Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands; Nebraska and South Dakota; Undesirable Plant Management EIS, 1556-1557 [2023-00361]

Download as PDF 1556 Notices Federal Register Vol. 88, No. 7 Wednesday, January 11, 2023 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. The Forest Service, USDA, will prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to address undesirable plant management for the Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands (Forests). This environmental analysis is necessary to protect, maintain, or restore native plant communities from the negative effects of undesirable plants. The proposal will analyze an update of the Forests’ guidance from the May 1993 Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Management of Undesirable Plant Species. Comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received by February 10, 2023. The draft environmental impact statement is expected June 2023 and the final environmental impact statement is expected March 2024. ADDRESSES: Send written comments to Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands, 125 North Main Street, Chadron, NE 69337. Comments may also be sent electronically to https:// www.fs.usda.gov/project/ ?project=62500, or via facsimile to 308– 432–0309. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kimberly Dolatta at 308–432–0323 or kimberly.dolatta@usda.gov. 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. Proposed Action The Forest Service proposes to update the Forests’ guidance for plant management strategies through an environmental analysis for the management of invasive, noxious, alien, non-native, and undesirable native plant species. Section 2814 of title 7 of the United States Code defines the term ‘‘undesirable plants’’ as plant species that are classified as undesirable, noxious, harmful, exotic, injurious, or poisonous, pursuant to State or Federal law. This definition does not include the management of undesirable native plant species, but the Forests intend to include the management of specific native plants for the purpose of maintaining established desired conditions described in the Forests’ land and resource management plan. Early detection and rapid response, control methods and preventative DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands; Nebraska and South Dakota; Undesirable Plant Management EIS Forest Service, Agriculture (USDA). ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement. AGENCY: SUMMARY: DATES: lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Purpose and Need for Action Existing undesirable plant species management on the Forests is based on environmental analyses that did not analyze management strategies such as aerial application of herbicides, use of prescribed fire, or the treatment of aquatic invasive species. Existing policies for undesirable plant management on the Forests do not address new undesirable plant species, nor do they provide modernized tools and practices for swift management of infestations. Failure to control or eradicate infestations of undesirable plants alters wildlife habitat, decreases wildlife and livestock forage, reduces species diversity, increases soil erosion due to a decrease in surface cover, promotes undesirable monocultures, and potentially alters the fire return interval. Additionally, some undesirable plants are known to be toxic to animals and/or humans. The Forest Service must update past enviromental analyses to include guidance for management strategies on the Forests to protect, maintain, or restore native plant communities from the negative effects of undesirable plants. This will include consideration of practices to support early detection, rapid assessment, and rapid response to new infestations, new undesirable plant species, landscape-scale disturbances, and the availability of new management tools. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:17 Jan 10, 2023 Jkt 259001 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 measures, rehabilitation and restoration, and implementation and effectiveness monitoring would be designed to allow prompt treatment of undesirable plant infestations. Proposed control methods would include, but are not limited to (1) biological control, such as the release of host-specific natural enemies or targeted grazing; (2) chemical control using agency approved herbicides that target undesirable plant species; (3) mechanical techniques, such as mowing, cutting, or pulling; and (4) prescribed fire conducted in accordance with fire suppression and prescribed burn management policy. Control methods would be employed alone or in combination to achieve the most effective control. Treatment methods would be based on the extent, location, type, and character of an infestation and would be implemented using design criteria developed to ensure ecosystem health. Treated acre totals could be those that are treated a single time or multiple times annually using a combination of methods. Rehabilitation and restoration actions would be designed and implemented based on the conditions found in and around infested areas. The Forest Service would like to schedule implementation to begin in 2024. Forest-wide combined treatments of up to 100,000 acres annually over a 15-year period would be expected. Further information is available on the project website: https:// www.fs.usda.gov/project/ ?project=62500. Expected Impacts Preliminary issues being considered by the Forest Service include the effects of undesirable plant management treatments on native vegetation, biological diversity, natural productivity, and habitat structure; threatened, endangered, or sensitive species and their habitats; soils, water, and aquatic resources; and on human health. Commenters are encouraged to identify additional issues. Responsible Official The Responsible Official will be the Forest Supervisor for the Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands. E:\FR\FM\11JAN1.SGM 11JAN1 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 7 / Wednesday, January 11, 2023 / Notices Scoping Comments and the Objection Process This notice of intent initiates the scoping process, which guides the development of the EIS. The agency is requesting comments on potential alternatives and impacts, and identification of any relevant information, studies, or analyses of any kind concerning impacts affecting the quality of the human environment. It is important that reviewers 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, remedies for those concerns, other recommendations, general support, and/ or opportunities to further clarify information. Commenting during scoping and any other designated opportunity to comment provided by the Responsible Official will also establish standing to object once the final EIS and Draft Record of Decision have been published. This project is subject to the agency’s Project Level Predecisional Administrative Review Process (36 CFR part 218, subparts A 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 Pesticide (herbicide) applicators must be certified and licensed by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (South Dakota Codified Law § 38–21). The Nebraska Department of Agriculture is responsible for the certification and licensing of pesticide applicators in Nebraska under the Nebraska Pesticide Act (Nebraska Statute 2–2622). lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 Nature of Decision To Be Made Given the purpose and need, the Responsible Official will review the proposed action, the other alternatives (including the no-action alternative), and the environmental consequences in order to determine whether to expand current guidance to control and manage undesirable plant species; what control methods or herbicides would be used; what protection and monitoring measures would be required; and whether to include an adaptive VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:17 Jan 10, 2023 Jkt 259001 management approach to address future spread of undesirable plant species. The decision will consider the Forests’ land and resource management plan direction for achievement of desired conditions for native vegetation and habitats. Reconsideration of other existing project-level decisions, programmatic decisions, or additional guidance for future forest management activities are beyond the scope of this document. 1557 www.usccr.gov/news/advisorycommittees-news and/or https:// www.usccr.gov/news/commission-news. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sheryl Cozart, Senior Attorney-Advisor, Office of the General Counsel, Office of the General Counsel, U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, 1331 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 1150, Washington, DC 20425; phone: 202–839–7255; email: sccozart@usccr.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the PRA, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq., Federal Dated: January 5, 2023. agencies must obtain approval from the Troy Heithecker, Office of Management and Budget Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest (‘‘OMB’’) for each collection of System. information they conduct or sponsor. [FR Doc. 2023–00361 Filed 1–10–23; 8:45 am] ‘‘Collection of Information’’ is defined BILLING CODE 3411–15–P in 44 U.S.C. 3502(3) and 5 CFR 1320.3 and includes agency requests or requirements that members of the public COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS obtain or report information. Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA, 44 U.S.C. Agency Information Collection 3506(c)(2)(A), requires Federal agencies Activities; Proposals, Submissions, to provide a 60-day notice in the and Approvals: Qualification Information for Candidates to Advisory Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, Committees before submitting the collection to OMB for approval. To comply with this AGENCY: U.S. Commission on Civil requirement, the USCCR is publishing Rights. notice of the proposed collection of ACTION: Notice. information listed below. An agency SUMMARY: The U.S. Commission on Civil may not conduct or sponsor, and a Rights (‘‘Commission’’ or ‘‘USCCR’’) is person is not required to respond to, a announcing an opportunity for public collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control comment on the proposed collection of number.1 qualification information for advisory Title: ‘‘Qualification Information for committee candidates by the agency. Candidates to Advisory Committees.’’ Under the Paperwork Reduction Act This is a request for a new OMB control (‘‘PRA’’), Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register number. Abstract: The Commission studies concerning each proposed collection of civil rights issues and subsequently information, and to allow 60 days for publishes reports with public comment. recommendations to inform the DATES: Comments must be received on President, Congress, and the public. The or before March 7, 2023. USCCR’s Advisory Committees were ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, created to provide input and make identified by subject matter recommendations to the Commission ‘‘Qualification Information for concerning discrimination and denial of Candidates to Advisory Committees,’’ equal protection of law, the right to and by any of the following methods: vote, and related civil rights issues. The • You may electronically submit Commission was established by the written comments to USCCR at Civil Rights Act of 1957, Public Law publicaffairs@usccr.gov and/or 815–315, and subsequently modified in sccozart@usccr.gov. the Civil Rights Commission • Mail: Sheryl Cozart, Senior Amendments Act of 1994, 42 U.S.C. Attorney-Advisor, Office of the General 1975a. These laws direct the Counsel, Office of the General Counsel, Commission to establish Advisory U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, 1331 Committees for each state, the District of Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 1150, Columbia, and five U.S. territories. Washington, DC 20425. These non-discretionary, statutory • Hand Delivery/Courier: Same as Advisory Committees are subject to the Mail above. Federal Advisory Committee Act Please submit your comments using (FACA), Public Law 92–463 codified as only one method. All comments must be 5 U.S.C. app. 2. submitted in English, or if not, accompanied by an English translation. 1 44 U.S.C. 3512, 5 CFR 1320.5(b)(2)(i) and Comments will be posted as received to 1320.8(b)(3)(vi). PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\11JAN1.SGM 11JAN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 7 (Wednesday, January 11, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 1556-1557]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-00361]


========================================================================
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. 88, No. 7 / Wednesday, January 11, 2023 / 
Notices

[[Page 1556]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands; Nebraska and South 
Dakota; Undesirable Plant Management EIS

AGENCY: Forest Service, Agriculture (USDA).

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

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

SUMMARY: The Forest Service, USDA, will prepare an Environmental Impact 
Statement (EIS) to address undesirable plant management for the 
Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands (Forests). This environmental 
analysis is necessary to protect, maintain, or restore native plant 
communities from the negative effects of undesirable plants. The 
proposal will analyze an update of the Forests' guidance from the May 
1993 Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Management of Undesirable 
Plant Species.

DATES: Comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received 
by February 10, 2023. The draft environmental impact statement is 
expected June 2023 and the final environmental impact statement is 
expected March 2024.

ADDRESSES: Send written comments to Nebraska National Forests and 
Grasslands, 125 North Main Street, Chadron, NE 69337. Comments may also 
be sent electronically to https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62500, or via facsimile to 308-432-0309.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kimberly Dolatta at 308-432-0323 or 
[email protected]. 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: 

Purpose and Need for Action

    Existing undesirable plant species management on the Forests is 
based on environmental analyses that did not analyze management 
strategies such as aerial application of herbicides, use of prescribed 
fire, or the treatment of aquatic invasive species. Existing policies 
for undesirable plant management on the Forests do not address new 
undesirable plant species, nor do they provide modernized tools and 
practices for swift management of infestations. Failure to control or 
eradicate infestations of undesirable plants alters wildlife habitat, 
decreases wildlife and livestock forage, reduces species diversity, 
increases soil erosion due to a decrease in surface cover, promotes 
undesirable monocultures, and potentially alters the fire return 
interval. Additionally, some undesirable plants are known to be toxic 
to animals and/or humans.
    The Forest Service must update past enviromental analyses to 
include guidance for management strategies on the Forests to protect, 
maintain, or restore native plant communities from the negative effects 
of undesirable plants. This will include consideration of practices to 
support early detection, rapid assessment, and rapid response to new 
infestations, new undesirable plant species, landscape-scale 
disturbances, and the availability of new management tools.

Proposed Action

    The Forest Service proposes to update the Forests' guidance for 
plant management strategies through an environmental analysis for the 
management of invasive, noxious, alien, non-native, and undesirable 
native plant species. Section 2814 of title 7 of the United States Code 
defines the term ``undesirable plants'' as plant species that are 
classified as undesirable, noxious, harmful, exotic, injurious, or 
poisonous, pursuant to State or Federal law. This definition does not 
include the management of undesirable native plant species, but the 
Forests intend to include the management of specific native plants for 
the purpose of maintaining established desired conditions described in 
the Forests' land and resource management plan. Early detection and 
rapid response, control methods and preventative measures, 
rehabilitation and restoration, and implementation and effectiveness 
monitoring would be designed to allow prompt treatment of undesirable 
plant infestations.
    Proposed control methods would include, but are not limited to (1) 
biological control, such as the release of host-specific natural 
enemies or targeted grazing; (2) chemical control using agency approved 
herbicides that target undesirable plant species; (3) mechanical 
techniques, such as mowing, cutting, or pulling; and (4) prescribed 
fire conducted in accordance with fire suppression and prescribed burn 
management policy. Control methods would be employed alone or in 
combination to achieve the most effective control. Treatment methods 
would be based on the extent, location, type, and character of an 
infestation and would be implemented using design criteria developed to 
ensure ecosystem health. Treated acre totals could be those that are 
treated a single time or multiple times annually using a combination of 
methods. Rehabilitation and restoration actions would be designed and 
implemented based on the conditions found in and around infested areas.
    The Forest Service would like to schedule implementation to begin 
in 2024. Forest-wide combined treatments of up to 100,000 acres 
annually over a 15-year period would be expected. Further information 
is available on the project website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=62500.

Expected Impacts

    Preliminary issues being considered by the Forest Service include 
the effects of undesirable plant management treatments on native 
vegetation, biological diversity, natural productivity, and habitat 
structure; threatened, endangered, or sensitive species and their 
habitats; soils, water, and aquatic resources; and on human health. 
Commenters are encouraged to identify additional issues.

Responsible Official

    The Responsible Official will be the Forest Supervisor for the 
Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands.

[[Page 1557]]

Scoping Comments and the Objection Process

    This notice of intent initiates the scoping process, which guides 
the development of the EIS. The agency is requesting comments on 
potential alternatives and impacts, and identification of any relevant 
information, studies, or analyses of any kind concerning impacts 
affecting the quality of the human environment.
    It is important that reviewers 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, remedies for those concerns, other recommendations, general 
support, and/or opportunities to further clarify information. 
Commenting during scoping and any other designated opportunity to 
comment provided by the Responsible Official will also establish 
standing to object once the final EIS and Draft Record of Decision have 
been published. This project is subject to the agency's Project Level 
Predecisional Administrative Review Process (36 CFR part 218, subparts 
A 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

    Pesticide (herbicide) applicators must be certified and licensed by 
the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (South 
Dakota Codified Law Sec.  38-21). The Nebraska Department of 
Agriculture is responsible for the certification and licensing of 
pesticide applicators in Nebraska under the Nebraska Pesticide Act 
(Nebraska Statute 2-2622).

Nature of Decision To Be Made

    Given the purpose and need, the Responsible Official will review 
the proposed action, the other alternatives (including the no-action 
alternative), and the environmental consequences in order to determine 
whether to expand current guidance to control and manage undesirable 
plant species; what control methods or herbicides would be used; what 
protection and monitoring measures would be required; and whether to 
include an adaptive management approach to address future spread of 
undesirable plant species.
    The decision will consider the Forests' land and resource 
management plan direction for achievement of desired conditions for 
native vegetation and habitats. Reconsideration of other existing 
project-level decisions, programmatic decisions, or additional guidance 
for future forest management activities are beyond the scope of this 
document.

    Dated: January 5, 2023.
Troy Heithecker,
Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest System.
[FR Doc. 2023-00361 Filed 1-10-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3411-15-P
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