Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests; Idaho; Hungry Ridge Restoration Project, 75023-75024 [2022-26582]

Download as PDF ddrumheller on DSK6VXHR33PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 234 / Wednesday, December 7, 2022 / Notices 2. Conduct Ethics Training for members; 3. Discuss previously approved Title II projects, current funding, and outreach on potential Title II projects, and processes; 4. Schedule next meeting; The meeting is open to the public. The agenda will include time for individuals to make oral statements of three minutes or less. Individuals wishing to make an oral statement should make a request in writing at least three days prior to the meeting date to be scheduled on the agenda. Anyone who would like to bring related matters to the attention of the committee may file written statements with the committee staff before or after the meeting. Written comments and requests for time for oral comments must be sent to Dawn Suiter, 2946 Chestnut Street, Montgomery, Alabama, 36107; or by email to dawn.suiter@ usda.gov. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at 202–720– 2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at 800–877–8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. Equal opportunity practices in accordance with USDA’s policies will be followed in all appointments to the Committee. To ensure that the recommendations of the Committee have taken in account the needs of the diverse groups served by USDA, membership shall include to the extent possible, individuals with demonstrated ability to represent minorities, women, and person with disabilities. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. Dated: December 1, 2022. Cikena Reid, USDA Committee Management Officer. [FR Doc. 2022–26546 Filed 12–6–22; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3411–15–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:54 Dec 06, 2022 Jkt 259001 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests; Idaho; Hungry Ridge Restoration Project Forest Service, Agriculture (USDA). ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement. AGENCY: The USDA Forest Service is giving notice of its intent to prepare a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for the Hungry Ridge Restoration Project on the Salmon River Ranger District of the Nez PerceClearwater National Forests, in Idaho. The Forest Supervisor plans to prepare a SEIS to further evaluate old growth and cumulative effects under National Forest Management Act (NFMA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) consistent with Case No. 3:21– cv–00189–CWD Memorandum and Decision Order (June 24, 2022). DATES: There is no comment period at this time. The draft SEIS will be advertised for public comment as required by 40 CFR 1503.1. The draft SEIS is anticipated to be available for public review and comment in early 2023 and will be announced in the Federal Register, on the Nez PerceClearwater National Forests’ project website and other local media. The comment period for the draft SEIS will be 45 days from the date the Environmental Protection Agency publishes the notice of availability in the Federal Register. ADDRESSES: Nez Perce Clearwater National Forests, 1008 Highway 64, Kamiah, Idaho 83536. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jennie Fischer, Interdisciplinary Team Leader, jennie.fischer@usda.gov; 208– 983–4048. Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–800–877– 8339, 24 hours a day, every day of the year, including holidays. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement will improve the Hungry Ridge Restoration final Enivironmntal Impact Satement (FEIS) (September 2020, EIS No. 20200185) by providing an updated analysis of the environmental effects related to old growth and analysis of cumulative effects of the Hungry Ridge and End of the World projects on old growth. The Final Record of Decision was signed in March 2021. The SEIS will address the SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 75023 Judge’s order regarding old growth and cumulative effects. If needed, the Forest Supervisor of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests will issue a new Record of Decision (ROD) after evaluating the SEIS and public comments. If needed, an objection period for a new ROD will be provided, consistent with 36 CFR part 218. Purpose and Need for Action The overall purpose of the Hungry Ridge Restoration project is to manage forest vegetation to restore natural disturbance patterns; improve long-term resilience at the stand and landscape levels; reduce the potential risk to private property and structures; improve watershed conditions; and maintain/ improve habitat structure, function and diversity. Timber outputs from the proposed action would be used to offset treatment costs, support the economic structure of local communities, and provide for regional and national needs. Proposed Action The proposed action was presented as Alternative 2 in the FEIS (September 2020). The Hungry Ridge Restoration project is located approximately 17 miles southeast of Grangeville in Idaho County, Idaho and includes the following actions: 7,164 acres of commercial timber harvest and fuels reduction; 12,372 acres of prescribed burning, and 10 acres of hand thinning around private property to reduce fuel levels. A combination of ground-based and aerial logging systems would be used. Associated road work includes up to: nine miles of permanent road construction, 23 miles of temporary road construction that would be decommissioned, two miles of road reconstruction, 34 miles of road reconditioning, road maintenance for log haul, and four miles of road long term storage. Approximately 1.8 miles of private road would be used under a road use agreement. Restoration actions to improve watershed conditions include approximately 25 miles road decommissioning, replacement of 18 culverts, improvement at two trail stream crossings, 87 acres of hardwood planting, and 75 acres of soil restoration. Monitoring and one projectspecific amendment to the Nez Perce National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan) are also proposed. Preliminary Alternatives The additional alternative the SEIS may consider is in response to impacts to old growth. The Hungry Ridge Restoration FEIS (September 2020) E:\FR\FM\07DEN1.SGM 07DEN1 75024 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 234 / Wednesday, December 7, 2022 / Notices evaluated the potential effects of four alternatives, including No Action and three action alternatives. The proposed action addresses the need to: manage vegetation to provide forest products, to reduce hazardous fuels on forest lands and adjacent to private property, reduce effects to wild and scenic rivers, reduce effects to steep slopes, reduce effects to wilderness characteristics, improve watershed condition through changes to access management, treatment of road and trail stream crossings. Alternatives were developed based on the potential effects to: old growth and old growthdependent species; watershed and fish habitat, visual resources from timber harvest, new road construction, mechanical treatment in Forest Plan Management Area 20, and landscape prescribed burning. Expected Impacts Preliminary significant impacts to be evaluated included: effects to old growth and cumulative effects. Responsible Official Cheryl F. Probert, Nez Perce— Clearwater Forest Supervisor, Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests Supervisor’s Office, 1008 Highway 64, Kamiah, Idaho 83536. ddrumheller on DSK6VXHR33PROD with NOTICES Scoping Comments and the Objection Process A Notice of Intent was published in the Federal Register on February 12, 2014, and initiated the scoping period for the Hungry Ridge Restoration Project. That notice started a 45-day scoping period. In accordance with 40 CFR 1502.9(d)(3), there will be no scoping conducted for this SEIS. The court’s Decision on the Hungry Ridge Restoration FEIS established the scope of this SEIS. The Forest will be soliciting future participation via the GovDelivery email notification system, rather than postal mail. Details about the upcoming project information will sent to you through GovDelivery. To sign up for GovDelivery and take advantage of new electronic notifications, please visit the Hungry Ridge Restoration project web page at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/ project/?project=43661. Updates will not be sent via postal mail. Nature of Decision To Be Made The deciding official will review the additional information to determine whether direct, indirect and cumulative effects on old growth in the Hungry Ridge Restoration project area meet the requirements of Appendix N of the Forest Plan; if there are cumulative impacts to old growth by the Hungry VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:54 Dec 06, 2022 Jkt 259001 Ridge Restoration Project and the End of the World Restoration Project; and whether a new decision is needed to comply with the Forest Plan. Dated: December 2, 2022. Troy Heithecker, Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest System. [FR Doc. 2022–26582 Filed 12–6–22; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3411–15–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Boundary Establishment for East Fork Hood River National Wild and Scenic River, Mt. Hood National Forest, Hood River County, Oregon Forest Service, Agriculture (USDA). ACTION: Notice of availability. AGENCY: In accordance with Section 3(b) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the USDA Forest Service, Washington Office, is transmitting the final boundary of East Fork Hood River National Wild and Scenic River to Congress. The East Fork Hood River Wild and Scenic River boundary description is available for review on https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/mthood/ landmanagement/planning. ADDRESSES: The East Fork Hood River Wild and Scenic River boundary is available for review at the website listed under SUMMARY, to view the documents in person, arrangements should be made in advance by contacting the offices listed under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. SUMMARY: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Information may be obtained by contacting John Matthews, Regional Land Surveyor, by telephone at 503– 808–2420 or via email at john.matthews@usda.gov. Alternatively, contact Michelle Lombardo on the Mt. Hood National Forest at 971–303–2083 or michelle.lombardo@usda.gov. Individuals who use Telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 800–877–8339 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The East Fork Hood River Wild and Scenic River boundary is available for review for review on the website listed under SUMMARY, or in person by contacting the following offices: at the following offices: USDA Forest Service, Yates Building, 14th and Independence Avenues SW, Washington, DC 20024, PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 phone—800–832–1355; Pacific Northwest Regional Office, 1220 SW Third Avenue, Portland, OR 97204, phone—503–808–2468; and Mt Hood National Forest Supervisor’s Office, 16400 Champion Way, Sandy, OR 97055, phone—503–668–1700. Please contact the appropriate office prior to arrival. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at 202–720–2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at 800–877–8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. The Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 (Pub. L. 111– 11) of March 30, 2009, designated East Fork Hood River, Oregon as a National Wild and Scenic River, to be administered by the Secretary of Agriculture. As specified by law, the boundary will not be effective until ninety days after Congress receives the transmittal. Dated: November 22, 2022. Troy Heithecker, Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest System. [FR Doc. 2022–26585 Filed 12–6–22; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3411–15–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Boundary Establishment for the Paint National Wild and Scenic River, Ottawa National Forest, Iron and Gogebic Counties, Michigan Forest Service, Agriculture (USDA). ACTION: Notice of availability. AGENCY: In accordance with Section 3(b) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, the USDA Forest Service, Washington Office, is transmitting the final boundary of Paint Wild and Scenic River to Congress. The Paint Wild and Scenic River boundary description is available for review at: https:// www.fs.usda.gov/activity/ottawa/ recreation/wateractivities. ADDRESSES: The Paint Wild and Scenic River boundary is available for review at the website listed under Summary, to view the documents in person, arrangements should be made in advance by contacting the offices listed SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\07DEN1.SGM 07DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 234 (Wednesday, December 7, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 75023-75024]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-26582]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests; Idaho; Hungry Ridge 
Restoration Project

AGENCY: Forest Service, Agriculture (USDA).

ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare a Supplemental Environmental Impact 
Statement.

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

SUMMARY: The USDA Forest Service is giving notice of its intent to 
prepare a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for the 
Hungry Ridge Restoration Project on the Salmon River Ranger District of 
the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, in Idaho. The Forest 
Supervisor plans to prepare a SEIS to further evaluate old growth and 
cumulative effects under National Forest Management Act (NFMA) and 
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) consistent with Case No. 3:21-
cv-00189-CWD Memorandum and Decision Order (June 24, 2022).

DATES: There is no comment period at this time. The draft SEIS will be 
advertised for public comment as required by 40 CFR 1503.1. The draft 
SEIS is anticipated to be available for public review and comment in 
early 2023 and will be announced in the Federal Register, on the Nez 
Perce-Clearwater National Forests' project website and other local 
media. The comment period for the draft SEIS will be 45 days from the 
date the Environmental Protection Agency publishes the notice of 
availability in the Federal Register.

ADDRESSES: Nez Perce Clearwater National Forests, 1008 Highway 64, 
Kamiah, Idaho 83536.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jennie Fischer, Interdisciplinary Team 
Leader, [email protected]; 208-983-4048. Individuals who use 
telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal 
Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339, 24 hours a day, 
every day of the year, including holidays.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Supplemental Environmental Impact 
Statement will improve the Hungry Ridge Restoration final Enivironmntal 
Impact Satement (FEIS) (September 2020, EIS No. 20200185) by providing 
an updated analysis of the environmental effects related to old growth 
and analysis of cumulative effects of the Hungry Ridge and End of the 
World projects on old growth. The Final Record of Decision was signed 
in March 2021. The SEIS will address the Judge's order regarding old 
growth and cumulative effects.
    If needed, the Forest Supervisor of the Nez Perce-Clearwater 
National Forests will issue a new Record of Decision (ROD) after 
evaluating the SEIS and public comments. If needed, an objection period 
for a new ROD will be provided, consistent with 36 CFR part 218.

Purpose and Need for Action

    The overall purpose of the Hungry Ridge Restoration project is to 
manage forest vegetation to restore natural disturbance patterns; 
improve long-term resilience at the stand and landscape levels; reduce 
the potential risk to private property and structures; improve 
watershed conditions; and maintain/improve habitat structure, function 
and diversity. Timber outputs from the proposed action would be used to 
offset treatment costs, support the economic structure of local 
communities, and provide for regional and national needs.

Proposed Action

    The proposed action was presented as Alternative 2 in the FEIS 
(September 2020). The Hungry Ridge Restoration project is located 
approximately 17 miles southeast of Grangeville in Idaho County, Idaho 
and includes the following actions: 7,164 acres of commercial timber 
harvest and fuels reduction; 12,372 acres of prescribed burning, and 10 
acres of hand thinning around private property to reduce fuel levels. A 
combination of ground-based and aerial logging systems would be used. 
Associated road work includes up to: nine miles of permanent road 
construction, 23 miles of temporary road construction that would be 
decommissioned, two miles of road reconstruction, 34 miles of road 
reconditioning, road maintenance for log haul, and four miles of road 
long term storage. Approximately 1.8 miles of private road would be 
used under a road use agreement. Restoration actions to improve 
watershed conditions include approximately 25 miles road 
decommissioning, replacement of 18 culverts, improvement at two trail 
stream crossings, 87 acres of hardwood planting, and 75 acres of soil 
restoration. Monitoring and one project-specific amendment to the Nez 
Perce National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan) 
are also proposed.

Preliminary Alternatives

    The additional alternative the SEIS may consider is in response to 
impacts to old growth. The Hungry Ridge Restoration FEIS (September 
2020)

[[Page 75024]]

evaluated the potential effects of four alternatives, including No 
Action and three action alternatives. The proposed action addresses the 
need to: manage vegetation to provide forest products, to reduce 
hazardous fuels on forest lands and adjacent to private property, 
reduce effects to wild and scenic rivers, reduce effects to steep 
slopes, reduce effects to wilderness characteristics, improve watershed 
condition through changes to access management, treatment of road and 
trail stream crossings. Alternatives were developed based on the 
potential effects to: old growth and old growth-dependent species; 
watershed and fish habitat, visual resources from timber harvest, new 
road construction, mechanical treatment in Forest Plan Management Area 
20, and landscape prescribed burning.

Expected Impacts

    Preliminary significant impacts to be evaluated included: effects 
to old growth and cumulative effects.

Responsible Official

    Cheryl F. Probert, Nez Perce--Clearwater Forest Supervisor, Nez 
Perce-Clearwater National Forests Supervisor's Office, 1008 Highway 64, 
Kamiah, Idaho 83536.

Scoping Comments and the Objection Process

    A Notice of Intent was published in the Federal Register on 
February 12, 2014, and initiated the scoping period for the Hungry 
Ridge Restoration Project. That notice started a 45-day scoping period. 
In accordance with 40 CFR 1502.9(d)(3), there will be no scoping 
conducted for this SEIS. The court's Decision on the Hungry Ridge 
Restoration FEIS established the scope of this SEIS.
    The Forest will be soliciting future participation via the 
GovDelivery email notification system, rather than postal mail. Details 
about the upcoming project information will sent to you through 
GovDelivery. To sign up for GovDelivery and take advantage of new 
electronic notifications, please visit the Hungry Ridge Restoration 
project web page at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=43661. 
Updates will not be sent via postal mail.

Nature of Decision To Be Made

    The deciding official will review the additional information to 
determine whether direct, indirect and cumulative effects on old growth 
in the Hungry Ridge Restoration project area meet the requirements of 
Appendix N of the Forest Plan; if there are cumulative impacts to old 
growth by the Hungry Ridge Restoration Project and the End of the World 
Restoration Project; and whether a new decision is needed to comply 
with the Forest Plan.

    Dated: December 2, 2022.
Troy Heithecker,
Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest System.
[FR Doc. 2022-26582 Filed 12-6-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3411-15-P
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