Inyo National Forest; California; Mammoth Mountain Ski Area Main Lodge Redevelopment, 72444-72445 [2022-25688]

Download as PDF 72444 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 226 / Friday, November 25, 2022 / Notices khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104–13. Comments are requested regarding; 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; the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and 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. Comments regarding this information collection received by December 27, 2022 will be considered. Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be submitted within 30 days of the publication of this notice on the following website www.reginfo.gov/ public/do/PRAMain. Find this particular information collection by selecting ‘‘Currently under 30-day Review—Open for Public Comments’’ or by using the search function. 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. Food and Nutrition Service Title: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Reporting of Lottery and Gambling, and Resource Verification. OMB Control Number: 0584–0621. Summary of Collection: In accordance with Section 4009 of the Agricultural Act of 2014, households in which members receive substantial lottery and gambling winnings are ineligible for SNAP until they meet allowable financial resources and income eligibility requirements. Substantial winnings are defined as winnings that are equal to or greater than the resource limit for elderly or disabled households as defined in 7 CFR 273.8(b). States are also required to work cooperatively with entities responsible for gaming in their State to identify individuals and households with substantial winnings. SNAP households must report substantial winnings to State SNAP VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:43 Nov 23, 2022 Jkt 259001 agencies. These requirements at 7 CFR 273.11(r) were implemented in 2019 through final rulemaking titled ‘‘Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Student Eligibility, Convicted Felons, Lottery and Gambling, and State Verification Provisions of the Agricultural Act of 2014’’, published on April 15, 2019 (84 FR 15083, RIN 0584– AE41). A technical correction to the 60Day Notice associated with this rulemaking was published on June 21, 2019 (84 FR 29029, RIN 0584–AE41). Per Section 5(g) of the Food and Nutrition Act, all applicant households must meet the SNAP resource limits unless they are considered categorically eligible (Section 5(j) of the Food and Nutrition Act) for SNAP benefits. State eligibility workers must evaluate the resources available to each household to determine whether these households meet the SNAP resource limits as defined by 7 CFR 273.8(b). Resources are one of several criteria that SNAP State agencies use to determine SNAP eligibility and States may elect to mandate verification of resources (7 CFR 273.2(f)(3)). All States must verify any resource information that appears to be questionable, in accordance with 7 CFR 273.2(f)(2)(i). Need and Use of the Information: Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) information collection captures the burden associated with the requirement States SNAP Agencies make ineligible SNAP participants with substantial lottery or gambling winnings and establish cooperative agreements with public and private business gaming entities within their States to identify SNAP participants with substantial winnings. Individuals and households are required to report substantial winnings. Description of Respondents: State Agencies (100); Business (200); Individuals/households (1,842,588). Number of Respondents: 1,842,888. Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Other (as desired). Total Burden Hours: 789,267. Ruth Brown, Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. 2022–25736 Filed 11–23–22; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–30–P PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Inyo National Forest; California; Mammoth Mountain Ski Area Main Lodge Redevelopment Forest Service, Agriculture (USDA). ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement. AGENCY: Mammoth Mountain Ski Area (MMSA) has submitted a proposal to the Inyo National Forest (the Forest) to pursue approval of select projects from its 2022 Master Development Plan (MDP) on National Forest System (NFS) lands, in accordance with its existing Special Use Permit (SUP). The Proposed Action includes: new lifts, lift replacements and realignments, additional ski terrain development, new buildings and parking lots for guest and employee use, road reconstruction and construction of a new road, trail construction for pedestrians and bike connectivity, extensions of existing utilities and on-mountain infrastructure, and other infrastructure improvements to support base area development on private parcels. The Inyo National Forest plans to complete a combined environmental impact statement (EIS)/ Environmental Impact Report (EIR) with the Town of Mammoth Lakes because a number of projects proposed are entirely on private lands. DATES: Comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received by December 27, 2022. A separate notice (Notice of Preparation) with concurrent review has been published by the Town under CEQA. The draft EIS/EIR is expected in late 2023 and the final EIS is expected in 2024. ADDRESSES: Comments may be sent by the following methods: • Online: https://www.fs.usda.gov/ project/?project=62406. Click on ‘‘Comment/Object on Project’’ on the right side of the page. • Mail: Lesley Yen, Forest Supervisor, c/o Fred Wong, Mammoth Lakes District Ranger, Inyo National Forest, 351 Pacu Lane, Suite 200, Bishop, CA 93514. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Additional information related to the proposed projects on NFS lands can be obtained from: Tyler Lee, Mountain Resort Specialist, Inyo National Forest. Mr. Lee can be reached by phone at 760–924–5508 or by email at tyler.lee@ usda.gov. Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1–800–877–8339, 24 SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\25NON1.SGM 25NON1 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 226 / Friday, November 25, 2022 / Notices hours a day, every day of the year, including holidays. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Purpose and Need for Action The Forest Service is responding to an application submitted under the National Forest Ski Area Permit Action of 1986 and Ski Area Recreational Opportunity Enhancement Act of 2011 (SAROEA) by MMSA to implement certain projects from their accepted MDP. MMSA proposes key infrastructural changes to meet the needs of its day-use and overnight clientele and best utilize public and private lands within the Main Lodge Base area. These changes are necessary to address aging infrastructure, meet anticipated recreation demands, and attain the desired conditions for this management area. These changes are intended to improve guest circulation, operational efficiencies, fire safety, and ski area access. The Forest, through consideration and acceptance of the proposal, has identified a need to: • Renew and improve guest services, guest circulation, accommodations, and portal staging capacity in the Main Lodge Base area; • Replace aging infrastructure; • Expand guest services offerings to meet increased demands; and • Offer learning progression opportunities for lower ability level skiers through enhanced skier services, improved terrain, and additional lifts. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES Proposed Action The Proposed Action on NFS land includes the following: • Construction of one new lift, two new magic carpets, one new surface platter lift, and replacement of the existing Discovery Chair, Broadway Chair, and Panorama Gondola; • Terrain enhancements including new trails, trail extensions, and grading that would result in approximately 10 acres of new ski trails within the existing SUP; • Installation of new snowmaking infrastructure to provide approximately 9 additional acres of snowmaking coverage; • Construction of a roadway connecting private parcels that includes a snowmobile crossing; • Reroute of the existing Highway 203 (within the boundary of private parcel); • An additional parking lot in ‘‘Big Bend’’ area adjacent Highway 203 that would accommodate approximately 360 vehicles; VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:43 Nov 23, 2022 Jkt 259001 • Upgrades to existing utility lines and construction of new utility lines to serve the proposed projects; • Construction of a gravity fed water storage tank for domestic water storage needs; • Construction of a new reclaimed water treatment plant and associated infrastructure on public and private lands; • Construction of one new mountain operations facility (at the Big Bend parking lot) and replacement of the existing Main Lodge; • Enhancements to existing summer activities; and • Creation of wildfire defensible space around the Main Lodge Base area. A number of projects proposed entirely on private lands that are subject to authorization by the Town of Mammoth Lakes, evaluated under CEQA, and analyzed alongside the previous list of proposed projects in a forthcoming combined EIS/EIR. A full description can be found at: https:// www.fs.usda.gov/project/ ?project=62406. Lead and Cooperating Agencies While there are no identified cooperating agencies for this project, the Town of Mammoth Lakes will be lead for the CEQA decision and will be responsible for the CEQA compliance in a joint EIR/EIS. Responsible Official The Responsible Official is Lesley Yen, Forest Supervisor for the Inyo National Forest. Scoping Comments and the Objection Process This notice of intent initiates the NEPA scoping process, which guides the development of the environmental analysis. The Agency requests comments on potential alternatives and impacts and identification of any relevant information, studies, or analyses concerning impacts affecting the quality of the environment. Concurrently, the Town of Mammoth Lakes has issued a notice of preparation of an EIR, initiating the scoping process under CEQA. A public open house regarding this proposal including projects on private lands will be held on November 30, 2022, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Town of Mammoth Lakes, CA Council Chambers, Suite Z at 437 Old Mammoth Road. This meeting will be held jointly with the Town of Mammoth Lakes regarding their analysis of the project under CEQA. PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 72445 Representatives from the Forest, Town of Mammoth Lakes, and MMSA will be present to answer questions and provide additional information on this project. 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. Reviewers must provide their comments at such times and in such manner that they are useful to the agency’s preparation of the EIS. Therefore, comments should be provided prior to the close of the comment period and should clearly articulate the reviewer’s concerns and contentions. Submitting timely, specific written comments during this scoping period or any other official comment period establishes standing for filing objections under 36 CFR parts 218A and B. 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, they will not be used to establish standing for the objection process. Permits, Licenses or Other Authorizations Required Activities proposed on private lands will be subject to lead agency authorization by the Town of Mammoth Lakes with analysis under the CEQA. The reroute of Highway 203 will require authorization from the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans). Other permits or licenses may be identified through scoping and the EIS analysis process. 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 to decide the following: • Whether to approve, approve with modifications, or deny the proposed activities within MMSA’s existing SUP. • Whether to prescribe conditions needed for the protection of the environment on NFS lands. Dated: November 18, 2022. Sandra Watts, Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest System. [FR Doc. 2022–25688 Filed 11–23–22; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3411–15–P E:\FR\FM\25NON1.SGM 25NON1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 226 (Friday, November 25, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 72444-72445]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-25688]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Inyo National Forest; California; Mammoth Mountain Ski Area Main 
Lodge Redevelopment

AGENCY: Forest Service, Agriculture (USDA).

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

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

SUMMARY: Mammoth Mountain Ski Area (MMSA) has submitted a proposal to 
the Inyo National Forest (the Forest) to pursue approval of select 
projects from its 2022 Master Development Plan (MDP) on National Forest 
System (NFS) lands, in accordance with its existing Special Use Permit 
(SUP). The Proposed Action includes: new lifts, lift replacements and 
realignments, additional ski terrain development, new buildings and 
parking lots for guest and employee use, road reconstruction and 
construction of a new road, trail construction for pedestrians and bike 
connectivity, extensions of existing utilities and on-mountain 
infrastructure, and other infrastructure improvements to support base 
area development on private parcels. The Inyo National Forest plans to 
complete a combined environmental impact statement (EIS)/Environmental 
Impact Report (EIR) with the Town of Mammoth Lakes because a number of 
projects proposed are entirely on private lands.

DATES: Comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received 
by December 27, 2022. A separate notice (Notice of Preparation) with 
concurrent review has been published by the Town under CEQA. The draft 
EIS/EIR is expected in late 2023 and the final EIS is expected in 2024.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be sent by the following methods:
     Online: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62406. 
Click on ``Comment/Object on Project'' on the right side of the page.
     Mail: Lesley Yen, Forest Supervisor, c/o Fred Wong, 
Mammoth Lakes District Ranger, Inyo National Forest, 351 Pacu Lane, 
Suite 200, Bishop, CA 93514.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Additional information related to the 
proposed projects on NFS lands can be obtained from: Tyler Lee, 
Mountain Resort Specialist, Inyo National Forest. Mr. Lee can be 
reached by phone at 760-924-5508 or by email at [email protected].
    Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) 
may call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1-800-877-8339, 24

[[Page 72445]]

hours a day, every day of the year, including holidays.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Purpose and Need for Action

    The Forest Service is responding to an application submitted under 
the National Forest Ski Area Permit Action of 1986 and Ski Area 
Recreational Opportunity Enhancement Act of 2011 (SAROEA) by MMSA to 
implement certain projects from their accepted MDP. MMSA proposes key 
infrastructural changes to meet the needs of its day-use and overnight 
clientele and best utilize public and private lands within the Main 
Lodge Base area. These changes are necessary to address aging 
infrastructure, meet anticipated recreation demands, and attain the 
desired conditions for this management area. These changes are intended 
to improve guest circulation, operational efficiencies, fire safety, 
and ski area access.
    The Forest, through consideration and acceptance of the proposal, 
has identified a need to:
     Renew and improve guest services, guest circulation, 
accommodations, and portal staging capacity in the Main Lodge Base 
area;
     Replace aging infrastructure;
     Expand guest services offerings to meet increased demands; 
and
     Offer learning progression opportunities for lower ability 
level skiers through enhanced skier services, improved terrain, and 
additional lifts.

Proposed Action

    The Proposed Action on NFS land includes the following:
     Construction of one new lift, two new magic carpets, one 
new surface platter lift, and replacement of the existing Discovery 
Chair, Broadway Chair, and Panorama Gondola;
     Terrain enhancements including new trails, trail 
extensions, and grading that would result in approximately 10 acres of 
new ski trails within the existing SUP;
     Installation of new snowmaking infrastructure to provide 
approximately 9 additional acres of snowmaking coverage;
     Construction of a roadway connecting private parcels that 
includes a snowmobile crossing;
     Reroute of the existing Highway 203 (within the boundary 
of private parcel);
     An additional parking lot in ``Big Bend'' area adjacent 
Highway 203 that would accommodate approximately 360 vehicles;
     Upgrades to existing utility lines and construction of new 
utility lines to serve the proposed projects;
     Construction of a gravity fed water storage tank for 
domestic water storage needs;
     Construction of a new reclaimed water treatment plant and 
associated infrastructure on public and private lands;
     Construction of one new mountain operations facility (at 
the Big Bend parking lot) and replacement of the existing Main Lodge;
     Enhancements to existing summer activities; and
     Creation of wildfire defensible space around the Main 
Lodge Base area.
    A number of projects proposed entirely on private lands that are 
subject to authorization by the Town of Mammoth Lakes, evaluated under 
CEQA, and analyzed alongside the previous list of proposed projects in 
a forthcoming combined EIS/EIR. A full description can be found at: 
https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62406.

Lead and Cooperating Agencies

    While there are no identified cooperating agencies for this 
project, the Town of Mammoth Lakes will be lead for the CEQA decision 
and will be responsible for the CEQA compliance in a joint EIR/EIS.

Responsible Official

    The Responsible Official is Lesley Yen, Forest Supervisor for the 
Inyo National Forest.

Scoping Comments and the Objection Process

    This notice of intent initiates the NEPA scoping process, which 
guides the development of the environmental analysis. The Agency 
requests comments on potential alternatives and impacts and 
identification of any relevant information, studies, or analyses 
concerning impacts affecting the quality of the environment. 
Concurrently, the Town of Mammoth Lakes has issued a notice of 
preparation of an EIR, initiating the scoping process under CEQA. A 
public open house regarding this proposal including projects on private 
lands will be held on November 30, 2022, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at 
the Town of Mammoth Lakes, CA Council Chambers, Suite Z at 437 Old 
Mammoth Road. This meeting will be held jointly with the Town of 
Mammoth Lakes regarding their analysis of the project under CEQA. 
Representatives from the Forest, Town of Mammoth Lakes, and MMSA will 
be present to answer questions and provide additional information on 
this project.
    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. Reviewers must provide their comments at such times 
and in such manner that they are useful to the agency's preparation of 
the EIS. Therefore, comments should be provided prior to the close of 
the comment period and should clearly articulate the reviewer's 
concerns and contentions. Submitting timely, specific written comments 
during this scoping period or any other official comment period 
establishes standing for filing objections under 36 CFR parts 218A and 
B. 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, they will not be used to establish 
standing for the objection process.

Permits, Licenses or Other Authorizations Required

    Activities proposed on private lands will be subject to lead agency 
authorization by the Town of Mammoth Lakes with analysis under the 
CEQA. The reroute of Highway 203 will require authorization from the 
California Department of Transportation (CalTrans). Other permits or 
licenses may be identified through scoping and the EIS analysis 
process.

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 to decide the following:
     Whether to approve, approve with modifications, or deny 
the proposed activities within MMSA's existing SUP.
     Whether to prescribe conditions needed for the protection 
of the environment on NFS lands.

    Dated: November 18, 2022.
Sandra Watts,
Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest System.
[FR Doc. 2022-25688 Filed 11-23-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3411-15-P
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