Environmental Impact Statement for Predator Damage Management in Oregon, 6290-6292 [2021-01148]

Download as PDF 6290 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 12 / Thursday, January 21, 2021 / Notices from Canada into noninfested areas of the United States. DATES: We will consider all comments that we receive on or before March 22, 2021. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by either of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov/ #!docketDetail;D=APHIS-2020-0112. • Postal Mail/Commercial Delivery: Send your comment to Docket No. APHIS–2020–0112, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, Station 3A–03.8, 4700 River Road, Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737–1238. Supporting documents and any comments we receive on this docket may be viewed at https:// www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail; D=APHIS-2020-0112 or in our reading room, which is located in Room 1620 of the USDA South Building, 14th Street and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC. Normal reading room hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. To be sure someone is there to help you, please call (202) 799–7039 before coming. For information on the regulations for the importation of gypsy moth host material from Canada, contact Mr. Marc Phillips, Senior Regulatory Policy Specialist, PPQ, APHIS, USDA, 4700 River Road, Unit 133, Riverdale, MD 20737; (301) 851–2114. For copies of more detailed information on the information collection, contact Mr. Joseph Moxey, APHIS’ Information Collection Coordinator, at (301) 851–2533. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Importation of Gypsy Moth Host Materials From Canada. OMB Control Number: 0579–0142. Type of Request: Revision to and extension of approval of an information collection. Abstract: The Plant Protection Act (PPA, 7 U.S.C. 7701 et seq.) authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to prohibit or restrict the importation, entry, exportation, or interstate movement of plants, plant products, and other articles to prevent the introduction of plant pests into the United States or their dissemination within the United States. This authority has been delegated to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), which administers regulations to implement the PPA. Regulations governing the importation of gypsy moth host material into the United States from Canada are contained in 7 CFR 319.77–1 through 319.77–5. jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:44 Jan 19, 2021 Jkt 253001 The regulations are intended to prevent the introduction of gypsy moth into noninfested areas of the United States by placing certain inspection and documentation requirements on gypsy moth host material (i.e., regulated articles) imported from Canada. Under the regulations, depending on the place of origin of the regulated articles and their destination in the United States, certain information collection activities are required such as a phytosanitary certificate, certificate of origin, written statement, compliance agreement, and emergency action notification. We are asking the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to approve our use of these information collection activities, as described, for an additional 3 years. The purpose of this notice is to solicit comments from the public (as well as affected agencies) concerning our information collection. These comments will help us: (1) Evaluate 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) Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the burden of the collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) Minimize the burden on those who are to respond, through use, as appropriate, of automated, electronic, mechanical, and other collection technologies; e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses. Estimate of burden: The public burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 0.375 hours per response. Respondents: Canadian plant health authorities; growers, exporters, or shippers of Christmas trees, shrubs, logs, pulpwood, and other articles from gypsy moth-infested provinces in Canada; and private individuals entering the United States with mobile homes or outdoor household articles. Estimated annual number of respondents: 3,201. Estimated annual number of responses per respondent: 4. Estimated annual number of responses: 11,612. Estimated total annual burden on respondents: 4,358 hours. (Due to averaging, the total annual burden hours may not equal the product of the annual number of responses multiplied by the reporting burden per response.) All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 for OMB approval. All comments will also become a matter of public record. Done in Washington, DC, this 13th day of January 2021. Michael Watson, Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. [FR Doc. 2021–01141 Filed 1–19–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–34–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service [Docket No. APHIS–2019–0076] Environmental Impact Statement for Predator Damage Management in Oregon Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice of intent for public scoping. AGENCY: The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is preparing an environmental impact statement analyzing alternatives for predator damage management in Oregon. This notice proposes issues and alternatives for consideration in the environmental impact statement and requests public comments to further delineate the scope of the alternatives, the environmental issues, and other issues of public concern to be considered. This notice also serves to inform the public that the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management have joined as cooperating agencies in the environmental impact statement process. SUMMARY: We will consider all comments that we receive on or before February 22, 2021. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by either of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov/ #!docketDetail;D=APHIS-2019-0076. • Postal Mail/Commercial Delivery: Send your comment to Docket No. APHIS–2019–0076, State Director— Oregon Predator Damage Management EIS, USDA APHIS-Wildlife Services, 6035 NE 78th CT. Suite 100, Portland, OR 97216. Supporting documents and any comments received on this topic may be viewed at https://www.regulations.gov/ #!docketDetail;D=APHIS-2019-0076 or in our reading room, which is located in room 1620 of the USDA South Building, 14th Street and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC. Normal reading DATES: E:\FR\FM\21JAN1.SGM 21JAN1 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 12 / Thursday, January 21, 2021 / Notices jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES room hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. To be sure someone is there to help you, please call (202) 799–7039 before coming. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Kevin Christensen, Assistant State Director, Wildlife Services, APHIS, USDA, 6035 NE 78th CT. Suite 100, Portland, OR 97216; (503) 820–2751. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background On November 14, 2019, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) published in the Federal Register (84 FR 61868, Docket No. APHIS–2019–0076) a notice 1 informing the public of APHIS’ intent to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) analyzing alternatives for predator damage management (PDM) in Oregon. We will continue to prepare the EIS under the Council on Environmental Quality’s regulations in effect on the date of the notice of intent’s publication (November 14, 2019) and APHIS’ National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Procedures (7 CFR part 372). Predators provide many positive ecological, cultural, and aesthetic benefits. They may also be involved in conflicts with humans, including preying upon or harassing livestock; damaging other agricultural resources and property; and threatening human health and safety. In limited instances, predation may impede wildlife management agency efforts to enhance populations of prey species, such as threatened or endangered species or ungulate populations. APHIS’ Wildlife Services (APHIS–WS) program evaluates and responds to requests for assistance with PDM from the public, private entities, other agencies, and Native American Tribes within the State of Oregon. APHIS–WS only becomes involved in PDM if it has received a request for assistance and has established appropriate agreements and authorizations with the landowners/ managers, applicable agency, or Tribal authorities. Over fiscal years 2015–2019, APHIS–WS responded to more than 6,700 requests per year for information or assistance in reducing conflicts with predators in Oregon. APHIS–WS in Oregon currently uses an integrated approach to PDM. The approach involves access to the full range of legally available nonlethal and lethal PDM methods to reduce conflicts with coyote, black bear, striped skunk, raccoon, cougar (mountain lion), red 1 To view the notice, go to https:// www.regulations.gov/docket?D=APHIS-2019-0076. VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:44 Jan 19, 2021 Jkt 253001 fox, bobcat, badger, Virginia opossum, gray fox, feral/free-ranging/hybrid dog, feral and free-ranging domestic cat, spotted skunk, weasel, and gray wolf. APHIS–WS assistance may be in the form of advice, depredation investigations, information on sources of PDM materials, training, and loan of equipment (technical assistance) or hands-on assistance with implementing PDM methods (operational assistance). APHIS–WS applies methods in accordance with applicable Federal, State, Tribal, and local regulations. APHIS–WS develops and annually renews work plans with land management agencies to address specific activities and restrictions required to safely conduct PDM on public lands in a manner consistent with applicable land management agency policies and resource management plans. APHIS–WS gives preference to practical and effective nonlethal methods. In some cases, concurrent use of nonlethal and lethal methods or immediate use of lethal methods may be the most appropriate solution (e.g., threats to human safety). APHIS–WS may use or recommend the following methods to reduce damage: Changes to agricultural practices, capture and relocation, livestock guarding animals, habitat modification, exclusion, frightening devices, carcass disposal, human behavior modification (e.g., trash management and not feeding wildlife), shooting from the ground or from aircraft, gas cartridges, snares, traps, and trained decoy and tracking dogs. APHIS–WS is not proposing to use M– 44s or Compound-1080 in Oregon. APHIS–WS conducts its activities pursuant to the Acts of March 2, 1931 (7 U.S.C. 8351–8352), as amended, and December 22, 1987 (7 U.S.C. 8353), which established APHIS–WS’ authority to provide its services. APHIS–WS also coordinates its PDM activities in Oregon pursuant to memoranda of understanding with the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM). APHIS–WS also conducts its activities in accordance with applicable Federal and State laws and regulations. Proposed Action APHIS–WS is preparing an EIS to evaluate alternatives for agency involvement in managing damage and conflicts associated with predators in Oregon. APHIS–WS will serve as the lead Federal agency for purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). The U.S. Forest Service and BLM are cooperating agencies on the EIS. PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 6291 Once completed, the EIS will replace APHIS–WS’ existing environmental assessments on predator damage management and the separate environmental assessment on wolf damage management in Oregon.2 BLM intends to adopt the EIS and analysis to streamline and facilitate future site-specific NEPA analysis and implementation actions on BLMadministered lands for all BLM Oregon districts. The BLM in Oregon may authorize APHIS–WS in Oregon to perform certain wildlife damage control activities on BLM-administered lands in accordance with a separately issued BLM Record of Decision. Scoping We encourage comments that will assist in further delineating the scope of alternatives, environmental impacts, and other issues of public concern. Please also submit any scientific data, research, or studies that you believe are relevant to the analysis. Comments, information, and analyses provided should be as specific as possible to explain why the information is important to the analysis. Alternatives The EIS will consider a range of reasonable alternatives. The EIS will include a ‘‘no action’’ alternative, which is defined as a continuation of the ongoing predator damage management practices described above, in accordance with the Council on Environmental Quality’s regulations for implementing the procedural provisions of NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500–1508). We are considering the following alternatives for comparative analysis in the EIS: • APHIS–WS in Oregon continues the current PDM activities as previously analyzed under NEPA; • APHIS–WS in Oregon continues the current PDM activities and includes additional wolf damage management activities aligned with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service management authorities and with State rules and statutes identified in the 2019 Oregon Wolf Conservation and Management Plan; • APHIS–WS in Oregon conducts only non-lethal PDM activities; • APHIS–WS in Oregon conducts only non-lethal PDM activities, except 2 Environmental Assessments replaced by the EIS will include Management of Black Bear Damage to Timber in Western Oregon (2003), Implementation of the Oregon Cougar Management Plan (2007), Wildlife Damage Management in Roseburg (1997), Wildlife Damage Management in Northwest District (1997), Wildlife Damage Management of the John Day ADC District in Eastern Oregon (1996), and Gray Wolf Damage Management in Oregon (2014). E:\FR\FM\21JAN1.SGM 21JAN1 6292 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 12 / Thursday, January 21, 2021 / Notices jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES in cases involving the protection of human/pet health and safety or protection of federally threatened or endangered species; or • APHIS–WS in Oregon conducts no PDM activities in Oregon. We welcome additional recommendations for management alternatives. Issues for Detailed Consideration in the Analysis In considering reasonable alternatives, the EIS will analyze the effects of APHIS–WS’ PDM activities in Oregon on important environmental issues and other issues of public concern. APHIS– WS and the cooperating agencies have identified the following issues for consideration in the EIS: • Impacts of intentional take on State and regional predator populations; • Effects on nontarget animal populations, including species federally listed under the Endangered Species Act (61 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.); • Impacts of the alternatives on predator-prey relationships and ecosystem processes (e.g., trophic cascades); • Humaneness and ethical perspectives regarding PDM activities; • Risks and benefits to human and pet safety from PDM activities; • Impacts on Special Management Areas, including Wilderness and Wilderness Study Areas; and • Sociocultural impacts, including impacts on values, hunting, nonconsumptive uses, aesthetic impacts, Native American cultural uses, and economic effects. We encourage the public to submit comments identifying additional issues. After the comment period closes, APHIS–WS will review and consider all comments timely received and any other relevant information in the development of the EIS. All comments received will be available for public review as required and allowed by law. Upon completion of the draft EIS, APHIS–WS will publish a notice announcing its availability and an opportunity to comment in the Federal Register and via the GovDelivery.com email registry. To receive notices regarding this project or other Wildlife Services NEPA projects, please register at https://public.govdelivery.com/ accounts/USDAAPHIS/subscriber/new. The EIS will be prepared in accordance with: (1) NEPA, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); (2) regulations of the Council on Environmental Quality for implementing the procedural provisions of NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500–1508) in effect at the time of the publication of our notice of intent VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:44 Jan 19, 2021 Jkt 253001 (November 14, 2019); (3) USDA regulations implementing NEPA (7 CFR part 1b); and (4) APHIS’ NEPA Implementing Procedures (7 CFR part 372). Done in Washington, DC, this 13th day of January 2021 Michael Watson, Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. [FR Doc. 2021–01148 Filed 1–19–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–34–P COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS Agenda and Notice of Public Meetings of the South Dakota Advisory Committee Commission on Civil Rights. Announcement of public meetings. AGENCY: ACTION: 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 the South Dakota State Advisory Committee to the Commission will hold virtual meetings on Wednesday, January 20, 2021; Wednesday, February 17, 2021; and Wednesday, March 17, 2021 from 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. (CT). The purpose of the meetings is to discuss testimony heard related to the Committee’s topic on maternal health disparities of Native American women in South Dakota. DATES: These meetings will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (CT) on 1/20/21, 2/17/21, and 3/17/21. The access information for all three meetings is the same: • To join by web conference: https:// tinyurl.com/y7heztq9 • To join by phone only, dial 1–800– 360–9505; Access code: 199 118 9479 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mallory Trachtenberg at mtrachtenberg@usccr.gov or by phone at (202) 809–9618. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: These meetings are available to the public through the Webex links above. If joining only via phone, callers can expect to incur charges for calls they initiate over wireless lines, and the Commission will not refund any incurred charges. Individuals who are deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing. may also follow the proceedings by first calling the Federal Relay Service at 1– 800–877–8339 and providing the Service with the call-in number found through registering at the web link provided for each meeting. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Members of the public are entitled to make comments during the open period at the end of each 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 (202) 809–9618. Records and documents discussed during the meeting will be available for public viewing as they become available at www.facadatabase.gov. 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 Regional Programs Unit at the above phone number or email address. Agenda: Wednesday, January 20, 2021; Wednesday, February 17, 2021; and Wednesday, March 17, 2021 from 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. (CT) I. Welcome and Roll Call II. Announcements and Updates III. Approval of Minutes IV. Discussion: Maternal Health Disparities of Native American Women V. Public Comment VI. Next Steps VII. Adjournment Dated: January 14, 2021. David Mussatt, Supervisory Chief, Regional Programs Unit. [FR Doc. 2021–01210 Filed 1–19–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS Notice of Public Meeting of the Hawai’i Advisory Committee 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 (FACA) that a teleconference meeting of the Hawai’i Advisory Committee (Committee) to the Commission will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 27, 2021 (Hawaiian Time). The purpose of the meeting is to review outline of report focused on COVID–19 and Pacific Islander communities. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\21JAN1.SGM 21JAN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 12 (Thursday, January 21, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 6290-6292]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-01148]


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

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

[Docket No. APHIS-2019-0076]


Environmental Impact Statement for Predator Damage Management in 
Oregon

AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of intent for public scoping.

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

SUMMARY: The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is preparing an 
environmental impact statement analyzing alternatives for predator 
damage management in Oregon. This notice proposes issues and 
alternatives for consideration in the environmental impact statement 
and requests public comments to further delineate the scope of the 
alternatives, the environmental issues, and other issues of public 
concern to be considered. This notice also serves to inform the public 
that the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior's 
Bureau of Land Management have joined as cooperating agencies in the 
environmental impact statement process.

DATES: We will consider all comments that we receive on or before 
February 22, 2021.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by either of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=APHIS-2019-0076.
     Postal Mail/Commercial Delivery: Send your comment to 
Docket No. APHIS-2019-0076, State Director--Oregon Predator Damage 
Management EIS, USDA APHIS-Wildlife Services, 6035 NE 78th CT. Suite 
100, Portland, OR 97216.
    Supporting documents and any comments received on this topic may be 
viewed at https://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=APHIS-2019-0076 
or in our reading room, which is located in room 1620 of the USDA South 
Building, 14th Street and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC. 
Normal reading

[[Page 6291]]

room hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
holidays. To be sure someone is there to help you, please call (202) 
799-7039 before coming.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Kevin Christensen, Assistant State 
Director, Wildlife Services, APHIS, USDA, 6035 NE 78th CT. Suite 100, 
Portland, OR 97216; (503) 820-2751.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    On November 14, 2019, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection 
Service (APHIS) published in the Federal Register (84 FR 61868, Docket 
No. APHIS-2019-0076) a notice \1\ informing the public of APHIS' intent 
to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) analyzing 
alternatives for predator damage management (PDM) in Oregon. We will 
continue to prepare the EIS under the Council on Environmental 
Quality's regulations in effect on the date of the notice of intent's 
publication (November 14, 2019) and APHIS' National Environmental 
Policy Act Implementing Procedures (7 CFR part 372).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ To view the notice, go to https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=APHIS-2019-0076.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Predators provide many positive ecological, cultural, and aesthetic 
benefits. They may also be involved in conflicts with humans, including 
preying upon or harassing livestock; damaging other agricultural 
resources and property; and threatening human health and safety. In 
limited instances, predation may impede wildlife management agency 
efforts to enhance populations of prey species, such as threatened or 
endangered species or ungulate populations. APHIS' Wildlife Services 
(APHIS-WS) program evaluates and responds to requests for assistance 
with PDM from the public, private entities, other agencies, and Native 
American Tribes within the State of Oregon. APHIS-WS only becomes 
involved in PDM if it has received a request for assistance and has 
established appropriate agreements and authorizations with the 
landowners/managers, applicable agency, or Tribal authorities. Over 
fiscal years 2015-2019, APHIS-WS responded to more than 6,700 requests 
per year for information or assistance in reducing conflicts with 
predators in Oregon.
    APHIS-WS in Oregon currently uses an integrated approach to PDM. 
The approach involves access to the full range of legally available 
nonlethal and lethal PDM methods to reduce conflicts with coyote, black 
bear, striped skunk, raccoon, cougar (mountain lion), red fox, bobcat, 
badger, Virginia opossum, gray fox, feral/free-ranging/hybrid dog, 
feral and free-ranging domestic cat, spotted skunk, weasel, and gray 
wolf. APHIS-WS assistance may be in the form of advice, depredation 
investigations, information on sources of PDM materials, training, and 
loan of equipment (technical assistance) or hands-on assistance with 
implementing PDM methods (operational assistance). APHIS-WS applies 
methods in accordance with applicable Federal, State, Tribal, and local 
regulations. APHIS-WS develops and annually renews work plans with land 
management agencies to address specific activities and restrictions 
required to safely conduct PDM on public lands in a manner consistent 
with applicable land management agency policies and resource management 
plans.
    APHIS-WS gives preference to practical and effective nonlethal 
methods. In some cases, concurrent use of nonlethal and lethal methods 
or immediate use of lethal methods may be the most appropriate solution 
(e.g., threats to human safety). APHIS-WS may use or recommend the 
following methods to reduce damage: Changes to agricultural practices, 
capture and relocation, livestock guarding animals, habitat 
modification, exclusion, frightening devices, carcass disposal, human 
behavior modification (e.g., trash management and not feeding 
wildlife), shooting from the ground or from aircraft, gas cartridges, 
snares, traps, and trained decoy and tracking dogs. APHIS-WS is not 
proposing to use M-44s or Compound-1080 in Oregon.
    APHIS-WS conducts its activities pursuant to the Acts of March 2, 
1931 (7 U.S.C. 8351-8352), as amended, and December 22, 1987 (7 U.S.C. 
8353), which established APHIS-WS' authority to provide its services. 
APHIS-WS also coordinates its PDM activities in Oregon pursuant to 
memoranda of understanding with the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. 
Department of the Interior's Bureau of Land Management (BLM). APHIS-WS 
also conducts its activities in accordance with applicable Federal and 
State laws and regulations.

Proposed Action

    APHIS-WS is preparing an EIS to evaluate alternatives for agency 
involvement in managing damage and conflicts associated with predators 
in Oregon. APHIS-WS will serve as the lead Federal agency for purposes 
of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), as amended (42 U.S.C. 
4321 et seq.). The U.S. Forest Service and BLM are cooperating agencies 
on the EIS. Once completed, the EIS will replace APHIS-WS' existing 
environmental assessments on predator damage management and the 
separate environmental assessment on wolf damage management in 
Oregon.\2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ Environmental Assessments replaced by the EIS will include 
Management of Black Bear Damage to Timber in Western Oregon (2003), 
Implementation of the Oregon Cougar Management Plan (2007), Wildlife 
Damage Management in Roseburg (1997), Wildlife Damage Management in 
Northwest District (1997), Wildlife Damage Management of the John 
Day ADC District in Eastern Oregon (1996), and Gray Wolf Damage 
Management in Oregon (2014).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    BLM intends to adopt the EIS and analysis to streamline and 
facilitate future site-specific NEPA analysis and implementation 
actions on BLM-administered lands for all BLM Oregon districts. The BLM 
in Oregon may authorize APHIS-WS in Oregon to perform certain wildlife 
damage control activities on BLM-administered lands in accordance with 
a separately issued BLM Record of Decision.

Scoping

    We encourage comments that will assist in further delineating the 
scope of alternatives, environmental impacts, and other issues of 
public concern. Please also submit any scientific data, research, or 
studies that you believe are relevant to the analysis. Comments, 
information, and analyses provided should be as specific as possible to 
explain why the information is important to the analysis.

Alternatives

    The EIS will consider a range of reasonable alternatives. The EIS 
will include a ``no action'' alternative, which is defined as a 
continuation of the ongoing predator damage management practices 
described above, in accordance with the Council on Environmental 
Quality's regulations for implementing the procedural provisions of 
NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500-1508). We are considering the following 
alternatives for comparative analysis in the EIS:
     APHIS-WS in Oregon continues the current PDM activities as 
previously analyzed under NEPA;
     APHIS-WS in Oregon continues the current PDM activities 
and includes additional wolf damage management activities aligned with 
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service management authorities and with State 
rules and statutes identified in the 2019 Oregon Wolf Conservation and 
Management Plan;
     APHIS-WS in Oregon conducts only non-lethal PDM 
activities;
     APHIS-WS in Oregon conducts only non-lethal PDM 
activities, except

[[Page 6292]]

in cases involving the protection of human/pet health and safety or 
protection of federally threatened or endangered species; or
     APHIS-WS in Oregon conducts no PDM activities in Oregon.
    We welcome additional recommendations for management alternatives.

Issues for Detailed Consideration in the Analysis

    In considering reasonable alternatives, the EIS will analyze the 
effects of APHIS-WS' PDM activities in Oregon on important 
environmental issues and other issues of public concern. APHIS-WS and 
the cooperating agencies have identified the following issues for 
consideration in the EIS:
     Impacts of intentional take on State and regional predator 
populations;
     Effects on nontarget animal populations, including species 
federally listed under the Endangered Species Act (61 U.S.C. 1531 et 
seq.);
     Impacts of the alternatives on predator-prey relationships 
and ecosystem processes (e.g., trophic cascades);
     Humaneness and ethical perspectives regarding PDM 
activities;
     Risks and benefits to human and pet safety from PDM 
activities;
     Impacts on Special Management Areas, including Wilderness 
and Wilderness Study Areas; and
     Sociocultural impacts, including impacts on values, 
hunting, non-consumptive uses, aesthetic impacts, Native American 
cultural uses, and economic effects.
    We encourage the public to submit comments identifying additional 
issues.
    After the comment period closes, APHIS-WS will review and consider 
all comments timely received and any other relevant information in the 
development of the EIS. All comments received will be available for 
public review as required and allowed by law. Upon completion of the 
draft EIS, APHIS-WS will publish a notice announcing its availability 
and an opportunity to comment in the Federal Register and via the 
GovDelivery.com email registry. To receive notices regarding this 
project or other Wildlife Services NEPA projects, please register at 
https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDAAPHIS/subscriber/new.
    The EIS will be prepared in accordance with: (1) NEPA, as amended 
(42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.); (2) regulations of the Council on 
Environmental Quality for implementing the procedural provisions of 
NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500-1508) in effect at the time of the publication 
of our notice of intent (November 14, 2019); (3) USDA regulations 
implementing NEPA (7 CFR part 1b); and (4) APHIS' NEPA Implementing 
Procedures (7 CFR part 372).

    Done in Washington, DC, this 13th day of January 2021
Michael Watson,
Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-01148 Filed 1-19-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-34-P
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