Notice of Availability of the Proposed Lakeview Resource Management Plan Amendment and Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Lakeview Field Office, Lakeview District, Oregon, 88805-88808 [2024-25942]
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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 217 / Friday, November 8, 2024 / Notices
IV. Next Steps
After the comment period closes, we
will make decisions regarding permit
issuance. If we issue permits to any of
the applicants listed in this notice, we
will publish a notice in the Federal
Register. You may locate the notice
announcing the permit issuance by
searching https://www.regulations.gov
for the permit number listed above in
this document. For example, to find
information about the potential issuance
of Permit No. 12345A, you would go to
regulations.gov and search for
‘‘12345A’’.
V. Authority
We issue this notice under the
authority of the Endangered Species Act
of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et
seq.), and its implementing regulations.
Timothy MacDonald,
Government Information Specialist, Branch
of Permits, Division of Management
Authority.
[FR Doc. 2024–25945 Filed 11–7–24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333–15–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Land Management
[BLM–AK–FRN–MO4500180311]
Notice of Availability of the Final
Coastal Plain Oil and Gas Leasing
Program Supplemental Environmental
Impact Statement, Alaska
AGENCY:
Bureau of Land Management,
Interior.
ACTION: Notice of availability.
In compliance with the
National Environmental Policy Act of
1969, as amended (NEPA), the Bureau of
Land Management (BLM) announces the
availability of the Final Supplemental
Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS)
for the Coastal Plain Oil and Gas
Leasing Program.
DATES: The BLM will issue a decision
on the Leasing Program no sooner than
30 days after the date that the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
publishes its Notice of Availability
(NOA) in the Federal Register. The EPA
usually publishes its NOAs on Fridays.
ADDRESSES: The Final Leasing SEIS and
related documents are available for
review on the BLM ePlanning project
website at https://eplanning.blm.gov/
eplanning-ui/project/2015144/510.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: At
the BLM: Serena Sweet, Branch Chief of
Planning and Project Management;
telephone: 907–271–4345; email:
ssweet@blm.gov. Stephanie Kuhns,
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SUMMARY:
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Planning and Environmental Specialist;
telephone: 907–271–4208; email:
skuhns@blm.gov.
At the United States Fish and Wildlife
Service (USFWS): Bobbie Jo Skibo,
Strategic Conservation and Coastal Plain
Coordinator; telephone: 907–441–1539;
email: bobbiejo_skibo@fws.gov.
Individuals in the United States who
are deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or
have a speech disability may dial 711
(TTY, TDD, or TeleBraille) to access
telecommunications relay services for
contacting Ms. Sweet. Individuals
outside the United States should use the
relay services offered within their
country to make international calls to
the point-of-contact in the United
States.
The Final
Leasing SEIS was developed by the BLM
and USFWS as joint lead agencies to
address deficiencies in the 2019 Coastal
Plain Oil and Gas Leasing Program
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
and the 2020 Record of Decision (ROD)
implementing the Arctic National
Wildlife Refuge Coastal Plain Oil and
Gas Leasing Program (85 FR 51754).
The joint lead agencies have prepared
this Leasing SEIS in accordance with
NEPA to implement an oil and gas
leasing program in the Coastal Plain of
the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
This Leasing SEIS serves to inform
BLM’s implementation of the Public
Law 115–97, section 20001(c)(1),
requirement to hold two lease sales of
at least 400,000 acres each by December
22, 2024. It also informs management of
on-the-ground oil and gas activities,
including seismic and drilling
exploration, development, and
transportation of oil and gas in and from
the Coastal Plain.
The Leasing SEIS considers and
analyzes the environmental impacts of
four action alternatives for
implementation of an oil and gas
program in the Coastal Plain, including
the areas to offer for sale, and the
indirect impacts that could result in
consideration of hypothetical
development. The joint lead agencies
have identified Alternative D2 as their
preferred alternative. This Leasing SEIS
does not authorize on-the-ground oil
and gas exploration or development
activities; it evaluates which lands will
be made available for lease and the
terms and conditions to be applied to
leases and on-the-ground oil and gas
activities. Future on-the-ground actions
requiring BLM approval, including
proposed exploration plans and
development proposals, would require
further NEPA analysis based on the
project-specific proposal.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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88805
Although section 20001(a)(2) and
(b)(2)(A) of Public Law 115–97 assigns
responsibility to the BLM for
administering the oil and gas program,
it is understood that all activities,
including plan development, study
development, and consideration of
exceptions, modifications, waivers, or
any operations that are proposed to be
conducted on the surface of the Coastal
Plain would include close coordination
with the USFWS to ensure that its
considerations as the surface
management agency would be taken
into account. In addition, the BLM
would consult or coordinate with other
appropriate federal, state, and North
Slope Borough agencies, Tribal
Governments, Alaska Native Claims
Settlement Act corporations, and other
Native organizations as appropriate.
Comments on the Draft Leasing SEIS
received from the public and internal
BLM and USFWS review were
considered and incorporated as
appropriate into the Final SEIS. In
response to public comment and
cooperating agency input, the joint lead
agencies developed alternative D2, a
variation on alternative D.
(Authority: 40 CFR 1506.6, 40 CFR 1506.10)
Steven M. Cohn,
BLM Alaska State Director.
[FR Doc. 2024–26039 Filed 11–7–24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4331–10–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Land Management
[BLM_OR_FRN_MO4500183398]
Notice of Availability of the Proposed
Lakeview Resource Management Plan
Amendment and Final Environmental
Impact Statement for the Lakeview
Field Office, Lakeview District, Oregon
Bureau of Land Management,
Interior.
ACTION: Notice of availability.
AGENCY:
In conformance with the
National Environmental Policy Act of
1969, as amended (NEPA), and the
Federal Land Policy and Management
Act of 1976, as amended (FLPMA), the
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has
prepared the Proposed Lakeview
Resource Management Plan (RMP)
Amendment and Final Environmental
Impact Statement (EIS) and is
announcing the start of a 30-day protest
period.
DATES: This notice announces a 30-day
protest period on the Proposed
Lakeview RMP Amendment, beginning
on the date the Environmental
SUMMARY:
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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 217 / Friday, November 8, 2024 / Notices
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Protection Agency (EPA) publishes its
Notice of Availability (NOA) of the
proposed RMP amendment/final EIS in
the Federal Register. The EPA usually
publishes its NOAs on Fridays. Protests
must be postmarked or electronically
submitted on the BLM’s ePlanning
website during the 30-day protest
period.
ADDRESSES: The proposed RMP
amendment/final EIS is available for
review on the BLM ePlanning project
website at https://eplanning.blm.gov/
eplanning-ui/project/114300/510 and at
the BLM Lakeview District, 1301 South
G Street, Lakeview, OR 97630.
Instructions for filing a protest with
the BLM can be found at: https://
www.blm.gov/programs/planning-andnepa/public-participation/filing-a-planprotest and at 43 CFR 1610.5–2. Protests
must be submitted to the ePlanning
website listed above or as a hard copy
to: BLM Director, Attention: Protest
Coordinator (HQ210), PO Box 151029,
Lakewood, CO 80215.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr.
Michael Collins, Planning and
Environmental Coordinator, telephone:
541–947–2177; 1301 South G Street,
Lakeview, OR 97630; email: blm_or_lv_
rmp_team@blm.gov. Individuals in the
United States who are deaf, deafblind,
hard of hearing, or have a speech
disability may dial 711 (TTY, TDD, or
TeleBraille) to access
telecommunications relay services.
Individuals outside the United States
should use the relay services offered
within their country to make
international calls to the point-ofcontact in the United States.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This
document provides notice that the BLM
Oregon/Washington (OR/WA) State
Director has prepared the Proposed
Lakeview RMP Amendment and Final
EIS that analyzes alternatives that
would update the existing 2003
Lakeview RMP and Record of Decision
(ROD), as amended by the 2015
Approved Oregon Greater Sage-grouse
RMP Amendment and ROD.
The planning area is located in Lake
and Harney counties, Oregon, and
encompasses approximately 3.2 million
acres of public land.
Purpose and Need for the Planning
Effort
The purpose and need for this
proposed RMP amendment/final EIS is
to comply with the provisions of a 2010
Settlement Agreement, which required
the BLM to prepare an RMP amendment
that addresses a range of alternatives for
managing lands with wilderness
characteristics, off-highway vehicle
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(OHV) use, and livestock grazing within
the planning area. The BLM has
determined that 106 inventory units
totaling 1,655,290 acres within the
planning area contain wilderness
characteristics.
Alternatives Including the Proposed
Action
The proposed RMP amendment/final
EIS analyzes six action alternatives and
a No Action Alternative. The 90-day
public comment period for the Draft
Lakeview RMP Amendment and Draft
EIS ended on September 5, 2024. The
BLM held four public meetings during
the public comment period. The BLM
considered all input received from the
public, consulting Tribes, and
cooperating agencies, and incorporated
such input into the proposed RMP
amendment as appropriate. This input
resulted in the clarification of text,
minor changes to the range of
alternatives, and the identification of
the proposed RMP amendment
(Alternative F), which is within the
range of alternatives and effects
analyzed in the draft RMP amendment/
draft EIS.
The No Action Alternative represents
the continuation of existing
management direction under the 2003
Lakeview RMP/ROD, as amended,
including the existing goals and
management direction for OHV and
livestock grazing use. In addition, the
interim management provisions
included in the 2010 Settlement
Agreement would continue to preclude
the BLM from completing any
management actions within inventory
units that the BLM has determined
possess wilderness characteristics that
could reduce the unit’s size or diminish
the unit’s wilderness characteristics to
such an extent that it would no longer
meet the BLM’s criteria for wilderness
characteristics.
Alternative A would continue the
BLM’s management direction under the
2003 Lakeview RMP/ROD, as amended,
including the existing goals and
management direction for OHV and
livestock grazing use. Management
would emphasize resources and
multiple uses other than wilderness
characteristics. None of the 106 units
that the BLM found to possess
wilderness characteristics would receive
additional protections.
Alternative B would emphasize the
protection of wilderness characteristics
within all 106 units; 34 units and
portions of two units (approximately
273,680 acres) would be designated as
Wilderness Study Areas (WSAs) under
section 202 of FLPMA. These proposed
WSAs would be managed as visual
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resource management (VRM) class I,
land tenure zone 1 (retention in the
public domain), exclusion zones for all
rights-of-way, and would include
restrictions on mineral development.
The remaining 77 units and portions of
two units (approximately 1,381,610
acres) would be managed as VRM class
II, land tenure zone 1 (retention in the
public domain), exclusion zones for
major rights-of-way, and include some
restrictions on mineral development.
OHV use would be closed in all 106
units that the BLM has found to possess
wilderness characteristics
(approximately 1,654,103 acres) and in
all WSAs. Cross-country motorized
travel and motorized travel on existing
internal primitive routes in these areas
would be prohibited.
Under Alternative B, grazing
allocations would not be changed.
However, where existing livestock
grazing is found to be a significant
causal factor for non-attainment of
rangeland health standards, the BLM
would remove grazing, either at the
allotment or pasture scale, for the
duration of the plan amendment.
Should the BLM receive a voluntary
permit relinquishment for any lands
with wilderness characteristics, WSAs,
Areas of Critical Environmental
Concern, Research Natural Areas, or
designated critical habitat for federally
listed species, the BLM would remove
or reduce grazing in the area for the
duration of the plan amendment.
Alternatives C, D, and E would
establish new management goals and
additional protective management for
wilderness characteristics. The units
emphasized for protection of wilderness
characteristics would be managed as
VRM class II, land tenure zone 1
(retention in the public domain),
exclusion zones for major rights-of-way,
and include restrictions on mineral
development. The specific units
emphasized for protection of wilderness
characteristics would vary across these
alternatives. In addition, a 100- to 300foot setback would be applied along
boundary roads of these units under
Alternatives C, D, and E to provide the
BLM with additional management
flexibility to address other resources
needs, threats, and multiple uses
adjacent to these areas.
Alternative C would emphasize the
protection of wilderness characteristics
in 26 units and portions of four units
(approximately 411,033 acres) that the
BLM found to possess wilderness
characteristics. The BLM would balance
the management of wilderness
characteristics with other resources and
multiple uses in 71 units and portions
of two units (approximately 1,161,199
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acres). The remaining five units and
portions of three units (approximately
74,529 acres) would be managed under
the 2003 Lakeview RMP, as amended;
the BLM would allow other multiple
uses while not protecting wilderness
characteristics. The OHV use
throughout the entire planning area
would be limited to existing routes,
unless currently limited to designated
routes or closed to OHV use. Grazing
allocations would not be changed.
However, the BLM would temporarily
remove grazing, at either the allotment
or pasture scale, when existing livestock
grazing is found to be a significant
causal factor for non-attainment of
rangeland health standards, until such
time as monitoring or a subsequent
assessment indicates that the pasture or
allotment is meeting standards or is
making significant progress towards
meeting standards. Should the BLM
receive a voluntary permit
relinquishment for public lands in a
WSA, it would remove or reduce
grazing in the area for the life of the plan
amendment.
Alternative D would emphasize the
protection of wilderness characteristics
within two units (approximately 4,671
acres) that the BLM found to possess
wilderness characteristics. OHV use in
these two units would be limited to
existing routes. Management of
wilderness characteristics would be
balanced with other resources and
multiple uses in 41 units and portions
of 18 units (approximately 1,075,323
acres). The remaining 46 units
(approximately 583,332 acres) would be
managed under the 2003 Lakeview RMP
as amended; the BLM would allow other
multiple uses while not protecting
wilderness characteristics. The area
open to cross-country OHV use would
be reduced to approximately 70,573
acres of expressly defined areas;
approximately 11,000 acres would be
closed to OHV use; and the remainder
of the planning area, approximately 3
million acres, would be limited to
existing or designated routes. Livestock
grazing management would be the same
as the No Action Alternative unless a
rangeland health assessment and
evaluation indicates one or more
standards are not met in an allotment or
pasture due to factors that are subject to
BLM control, then the authorized officer
shall consider taking action to make
progress toward rangeland health
standards and land use plan objectives,
even if livestock grazing is not
determined to be a significant causal
factor for non-attainment of standard(s).
Actions available to the authorized
officer could include, but are not
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limited to, changes in management of
livestock grazing or other uses or habitat
restoration.
Alternative E was developed with
input from individual members of the
Southeast Oregon Resource Advisory
Council and would emphasize the
protection of wilderness characteristics
within 26 units (approximately 372,218
acres) that the BLM found to possess
wilderness characteristics. Management
of wilderness characteristics would be
balanced with other resources and
multiple uses in 68 units
(approximately 1,109,160 acres). The
remaining 12 units (approximately
168,512 acres) would be managed under
the 2003 Lakeview RMP as amended;
the BLM would allow other multiple
uses while not protecting wilderness
characteristics. OHV and livestock
grazing management throughout the
planning area would be the same as the
No Action Alternative.
Alternative F, the proposed RMP
amendment, was largely developed by
combining components of Alternatives
C and D from the draft RMP
amendment/draft EIS, and to a lesser
extent some components from
Alternative B. Alternative F’s OHV and
livestock grazing management
components are identical to Alternative
D. Alternative F would designate 42,547
acres within 24 wilderness
characteristics units and portions of two
other units as WSAs under section 202
of the FLPMA. These proposed WSAs
would be managed as VRM class I, land
tenure zone 1 (retention in the public
domain), exclusion zones for all rightsof-way, and would include restrictions
on mineral development. Alternative F
would also prioritize protections for
wilderness characteristics over other
multiple uses on 373,132 acres in an
additional eight units and portions of
seven other units. These units would be
managed as VRM class II, land tenure
zone 1 (retention in the public domain),
exclusion zones for major rights-of-way,
and include some restrictions on
mineral development. The BLM would
balance the management of wilderness
characteristics with other resources and
multiple uses on 738,665 acres located
in 37 units and portions of 12 units. The
BLM would manage the remaining 30
units and portions of nine units that
total 495,332 acres in accordance with
the 2003 Lakeview RMP, as amended,
where other multiple uses are provided
for without any wilderness
characteristics protections.
The proposed RMP amendment/final
EIS was developed based on the
consideration of public comments,
cooperating agency and Tribal
government-to-government
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consultations, updates to the highest
quality science and information, and by
combining elements of the alternatives
analyzed in the draft RMP amendment/
draft EIS. The proposed RMP
amendment is within the range of
alternatives considered in the draft RMP
amendment/draft EIS.
Alternative F emphasizes a high level
of resource protection in portions of the
planning area while providing for a
sustainable level of multiple uses in
other portions of the planning area. It
balances the need to preserve or protect
specific public lands in their natural
condition with the need to provide food
and habitat for fish, wildlife, and
domestic animals and provide for
outdoor recreation and human
occupancy and use. It also recognizes
the Nation’s need for domestic sources
of minerals, food, timber, and fiber from
the public lands. This balance would be
accomplished within the limits of the
ecosystem’s ability to provide these
multiple uses on a sustainable basis and
within the constraints of applicable
laws, regulations, and policies,
including sections 102(7), 102(8),
102(12), 103(c), and 103(h) of the
FLPMA.
Protest of the Proposed RMP
The BLM planning regulations state
that any person who participated in the
preparation of the RMP amendment and
has an interest that will or might be
adversely affected by approval of the
Proposed Lakeview RMP Amendment
may protest its approval to the BLM
Director. Protesting the proposed RMP
amendment constitutes the final
opportunity for administrative review of
the proposed land use planning
decisions prior to the BLM adopting an
approved RMP amendment. Instructions
for filing a protest regarding the
proposed RMP amendment with the
BLM Director may be found online at
https://www.blm.gov/programs/
planning-and-nepa/publicparticipation/filing-a-plan-protest and
at 43 CFR 1610.5–2. All protests must be
in writing and mailed to the appropriate
address or submitted electronically
through the BLM ePlanning project
website (see ADDRESSES). Protests
submitted by any other means will be
invalid. The BLM Director will render a
written decision on each protest. The
Director’s decision shall be the final
decision of the Department of the
Interior. Responses to valid protest
issues will be compiled and
documented in a Protest Resolution
Report made available following the
protest resolution online at: https://
www.blm.gov/programs/planning-andnepa/public-participation/protest-
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resolution-reports. Upon resolution of
protests, the BLM will issue a ROD and
Approved RMP.
(Authority: 40 CFR 1501.9, 40 CFR 1506.9, 43
CFR 1610.2, 43 CFR 1610.5)
Barry R. Bushue,
State Director.
Order
[FR Doc. 2024–25942 Filed 11–7–24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4331–24–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Land Management
[BLM_WY_FRN_MO4500181872;
WYW034993]
Public Land Order No. 7951; Extension
of Public Land Order No. 6578, as
Extended; for Castle Garden
Recreation Area, Wyoming
Bureau of Land Management,
Interior.
ACTION: Public Land Order.
AGENCY:
This Order extends the
duration of the withdrawal created by
Public Land Order (PLO) No. 6578, as
extended by PLO No. 7612, for an
additional 20-year period. PLO No.
6578, as extended, withdrew 110 acres
of public land administered by the
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in
Washakie County, Wyoming, from
settlement, sale, location, or entry under
the general land laws, including the
United States mining laws, but not from
leasing under the mineral leasing laws,
to protect the Castle Garden Recreation
Area. The withdrawal extension is
necessary to protect the recreational and
aesthetic values as well as the capital
investment of Castle Garden Recreation
Area.
DATES: This Order takes effect on
November 8, 2024.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Sarah Naranjo, Realty Specialist, at
(307) 775–6189, Bureau of Land
Management, Wyoming State Office,
5353 Yellowstone Rd, Cheyenne,
Wyoming 82009. Individuals in the
United States who are deaf, blind, hard
of hearing, or have a speech disability
may dial 711 (TTY, TDD, or TeleBraille)
to access telecommunications relay
services. Individuals outside the United
States should use the relay services
offered within their country to make
international calls to the point-ofcontact in the United States. The service
is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week, to leave a message or question
with the above individual. You will
receive a reply during normal business
hours.
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The
extension of PLO No. 6578, as extended
by PLO No. 7612, is required in order
to continue the protection of
recreational and aesthetic values as well
as the capital investment of the Castle
Garden Recreation Area.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
By virtue of the authority vested in
the Secretary of the Interior by section
204(f) of the Federal Land Policy and
Management Act of 1976, 43 U.S.C.
1714(f), it is ordered as follows:
1. PLO No. 6578 (49 FR 46144 (1984)),
as extended by PLO No. 7612 (69 FR
51320 (2004)), which withdrew 110
acres of public land from settlement,
sale, location, or entry under the general
land laws, including the United States
mining laws, but not from leasing under
the mineral leasing laws, subject to
existing rights, to protect the Castle
Garden Recreation Area, is hereby
extended for an additional 20-year
period. The following lands are affected
by this Order:
Sixth Principal Meridian, Wyoming
T. 46 N., R. 89 W.,
Sec. 15, S1⁄2NE1⁄4NW1⁄4,
NE1⁄4SE1⁄4NW1⁄4NW1⁄4,
S1⁄2SE1⁄4NW1⁄4NW1⁄4,
E1⁄2NW1⁄4SW1⁄4NW1⁄4, NE1⁄4SW1⁄4NW1⁄4,
N1⁄2SE1⁄4SW1⁄4NW1⁄4,
SE1⁄4SE1⁄4SW1⁄4NW1⁄4, SE1⁄4NW1⁄4, and
N1⁄2NE1⁄4SW1⁄4.
The area described contains 110 acres.
2. This withdrawal will expire 20
years from the effective date of this
Order unless, as a result of a review
conducted prior to the expiration date
pursuant to section 204(f) of the Federal
Land Policy and Management Act of
1976, 43 U.S.C. 1714(f), the Secretary
determines that the withdrawal shall be
further extended.
(Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1714)
Robert T. Anderson,
Solicitor.
[FR Doc. 2024–25960 Filed 11–7–24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4331–16–P
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Land Management
Fish and Wildlife Service
[BLM_UT_FRN_MO4500183475]
Notice of Availability of the Final
Supplemental Environmental Impact
Statement To Reconsider a Highway
Right-of-Way Application and
Associated Amendment of an
Incidental Take Permit, Washington
County, UT
Bureau of Land Management,
Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of availability.
AGENCY:
In compliance with the
National Environmental Policy Act of
1969, as amended (NEPA), the Federal
Land Policy and Management Act of
1976, as amended (FLPMA), and the
Endangered Species Act of 1973, as
amended (ESA), the Bureau of Land
Management (BLM) and the Fish and
Wildlife Service (FWS), as co-lead
agencies, announce the availability of
the Final Supplemental Environmental
Impact Statement (EIS) to further
consider the effects of granting a rightof-way (ROW) to the Utah Department
of Transportation (UDOT) for the
Northern Corridor Project (a proposed
highway) as well as a potential
amendment to the Incidental Take
Permit (ITP) issued to Washington
County, Utah, under the ESA.
DATES: The BLM and FWS will not issue
decisions on the proposal for a
minimum of 30 days after the date the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
publishes its Notice of Availability
(NOA) for the Final Supplemental EIS
DOI–BLM–UT–C030–2023–0038–EIS in
the Federal Register. The EPA usually
publishes its NOAs on Fridays.
ADDRESSES: The Final Supplemental EIS
and documents pertinent to this
proposal are available for review on the
BLM ePlanning project website at
https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/
project/2026562/510. Click the
Documents link on the left side of the
screen to find the electronic versions of
these materials.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Dawna Ferris-Rowley, National
Conservation Area (NCA) Manager, Red
Cliffs and Beaver Dam Wash NCAs,
telephone (435) 688–3200; address 345
East Riverside Drive, St. George, UT
84790; email BLM_UT_
NorthernCorridor@blm.gov. Individuals
in the United States who are deaf,
deafblind, hard of hearing, or have a
speech disability may dial 711 (TTY,
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 217 (Friday, November 8, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 88805-88808]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-25942]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Land Management
[BLM_OR_FRN_MO4500183398]
Notice of Availability of the Proposed Lakeview Resource
Management Plan Amendment and Final Environmental Impact Statement for
the Lakeview Field Office, Lakeview District, Oregon
AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of availability.
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SUMMARY: In conformance with the National Environmental Policy Act of
1969, as amended (NEPA), and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act
of 1976, as amended (FLPMA), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has
prepared the Proposed Lakeview Resource Management Plan (RMP) Amendment
and Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and is announcing the
start of a 30-day protest period.
DATES: This notice announces a 30-day protest period on the Proposed
Lakeview RMP Amendment, beginning on the date the Environmental
[[Page 88806]]
Protection Agency (EPA) publishes its Notice of Availability (NOA) of
the proposed RMP amendment/final EIS in the Federal Register. The EPA
usually publishes its NOAs on Fridays. Protests must be postmarked or
electronically submitted on the BLM's ePlanning website during the 30-
day protest period.
ADDRESSES: The proposed RMP amendment/final EIS is available for review
on the BLM ePlanning project website at https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/114300/510 and at the BLM Lakeview District, 1301
South G Street, Lakeview, OR 97630.
Instructions for filing a protest with the BLM can be found at:
https://www.blm.gov/programs/planning-and-nepa/public-participation/filing-a-plan-protest and at 43 CFR 1610.5-2. Protests must be
submitted to the ePlanning website listed above or as a hard copy to:
BLM Director, Attention: Protest Coordinator (HQ210), PO Box 151029,
Lakewood, CO 80215.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Michael Collins, Planning and
Environmental Coordinator, telephone: 541-947-2177; 1301 South G
Street, Lakeview, OR 97630; email: [email protected].
Individuals in the United States who are deaf, deafblind, hard of
hearing, or have a speech disability may dial 711 (TTY, TDD, or
TeleBraille) to access telecommunications relay services. Individuals
outside the United States should use the relay services offered within
their country to make international calls to the point-of-contact in
the United States.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This document provides notice that the BLM
Oregon/Washington (OR/WA) State Director has prepared the Proposed
Lakeview RMP Amendment and Final EIS that analyzes alternatives that
would update the existing 2003 Lakeview RMP and Record of Decision
(ROD), as amended by the 2015 Approved Oregon Greater Sage-grouse RMP
Amendment and ROD.
The planning area is located in Lake and Harney counties, Oregon,
and encompasses approximately 3.2 million acres of public land.
Purpose and Need for the Planning Effort
The purpose and need for this proposed RMP amendment/final EIS is
to comply with the provisions of a 2010 Settlement Agreement, which
required the BLM to prepare an RMP amendment that addresses a range of
alternatives for managing lands with wilderness characteristics, off-
highway vehicle (OHV) use, and livestock grazing within the planning
area. The BLM has determined that 106 inventory units totaling
1,655,290 acres within the planning area contain wilderness
characteristics.
Alternatives Including the Proposed Action
The proposed RMP amendment/final EIS analyzes six action
alternatives and a No Action Alternative. The 90-day public comment
period for the Draft Lakeview RMP Amendment and Draft EIS ended on
September 5, 2024. The BLM held four public meetings during the public
comment period. The BLM considered all input received from the public,
consulting Tribes, and cooperating agencies, and incorporated such
input into the proposed RMP amendment as appropriate. This input
resulted in the clarification of text, minor changes to the range of
alternatives, and the identification of the proposed RMP amendment
(Alternative F), which is within the range of alternatives and effects
analyzed in the draft RMP amendment/draft EIS.
The No Action Alternative represents the continuation of existing
management direction under the 2003 Lakeview RMP/ROD, as amended,
including the existing goals and management direction for OHV and
livestock grazing use. In addition, the interim management provisions
included in the 2010 Settlement Agreement would continue to preclude
the BLM from completing any management actions within inventory units
that the BLM has determined possess wilderness characteristics that
could reduce the unit's size or diminish the unit's wilderness
characteristics to such an extent that it would no longer meet the
BLM's criteria for wilderness characteristics.
Alternative A would continue the BLM's management direction under
the 2003 Lakeview RMP/ROD, as amended, including the existing goals and
management direction for OHV and livestock grazing use. Management
would emphasize resources and multiple uses other than wilderness
characteristics. None of the 106 units that the BLM found to possess
wilderness characteristics would receive additional protections.
Alternative B would emphasize the protection of wilderness
characteristics within all 106 units; 34 units and portions of two
units (approximately 273,680 acres) would be designated as Wilderness
Study Areas (WSAs) under section 202 of FLPMA. These proposed WSAs
would be managed as visual resource management (VRM) class I, land
tenure zone 1 (retention in the public domain), exclusion zones for all
rights-of-way, and would include restrictions on mineral development.
The remaining 77 units and portions of two units (approximately
1,381,610 acres) would be managed as VRM class II, land tenure zone 1
(retention in the public domain), exclusion zones for major rights-of-
way, and include some restrictions on mineral development. OHV use
would be closed in all 106 units that the BLM has found to possess
wilderness characteristics (approximately 1,654,103 acres) and in all
WSAs. Cross-country motorized travel and motorized travel on existing
internal primitive routes in these areas would be prohibited.
Under Alternative B, grazing allocations would not be changed.
However, where existing livestock grazing is found to be a significant
causal factor for non-attainment of rangeland health standards, the BLM
would remove grazing, either at the allotment or pasture scale, for the
duration of the plan amendment. Should the BLM receive a voluntary
permit relinquishment for any lands with wilderness characteristics,
WSAs, Areas of Critical Environmental Concern, Research Natural Areas,
or designated critical habitat for federally listed species, the BLM
would remove or reduce grazing in the area for the duration of the plan
amendment.
Alternatives C, D, and E would establish new management goals and
additional protective management for wilderness characteristics. The
units emphasized for protection of wilderness characteristics would be
managed as VRM class II, land tenure zone 1 (retention in the public
domain), exclusion zones for major rights-of-way, and include
restrictions on mineral development. The specific units emphasized for
protection of wilderness characteristics would vary across these
alternatives. In addition, a 100- to 300-foot setback would be applied
along boundary roads of these units under Alternatives C, D, and E to
provide the BLM with additional management flexibility to address other
resources needs, threats, and multiple uses adjacent to these areas.
Alternative C would emphasize the protection of wilderness
characteristics in 26 units and portions of four units (approximately
411,033 acres) that the BLM found to possess wilderness
characteristics. The BLM would balance the management of wilderness
characteristics with other resources and multiple uses in 71 units and
portions of two units (approximately 1,161,199
[[Page 88807]]
acres). The remaining five units and portions of three units
(approximately 74,529 acres) would be managed under the 2003 Lakeview
RMP, as amended; the BLM would allow other multiple uses while not
protecting wilderness characteristics. The OHV use throughout the
entire planning area would be limited to existing routes, unless
currently limited to designated routes or closed to OHV use. Grazing
allocations would not be changed. However, the BLM would temporarily
remove grazing, at either the allotment or pasture scale, when existing
livestock grazing is found to be a significant causal factor for non-
attainment of rangeland health standards, until such time as monitoring
or a subsequent assessment indicates that the pasture or allotment is
meeting standards or is making significant progress towards meeting
standards. Should the BLM receive a voluntary permit relinquishment for
public lands in a WSA, it would remove or reduce grazing in the area
for the life of the plan amendment.
Alternative D would emphasize the protection of wilderness
characteristics within two units (approximately 4,671 acres) that the
BLM found to possess wilderness characteristics. OHV use in these two
units would be limited to existing routes. Management of wilderness
characteristics would be balanced with other resources and multiple
uses in 41 units and portions of 18 units (approximately 1,075,323
acres). The remaining 46 units (approximately 583,332 acres) would be
managed under the 2003 Lakeview RMP as amended; the BLM would allow
other multiple uses while not protecting wilderness characteristics.
The area open to cross-country OHV use would be reduced to
approximately 70,573 acres of expressly defined areas; approximately
11,000 acres would be closed to OHV use; and the remainder of the
planning area, approximately 3 million acres, would be limited to
existing or designated routes. Livestock grazing management would be
the same as the No Action Alternative unless a rangeland health
assessment and evaluation indicates one or more standards are not met
in an allotment or pasture due to factors that are subject to BLM
control, then the authorized officer shall consider taking action to
make progress toward rangeland health standards and land use plan
objectives, even if livestock grazing is not determined to be a
significant causal factor for non-attainment of standard(s). Actions
available to the authorized officer could include, but are not limited
to, changes in management of livestock grazing or other uses or habitat
restoration.
Alternative E was developed with input from individual members of
the Southeast Oregon Resource Advisory Council and would emphasize the
protection of wilderness characteristics within 26 units (approximately
372,218 acres) that the BLM found to possess wilderness
characteristics. Management of wilderness characteristics would be
balanced with other resources and multiple uses in 68 units
(approximately 1,109,160 acres). The remaining 12 units (approximately
168,512 acres) would be managed under the 2003 Lakeview RMP as amended;
the BLM would allow other multiple uses while not protecting wilderness
characteristics. OHV and livestock grazing management throughout the
planning area would be the same as the No Action Alternative.
Alternative F, the proposed RMP amendment, was largely developed by
combining components of Alternatives C and D from the draft RMP
amendment/draft EIS, and to a lesser extent some components from
Alternative B. Alternative F's OHV and livestock grazing management
components are identical to Alternative D. Alternative F would
designate 42,547 acres within 24 wilderness characteristics units and
portions of two other units as WSAs under section 202 of the FLPMA.
These proposed WSAs would be managed as VRM class I, land tenure zone 1
(retention in the public domain), exclusion zones for all rights-of-
way, and would include restrictions on mineral development. Alternative
F would also prioritize protections for wilderness characteristics over
other multiple uses on 373,132 acres in an additional eight units and
portions of seven other units. These units would be managed as VRM
class II, land tenure zone 1 (retention in the public domain),
exclusion zones for major rights-of-way, and include some restrictions
on mineral development. The BLM would balance the management of
wilderness characteristics with other resources and multiple uses on
738,665 acres located in 37 units and portions of 12 units. The BLM
would manage the remaining 30 units and portions of nine units that
total 495,332 acres in accordance with the 2003 Lakeview RMP, as
amended, where other multiple uses are provided for without any
wilderness characteristics protections.
The proposed RMP amendment/final EIS was developed based on the
consideration of public comments, cooperating agency and Tribal
government-to-government consultations, updates to the highest quality
science and information, and by combining elements of the alternatives
analyzed in the draft RMP amendment/draft EIS. The proposed RMP
amendment is within the range of alternatives considered in the draft
RMP amendment/draft EIS.
Alternative F emphasizes a high level of resource protection in
portions of the planning area while providing for a sustainable level
of multiple uses in other portions of the planning area. It balances
the need to preserve or protect specific public lands in their natural
condition with the need to provide food and habitat for fish, wildlife,
and domestic animals and provide for outdoor recreation and human
occupancy and use. It also recognizes the Nation's need for domestic
sources of minerals, food, timber, and fiber from the public lands.
This balance would be accomplished within the limits of the ecosystem's
ability to provide these multiple uses on a sustainable basis and
within the constraints of applicable laws, regulations, and policies,
including sections 102(7), 102(8), 102(12), 103(c), and 103(h) of the
FLPMA.
Protest of the Proposed RMP
The BLM planning regulations state that any person who participated
in the preparation of the RMP amendment and has an interest that will
or might be adversely affected by approval of the Proposed Lakeview RMP
Amendment may protest its approval to the BLM Director. Protesting the
proposed RMP amendment constitutes the final opportunity for
administrative review of the proposed land use planning decisions prior
to the BLM adopting an approved RMP amendment. Instructions for filing
a protest regarding the proposed RMP amendment with the BLM Director
may be found online at https://www.blm.gov/programs/planning-and-nepa/public-participation/filing-a-plan-protest and at 43 CFR 1610.5-2. All
protests must be in writing and mailed to the appropriate address or
submitted electronically through the BLM ePlanning project website (see
ADDRESSES). Protests submitted by any other means will be invalid. The
BLM Director will render a written decision on each protest. The
Director's decision shall be the final decision of the Department of
the Interior. Responses to valid protest issues will be compiled and
documented in a Protest Resolution Report made available following the
protest resolution online at: https://www.blm.gov/programs/planning-
and-nepa/public-participation/protest-
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resolution-reports. Upon resolution of protests, the BLM will issue a
ROD and Approved RMP.
(Authority: 40 CFR 1501.9, 40 CFR 1506.9, 43 CFR 1610.2, 43 CFR
1610.5)
Barry R. Bushue,
State Director.
[FR Doc. 2024-25942 Filed 11-7-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4331-24-P
