not refund any incurred charges. Persons with hearing impairments may also follow the proceedings by first calling the Federal Relay Service at 1–800–877–8339 and providing the Service with the conference call-in numbers: 1 (206) 800–4892 and conference call ID: 193495200#. Members of the public are entitled to make comments during the open period at the end of the meeting. Members of the public may also submit written comments; the comments must be received in the Regional Programs Unit within 30 days following the respective meeting. Written comments may be emailed to Mallory Trachtenberg at mtrachtenberg@usccr.gov. Persons who desire additional information may contact the Regional Programs Unit at (312) 353–8311. Records and documents discussed during the meeting will be SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Wednesday, May 20, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. (EDT) I. Rollcall II. Project Planning on Licensing III. Other Business IV. Open Comment V. Adjournment Dated: April 23, 2020. David Mussatt, Supervisory Chief, Regional Programs Unit. [FR Doc. 2020–09014 Filed 4–27–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS Notice of Public Meeting of the Georgia Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. ACTION: Announcement of meeting. AGENCY: Notice is hereby given, pursuant to the provisions of the rules and regulations of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights (Commission) and the Federal Advisory Committee Act that the Georgia Advisory Committee (Committee) will hold a meeting via teleconference on Tuesday May 26, 2020, at 3:00 p.m. ET for the purpose of discussing civil rights concerns in the state. SUMMARY: The meeting will be held on Tuesday May 26, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. ET. Public Call Information: Dial: 888– 204–4368, Conference ID: 4079303. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Melissa Wojnaroski, DFO, at mwojnaroski@usccr.gov or 312–353– 8311. DATES: Members of the public can listen to the discussion. This meeting is available to the public through the above listed toll free number. An open comment period will be provided to allow members of SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: E:\FR\FM\28APN1.SGM 28APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 82 (Tuesday, April 28, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 23501-23502]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-08969]


========================================================================
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. 85, No. 82 / Tuesday, April 28, 2020 / 
Notices

[[Page 23501]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Superior National Forest; Cook County; Minnesota; Lutsen 
Mountains Ski Area Expansion Project EIS

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement; 
extension of scoping period.

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

SUMMARY: The Superior National Forest (SNF) published a notice of 
intent (NOI) to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) on 
April 15, 2020 for the Lutsen Mountains Ski Area Expansion Project. 
Lutsen Mountain Corporation (LMC) has submitted a proposal to the SNF 
to implement select projects at Lutsen Mountains Resort (Lutsen 
Mountains). All projects are identified within the Lutsen Mountains 
2016 Master Development Plan (MDP). The original scoping period was 
identified to conclude May 15, 2020. The scoping period will be 
extended to conclude May 28, 2020. The original NOI also indicated that 
one public open house meeting would be held; however, in response to 
the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the United States, and the 
Center for Disease Control's recommendation for social distancing and 
avoiding large public gatherings, a public meeting will not be 
scheduled during the scoping period.

DATES: Comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received 
by May 28, 2020. The draft EIS is expected in November 2020, and the 
final EIS is expected June 2021.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be sent by the following methods:
     Mail: Constance Cummins, Forest Supervisor, c/o Michael 
Jimenez, Project Leader, Superior National Forest, 8901 Grand Avenue 
Place, Duluth, MN 55808.
     Email: [email protected] (please include 
``Lutsen Mountains Ski Area Expansion Project'' in the subject line).
     Online: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=52440.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Jimenez, Project Leader, 
Superior National Forest, by phone at (218) 626-4383, or by email at 
[email protected]. Additional information can also be found on 
the project website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=52440.
    Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) 
may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 
between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Purpose and Need for Action

    Lutsen Mountains Corporation (LMC) has applied to the SNF for a 
special use permit (SUP) under the National Forest Ski Area Permit Act 
of 1986 that would authorize LMC to construct, operate, and maintain an 
expansion to a winter sports resort onto approximately 495 acres of 
National Forest System (NFS) land. Federal regulations at 16 U.S.C. 
497b and 36 CFR 251b specifically identify ski areas and associated 
facilities as permissible uses of NFS land.
    The purpose of, and need for, the Forest Service's action is to 
respond to the proposal from LMC to implement select projects at the 
Lutsen Mountain Resort on the SNF. The 2004 Land and Resource 
Management Plan (Forest Plan) identifies Forest-wide Desired Conditions 
which guide management direction across the SNF. The Proposed Action 
could help achieve D-REC-3, which states ``the [SNF] provides developed 
sites, facilities, trails, water access sites, and other recreation 
opportunities within health and safety, resource protection, cost, and 
maintenance requirements.'' (2004 Forest Plan, Chapter 2, Page 39) The 
Forest Supervisor will use the EIS to inform the decision regarding: 
(1) Whether to issue a SUP under the National Forest Ski Area Permit 
Act of 1986; (2) the selection of a preferred alternative; (3) any need 
to amend the Forest Plan; and (4) what specific terms and conditions 
should apply if a SUP is issued.
    LMC's overall purpose of the proposed project and associated SUP 
application is to improve the guest experience at Lutsen Mountains, 
which cannot be accommodated on adjacent private land controlled by 
LMC. Specifically, LMC has identified a need to:
     Construct additional traditionally cleared alpine ski 
trails and undeveloped, minimally maintained lift-served terrain to 
address the current deficit in beginner and expert terrain and to 
enhance the existing terrain variety and skiing experiences at Lutsen 
Mountains.
     Improve skier circulation and reliable snow conditions, 
particularly on Eagle Mountain and Moose Mountain.
     Improve base area, parking, guest services, and 
operational facilities to meet the ever-increasing expectations of the 
local, regional, and destination skier markets.
    Additional detail on the existing conditions driving the project 
Purpose and Need as well as the Objectives can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=52440.

Proposed Action

    The Proposed Action includes the following seven elements:
     Authorization of an approximately 495-acre SUP;
     Construction of seven new chairlifts and one surface lift;
     Development of 324 acres of additional ski terrain, 
including approximately 175 acres of developed ski trails and 149 acres 
of gladed terrain;
     Expansion of guest services including two new base 
facilities, maintenance facilities, and a mountain-top chalet;
     Expansion of ski patrol operations, including construction 
of an interim ski patrol duty station located in a similar location 
with the mountain-top chalet;
     Development of approximately 1,260 additional parking 
spaces, construction of approximately 5 miles of permanent access 
roads, and construction of approximately 0.9 miles of temporary access 
roads; and
     Installation of snowmaking coverage on all 175 acres of 
developed ski trails and construction of two snowmaking reservoirs with 
a combined capacity of 13 million gallons.
    A full description of each element can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=52440.

[[Page 23502]]

Responsible Official

    The Responsible Official is Constance Cummins, Forest Supervisor 
for the SNF.

Nature of Decision to Be Made

    Given the purpose and need, the Responsible Official will review 
the proposed action, the other alternatives, and the environmental 
consequences in order to decide the following:
     Whether to approve, approve with modifications, or deny 
the application for the creation of a SUP and associated expansions.
     Whether to prescribe conditions needed for the protection 
of the environment on NFS lands.

Permits or Licenses Required

     Forest Service SUP.
     Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Water 
Appropriations Permit.
     Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Wastewater Permit.
     Other permits or licenses that may be identified through 
scoping and the EIS analysis process.

Scoping Process

    This NOI initiates the scoping process, which guides the 
development of the environmental impact statement. The Forest Service 
is soliciting comments from Federal, State, and local agencies and 
other individuals or organizations that may be interested in, or 
affected by implementation of the proposed projects. Tribal 
consultation is ongoing, and will continue.
    To be most helpful, comments should be specific to the project area 
and should identify resources or effects that should be considered by 
the Forest Service. Submitting timely, specifically written comments 
during this scoping period or any other official comment period 
establishes standing for filing objections under 36 CFR parts 218 A and 
B. Additional information and maps of this proposal can be found at: 
https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=52440. Details of the project 
proposal can also be viewed through an online interactive viewer here: 
https://arcg.is/18mzzu.
    It is important that reviewers provide their comments in a timely 
manner to ensure they are considered in the Agency's preparation of the 
environmental impact statement. Therefore, comments should be provided 
prior to the close of the comment period and should clearly articulate 
the reviewer's concerns and contentions. Comments received in response 
to this solicitation, including names and addresses of those who 
comment, will be part of the public record for this proposed action.

Lisa A Northrop,
Acting Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest System.
[FR Doc. 2020-08969 Filed 4-27-20; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3411-15-P
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