Department of Agriculture December 1, 2010 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland (MBRTB) will prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) to continue control of noxious weeds and other invasive plants through the integration of manual, mechanical, biological, and ground and aerial herbicide control methods. ``Invasive species'' are defined as alien species whose introduction does or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health (Federal Executive Order 13112). Effects analysis of treatments of invasive plants, including cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) and other invasive annual bromes, will be projected over the next 10-15 years. The agency invites comments and suggestions on the 47scope of the analysis to be included in the draft environmental impact statement (DEIS). In addition, the agency gives notice of this environmental analysis and decision making process so that interested and affected people know how they may participate and contribute to the final decision. When developing an invasive plant management strategy it is critical to consider all available resources and tools. Integrated pest management (IPM) strategies utilize various invasive plant management options that focus on the most economical and effective control of invasive plants. Anything that weakens the invasive plant, prevents spreading, or prevents seed production can be a valuable tool. Proposed methods to control invasive plants include a combination of ground and aerial application of herbicides, mechanical, biological, and cultural weed treatments. The MBRTB is currently treating noxious weeds and invasive plants under decisions made in the 1996 Management of Noxious Weeds Environmental Assessment (EA). However, the EA and subsequent National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) decisions for invasive plant control on the MBRTB need to be updated since they did not include analysis of the effects of new herbicides, new invasive plant populations, or aerial application of herbicides. This analysis will disclose the effects of the proposed treatments, including the application of an adaptive management strategy that would assess progress and alter management when adequate progress in not being achieved or as new methods of treatment are developed.