Kootenai National Forest; Montana; Kootenai National Forest Over-Snow Motorized Use Travel Plan, 32394-32395 [2024-08951]
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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 82 / Friday, April 26, 2024 / Notices
Management Plan (2008 Forest Plan),
incorporating changes made since 2008.
This notice announces initiates the
assessment phase of the plan revision
process, during which the Agency will
identify and evaluate current
information regarding the Tongass
National Forest from the public, Tribes,
Alaska Native Corporations, other
government agencies, and nongovernmental parties, 36 CFR
219.5(a)(1), 219.6, 219.19. The Tongass
National Forest has initiated
consultation with Tribes and Alaska
Native Corporations for all phases of the
planning process and will consult as
part of the assessment phase of revision,
36 CFR 219.4. The Forest Service,
Alaska Region, will build on the
engagement efforts and the relationships
developed as part of the Southeast
Alaska Sustainability Strategy to ensure
that a broad range of local voices
contribute to the assessment and
throughout the planning process.
Information collected during the
formation of the Sustainability Strategy
will be utilized in the assessment where
appropriate.
The 2012 Planning Rule requires the
assessment to include information
regarding the status and trends of
ecological, social, and economic
conditions within the planning area and
across the broader landscape. In
particular, the Agency must identify and
evaluate information relevant to the
plan area for the following: (1)
Terrestrial ecosystems, aquatic
ecosystems, and watersheds; (2) Air,
soil, and water resources and quality; (3)
System drivers, including dominant
ecological processes, disturbance
regimes, and stressors, such as natural
succession, wildland fire, invasive
species, and climate change, and the
ability of terrestrial and aquatic
ecosystems in the plan area to adapt to
change; (4) Baseline assessment of
carbon stocks; (5) Threatened,
endangered, proposed, and candidate
species, and potential species of
conservation concern present in the
plan area; (6) Social, cultural, and
economic conditions; (7) Benefits
people obtain from the National Forest
System planning area (ecosystem
services); (8) Multiple uses and their
contributions to local, regional, and
national economies; (9) Recreation
settings, opportunities and access, and
scenic character; (10); Renewable and
nonrenewable energy and mineral
resources; (11) Infrastructure, such as
recreational facilities and transportation
and utility corridors; (12) Areas of tribal
importance; (13) Cultural and historic
resources and uses; (14) Land status and
ownership and access patterns; and (15)
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Existing designated areas located in the
plan area including wilderness and wild
and scenic rivers and potential need and
opportunity for additional designated
areas. (36 CFR 219.6.)
During this assessment phase, the
Forest Service invites other government
agencies, Tribes, Alaska Native
Corporations, non-governmental parties,
and the public to share information
about social, economic, and
environmental conditions of the
Tongass National Forest and the broader
landscape. Existing information about
conditions on the Tongass National
Forest, including information gathered
through public engagement and tribal
consultation, will be integrated into a
draft resource assessment.
At 16.7 million acres, the Tongass
National Forest is integral to social,
ecological, economic and cultural
values in Southeast Alaska. The Tongass
is of immense cultural significance for
Alaska Native peoples, and is within the
traditional homelands of the Tlingit,
Haida and Tsimshian peoples. It plays
an important role in economic
opportunity and social well-being for
people and communities in Southeast
Alaska. It also represents the largest
intact coastal temperate rainforest on
earth and is considered critical for
carbon sequestration and carbon storage
to help mitigate climate change. During
this assessment phase, the Forest
Service invites input on these and other
distinctive roles and contributions of
the Tongass to the local area, region,
and nation (36 CFR 219.2(b)).
The Forest Service will review and
incorporate public comments and
additional information from tribal
consultation on the draft assessment
and produce a final assessment that will
inform the Agency’s understanding of
the need to change the plan for the
Tongass National Forest. The Forest
Service may then initiate the planning
phase, which will include development
of an environmental impact statement,
pursuant to the National Environmental
Policy Act (NEPA).
Responsible Official: The responsible
official for the revision of the land
management plan for the Tongass
National Forest is Frank Sherman,
Forest Supervisor.
Dated: April 22, 2024.
Troy Heithecker,
Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest
System.
[FR Doc. 2024–08957 Filed 4–25–24; 8:45 am]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service
Kootenai National Forest; Montana;
Kootenai National Forest Over-Snow
Motorized Use Travel Plan
Forest Service, Agriculture
(USDA).
ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an
environmental impact statement.
AGENCY:
The Forest Service (Forest
Service), United States Department of
Agriculture, will prepare an
environmental impact statement (EIS) to
inform a decision about the designation
of trails and areas of the Kootenai
National Forest which would be open to
motorized over-snow use. The
environmental impact statement will
also inform a decision about the classes
of vehicles and times of year for which
motorized over-snow use will be
allowed on designated trails and areas.
Trails and areas designated for
motorized over-snow vehicle use will be
identified on an Over-Snow Vehicle Use
Map which will specify the classes of
vehicles and the time of year for which
use is designated on the Kootenai
National Forest.
DATES: The draft environmental impact
statement is expected early in 2025,
with a 45-day public comment period
immediately following publication of
this project’s Notice of Availability of
Draft Environmental Impact Statement
in the Federal Register. The final
environmental impact statement is
expected by summer of 2025.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Kootenai National Forest,
SM.FS.knfcontactus@usda.gov, 406–
283–7740, or Stephani Rust,
stephani.rust@usda.gov. Individuals
may also visit the project’s web page at
https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/
kootenai/?project=64358. Individuals
who use telecommunication devices for
the deaf and hard of hearing (TDD) may
call the Federal Relay Service at 800–
877–8339, 24 hours a day, every day of
the year, including holidays.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
SUMMARY:
Purpose and Need for Action
Pursuant to the Travel Management
Rule at 36 CFR 212 subpart C, the Forest
Service must designate trails and areas
to be open for motorized over-snow
vehicle use. Once designated, trails and
areas open to motorized over-snow
vehicle use need to be identified on an
Over-Snow Vehicle Use Map (36 CFR
212.81). Over-Snow Vehicle Use Maps
must specify the classes of vehicles and
the time of year for which use is
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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 82 / Friday, April 26, 2024 / Notices
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1
designated (36 CFR 212.81(c)). The
public shall be allowed to participate in
the designation of National Forest
System roads, trails, and areas,
consistent with the National
Environmental Policy Act (36 CFR
212.52).
On the 2.2-million-acre Kootenai
National Forest, there is a need to
designate trails and areas which would
be open to motorized over-snow vehicle
use. There is also a need to designate
trails and areas open to motorized oversnow vehicle use within the Ten Lakes
Wilderness Study Area of the Kootenai
National Forest.
Proposed Action
The Forest Service proposes to
designate approximately 1,302,000 acres
of the Kootenai National Forest,
including the Ten Lakes Wilderness
Study Area, as areas open to crosscountry motorized over-snow vehicle
use. Approximately 987,000 acres are
proposed as areas open for all classes of
cross-country motorized over-snow
travel from December 1 to May 31 each
year. Approximately 315,000 acres are
proposed as areas open for all classes of
cross-country motorized over-snow
travel from December 1 to March 31 and
would be closed to motorized over-snow
vehicle use on March 31 each year to
accommodate grizzly bear den
emergence. Areas designated for oversnow vehicle use would be identified on
an Over-Snow Vehicle Use Map, in
accordance with 36 CFR 212.81. OverSnow Vehicle Use Maps would specify
the classes of vehicles and the time of
year for which use is designated (36
CFR 212.81(c)).
Additionally, the Forest Service
proposes to designate approximately
380 miles of trails in the Kootenai
National Forest, including in the Ten
Lakes Wilderness Study Area, as open
to motorized over-snow vehicle use.
Approximately 285 miles of groomed
over-snow trails and approximately 49
miles of ungroomed over-snow trails are
proposed to be open to any over-snow
vehicle class between December 1 and
March 31 each year. Approximately 16
miles of groomed over-snow trails and
30 miles of ungroomed over-snow trails
are proposed to be open to any oversnow vehicle class between December 1
and March 31 each year. Trails
designated for over-snow vehicle use
would be identified with the
publication of an Over-Snow Vehicle
Use Map, in accordance with 36 CFR
212.81.
An amendment to the Kootenai
National Forest 2015 Land Management
Plan may be considered to modify the
boundaries of management area 5a
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(Backcountry-Non-motorized Yearround).
Expected Impacts
The minimization criteria were
applied to the identification of the
National Forest System areas and trails.
Impacts to wolverine, grizzly bear,
Canada lynx, and whitebark pine will be
assessed in a biological assessment, and
consultation with U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service is expected to occur. An
amendment to the Kootenai National
Forest 2015 Land Management Plan may
be considered to modify the boundaries
of management area 5a (BackcountryNon-motorized Year-round) as it
currently is mapped in the 2015 Land
Management Plan. The following
substantive requirements are likely to
apply (219.13(b)(2)) to the potential
amendment: 36 CFR 219.8(b) to guide
the plan area’s contribution to social
and economic sustainability, taking into
account: (1) social, cultural, and
economic conditions relevant to the area
influenced by the plan; (2) sustainable
recreation; (3) multiple uses that
contribute to local, regional, and
national economies in a sustainable
manner; and 36 CFR 219.9(a)(2) the plan
must include plan components that
maintain or restore the diversity of
ecosystems and habitat types
throughout the plan area.
Responsible Official
Kootenai National Forest Supervisor.
Scoping Comments and the Objection
Process
Public scoping of this project
occurred in April 2015 and July through
September 2023; those scoping efforts
have informed this proposed action.
Public scoping will not be repeated;
however, additional opportunities for
public comment will be provided when
the Draft EIS is available.
Any decision about this project may
be subject to 36 CFR 218 and/or 36 CFR
219 pre-decisional review (objection).
Unless received anonymously, public
comments received during the scoping
period from July 13, 2023 through
September 29, 2023 or other designated
opportunities for public comment may
establish eligibility for participation in
pre-decisional administrative review.
Issues raised in an objection must be
based on previously submitted
comments, unless based on new
information arising after designated
opportunities.
Nature of Decision To Be Made
The decision will determine the
designation of trails and areas of the
Kootenai National Forest which will be
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32395
open to motorized over-snow use, as
well as determining the classes of
vehicles and times of year for which
motorized over-snow use will be
allowed on designated trails and areas.
Substantive Provisions
An amendment to the Kootenai
National Forest 2015 Land Management
Plan may be considered to modify the
boundaries of management area 5a
(Backcountry-Non-motorized Yearround) as it currently is mapped in the
2015 Land Management Plan. The
following substantive requirements are
likely to apply (219.13(b)(2)) to the
potential amendment: 36 CFR 219.8(b)
to guide the plan area’s contribution to
social and economic sustainability,
taking into account: (1) social, cultural,
and economic conditions relevant to the
area influenced by the plan; (2)
sustainable recreation; (3) multiple uses
that contribute to local, regional, and
national economies in a sustainable
manner; and 36 CFR 219.9(a)(2) the plan
must include plan components that
maintain or restore the diversity of
ecosystems and habitat types
throughout the plan area.
Dated: April 22, 2024.
Troy Heithecker,
Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest
System.
[FR Doc. 2024–08951 Filed 4–25–24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3411–15–P
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service
Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests;
Idaho; End of the World Project
Forest Service, Agriculture
(USDA).
ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an
environmental impact statement.
AGENCY:
The Forest Service (‘‘Forest
Service’’), United States Department of
Agriculture, is giving notice of its intent
to prepare an environmental impact
statement (EIS) for the End of the World
Project on the Salmon River Ranger
District of the Nez Perce-Clearwater
National Forests in Idaho. The Forest
received an unpublished order in
Friends of the Clearwater v. Cheryl F.
Probert. The court ordered the
environmental assessment (EA),
decision notice (DN), and finding of no
significant impact (FONSI) for the End
of the World project to be remanded to
the United States Forest Service for
further evaluation under the National
Forest Management Act (NFMA) and
National Environmental Policy Act
SUMMARY:
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 82 (Friday, April 26, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 32394-32395]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-08951]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service
Kootenai National Forest; Montana; Kootenai National Forest Over-
Snow Motorized Use Travel Plan
AGENCY: Forest Service, Agriculture (USDA).
ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Forest Service (Forest Service), United States Department
of Agriculture, will prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) to
inform a decision about the designation of trails and areas of the
Kootenai National Forest which would be open to motorized over-snow
use. The environmental impact statement will also inform a decision
about the classes of vehicles and times of year for which motorized
over-snow use will be allowed on designated trails and areas. Trails
and areas designated for motorized over-snow vehicle use will be
identified on an Over-Snow Vehicle Use Map which will specify the
classes of vehicles and the time of year for which use is designated on
the Kootenai National Forest.
DATES: The draft environmental impact statement is expected early in
2025, with a 45-day public comment period immediately following
publication of this project's Notice of Availability of Draft
Environmental Impact Statement in the Federal Register. The final
environmental impact statement is expected by summer of 2025.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kootenai National Forest,
[email protected], 406-283-7740, or Stephani Rust,
[email protected]. Individuals may also visit the project's web
page at https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/kootenai/?project=64358.
Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf and hard of
hearing (TDD) may call the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339, 24
hours a day, every day of the year, including holidays.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Purpose and Need for Action
Pursuant to the Travel Management Rule at 36 CFR 212 subpart C, the
Forest Service must designate trails and areas to be open for motorized
over-snow vehicle use. Once designated, trails and areas open to
motorized over-snow vehicle use need to be identified on an Over-Snow
Vehicle Use Map (36 CFR 212.81). Over-Snow Vehicle Use Maps must
specify the classes of vehicles and the time of year for which use is
[[Page 32395]]
designated (36 CFR 212.81(c)). The public shall be allowed to
participate in the designation of National Forest System roads, trails,
and areas, consistent with the National Environmental Policy Act (36
CFR 212.52).
On the 2.2-million-acre Kootenai National Forest, there is a need
to designate trails and areas which would be open to motorized over-
snow vehicle use. There is also a need to designate trails and areas
open to motorized over-snow vehicle use within the Ten Lakes Wilderness
Study Area of the Kootenai National Forest.
Proposed Action
The Forest Service proposes to designate approximately 1,302,000
acres of the Kootenai National Forest, including the Ten Lakes
Wilderness Study Area, as areas open to cross-country motorized over-
snow vehicle use. Approximately 987,000 acres are proposed as areas
open for all classes of cross-country motorized over-snow travel from
December 1 to May 31 each year. Approximately 315,000 acres are
proposed as areas open for all classes of cross-country motorized over-
snow travel from December 1 to March 31 and would be closed to
motorized over-snow vehicle use on March 31 each year to accommodate
grizzly bear den emergence. Areas designated for over-snow vehicle use
would be identified on an Over-Snow Vehicle Use Map, in accordance with
36 CFR 212.81. Over-Snow Vehicle Use Maps would specify the classes of
vehicles and the time of year for which use is designated (36 CFR
212.81(c)).
Additionally, the Forest Service proposes to designate
approximately 380 miles of trails in the Kootenai National Forest,
including in the Ten Lakes Wilderness Study Area, as open to motorized
over-snow vehicle use. Approximately 285 miles of groomed over-snow
trails and approximately 49 miles of ungroomed over-snow trails are
proposed to be open to any over-snow vehicle class between December 1
and March 31 each year. Approximately 16 miles of groomed over-snow
trails and 30 miles of ungroomed over-snow trails are proposed to be
open to any over-snow vehicle class between December 1 and March 31
each year. Trails designated for over-snow vehicle use would be
identified with the publication of an Over-Snow Vehicle Use Map, in
accordance with 36 CFR 212.81.
An amendment to the Kootenai National Forest 2015 Land Management
Plan may be considered to modify the boundaries of management area 5a
(Backcountry-Non-motorized Year-round).
Expected Impacts
The minimization criteria were applied to the identification of the
National Forest System areas and trails. Impacts to wolverine, grizzly
bear, Canada lynx, and whitebark pine will be assessed in a biological
assessment, and consultation with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is
expected to occur. An amendment to the Kootenai National Forest 2015
Land Management Plan may be considered to modify the boundaries of
management area 5a (Backcountry-Non-motorized Year-round) as it
currently is mapped in the 2015 Land Management Plan. The following
substantive requirements are likely to apply (219.13(b)(2)) to the
potential amendment: 36 CFR 219.8(b) to guide the plan area's
contribution to social and economic sustainability, taking into
account: (1) social, cultural, and economic conditions relevant to the
area influenced by the plan; (2) sustainable recreation; (3) multiple
uses that contribute to local, regional, and national economies in a
sustainable manner; and 36 CFR 219.9(a)(2) the plan must include plan
components that maintain or restore the diversity of ecosystems and
habitat types throughout the plan area.
Responsible Official
Kootenai National Forest Supervisor.
Scoping Comments and the Objection Process
Public scoping of this project occurred in April 2015 and July
through September 2023; those scoping efforts have informed this
proposed action. Public scoping will not be repeated; however,
additional opportunities for public comment will be provided when the
Draft EIS is available.
Any decision about this project may be subject to 36 CFR 218 and/or
36 CFR 219 pre-decisional review (objection). Unless received
anonymously, public comments received during the scoping period from
July 13, 2023 through September 29, 2023 or other designated
opportunities for public comment may establish eligibility for
participation in pre-decisional administrative review. Issues raised in
an objection must be based on previously submitted comments, unless
based on new information arising after designated opportunities.
Nature of Decision To Be Made
The decision will determine the designation of trails and areas of
the Kootenai National Forest which will be open to motorized over-snow
use, as well as determining the classes of vehicles and times of year
for which motorized over-snow use will be allowed on designated trails
and areas.
Substantive Provisions
An amendment to the Kootenai National Forest 2015 Land Management
Plan may be considered to modify the boundaries of management area 5a
(Backcountry-Non-motorized Year-round) as it currently is mapped in the
2015 Land Management Plan. The following substantive requirements are
likely to apply (219.13(b)(2)) to the potential amendment: 36 CFR
219.8(b) to guide the plan area's contribution to social and economic
sustainability, taking into account: (1) social, cultural, and economic
conditions relevant to the area influenced by the plan; (2) sustainable
recreation; (3) multiple uses that contribute to local, regional, and
national economies in a sustainable manner; and 36 CFR 219.9(a)(2) the
plan must include plan components that maintain or restore the
diversity of ecosystems and habitat types throughout the plan area.
Dated: April 22, 2024.
Troy Heithecker,
Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest System.
[FR Doc. 2024-08951 Filed 4-25-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3411-15-P
