Department of the Interior July 2007 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
Results 101 - 143 of 143
Idaho: Filing of Plats of Survey
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has officially filed the plats of survey of the lands described below in the BLM Idaho State Office, Boise, Idaho, effective 9 a.m., on the dates specified.
Alaska Native Claims Selection
As required by 43 CFR 2650.7(d), notice is hereby given that an appealable decision approving lands for conveyance pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act will be issued to Ekwok Natives Limited. The lands are in the vicinity of Ekwok, Alaska, and are located in:
Alaska Native Claims Selection
As required by 43 CFR 2650.7(d), notice is hereby given that an appealable decision approving lands for conveyance pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act will be issued to Unalakleet Native Corporation. The lands are in the vicinity of Unalakleet, Alaska, and are located in:
Notice of Availability of Record of Decision for the Lake Havasu Field Office Resource Management Plan
In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA), and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) management policies, the BLM announces the availability of the Record of Decision (ROD)/Approved Resource Management Plan (RMP) for the Lake Havasu Field Office located in Arizona and California. The Arizona State Director will sign the ROD making the decisions in the Lake Havasu RMP effective immediately.
Colorado: Filing of Plats of Survey
The plats of survey of the following described land was officially filed in the Colorado State Office, Bureau of Land Management, Lakewood, Colorado, effective 10 a.m., June 29, 2007. All inquiries should be sent to the Colorado State Office (CO-956), Bureau of Land Management, 2850 Youngfield Street, Lakewood, Colorado 80215- 7093. The plats and field notes, in duplicate, of the dependent resurveys and corrective dependent resurvey of a portion of the subdivisional lines, the subdivision of certain sections, and metes-and-bounds surveys, in Townships 2 North, Ranges 76 (4 Sheets) and 77 West (5 Sheets), Sixth Principal Meridian, Colorado were accepted on April 10, 2007. The plat, and field notes, in duplicate, of the dependent resurveys in Townships 17 South, Ranges 45 and 46 West, Sixth Principal Meridian, Colorado were accepted on April 17, 2007. The plat and field notes, in duplicate, of the dependent resurvey and surveys in Township 51 North, Range 1 East, New Mexico Principal Meridian, Colorado were accepted on April 26, 2007. This plat which includes the field notes, and is the entire record of this resurvey, in duplicate, in Township 33\1/2\ North, Range 17 West, Sec. 21, New Mexico Principal Meridian, Colorado were accepted on April 26, 2007. The plat and field notes, in duplicate, of the dependent resurvey and surveys in Townships 50 and 51 North, Range 8 West, New Mexico Principal Meridian, Colorado, were accepted on April 27, 2007. The plat, and field notes, in duplicate, of the dependent resurvey of a portion of the subdivisional lines and section subdivision of Section 23, Township 37 North, Range 7 East, New Mexico Principal Meridian, Colorado were accepted on May 16, 2007. The plat and field notes, in duplicate, of the dependent resurvey of certain mineral claims in Township 43 North, Range 4 West, New Mexico Principal Meridian, Colorado, were accepted on June 6, 2007. The plat, and field notes, in duplicate, of the dependent resurvey in Township 8 South, Range 76 West, and the plat, in duplicate, of the entire record, of the dependent resurvey of a portion of the west boundary of Township 9 South, Range 76 West, both of the Sixth Principal Meridian, Colorado were accepted on June 19, 2007.
Notice of Realty Action: Direct Sale of Public Lands in Sublette County, Wyoming
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) proposes to sell a 40-acre parcel of public land in Sublette County, Wyoming, for the appraised fair market value to G&E Livestock to resolve an unintentional unauthorized use of public lands.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Draft Post-Delisting Monitoring Plan for the Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and Proposed Information Collection
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of the draft post-delisting monitoring plan (draft PDM Plan) for the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). The Endangered Species Act (ESA) requires that the Service implement a system, in cooperation with the States, to monitor effectively for at least 5 years, the status of all species that have been recovered and no longer need protection of the ESA. The bald eagle in the contiguous 48 states will be removed from the Federal List of Threatened and Endangered Wildlife and Plants (delisted) due to recovery. We are publishing the final rule for the delisting simultaneously with this notice elsewhere in today's Federal Register. We will also ask the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to approve the information collection (IC) for the draft PDM Plan described below.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Removing the Bald Eagle in the Lower 48 States From the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife
The best available scientific and commercial data indicate that the bald eagle has recovered. Therefore, under the authority of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, remove (delist) the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) in the lower 48 States of the United States from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife. This determination is based on a thorough review of all available information, which indicates that the threats to this species have been eliminated or reduced to the point that the species has recovered and no longer meets the definition of threatened or endangered under the Act. Fueled by a reduction in the threats to the bald eagle, the population in the lower 48 States has increased from approximately 487 breeding pairs in 1963, to an estimated 9,789 breeding pairs today. The recovery of the bald eagle is due in part to the reduction in levels of persistent organochlorine pesticides (such as DDT) occurring in the environment and habitat protection and management actions. The protections provided to the bald eagle under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA) and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) will continue to remain in place after the species is delisted. To help provide more clarity on the management of bald eagles after delisting, we recently published a regulatory definition of ``disturb'', the final National Bald Eagle Management Guidelines and a proposed rule for a new permit that would authorize limited take under BGEPA and grandfather existing Act authorizations.
Building Tribal Energy Development Capacity
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 authorizes the Secretary to provide development grants to Indian tribes and tribal energy resource development organizations for use in developing or obtaining the managerial and technical capacity needed to develop energy resources on Indian land, and to properly account for resulting energy production and revenues. In furtherance of this goal, the Department of the Interior's Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development is soliciting proposals from tribes and tribal energy resource development organizations. The Department will award several grants of up to $50,000 each for this program.
Proposed Low Effect Habitat Conservation Plan for the Jurupa Avenue Road Widening Project, City of Fontana, County of San Bernardino, CA
The City of Fontana (applicant) has applied to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for a 3-year incidental take permit for one covered species pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The application addresses the potential for ``take'' of the endangered Delhi Sands flower-loving fly (Rhaphiomidas terminatus abdominalis) associated with the proposed widening of Jurupa Avenue between Sierra and Tamarind avenues in the City of Fontana, San Bernardino County, California. A conservation program to mitigate for the project activities would be implemented as described in the proposed Jurupa Avenue Widening Project Low Effect Habitat Conservation Plan (proposed HCP), which would be implemented by the applicant. We are requesting comments on the permit application and on the preliminary determination that the proposed HCP qualifies as a ``Low- effect'' Habitat Conservation Plan, eligible for a categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended. The basis for this determination is discussed in the Environmental Action Statement (EAS) and the associated Low Effect Screening Form, which are also available for public review.
Notice of Intent To Prepare a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement to the Las Vegas Valley Disposal Boundary Final Environmental Impact Statement to Analyze Boundary Adjustments to and Management of the Conservation Transfer Area
In accordance with Section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Las Vegas Field Office, Nevada intends to prepare a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) to the Las Vegas Disposal Boundary Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) to analyze a possible adjustment of the boundary of the Conservation Transfer Area (CTA) referenced in the December 2004 FEIS and Record of Decision (ROD). Analysis of this possible boundary adjustment will include the management of approximately 13,400 acres of lands managed by the BLM. Under the ROD for the 2004 FEIS, approximately 5,000 acres were determined to be subject to a process of more study, collaboration, further NEPA analysis, and approval of a conservation agreement, prior to the transfer of title. The conservation agreement would determine the allowable uses to protect the resources within the CTA. Furthermore, the ROD stated that the boundary of the CTA would be adaptable to the needs and concerns of interested parties. The option was open to increase or decrease the size of the CTA with additional analysis. The SEIS to be prepared will analyze the effects of a variety of options for a final boundary for the CTA, as well as the impacts of several proposed uses, and the effect of retention of the CTA by the United States for management by the BLM. This analysis, and any decision made on the basis of this analysis, will ensure the direction reflected in the 2004 FEIS and ROD is met. This action is consistent with the Las Vegas Resource Management Plan of 1998, as superseded by the Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act (SNPLMA) of 1998 and the Clark County Conservation of Public Land and Natural Resources Act (Clark County Act) of 2002.
Wyoming: Notice of Proposed Reinstatement of Terminated Oil and Gas Lease
Under the provisions of 30 U.S.C. 188(d) and (e), and 43 CFR 3108.2-3(a) and (b)(1), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) received a petition for reinstatement from Samson Oil & Gas USA Inc. for competitive oil and gas lease WYW135113 for land in Sweetwater County, Wyoming. The petition was filed on time and was accompanied by all the rentals due since the date the lease terminated under the law.
Notice of Public Meeting on Withdrawal Extension
As required by 43 CFR 2310.3-1 notice is hereby given that a public meeting will be held regarding the proposed extension of the withdrawal to protect the Fairbanks Command and Data Acquisition Station (also known as the Gilmore Satellite Tracking Station). The station is operated by NOAA's National Satellite Information Services (also known as the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service). The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) proposes to extend the duration of Public Land Order (PLO) No. 3708, as modified by PLO No. 6709 (54 FR 6919, February 15, 1989) for an additional 20 year period. The lands comprise approximately 8,500 acres and are located in T. 2 N., R. 1 E., and T. 2 N., R. 2 E., Fairbanks Meridian near Fox, Alaska. A complete description can be provided by the BLM Fairbanks District Office at the address below.
Guam National Wildlife Refuge, Dededo, Guam
This notice advises the public that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service, we) intends to prepare a Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and associated environmental compliance document for the Guam National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge). The Refuge includes the Ritidian Unit in northern Guam and two overlay units, the Andersen Air Force Base Unit in northern Guam and the Navy Unit. The Navy Unit includes portions of the Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station (NCTS) and Public Works Center (PWC) in northern Guam, and portions of the Naval Station and Ordnance Annex areas in central and southern Guam. We are furnishing this notice to advise the public and other agencies of our intentions, and to obtain public comments, suggestions, and information on the scope of issues to be considered during the CCP planning process. The Refuge will hold a public open house to provide information about the CCP and the planning process, and to obtain public comments (see SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for details).
Notice of Intent To Collect Fees on Public Land in Chouteau County, Montana Under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (REA) and Impose Supplementary Rules
The Bureau of Land Management proposes to establish fees and supplementary rules for the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument (UMRBNM) Interpretive Center for public use of the day-use areas. The fees are authorized under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (REA), 16 U.S.C. 6801 et seq. The UMRBNM Interpretive Center qualifies as a site wherein visitors can be charged a ``Standard Amenity Recreation Fee'' authorized under section 3(4)(f) of the REA, for a recreation use permit described at 43 CFR part 2930. The supplementary rules, developed pursuant to 43 CFR 8365.1-6, are necessary for human health and safety and to protect the natural resources of the site. In accordance with BLM recreation fee program policy, the business plan explains the fee collection process, as well as outlining how the fees will be used at the UMRBNM Interpretive Center. BLM has notified and involved the public at each stage of the planning process, including the proposal to collect fees.
Proposed Reinstatement of Terminated Oil and Gas Lease CACA 44895
Under the provisions of Public Law 97-451, Carneros Energy, Inc timely filed a petition for reinstatement of oil and gas lease CACA 44895 for lands in Kern County, California, and it was accompanied by all required rentals and royalties accruing from January 1, 2007, the date of termination.
Job Placement and Training (Adult Vocational Training and Direct Employment)
The Office of the Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs is seeking comments on the renewal of the Job Placement and Training (Adult Vocational Training and Direct Employment) Information Collection. This action is being taken due to the impending expiration of the existing data collection. This action will allow the Department on-going collection of data required by statute, regulation and policy.
Receipt of Applications for Permit
The public is invited to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species and/or marine mammals.
Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge
The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces the availability for review of the Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Impact Statement for Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). The Service prepared the Draft CCP/EIS in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997. We request public comments.
Notice of Availability, Final Restoration Plan
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), on behalf of the Department of the Interior (DOI), as the sole natural resource trustee, announces the release of the Final Restoration Plan (RP) for the Cortese Landfill Superfund Site (Site). As a result of remedial activities and off-Site migration of Site-related contaminants, 1.6 acres of wetlands were destroyed and/or degraded. Adversely affected natural resources include waterfowl, wading birds, hawks, woodpeckers, swallows, migratory songbirds, invertebrates, reptiles, and amphibians. In addition, the section of the Upper Delaware River watershed near the Site hosts the largest population of wintering bald eagles in the Northeast. An embayment of the Delaware River adjacent to the Site provides feeding and/or spawning habitat for forage fish, American shad, striped bass, and American eel. the funds available from this settlement for restoration activities total approximately $85,000. The restoration project selected for implementation in the Final RP involves wet meadow/wetland restoration and protection. The Final RP presents the preferred alternative consisting of a restoration project that compensates for injuries to natural resources caused by contaminant releases and remedial activities associated with the Site.
Steens Mountain Advisory Council-Notice of Renewal
This notice is published in accordance with section 9(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972, Public Law 92-463. Notice is hereby given that the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) has renewed the Bureau of Land Management's Steens Mountain Advisory Council. The purpose of the Council will be to advise the Secretary in managing and promoting cooperative management of the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Area.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designating the Northern Rocky Mountain Population of Gray Wolf as a Distinct Population Segment and Removing This Distinct Population Segment From the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service, we or us) announces the reopening of the comment period for the proposed rule to establish a distinct population segment (DPS) of the gray wolf (Canis lupis) in the Northern Rocky Mountains (NRM) of the United States and to remove the gray wolf in the NRM DPS from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The State of Wyoming has a new statute and has advised the Service that it is appropriate to analyze a new draft wolf management plan that the Service believes could allow the wolves in northwestern Wyoming outside the National Parks to be removed from the protections of the Act. We are reopening the proposal's comment period to ensure that the public has full access to, and an opportunity to comment on, the proposed rule in light of this new information. We also announce the location and time of an additional public hearing to receive public comments on the proposal in light of the new information. If you have previously submitted comments, please do not resubmit them because we have already incorporated them in the public record and will fully consider them in our final decision.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed Revision of Special Regulation for the Central Idaho and Yellowstone Area Nonessential Experimental Populations of Gray Wolves in the Northern Rocky Mountains
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose revisions to the 2005 special rule for the central Idaho and Yellowstone area nonessential experimental population of the gray wolf (Canis lupus) in the northern Rocky Mountains (NRM). Specifically, this rule proposes to modify the definition of ``unacceptable impacts'' to wild ungulate populations so that States and Tribes with Service- approved post-delisting wolf management plans can better address the impacts of a biologically recovered wolf population on ungulate populations and herds while wolves remain listed. We also propose to modify the 2005 special rule to allow private citizens in States or on Tribal lands with approved post-delisting wolf management plans to take wolves that are in the act of attacking their stock animals or dogs. All other provisions of the 2005 special rule, including the process to obtain Service approval and the conditions for reporting all wolf take, would remain unchanged. As under the existing terms of the 2005 special rule, these proposed modifications would not apply with respect to States or Tribes without approved post-delisting wolf management plans and would not impact wolves outside the Yellowstone or central Idaho nonessential experimental population areas. A draft environmental assessment will be prepared on this proposed action.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 12-Month Finding on a Petition To List the Casey's June Beetle (Dinacoma caseyi) as Endangered With Critical Habitat
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 12-month finding on a petition to list Casey's June beetle (Dinacoma caseyi) as endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The petition also asked that critical habitat be designated for the species. After review of all available scientific and commercial information, we find that listing is warranted. Currently, however, listing of Casey's June beetle is precluded by higher priority actions to amend the Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants. Upon publication of this 12-month petition finding, Casey's June beetle will be added to our candidate species list. We will develop a proposed rule to list this species as our priorities allow. Any determination on critical habitat will be made during development of the proposed listing rule.
Virginia Regulatory Program
We are approving an amendment to the Virginia regulatory program under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). Virginia is revising its remining regulations to make three of those provisions permanent by deleting a termination date of September 30, 2004, from the regulations. The amendment is intended to render the State regulations consistent with recent amendments to SMCRA.
Virginia Regulatory Program
We are reopening the public comment period on a proposed amendment to the Virginia regulatory program under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). Since the close of the comment period, Virginia revised its revegetation standards for success for areas planted with a mixture of herbaceous and wood species by withdrawing one amendment and adding a new amendment. The amendments are intended to render the State's regulations consistent with SMCRA.
Indian Gaming
This notice publishes approval of the Tribal-State Class III Gaming Compact between the State of New Mexico and the Pueblo of Isleta, Pueblo of Nambe, Pueblo of Picuris, Pueblo of San Felipe, Pueblo of Sandia, Pueblo of Santa Ana, Pueblo of Tesuque, Pueblo of Taos, Pueblo of Santa Clara and Ohkay Owingeh.
Notice of Intent (NOI) To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Notice of Public Meeting on Four Federal Coal Lease Applications in the Decertified Powder River Federal Coal Production Region, WY
Pursuant to Section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Casper Field Office announces its intent to prepare one EIS on the potential impacts of leasing four tracts of Federal coal. The EIS will be called the Wright Area Coal EIS. Under the provisions of 43 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 3425.1, the BLM received the following applications to lease maintenance tracts (a maintenance tract is a parcel of land containing Federal coal reserves that can be leased to maintain production at an existing mine) in Campbell County, Wyoming: Ark Land Company applied for a maintenance coal lease for approximately 4,590.19 acres (approximately 588.2 million tons of coal) in a maintenance tract of Federal coal adjacent to the Black Thunder Mine. The tract, which is referred to as the Hilight Field Tract, has been assigned case number WYW164812. Ark Land Company applied for a maintenance coal lease for approximately 2,370.52 acres (approximately 428 million tons of coal) in a maintenance tract of Federal coal adjacent to the Black Thunder Mine. The tract, which is referred to as the West Hilight Field Tract, has been assigned case number WYW172388. Jacobs Ranch Coal Company applied for a maintenance coal lease for approximately 5,944.37 acres (approximately 956 million tons of coal) in a maintenance tract of Federal coal adjacent to the Jacobs Ranch Mine. The tract, which is referred to as the West Jacobs Ranch Tract, has been assigned case number WYW172685. BTU Western Resources, Inc. applied for a maintenance coal lease for approximately 5,116.65 acres (approximately 598 million tons of coal) in a maintenance tract of Federal coal adjacent to the North Antelope Rochelle Mine. The tract, which is referred to as the Porcupine Tract, has been assigned case number WYW173408. Consistent with Federal regulations under NEPA and the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, as amended, the BLM must prepare an environmental analysis prior to holding a competitive Federal coal lease sale. The Powder River Regional Coal Team recommended that BLM process these four coal lease applications after they reviewed the Hilight Field, West Hilight Field, and West Jacobs Ranch Tracts at a public meeting held on April 19, 2006, in Casper, Wyoming, and the Porcupine Tract at a public meeting held on January 18, 2007, in Casper, Wyoming.
Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board; Meeting
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announces that the Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board will conduct a meeting on matters pertaining to management and protection of wild, free-roaming horses and burros on the Nation's public lands.
Proposed Lower Yuba River Accord, Yuba County, CA
Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) and the Yuba County Water Agency (YCWA) have made available for public review and comment the Draft EIR/EIS for the Proposed Lower Yuba River Accord (Yuba Accord). Two public hearings will be held to provide interested individuals and organizations with an opportunity to comment verbally and in writing on the Draft EIR/EIS. The purpose of the Yuba Accord is to resolve instream flow issues associated with operation of the Yuba River Development Project (Yuba Project) in a way that protects and enhances lower Yuba River fisheries and local water-supply reliability. At the same time, it would provide revenues for local flood control and water supply projects, water for the CALFED Program to use for protection and restoration of Sacramento- San Joaquin Delta (Delta) fisheries, and improvements in statewide water supply management, including supplemental water for the Central Valley Project (CVP) and the State Water Project (SWP).
Final Determination against Federal Acknowledgment of the St. Francis / Sokoki Band of Abenakis of Vermont
Pursuant to 25 CFR 83.10(l)(2), notice is hereby given that the Department of the Interior (Department) declines to acknowledge the group known as the St. Francis/Sokoki Band of Abenakis of Vermont (SSA), P.O. Box 276, Swanton, Vermont 05488, c/o Ms. April Merrill, as an Indian tribe within the meaning of Federal law. This notice is based on a determination that the petitioner does not satisfy four of the seven mandatory criteria for acknowledgment, specifically 83.7(a), 83.7(b), 83.7(c), and 83.7(e), as defined in 25 CFR part 83. Consequently, the SSA petitioner does not meet the requirements for a government-to-government relationship with the United States.
Draft Environmental Assessment/Habitat Conservation Plan; Issuance of Section 10(a)(1)(B) Permit for Incidental Take of Nine Listed Species in Cochise County, AZ and Hidalgo County, NM (Malpai Borderlands)
Malpai Borderlands Group (Applicant) has applied to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for an incidental take permit (TE- 155587-0) pursuant to Section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act (Act) of 1973, as amended. The requested permit, which is for a period of 30 years, would authorize incidental take of the following listed endangered species: Yaqui chub (Gila purpurea), Yaqui topminnow (Poeciliopsis occidentalis sonoriensis), Huachuca water-umbel (Lilaeopsis schaffneriana recurva), Northern Aplomado falcon (Falco femoralis septentrionalis); listed threatened species: Yaqui catfish (Ictalurus pricei), beautiful shiner (Cyprinella formosa), Chiricahua leopard frog (Rana chiricahuensis), Mexican spotted owl (Strix occidentalis lucida), New Mexico ridge-nosed rattlesnake (Crotalus willardi obscurus); candidate species: western yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus); and unlisted species: Yaqui sucker (Catostomus bernardini), longfin daceYaqui form (Agosia chrysogaster), Mexican stoneroller (Campostoma ornatum), lowland leopard frog (Rana yavapaiensis), northern Mexican gartersnake (Thamnophis eques megalops), black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus), western burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia hypugaea), white-sided jackrabbit (Lepus callotis), and western red bat (Lasiurus blosseveillii). The proposed incidental take would occur as a result of grassland improvement and ranch management activities on non- Federal lands within approximately 828,000 acres of the Malpai borderlands region of Cochise County, Arizona and Hidalgo County, New Mexico. We invite public comment.
Agency Information Collection; Activities Under OMB Review; Comment Request
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this notice announces the Bureau of Reclamation (we, our, or us) has forwarded the following Information Collection Request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval: Individual Landholder's and Farm Operator's Certification and Reporting Forms for Acreage Limitation, 43 CFR part 426 and 43 CFR part 428, OMB Control Number: 1006-0005. This ICR is required under the Reclamation Reform Act of 1982 (RRA), Acreage Limitation Rules and Regulations, 43 CFR part 426, and Information Requirements for Certain Farm Operations In Excess of 960 Acres and the Eligibility of Certain Formerly Excess Land, 43 CFR part 428. The ICR describes the nature of the information collection and its expected cost and burden.
Agency Information Collection; Activities Under OMB Review; Comment Request
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this notice announces the Bureau of Reclamation (we, our, or us) has forwarded the following Information Collection Request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval: Certification Summary Form, Reporting Summary Form for Acreage Limitation, 43 CFR part 426 and 43 CFR part 428, OMB Control Number: 1006-0006. This information collection is required under the Reclamation Reform Act of 1982 (RRA), Acreage Limitation Rules and Regulations, 43 CFR part 426, and Information Requirements for Certain Farm Operations In Excess of 960 Acres and the Eligibility of Certain Formerly Excess Land, 43 CFR part 428. The ICR describes the nature of the information collection and its expected cost and burden.
Agency Information Collection; Activities Under OMB Review; Comment Request
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this notice announces the Bureau of Reclamation (we, our, or us) has forwarded the following Information Collection Request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval: Forms to Determine Compliance by Certain Landholders, 43 CFR part 426, OMB Control Number: 1006-0023. As a result of the regulatory requirements to ensure compliance with Federal reclamation law and assessment of the appropriate water rate [43 CFR 426.6(b)(2) and 43 CFR 426.9(b)], a new ``Religious or Charitable Organization Identification Sheet'' (Form 7-2578) has been developed for approval as part of this information collection. The ICR describes the nature of the information collection and its expected cost and burden.
Notice of Availability of a Record of Decision on the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park General Management Plan Amendment
Pursuant to section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, 83 Stat. 852, 853, the National Park Service (NPS) announces the availability of the Record of Decision (ROD) on the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park General Management Plan Amendment, Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, Ohio. On May 16, the Regional Director, Midwest Region, approved the ROD for the project. As soon as practicable, the NPS will begin to implement the Preferred Alternative contained in the Final EIS issued on April 13. The following course of action will occur under the Preferred Alternative. The park will continue to serve traditional visitors to national parks; however, the primary goal will be to increase regional involvement, particularly in interpretation, education, and outreach. Visitors can expect an active participatory experience that will broaden and expand the park's literary and aviation significance. There will be a new at-grade entrance to the Huffman Prairie Flying Field and a maintenance facility shared by the park and partners. This course of action and two other alternatives were analyzed in the Draft and Final EIS. The full range of foreseeable environmental consequences was assessed and appropriate mitigating measures were identified. The ROD 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, an overview of public involvement in the decisionmaking process, and a conclusion.
Final Environmental Impact Statement and Environmental Impact Report; Giacomini Wetlands Restoration Project; Point Reyes National Seashore, Marin County, CA; Notice of Availability
Pursuant to Sec. 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (Pub. L. 91-190, as amended), and the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations (40 CFR part 1500-1508), the National Park Service, Department of the Interior, has prepared a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) identifying and evaluating the no-action alternative and four action alternatives for the restoration of the Giacomini wetlands. When approved, the plan will guide the National Park Service in restoration and public access actions for lands at the headwaters of Tomales Bay, Marin County, California. Because some of the proposed restoration project area includes state, county and private lands, the document also fulfills California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements as a Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The California State Lands Commission (CALC) is the CEQA lead agency for this project. Through the FEIS/EIR, the potential impacts of the five alternatives are assessed and, where appropriate, measures to avoid or reduce the intensity of potential effects are identified. Three preliminary restoration options that were considered, but rejected because they did not achieve restoration objectives or were infeasible, are also described in the FEIS/EIR. Project Planning Background: Point Reyes National Seashore is a unit of the National Park Service (NPS) located in western Marin County, California. It was established by Congress on September 13, 1962, ``to save and preserve, for the purpose of public recreation, benefit, and inspiration, a portion of the diminishing seashore of the United States that remains undeveloped'' (Pub. L. 87-657). A large portion of Tomales Bay watershed lands were acquired by the NPS in the 1960s and 1970s for establishment of two neighboring parksPoint Reyes National Seashore (Seashore) and Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA). In 1980, the boundary for GGNRA was expanded to include the Waldo Giacomini Ranch (Giacomini Ranch) and the eastern portion of Tomales Bay. The Giacomini Ranch falls within the north district of the GGNRA, which is administered by the Seashore. The Seashore and CALC are proposing to restore historic wetlands at Giacomini Ranch in Tomales Bay, an embayment that borders the Seashore to the east and north. The Giacomini Ranch property was once part of a large tidal marsh complex at the southern end of Tomales Bay that also encompassed portions of Olema Marsh (a 60-acre freshwater marsh that is partially owned by the NPS). The Giacomini property was diked in 1946 and has been used by the Waldo Giacomini family as a dairy since then. The property was purchased from the Giacomini family in 2000. Partial funding for the purchase came from the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans), which was under obligation to the California Coastal Commission (CCC) to mitigate for impacts resulting from the Lone Tree road repair along State Route 1 conducted in the early 1990s. The CCC eventually allowed CalTrans to fulfill mitigation obligations by making funds available to the NPS to purchase, restore, and manage a replacement wetland site. While the NPS is obligated under its agreement with CalTrans and CCC to mitigate only a total of 3.6 acres, the Seashore believes that the potential value of the historic salt marsh is significant not only to the NPS and its resource conservation objectives, but to the Tomales Bay watershed ecosystem as a whole. Tomales Bay was recently declared impaired for sediment, nutrients, and fecal coliform by the San Francisco Regional Water Quality Control Board under Sec. 303(d) of the Clean Water Act. Coastal wetlands act as both a food source and filtering system for estuarine and marine systems, and the loss of these wetlands in many parts of the bay has contributed to this designation. The diking of the Giacomini property resulted in the loss of hydrologic connectivity and diminished delta functionality for more than 50 percent of the coastal tidal wetlands present in Tomales Bay in the late 1800s. Restoration would reestablish hydrologic connectivity between Tomales Bay and the project area, resulting in increased wetland functionality. The project purpose and goals reflect a broad ecosystem-level approach to restoration. The purpose of the proposed project is to restore natural hydrologic processes within a significant portion of the project area, thereby promoting restoration of ecological processes and functions. Three goals, which further support the overall purpose, were also developed, as follows: Restore natural, self-sustaining tidal, fluvial (streamflow), and groundwater hydrologic processes, thereby enabling reestablishment of some of the ecological processes and functions associated with wetland and riparian areas, such as water quality improvement, floodwater storage, food chain support, and wildlife habitat. Pursue a watershed-based approach to restoration so as to emphasize opportunities to improve ecological conditions within the entire Tomales Bay watershed, not just in the project area itself. To the extent possible, incorporate opportunities for the public to experience and enjoy the restoration process as long as opportunities do not conflict with the project's purpose or with NPS, CALC, or other agency legislation or policies. For these reasons, the NPS and CALC propose to restore natural hydrologic and ecological processes on most or all of the 563-acre property. The NPS and CALC developed a range of alternatives for accomplishing this restoration project that encompass a spectrum of hydrologic and topographic changes. However, there are a series of activities that would be conducted under all five alternatives, including: Discontinuation of agricultural land management on the property, removal of general agricultural infrastructure and buildings from upland areas, and periodic maintenance of creeks to ensure that sediment deposition does not elevate flood risk to adjacent properties. In addition, the Giacomini family would remove all personal property from the project area, including worker housing trailers near Mesa Road. Water rights to Lagunitas Creek, acquired as part of the transfer of ownership, would be dedicated to in-stream flow. The NPS would also enter into a lease agreement with the CALC for leasing of subtidal lands in Lagunitas Creek within the project area. Finally, the NPS will be working with the USGS on an effort to expand the tidewater Goby population within the southern portions of Tomales Bay. Proposed Giacomini Wetlands Restoration: Extensive Restoration of the Giacomini Ranch East Pasture, Full Restoration of the West Pasture, and Restoration of Olema Marsh with Limited Public Access (Alternative D). This alternative has been determined to be ``environmentally preferred'', and involves complete removal of levees in both the West and East Pasture. In general, this alternative builds upon the actions proposed in Alternative B and Alternative C (see below) by fully realigning one of the leveed creeks within the Giacomini Ranch; excavating a portion of the ranch pasture into active intertidal marshplain and floodplain; increasing the amount of culvert replacement to improve hydraulic connectivity, streamflow, and passage of salmonid species; and increasing active revegetation and invasive non-native plant removal efforts. In addition, this alternative incorporates adaptive restoration of Olema Marsh (which is located south of Giacomini Ranch and White House Pool and is owned by Audubon Canyon Ranch (ACR) and the NPS); this would include a phased approach to shallow channel excavation, vegetated berm removal, and potential replacement of Levee Road and/or Bear Valley Road culverts in the future should initial restoration efforts not achieve the desired degree of success. Public access components of Alternative D include an improved spur trail leading to the edge of the Dairy Mesa; an improved spur trail extension of the existing Tomales Bay Trail; an improved spur trail on the southern perimeter following the existing alignment of an informal social path; and an ADA-compliant path in White House Pool County Park. The NPS would also pursue working with Marin County (through separate environmental compliance) to consider additional public access facilities on the southern perimeter of the project area, including reevaluation of a trail along Levee Road, extension of a trail to Inverness Park, and, should other options not prove viable, a non- vehicular bridge across Lagunitas Creek. Alternatives to Proposed Project: Under the No Action Alternative, levees, tidegates, and culverts in the Giacomini Ranch will remain. An 11-acre area will be restored on the northeast corner of the east pasture to satisfy mitigation requirements for aquatic habitat impacts caused by CalTrans due to road repairs on State Route 1 in Marin County in exchange for the NPS receiving monies to purchase and restore the Giacomini Ranch. The remainder of the levees in the East Pasture and West Pasture would no longer be maintained. Under the No Action Alternative only, there is potential for limited grazing, with consultation conducted under a separate compliance process. Olema Marsh would not be restored, and there would be no new public access facilities. Alternative ALimited Restoration of the Giacomini Ranch East Pasture Only with Expanded Public Access, Including Culverted Earthen Fill Trail on Eastern Perimeter. This alternative involves selective breaching of the East Pasture levee, while levees and tidegates in the West Pasture would not be removed. A limited amount of tidal channel creation, creek bank grading, and revegetation would also be performed in the East Pasture. Most of the actions under this alternative focus on removing agricultural infrastructure such as filling of ditches, ripping of compacted roads, fence removal, and removal of pumps, pipelines, and concrete spillways, as well as removal of ranch buildings. For future public access, the southern perimeter trail would include a prefabricated bridge across Lagunitas Creek, near the old summer dam location across from White House Pool County Park. The bridge design would place footings outside of the active channel, so as to not impinge on hydrologic processes. Future extension of the southern perimeter trail, in collaboration with the County of Marin, would connect White House Pool County Park with a path along Sir Francis Drake Boulevard (that would either run alongside the road or move off the road at the southern end of the unrestored West Pasture onto a low-elevation boardwalk that would join back with Sir Francis Drake Boulevard in Inverness Park). Other infrastructure constructed is a culverted berm through-trail on the eastern perimeter of the East Pasture. Alternative BModerate Restoration of the Giacomini Ranch East Pasture and Limited Restoration of the West Pasture with Expanded Public Access, Including Boardwalk Trail on the Eastern Perimeter. This alternative would completely remove the East Pasture levees and create several breaches in the West Pasture levee, as well as remove the tidegate on Fish Hatchery Creek. More tidal channel creation, grading, and revegetation would occur than under Alternative A. There would be no activities taken at Olema Marsh. Most of the new public access facilities would continue to be limited to the eastern and southern perimeters of the East Pasture, including construction of the pedestrian access bridge across Lagunitas Creek near the old summer dam, and extension of the southern perimeter trail to Inverness Park. The culverted berm through-trail on the eastern perimeter in Alternative A would instead be a boardwalk. On the West Pasture north levee, a viewing area would replace the existing informal trail. Alternative CFull Restoration of the Giacomini Ranch East and West Pastures and Restoration of Olema Marsh, with Moderate Public Access. This alternative involves complete removal of levees in both the West and East Pasture. In general, this alternative would result in more tidal channel creation, grading, and revegetation than Alternative B. In addition, the project boundary is expanded to include Olema Marsh, which is located south of the Giacomini Ranch and White House Pool and is owned by ACR and the NPS. Olema Marsh and the Giacomini Ranch once formed an integrated tidal wetland complex. In Alternative C, there would be an adaptive approach for Olema Marsh restoration that would include phased shallow channel excavation and vegetated berm removal. Levee Road and Bear Valley Road culverts could be replaced in the future should initial restoration efforts not achieve the desired degree of success. Public access components include the southern perimeter path and proposed future trails as described under Alternative A and Alternative B, but there would be two spur trails rather than a through-trail on the eastern perimeter of the Giacomini Ranch. Principal Differences Between the Draft and Final EIS/EIR: Change in Preferred Alternative: The alternative preferred by the NPS and CALC has been changed to Alternative D from Alternative C. The lead agencies initially chose Alternative C as the Preferred Alternative as it appeared to best meet both wetland restoration goals and community public access needs. During public review of the DEIS/ EIR, a large number of responses from the public, organizations, and agencies advocated selecting Alternative D because it was more compatible with restoration and would have less traffic, noise, pollution, and land use impacts. Changes to Alternative D: Alternative D has been modified slightly in the FEIS/EIR in response to public feedback so as to slightly decrease the degree of excavation, to remove eucalyptus from Tomasini Creek, and to construct an ADA-compliant trail and viewing platform at the nearby White House Pool County Park. In addition, this alternative now also incorporates the option for NPS to collaborate with Marin County in a separate environmental process on possible additional public access facilities on the southern perimeter of the project area (as noted above). Change in Impact Determinations: Because of refinement of construction scheduling and project design (identified in Chapter 2), the NPS and CALC have re-assessed some levels of impact identified, although none of these changes results in any ``Significant, Unavoidable Impacts'', such that all major impacts are mitigated to moderate or lesser intensities. Construction-related air quality impacts under Alternative C have been reduced to moderate, although Alternative D still would have major or substantial impacts that are mitigated to moderate levels through implementation of recommended Best Management Practices. Alternative A and Alternative B would have major impacts on riparian habitat due to construction of the eastern perimeter trail that could conflict with state and local policies on riparian habitat protection, but these impacts would be mitigated to minor or moderate through active and passive revegetation efforts. Major restoration actions in Olema Marsh identified as part of the adaptive restoration under Alternative C and Alternative D such as culvert replacement would not be implemented until the NPS can confirm these actions would not cause major impacts to municipal water supply through increasing water salinities in the portion of the Lagunitas Creek that is adjacent to municipal groundwater wells. Summary of Public Engagement: On September 23, 2002, a Notice of Intent (NOI) to conduct public scoping to inform preparation of an EIS was published in the Federal Register. On September 25, 2002, a copy of the NOI and scoping information was sent to 45 landowners adjacent to the project area, and 163 persons and organizations on a public review request list maintained by the Seashore. On October 4, 2002, the NOI was sent to the Governor's Office of Planning and Research State Clearinghouse for distribution to relevant state agencies (SCH 2002114002). Following agreement by CALC to act as the lead CEQA agency, a Notice of Preparation (NOP) for preparation of a joint EIS/ EIR was prepared by CALC, and distributed to the State Clearinghouse, which circulated the NOP between May 29 and June 30, 2003. The extensive public scoping period also closed on June 30, 2003. Oral comments were heard at a public information meeting at the October 19, 2002 Advisory Commission held at the Point Reyes Dance Palace where approximately 30 to 40 members of the public attended. In addition to the oral comments obtained, approximately 86 individuals or private organizations provided written comments regarding the proposed restoration. Regulatory scoping meetings were conducted on November 6, 2002 and November 8, 2002 during the public scoping period. The NPS and CALC received comments from seven local, state, or federal agencies. After the public scoping phase concluded on June 30, 2003, a staff report was prepared that summarized all information derived from the public scoping process. After a series of internal post-scoping discussions in spring 2004, the NPS and CALC hosted a series of information meetings with regulatory and local and state agencies, adjacent landowners, and local technical experts in the field of wetland restoration, to present and receive feedback on preliminary restoration and public access concepts. This phase culminated in a public workshop on June 22, 2004, at the Seashore Red Barn attended by more than 110 people. Following the June public workshop, all interested individuals and organizations were encouraged to submit comments to the NPS and CALC on the restoration concepts and scope of the proposed DEIS/EIR. Through July 23, 2004 written letters or e-mails from 58 individuals and 14 private organizations were received, as well as two petitions with a total of approximately 450 signatures. NPS staff also met with representatives of stakeholder groups from Marin County and interested agencies that requested briefings. In response to the comments received, the NPS and CALC contracted for two additional studies on public access options within the project area that evaluated potential impacts on resources and adjacent land uses, as well as technical feasibility and costs. As part of this effort, additional meetings were held with adjacent landowners and the general public in February-March, 2005. The Seashore's Notice of Availability for the DEIS/EIR was published in the Federal Register on November 3, 2006. The EPA's notification of filing of the DEIS/EIR was published in the Federal Register on December 15, 2006, formally initiating the 60-day public comment period. A notice that the DEIS/EIR had been also filed with the State Clearinghouse was published on December 18, 2006. The Seashore mailed over 450 letters regarding availability of the DEIS/EIR for public review on December 13, 2006 (this letter also announced a public meeting scheduled for January 25, 2007, at the Seashore Red Barn, and confirmed that the public comment period would end February 14, 2007). On December 14, 2006, a press release announcing the public meeting was distributed to the Point Reyes Light, Marin Independent Journal, and Press Democrat, as well as 28 other media outlets, including newspapers, radio stations, and television stations. Details about the public meeting were also posted on the Seashore's Web site. The Marin Independent Journal and Point Reyes Light published articles about release of the DEIS/EIR and the pending public meeting. Approximately 100 members of the public attended the January 25, 2007 meeting. The Point Reyes Light published an account of the meeting on February 1, 2007. Altogether approximately 180 interested individuals and organizations responded to release of the DEIS/EIR; approximately 170 were from private individuals. There were no form letters. More than 99 percent of the letters submitted were from residents of Marin County. Organizations providing comments included the Environmental Action Committee of Marin; Point Reyes Lodging Association; Marin County Bicycle Coalition/Community Pathways Committee/Access 4 Bikes; California Native Plant Society; Point Reyes Village Association; Sierra Club, Marin Chapter; and Tomales Bay Association. Ten responses were received from local, state, or federal agenciesthe California Coastal Commission; the California Regional Water Quality Control Board; the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary; the North Marin Water District; the Marin/Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District; the County of Marin Department of Public Works; the County of Marin Department of Parks and Open Space District; the State Department of Conservation; the State of California Department of Fish and Game; and the EPA. More than 90 percent of the oral and written comments received during the public meeting and throughout the comment period concerned the choice of Alternative C as the Preferred Alternative. A large number of comments also advocated modifications to either the existing Preferred Alternative or to Alternative D, with most of these proposed modifications focusing on changes to the public access components on the eastern and southern perimeters of the project area. On March 2, 2007, the EPA published its Lack of Objection (LO) findings regarding the DEIS/EIR, noting that the ``EPA supports the proposed project and believes it will significantly improve the hydrologic and ecological processes and functions in the Tomales Bay Watershed.'' All written comments received and a summary of commentary from the January 25, 2007, public meeting are available for inspection at the Seashore Administration Building, 1 Bear Valley Road, Point Reyes Station, CA. Substantive comments and responses are documented in the FEIS/EIR. Copies of the FEIS/EIR may be obtained from the Superintendent, Point Reyes National Seashore, Point Reyes, CA 94956, Attn: Giacomini Wetlands Restoration Project, or by e-mail request to: poreplanning@nps.gov (in the subject line, type: Giacomini Wetlands Restoration Project). The document will be sent directly to those who have requested it, and also will be posted on the Internet at the Seashore's Web site https://www.nps.gov/pore; and both the printed document and digital version on compact disk will be available at the park headquarters and local libraries. Decision: As a delegated EIS/EIR, the official responsible for the final decision is the Regional Director, Pacific West Region. A Record of Decision, fully documenting the entire conservation planning and environmental decision-making process, will be prepared not sooner than 30 days following publication in the Federal Register of the EPA's notice of filing and availability of the Final EIS/EIR. Subsequently and prior to implementation, notice of approval of the Record of Decision will likewise be published in the Federal Register, as well as announced via local and regional news media. Following approval of the Giacomini Wetlands Restoration Project, the official responsible for project implementation will be the Superintendent, Point Reyes National Seashore.
Information Collection Submission to OMB for Reinstatement Under Paperwork Reduction Act
In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces that an information collection request was submitted to the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs for review and reinstatement. The collection expired during the renewal process.
Notice of Intent To Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Special Resource Study (SRS) for Sites Related to the Civil War Battle of Franklin, Near Franklin, Tennessee
Pursuant to section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and National Park Service policy in Director's Order 2 (Park Planning) and Director's Order 12 (Conservation Planning, Environmental Impact Analysis, and Decision-making) the National Park Service (NPS) will prepare an EIS for the SRS for sites related to the Civil War Battle of Franklin (BoF) located in Franklin, Tennessee. The statement will assess potential environmental impacts associated with various types and levels of visitor use and resources management for sites related to the BoF. The authority for publishing this notice is contained in 40 CFR 1506.6 which prescribes the regulations for implementing the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act. The process by which the Secretary of the Interior will conduct SRSs is contained in 16 U.S.C. 1a-5. New areas are typically added to the National Park System by an Act of Congress. The National Park Service is often tasked by Congress to evaluate potential new areas for compliance with the established criteria for designation. The NPS documents its findings in a SRS Report. On December 1, 2005, Congress passed the Franklin National Battlefield Study Act (Pub. L. 109-120) directing the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a SRS for certain sites in Tennessee including the cities of Brentwood, Franklin, Triune, Thompson Station, and Spring Hill, Tennessee. The NPS is currently accepting comments from interested parties on issues, concerns, and suggestions pertinent to the BoF. Suggestions and ideas for managing the cultural and natural resources associated with the BoF are encouraged. Comments may be submitted in writing to the address listed at the end of this notice or through the NPS Planning, Environment, and Public Comment (PEPC) Web site at https:// parkplanning.nps.gov. The NPS will publish periodic newsletters on the PEPC Web site to present scoping issues and preliminary management concepts to the public as they are developed. Public meetings to present management concepts will be conducted in the local area. Specific locations, dates, and times will be announced in local media and on the PEPC Web site. If you wish to comment, you may submit your comments by any one of several methods. You may mail comments to: Tim Bemisderfer, Battle of Franklin SRS, NPS Southeast Regional Office, Planning and Compliance Division, 100 Alabama Street, 6th Floor 1924 Building, Atlanta, Georgia 30303. You may also comment via the Internet to https://parkplanning.nps.gov/sero. Please submit Internet comments as a plain text file, avoiding the use of special characters and any form of encryption. Please also include your name and return address in your Internet message. If you do not receive a confirmation from the system that we have received your Internet message, contact us directly at 404-562-3124, extension 693. Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire commentincluding your personal identifying informationmay be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. We will always make submissions from organizations or businesses, and from individuals identifying themselves as representatives of or officials of organizations or businesses, available for public inspection in their entirety.
Notice of Intent (NOI) to Expand the Scope of the General Management Plan (GMP)/Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Being Prepared for Fort Pulaski National Monument
The National Park Service (NPS) is expanding the scope of the GMP/EIS being prepared for Fort Pulaski National Monument. As part of this planning effort, the NPS will include a wilderness study to determine if any portions of the park should be recommended for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System as defined in the Wilderness Act of 1964. The study will be included as part of the GMP/EIS currently in preparation. A NOI to prepare an EIS for the GMP was originally published in the Federal Register on February 24, 2005, (Volume 70, Number 36). That EIS now will be expanded to include an evaluation of the impacts associated with possible designation of wilderness at Fort Pulaski. This notice is being furnished as required by National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations 40 CFR 1501.7. To facilitate sound planning and analysis of environmental impact, the NPS is gathering information necessary for the preparation of the GMP, the wilderness study, and the associated EIS and is obtaining suggestions and information from other agencies and the public on the scope of issues to be addressed. Comments and participation in this scoping process are invited.
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