Department of the Interior 2005 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
Results 551 - 600 of 1,938
Fiscal Year 2006 Landowner Incentive Program (Non-Tribal Portion) for States, Territories, and the District of Columbia
The Service is requesting comments on the Landowner Incentive Program (LIP) criteria for awarding conservation grants to States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealths of Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Territories of Guam, the United States Virgin Islands, and American Samoa (all hereafter referred to collectively as States). Comments are requested on a change in the funding cap for States and a revision of the national Review Team Ranking Criteria Guidance.
Notice of Availability of an Environmental Assessment/Habitat Conservation Plan and Receipt of Application for Incidental Take of Golden-Cheeked Warbler
The Applicant, White Water Springs, L.L.C., has applied to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for an incidental take permit pursuant to section 10(a) of the Endangered Species Act (Act). The Applicant has been assigned permit number TE-110131-0. The requested permit, which is for a period of 30 years, would authorize incidental take of the endangered golden-cheeked warbler (Dendroica chrysoparia). The proposed take would occur as a result of the construction and operation of a residential development on 1,758-acres (717 hectares) of the White Water Springs property, Burnet County, Texas. The Service has prepared the Environmental Assessment/Habitat Conservation Plan (EA/ HCP) for the incidental take application. A determination of jeopardy or non-jeopardy to the species and a decision pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) will not be made until at least 60 days from the date of publication of this notice. This notice is provided pursuant to Section 10(c) of the Act and National Environmental Policy Act regulations (40 CFR 1506.6).
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed Establishment of a Nonessential Experimental Population of Northern Aplomado Falcons in Southern New Mexico and Arizona
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the reopening of the public comment period for the proposed rule to establish, under section 10(j) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), an experimental population of northern aplomado falcons (Falco femoralis septentrionalis) into their historic habitat in southern New Mexico and Arizona. We are providing this notice to allow all interested parties to comment on the proposed reintroduction and the draft environmental assessment (notice of which published in the Federal Register on February 9, 2005). We are also announcing the availability of a draft monitoring plan for the reintroduction of the northern aplomado falcon for public comment. We will hold two public hearings (see DATES and ADDRESSES sections). Through this notice and the public hearings, we are seeking comments or suggestions from the public, other concerned governmental agencies, Tribes, the scientific community, industry, or any other interested parties concerning the proposed experimental population and draft monitoring plan.
Notice of Availability of Ukiah Draft Resource Management Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Statement
In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has prepared a Draft Resource Management Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Statement (RMP/EIS) for the Ukiah Field Office.
Colorado Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Plan
We are announcing receipt of revisions pertaining to a previously proposed amendment to the Colorado abandoned mine land reclamation (AMLR) plan (hereinafter, the ``Colorado plan'') under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). Colorado proposes revisions about: Project selection criteria; selection of project alternatives; requirements for authorization to proceed; evaluation of project benefits; incorporation of the ``Common Rule'' in the procedures for financial management and accounting; interaction with the Colorado State Forest Service; and minor editorial revisions. Colorado intends to revise its plan to meet the requirements of the corresponding Federal regulations, to provide additional safeguards, and to clarify ambiguities.
Notice of Availability of the Final Recovery Plan for the Pecos Sunflower (Helianthus paradoxus)
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces the availability of the Final Recovery Plan for the Pecos sunflower (Helianthus paradoxus). The Pecos sunflower is a wetland annual plant that grows on wet, alkaline soils at spring seeps, wet meadows and pond margins. It occurs in seven widely spaced populations in west-central and eastern New Mexico and west Texas. Loss and/or alteration of wetland habitat is the primary threat to Pecos sunflower, primarily by surface water diversion and wetland filling for agriculture and recreational uses, and groundwater pumping and aquifer depletion for municipal uses. The Recovery Plan outlines the necessary criteria, objectives, and actions to reduce these threats and accomplish the goal of delisting the Pecos sunflower.
Endangered and Threatened Species Permit Applications
The following applicants have applied for permits to conduct certain activities with endangered species. This notice is provided pursuant to section 10(c) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531, et seq.).
Migratory Bird Hunting; Early Seasons and Bag and Possession Limits for Certain Migratory Game Birds in the Contiguous United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands; Correction
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (hereinafter Service or we) published a document in the August 31, 2005, Federal Register prescribing the hunting seasons, hours, areas, and daily bag and possession limits for mourning, white-winged, and white-tipped doves; band-tailed pigeons; rails; moorhens and gallinules; woodcock; common snipe; sandhill cranes; sea ducks; early (September) waterfowl seasons; migratory game birds in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands; and some extended falconry seasons. This document corrects errors in the season dates and other pertinent information for the States of Hawaii and Texas.
Endangered and Threatened Species Permit Applications
The following applicants have applied for permits to conduct certain activities with endangered species pursuant to Section 10(a)(1)(A) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531, et seq.), as amended (Act). This notice is provided pursuant to Section 10(c) of the Act.
Outer Continental Shelf, Alaska Region, Chukchi Sea Oil and Gas Lease Sale 193 for Year 2007
A Call for Information and Nominations was published in the Federal Register on February 9, 2005. The Call area was identical to the program area chosen by the Secretary for leasing consideration in the 5-Year Program for 2002-2007approximately 34 million acres located offshore the coast of Alaska at a distance from shore ranging from 8 nautical miles to 200 nautical miles. Water depths range from 32 feet to 230 feet; a small portion of the northeast corner of the Chukchi Sea area drops to approximately 3,000 feet. Scoping meetings will then be held as needed in appropriate locations. The response to the February 2005 Call for Information for the Chukchi Sea Planning Area indicated a broader industry interest than envisioned in the ``special'' sale process outlined in the Federal Register notice. Instead of nominating a small ``focused'' area, industry commenters proposed consideration of a substantial portion of the planning area. MMS has concluded that consideration of such a large area has merit in light of the significant resource potential and the Administration's goal to expedite exploration of domestic energy resources. However, consideration of such a proposal warrants a more extensive National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review than contemplated under the ``special'' sale process that MMS initially considered. Therefore, MMS will initiate a process to prepare a comprehensive ``areawide'' Chukchi Sea EIS. As a result, however, it may not be possible to complete such an EIS in time to allow a sale during the current program. Nonetheless, MMS will initiate the process at this time to preserve the Secretary's options. Commencement of the consultative process in the near future will allow the Secretary to consider a Chukchi lease sale either at the end of the 2002-2007 Program or early in the schedule for the next 5-Year Program for 2007- 2012, but only if such a proposed sale is adopted in the next 5-year program. The decision whether to include such a sale will be made during the process of developing the 5-Year Program for 2007-2012. Our first action to initiate the NEPA review is to issue this NOI. Scoping meetings will then be held as needed in appropriate locations.
Notice of Call for Nominations for the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area (NCA) Advisory Council
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is requesting nominations for ten membership positions on the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area Advisory Council. The Council advises the Secretary and the BLM on resource management issues associated with the McInnis Canyons NCA and Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness.
Notice of Intent To Prepare a Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Associated Environmental Assessment for Howland Island, Baker Island, and Jarvis Island National Wildlife Refuges
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is gathering information necessary to prepare Comprehensive Conservation Plans (CCP) and associated environmental documentation for Howland Island National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), Baker Island NWR, and Jarvis Island NWR (refuges, collectively). These refuges are unincorporated insular areas, or U.S. territories, located near the equator in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 1,300 to 1,600 miles south to southwest of Honolulu, Hawaii, and are administered as units of the National Wildlife Refuge System. The Service is publishing this notice in compliance with the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended (16 U.S.C. 668dd et seq.) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and implementing regulations for the following purposes: (1) To advise the public and other agencies of this effort; (2) to obtain public comments, suggestions, and information on the issues to be addressed in the CCP; and (3) to determine interest from public and other agencies in attending public scoping meetings. Special mailings, newspaper articles, and other media announcements will be used to inform the public and foreign, State, and local government agencies of the opportunities for input throughout the planning process.
Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection, Comment Request
To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, we are inviting comments on a collection of information that we will submit to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. The new title for this ICR is ``30 CFR Part 216Production Accounting, Subpart AGeneral Provisions, and Subpart BOil and Gas, General; and Part 210Forms and Reports (Forms MMS-4054, Oil and Gas Operations Report, and MMS-4058, Production Allocation Schedule Report).'' The previous title was ``30 CFR Part 216, Production Accounting, Subparts A and B; and Part 210Forms and Reports.''
Notice of Scoping Meetings and Intent To Prepare an Environmental Assessment for the Proposed Designation of a Nonessential Experimental Population of Rio Grande Silvery Minnow; Correction
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), published a notice in the Federal Register on August 3, 2005, with an incorrect date for submitting written comments and an incorrect reference to the time period for the scoping meetings. The document advised the public that a draft environmental assessment will be prepared, pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended, in conjunction with a proposed rule to establish, under section 10(j) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, a Nonessential Experimental Population of Rio Grande silvery minnow (Hybognathus amarus) in the Rio Grande in Big Bend National Park and the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River in Texas.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for the Rota Bridled White-Eye (Zosterops rotensis
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to designate critical habitat for the Rota bridled white-eye (Zosterops rotensis) pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). In total, approximately 3,958 acres (ac) (1,602 hectares (ha)) fall within the boundaries of the proposed critical habitat designation on the island of Rota, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI).
Correction to Notice of Realty Action: Competitive Sale of Public Lands in Clark County, NV; Termination of Recreation and Public Purposes Classification and Segregation; Withdrawal of the Formerly Classified Lands by the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act
This notice amends the Notice of Realty Action for Competitive Sale of Public Lands in Clark County, Nevada; Termination of Recreation and Public Purposes Classification and Segregation; Withdrawal of the formerly classified lands by the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act printed in the Federal Register: Vol. 70, No. 159 Thursday, August 18, 2005. The number of parcels being offered for sale is corrected to read, 87 parcels. This sale includes parcel N-78217 which was omitted from the original notice. Under the section entitled DATES, the correct acres for the proposed SNPLMA sale in the Las Vegas Valley is 3,197.00 acres. Under the section entitled SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION, the following corrections are made: The first sentence after the legal descriptions is corrected to read ``87 parcels''. In the first and second sentences after the legal descriptions, all references to the North Las Vegas ``parcel'' should read ``parcels'', and the second sentence is to also include (N-78217 and N-79580). In the second full paragraph after the legal descriptions, regarding BLM reservation/conveyance of the mineral interests, N-78217 is added to the parcels referenced. Under the section entitled ``Terms and Conditions of Sale'', the following corrections are made: No. 7. should read, ``Unless otherwise stated herein, maps delineating the individual proposed sale parcels and current appraisals for each parcel are available for public review at the BLM LVFO.'' No. 8. (a), should read, ``Parcels N-78217 and N-79580 will be put up for purchase and sale together at the oral auction. A sealed bid for these parcels will not be accepted. If these parcels are not sold at the oral auction, they will not be offered later on an online Internet auction.'' No. 11., the last sentence should read, ``For parcels N-78217 and N-79580, arrangements may be made for Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) of the required, combined 20 percent deposit for both parcels by notifying BLM no later than October 31, 2005 of your intent to use EFT.'' No. 14., second sentence should read, ``For parcels N-78217 and N- 79580 each prospective bidder will be required to present a certified check, postal money order, bank draft, or cashier's check made payable in U.S. dollars to the Bureau of Land Management for an amount of money which shall be no less than 20 percent of the combined federally approved FMV for both designated parcels, in order to be eligible to bid on them.'' Under the section entitled ``Additional Information'', the following corrections are made: Paragraph one, the second sentence should read, ``Unsold parcels, with the exception of parcels N-78217 and N-79580, may be offered for sale in a future online Internet auction.'' Paragraph three should read, ``Parcel N-78217. Potential bidders for parcels N-78217 and N-79580 should be aware of the content of a document entitled, ``A Conservation Agreement for the Management of Special Resources on the Bureau of Land Management Parcels Nominated for Disposal by the City of North Las Vegas'' entered into by BLM, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Nevada Division of Forestry and the City of North Las Vegas (the ``Conservation Agreement''). Under the Conservation Agreement, BLM retains ownership of approximately 300 acres partially surrounded by parcel N-78217 for protection and preservation of certain special plant and paleontological resources. BLM makes no warranty or representation that this Conservation Agreement is the full extent of federal or state requirements that may impact parcel N-78217.
Notice of Public Meeting, Alaska Resource Advisory Council
In accordance with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) and the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972 (FACA), the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Alaska Resource Advisory Council will meet as indicated below.
Notice of Availability of the Final Devils River Minnow Recovery Plan
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces the availability of the approved recovery plan for the Devils River Minnow (Dionda diaboli). The Devils River minnow is known to occur in streams in Kinney and Val Verde Counties, Texas, and Coahuila, Mexico. The threats facing the species include: Habitat loss due to declining surface water flows from springs, pollution to streams, and impacts from nonnative species. The recovery plan outlines the necessary criteria, objectives and tasks to reduce these threats and accomplish the goal of delisting the Devils River minnow.
Notice of Public Meeting, Western Montana Resource Advisory Council Meeting
In accordance with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) and the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972 (FACA), the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the Western Montana Resource Advisory Council will meet as indicated below.
Arizona State Office Public Room Temporary Closure
This notice announces a temporary closure of the Bureau of Land Management Arizona State Office Public Room for October 5-12, 2005. The five-day closure is for the purpose of relocating the land and mineral records, office furniture and electronic equipment to a new location in the Phelps Dodge Tower at 1 North Central Avenue in downtown Phoenix, Arizona. The Public Room will be reopened to the public for regular business hours9 a.m. to 4 p.m., starting on Thursday, October 13, 2005. The phone number to the Public Room, (602) 417-9200, will remain the same in the new location.
Public Conduct on Bureau of Reclamation Facilities, Lands, and Waterbodies; and Procedure to Process and Recover the Value of Rights-of-Use and Administrative Costs Incurred in Permitting Such Use
The Bureau of Reclamation is issuing this proposed rulemaking to establish regulations regarding public access to and conduct on all Reclamation projects, waters, and real property subject to the jurisdiction or administration of Reclamation or in its custody. Reclamation is required by law to issue this rule in order to maintain law and order and protect persons and property on its projects. This proposed rule would supersede the existing Public Conduct rule, and amend provisions located elsewhere to ensure consistency.
2005-2006 Refuge-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations
The Fish and Wildlife Service adds six refuges to the list of areas open for hunting and/or sport fishing programs and increases the activities available at seven other refuges. We also implement pertinent refuge-specific regulations for those activities and amend certain regulations on other refuges that pertain to migratory game bird hunting, upland game hunting, big game hunting, and sport fishing for the 2005-2006 season.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed Designation of Critical Habitat for the Southern California Distinct Vertebrate Population Segment of the Mountain Yellow-Legged Frog (Rana muscosa
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to designate critical habitat for the endangered southern California distinct vertebrate population segment (DPS) of the mountain yellow- legged frog (Rana muscosa) pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We have determined that approximately 8,770 ac (3,549 ha) of land containing features essential to the conservation of the mountain yellow-legged frog exist in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside Counties, CA. We are proposing to designate approximately 8,283 acres (ac) (3,352 hectares (ha)) of streams and riparian areas as critical habitat within 3 units in southern California, further divided into subunits: Unit 1 (7 subunits) in the San Gabriel Mountains (Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties); Unit 2 (3 subunits) in San Bernardino Mountains (San Bernardino County); and Unit 3 (4 subunits) in the San Jacinto Mountains (Riverside County). Lands being proposed as critical habitat are under Federal, local/state, and private ownership; no tribal lands are included in this proposed designation. This proposed designation includes areas currently known to be occupied by the southern California DPS of the mountain yellow-legged frog, as well as several areas that were historically occupied, but are currently unoccupied. We are proposing to exclude critical habitat from approximately 487 ac (197 ha) of non-Federal lands within existing Public/Quasi Public (PQP) lands, proposed conceptual reserve design lands, and lands targeted for conservation within the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) Area under section 4(b)(2) of the Act.
Notice of Intent To Establish and Call for Nominations for the North Slope Science Initiative Science Technical Group
This notice announces the establishment of the North Slope Science Initiative Science Technical Group by the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) and calls for nominations to serve on the Science Technical Group in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) of 1972, 5 U.S.C. Appendix. A copy of the Science Technical Group charter will be filed with the appropriate committees of Congress and the Library of Congress in accordance with Section 9(c) of FACA.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 5-Year Review of Eight Southeastern Species
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces a 5- year review of the Puerto Rican parrot (Amazona vittata), Puerto Rican plain pigeon (Columba (=Patagioenas) inornata wetmorei), red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis), Puerto Rican boa (Epicrates inornatus), Virgin Islands tree boa (Epicrates monensis granti), guaj[oacute]n (Eleutherodactylus cooki), Harrisia portoricensis (higo chumbo), and Adiantum vivesii (no common name), under section 4(c)(2) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The purpose of reviews conducted under this section of the Act is to ensure that the classification of species as threatened or endangered on the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants (50 CFR 17.11 and 17.12) is accurate. The 5-year review is an assessment of the best scientific and commercial data available at the time of the review.
Notice of Availability of a Technical Agency Draft Recovery Plan for the Endangered Spring Creek Bladderpod (Lesquerella perforata
We, the Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the availability of the technical agency draft recovery plan for the Spring Creek bladderpod (Lesquerella perforata). This species is endemic to the Central Basin in Tennessee. It is currently known from only three watersheds (Spring Creek, Bartons Creek, and Cedar Creek) in Wilson County, Tennessee. The technical agency draft recovery plan includes specific recovery objectives and criteria to be met in order to downlist this species to threatened status and delist it under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act) (16 U.S.C. 1533 et seq.). We solicit review and comment on this technical agency draft recovery plan from local, State, and Federal agencies, and the public.
Eastern States: Filing of Plat of Survey
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will file the plat of survey of the lands described below in the BLM-Eastern States, Springfield, Virginia, 30 calendar days from the date of publication in the Federal Register.
Eastern States: Filing of Plat of Survey
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will file the plat of survey of the lands described below in the BLM-Eastern States, Springfield, Virginia, 30 calendar days from the date of publication in the Federal Register.
Eastern States: Filing of Plat of Survey
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will file the plat of survey of the lands described below in the BLM-Eastern States, Springfield, Virginia, 30 calendar days from the date of publication in the Federal Register.
Proposed Agency Information Collection: Indian Reservation Roads Program; Comment Request
The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is seeking comments on information collected for the Indian Reservation Roads (IRR) Program pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. When the rule was approved and published 3 years ago, the information collection was also approved for 3 years. We now must renew that approval so that we can continue to operate the IRR Program. This renewal is necessary for tribal participation in the IRR Program and for the allocation of funding for the IRR Program to federally-recognized tribal governments for transportation assistance.
Notice of Public Meeting, Southwest Resource Advisory Council Meeting
In accordance with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) and the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972 (FACA), the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Southwest Colorado Resource Advisory Council (RAC) will meet as indicated below.
Notice of Availability of Record of Decision for the California Coastal National Monument Resource Management Plan
In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) management policies, and Presidential Proclamation No. 7264, the BLM announces the availability of the RMP/ ROD for the California Coastal National Monument (CCNM) located off the coast of California. The California State Director has signed the RMP/ ROD, which becomes effective immediately.
List of Programs Eligible for Inclusion in Fiscal Year 2006 Funding Agreements To Be Negotiated With Self-Governance Tribes by Interior Bureaus Other Than the Bureau of Indian Affairs
This notice lists programs or portions of programs that are eligible for inclusion in Fiscal Year 2006 funding agreements with self-governance tribes and lists programmatic targets for each of the non-BIA bureaus, pursuant to section 405(c)(4) of the Tribal Self- Governance Act.
Environmental Impact Statement; Notice of Availability
Pursuant to section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the National Park Service (NPS) announces the availability of the stream management plan draft environmental impact statement (EIS) for Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, Iowa.
Utah Museum of Natural History, Environmental Impact Statement, University of Utah and National Park Service and as Joint Lead Agencies, Salt Lake County, UT
Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, 42 U.S.C. 4332 (C) and (D) (NEPA), the University of Utah and the National Park Service as Joint Lead Agencies, are preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the construction and operation of a proposed new Utah Museum of Natural History museum facility at the University of Utah, Salt Lake County, Utah. The NEPA process is being followed because federal funds, as grants through the National Park Service, are contributing to the design and construction costs of the new museum facility. The EIS will identify potential environmental effects of construction and operation of the proposed 169,000 square foot museum building, parking, and related appurtenances and mitigation measures to minimize adverse environmental impacts on the 17-acre site provided to the Museum by the University of Utah. This site is near the University of Utah's Research Park, south of Red Butte Gardens and Arboretum in Salt Lake County, Utah. The Utah Public Lands Artifact Preservation Act, Pub. L. 107-329, enacted in 2002, authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to make a grant to the University of Utah to pay the Federal share of the costs of construction of a new facility including design, planning, furnishing, and equipping of the Museum. Seventy-five percent of the Museum's collection is material recovered from federally managed public lands including lands administered by the National Park Service. In January 2005, the Museum initiated an Environmental Assessment on the proposed project. After completion of public scoping and the identification of issues, the agencies decided to prepare an EIS. The EIS will analyze the proposed action, a no action alternative, alternative approaches to site and facilities design and placement, and other reasonable alternatives, if any, identified during the NEPA process. The EIS will also consider mitigation measures to minimize potential adverse environmental effects. Based on current information it is not expected that the EIS alternatives will include alternative sites for the museum facility, for several reasons. (1) The University of Utah and the Museum concluded a site selection process in 1995, and in 1997 the University of Utah Board of Trustees reserved the Research Park site for use by the Museum. Since that time considerable resources have been devoted to site planning, and substantial private, state and federal financial commitments have been received for design, construction and operation of a museum on the designated site. It would not be practical or economically feasible for the Museum to abandon this site for an alternative location. (2) Congress, in enacting the 2002 Utah Public Lands Artifact Preservation Act and in making subsequent appropriations, contemplated that the new museum would be located at the 17-acre Research Park site and it authorized and has since appropriated funding for a facility at that site. (3) If the new museum were built at an alternative location, the Research Park site would nonetheless still be developed, meaning that there would not likely be a decrease in overall impacts. Issues that were identified by the public during scoping for the EA and that will be addressed in the EIS include: vegetation and wildlife; recreation and trail use; open space, visual quality and aesthetics; traffic, transportation and parking; socioeconomics/cultural; air quality; soils, geological and seismic concerns; surface and groundwater quality and management; consideration of alternative sites; hazardous materials; and archaeological, cultural, historic and paleontological resources. Scoping for the EA was conducted February 15 through March 16, 2005 with a scoping meeting on March 8. The meeting was widely publicized and was attended by over 90 members of the public. Approximately 350 comments were received by letter or email. A scoping brochure has been prepared that details the issues identified to date. Copies of the brochure may be obtained from the project's NEPA contractor, Bear West, 145 South 400 East, Salt Lake City, Utah 84111, phone (801) 355-8816. The scoping brochure along with a request for any additional scoping comments is being mailed to the project mailing list including those who attended the initial scoping meeting or submitted written comments. One or more workshops, open houses or similar meetings may be conducted during preparation of the EIS. Because there was a well attended public meeting during scoping for the EA, no additional public meetings are planned as part of the EIS scoping process. For questions regarding the proposed action, contact Utah Museum of Natural History, Sarah George, Director, 1390 E. Presidents Circle, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112-0050. For questions regarding NEPA compliance, contact National Park Service, Cordell Roy, Utah State Coordinator, 324 South State Street, Suite 200, Box 30, Salt Lake City, UT 84111.
Fire Management Plan, Final Environmental Impact Statement, Chiricahua National Monument, AZ
Pursuant to Sec. 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, 83 Stat. 852, 853, codified as amended at 42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C), the National Park Service announces the availability of the Record of Decision for the Fire Management Plan, Chiricahua National Monument, Arizona. On August 2, 2005 the Director, Intermountain Region approved the Record of Decision for the project. As soon as practicable, the National Park Service will begin to implement the Preferred Alternative contained in the FEIS issued on July 1, 2005. The following course of action will occur under the preferred alternative, the Watershed Alternative. This course of action and 2 alternatives were analyzed in the Draft and Final Environmental Impact Statements. The full range of foreseeable environmental consequences was assessed, and appropriate mitigating measures were identified. The Record of Decision includes a statement of the decision made, synopses of other alternatives considered, the basis for the decision, a description of the environmentally preferable alternative, a finding on impairment of park resources and values, a listing of measures to minimize environmental harm, and an overview of public involvement in the decision-making process.
Fire Management Plan, Final Environmental Impact Statement, Saguaro National Park, AZ
Pursuant to National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, 42 U.S.C. 4332(C), the National Park Service announces the availability of a Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Fire Management Plan, Saguaro National Park, Arizona.
Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Creston/Blue Gap II Natural Gas Project, Carbon and Sweetwater Counties, WY
Under Section 102 (2) (C) of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Rawlins Field Office, announces its intent to prepare an EIS on the potential impacts of a proposed natural gas development project consisting primarily of conventional gas well development, but also including approximately 100 coal bed natural gas wells. In April 2005, the BLM received a proposal from Devon Energy Corporation representing themselves and other lease holders in the area, to drill and develop up to 1,250 wells from an estimated 1000 well pad sites and install and operate associated facilities. The proposed project area encompasses approximately 184,000 acres of mixed Federal, State, and private land, and overlies a natural gas field analyzed under the Creston/Blue Gap Natural Gas Project Final EIS (1994). Project development and the operational period is expected to have a 30 to 40 year life. The project area is located approximately 40 air miles southwest of the city of Rawlins, Carbon County, Wyoming.
Indian Reservation Roads Program Coordinating Committee
The Secretary of the Interior is appointing tribal regional representatives to the Indian Reservation Roads (IRR) Program Coordinating Committee (Committee) as outlined under 25 CFR 170. The IRR final rules amending 25 CFR 170 include establishing a Committee to provide input and recommendations to the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in developing IRR Program policies and procedures and to coordinate with and obtain input from tribes, BIA, and FHWA. The Secretary announced on February 13, 2005, the request for nominations from tribal governments for representatives and alternates to serve on the Committee. Based on review of those nominations, the Secretary is announcing the representatives who will serve on the Committee in each of the 12 BIA regions.
Migratory Bird Hunting; Notice of Intent To Prepare a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement on the Sport Hunting of Migratory Birds
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or we) is issuing this notice to advise the public that we are initiating efforts to prepare a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Sport Hunting of Migratory Birds under the authority of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The EIS will consider a range of management alternatives for addressing sport hunting of migratory birds under the authority of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The Service seeks suggestions and comments on the scope and substance of this supplemental EIS, options or alternatives to be considered, and important management issues. Federal and State agencies and the public are invited to present their views on the subject to the Service. While we have yet to determine potential sites of public scoping meetings, we will publish a notice of any such public meetings with the locations, dates, and times in the Federal Register.
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument Advisory Committee; Call for Nominations
BLM is publishing this notice under section 9(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The notice requests the public to submit nominations for membership on the Committee. The Committee is necessary to advise the Secretary and BLM on resource management issues associated with Canyons of the Ancients National Monument.
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