80 FR 51301 - Notice of Intent To Amend the Resource Management Plan for the Headwaters Forest Reserve, California, and Prepare an Associated Environmental Assessment
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Land Management Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 163 (August 24, 2015)
Bureau of Land Management
Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 163 (August 24, 2015)
| Page Range | 51301-51302 | |
| FR Document | 2015-20711 |
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 163 (Monday, August 24, 2015)] [Notices] [Pages 51301-51302] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2015-20711] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [LLCAN03900 L17110000.DU0000.15X] Notice of Intent To Amend the Resource Management Plan for the Headwaters Forest Reserve, California, and Prepare an Associated Environmental Assessment AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of intent. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA), and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, as amended, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Arcata Field Office, Arcata, California, intends to prepare a Resource Management Plan (RMP) amendment with an associated Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Headwaters Forest Reserve and by this notice is announcing the beginning of the scoping process to solicit public comments and identify issues. As the Headwaters Forest Reserve is jointly managed by the BLM and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife [[Page 51302]] (CDFW), the BLM and CDFW intend to concurrently prepare a negative declaration under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). DATES: This notice initiates the public scoping process for the RMP amendment with an associated EA. Comments on issues may be submitted in writing until September 23, 2015. The date(s) and location(s) of any scoping meetings will be announced at least 15 days in advance through local news media, newspapers and the BLM Web site at: http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/arcata/headwaters.html. In order to be included in the analysis, all comments must be received prior to the close of the 30-day scoping period or 15 days after the last public meeting, whichever is later. We will provide additional opportunities for public participation as appropriate. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on issues and planning criteria related to the Headwaters Forest Reserve Resource Management Plan Amendment/EA by any of the following methods:Email: [email protected]. Fax: 707-825-2301. Mail: 1695 Heindon Road, Arcata, CA 95521. Documents pertinent to this proposal may be examined at the Arcata Field Office, 1695 Heindon Road, Arcata, CA. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Benjamin Blom, Headwaters Manager, 707-825-2300; 1695 Heindon Road, Arcata, CA 95521, [email protected]. Contact Mr. Blom to have your name added to our mailing list. Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 800-877-8339, to contact the above individual during normal business hours. The FIRS is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to leave a message or question with the above individual. You will receive a reply during normal business hours. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This document provides notice that the BLM Arcata Field Office, Arcata, California, intends to prepare an RMP amendment with an associated EA for the Headwaters Forest Reserve, announces the beginning of the scoping process, and seeks public input on issues and planning criteria. As the Headwaters Forest Reserve is jointly managed by the BLM and the CDFW, the BLM and CDFW intend to concurrently prepare an EA under NEPA and a negative declaration under CEQA. The planning area is located in Humboldt County, California, and encompasses approximately 7,500 acres of public land. The purpose of the public scoping process is to determine relevant issues that will influence the scope of the environmental analysis, including alternatives, and guide the planning process. Preliminary issues for the plan amendment area have been identified by BLM personnel; Federal, State, and local agencies; and other stakeholders. The issues include forest ecology, fuels, and wildlife habitat. Preliminary planning criteria are that: The plan amendment will focus exclusively on forest restoration and related programs in the Headwaters Forest Reserve; the plan amendment will be compatible with the existing plans and policies of local, State, and Federal agencies with an interest in the Headwaters Forest Reserve; the plan amendment will be consistent with the State of California Ecological Reserve Regulations; and that all proposed management actions and alternatives will consider current scientific information, research and technology, and inventory and monitoring information. You may submit comments on issues and planning criteria in writing to the BLM at any public scoping meeting, or you may submit them to the BLM using one of the methods listed in the ADDRESSES section above. To be most helpful, you should submit comments by the close of the 30-day scoping period or within 15 days after the last public meeting, whichever is later. The BLM will utilize and coordinate the NEPA scoping process to help fulfill the public involvement process under the National Historic Preservation Act (54 U.S.C. 306108) as provided in 36 CFR 800.2(d)(3). The information about historic and cultural resources within the area potentially affected by the proposed action will assist the BLM in identifying and evaluating impacts to such resources. The BLM will consult with Indian tribes on a government-to- government basis in accordance with Executive Order 13175 and other policies. Tribal concerns, including impacts on Indian trust assets and potential impacts to cultural resources, will be given due consideration. Federal, State, and local agencies, along with tribes and other stakeholders that may be interested in or affected by the proposed action that the BLM is evaluating are invited to participate in the scoping process and, if eligible, may request or be asked by the BLM to participate in the development of the environmental analysis as a cooperating agency. Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment, including your personal identifying information, may 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. The minutes and list of attendees for each scoping meeting will be available to the public and open for 30 days after the meeting to any participant who wishes to clarify the views he or she expressed. The BLM will evaluate identified issues to be addressed in the plan, and will place them into one of three categories: 1. Issues to be resolved in the plan amendment; 2. Issues to be resolved through policy or administrative action; or 3. Issues beyond the scope of this plan amendment. The BLM will provide an explanation in the Draft Plan Amendment/EA as to why an issue was placed in category two or three. The public is also encouraged to help identify any management questions and concerns that should be addressed in the plan. The BLM will work collaboratively with interested parties to identify the management decisions that are best suited to local, regional, and national needs and concerns. The BLM will use an interdisciplinary approach to develop the plan amendment in order to consider the variety of resource issues and concerns identified. Specialists with expertise in the following disciplines will be involved in the planning process: forest ecology, wildlife biology, fire and fuels management, fish biology, geology, botany, and hydrology. Authority: 40 CFR 1501.7 and 43 CFR 1610.2. Thomas Pogacnik, Deputy State Director. [FR Doc. 2015-20711 Filed 8-21-15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-40-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 163 / Monday, August 24, 2015 / Notices 51301
constitutes the final decision of the BLM fully analyzed applicable Greater Sage- to oil and gas exploration and
and makes the Approved RMP Grouse conservation measures, development activities on BLM-
Amendment effective immediately. including measures effecting lands administered lands in the WRFO
ADDRESSES: Copies of the ROD/ within the WFRO. The BLM expects to Planning Area and do not address other
Approved RMP Amendment are make a comprehensive set of decisions resources or resource allocations, or
available upon request from the Field for managing Greater Sage-Grouse on authorize development of those
Manager, White River Field Office, lands administered by the WRFO in the resources. Approximately 1.7 million
Bureau of Land Management, 220 East Record of Decision for the Northwest acres of Federal oil and gas mineral
Market Street, Meeker, CO 81641 or via Colorado Greater Sage-Grouse Plan estate is open to leasing and would be
the Internet at http://www.blm.gov/co/ Amendment. That decision will amend subject to lease stipulations and other
st/en/fo/wrfo.html. the 1997 WRFO RMP, as needed, management actions developed during
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: including any of the changes made to this planning effort (i.e., BLM-leasable
Heather Sauls, Planning and the 1997 WRFO as part of this Approved acres not associated with WSAs or
Environmental Coordinator; telephone RMP Amendment for Oil and Gas surface estate managed by the National
970–878–3855; White River Field Development. In the interim, leasing in Park Service or U.S. Forest Service).
Office, 220 East Market Street, Meeker, Greater Sage-Grouse habitat will Major decisions include adopting the
CO 81641; email hsauls@blm.gov. continue to be deferred until a final Dinosaur Trail MLP; using thresholds to
Persons who use a telecommunications decision has been made on the promote clustered development to allow
device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Northwest Colorado Greater Sage- for year-round drilling while reducing
Federal Information Relay Service Grouse Plan Amendment. The BLM habitat loss due to behavioral avoidance
(FIRS) at 1–800–877–8339 to contact the initiated scoping for the RMP by big game; using a tiered approach to
Amendment in 2006 and collected managing lands with wilderness
above individual during normal
information and public input via public characteristics and identifying specific
business hours. The FIRS is available 24
meetings in order to develop the Draft success criteria for reclamation.
hours a day, seven days a week, to leave
RMP Amendment/Environmental The Approved RMP Amendment does
a message or question with the above
Impact Statement (EIS) in August 2012. not include implementation decisions
individual. You will receive a reply
Based on public and agency comments, that would be appealable to the Interior
during normal business hours.
the BLM developed the Proposed RMP Board of Land Appeals under 43 CFR
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Amendment by combining various
WRFO has worked with the public, part 4, subpart E.
elements of all the alternatives
interest groups, stakeholders, Authority: 40 CFR 1506.6.
considered in the Draft RMP
cooperating agencies, tribes, the Amendment/EIS. The BLM published Ruth Welch,
Northwest Colorado Resource Advisory the Proposed RMP Amendment/Final BLM Colorado State Director.
Council, and neighboring BLM offices EIS on March 27, 2015 (80 FR 16424), [FR Doc. 2015–20882 Filed 8–21–15; 8:45 am]
for the past nine years through the oil and made it available for a 30-day BILLING CODE 4310–JB–P
and gas amendment development public protest period. During the protest
process. The result is an Approved RMP period for the Proposed RMP
Amendment for oil and gas Amendment/Final EIS, the BLM DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
development that seeks to provide for a received 11 protest letters on a variety
level of oil and gas development that is of issues. From those protest letters, the Bureau of Land Management
appropriate to the Nation’s energy needs BLM granted in part one protest
in a responsible manner of multiple use [LLCAN03900 L17110000.DU0000.15X]
regarding the requirement in BLM’s
that maintains the ecological integrity of ACEC Manual that the BLM conduct a Notice of Intent To Amend the
the area and important natural, cultural, timely evaluation of ACEC nominations. Resource Management Plan for the
social and historical values. As explained in the ROD, the BLM will
Included as part of the RMP Headwaters Forest Reserve, California,
evaluate these nominated areas to and Prepare an Associated
Amendment is the Dinosaur Trail determine whether they satisfy the
Master Leasing Plan (MLP), which will Environmental Assessment
relevance and importance criteria
minimize the impacts from oil and gas consistent with BLM’s planning AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management,
exploration and development to regulations and provide temporary Interior.
important natural resources and areas in (interim) management for those areas ACTION: Notice of intent.
that portion of the planning area, found to meet the criteria. The BLM
including the Dinosaur National included a timeline for conducting these SUMMARY: In compliance with the
Monument, Areas of Critical evaluations in the ROD. The BLM also National Environmental Policy Act of
Environmental Concern (ACECs), and made minor editorial modifications to 1969, as amended (NEPA), and the
Wilderness Study Areas (WSAs), . the Approved RMP Amendment to Federal Land Policy and Management
Impacts will be minimized by managing provide further clarification of some of Act of 1976, as amended, the Bureau of
leasing opportunities in a phased the decisions. Land Management (BLM) Arcata Field
approach and imposing controlled BLM regulations also require a 60-day Office, Arcata, California, intends to
surface use stipulations for visual Governor’s Consistency Review period prepare a Resource Management Plan
resources, night skies, and soundscapes. for the Proposed RMP Amendment/ (RMP) amendment with an associated
While the WRFO Approved RMP Final EIS to review consistency with Environmental Assessment (EA) for the
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Amendment for Oil and Gas approved state or local plans, policies, Headwaters Forest Reserve and by this
Development contains some or programs. The Governor did not notice is announcing the beginning of
conservation management measures for identify any inconsistencies with the scoping process to solicit public
Greater Sage-Grouse habitat, the approved state or local plans, policies, comments and identify issues. As the
Northwest Colorado BLM Greater Sage- or programs. Headwaters Forest Reserve is jointly
Grouse Plan Amendment and Management decisions outlined in the managed by the BLM and the California
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Approved RMP Amendment apply only Department of Fish and Wildlife
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![51302 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 163 / Monday, August 24, 2015 / Notices
(CDFW), the BLM and CDFW intend to land. The purpose of the public scoping comment, you should be aware that
concurrently prepare a negative process is to determine relevant issues your entire comment, including your
declaration under the California that will influence the scope of the personal identifying information, may
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). environmental analysis, including be made publicly available at any time.
DATES: This notice initiates the public alternatives, and guide the planning While you can ask us in your comment
scoping process for the RMP process. Preliminary issues for the plan to withhold your personal identifying
amendment with an associated EA. amendment area have been identified by information from public review, we
Comments on issues may be submitted BLM personnel; Federal, State, and local cannot guarantee that we will be able to
in writing until September 23, 2015. agencies; and other stakeholders. The do so. The minutes and list of attendees
The date(s) and location(s) of any issues include forest ecology, fuels, and for each scoping meeting will be
scoping meetings will be announced at wildlife habitat. Preliminary planning available to the public and open for 30
least 15 days in advance through local criteria are that: The plan amendment days after the meeting to any participant
news media, newspapers and the BLM will focus exclusively on forest who wishes to clarify the views he or
Web site at: http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/ restoration and related programs in the she expressed. The BLM will evaluate
en/fo/arcata/headwaters.html. In order Headwaters Forest Reserve; the plan identified issues to be addressed in the
to be included in the analysis, all amendment will be compatible with the plan, and will place them into one of
comments must be received prior to the existing plans and policies of local, three categories:
close of the 30-day scoping period or 15 State, and Federal agencies with an 1. Issues to be resolved in the plan
days after the last public meeting, interest in the Headwaters Forest amendment;
whichever is later. We will provide Reserve; the plan amendment will be 2. Issues to be resolved through policy
additional opportunities for public consistent with the State of California or administrative action; or
participation as appropriate. Ecological Reserve Regulations; and that 3. Issues beyond the scope of this plan
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments all proposed management actions and amendment.
on issues and planning criteria related alternatives will consider current The BLM will provide an explanation
to the Headwaters Forest Reserve scientific information, research and in the Draft Plan Amendment/EA as to
Resource Management Plan technology, and inventory and why an issue was placed in category
Amendment/EA by any of the following monitoring information. You may two or three. The public is also
methods: submit comments on issues and encouraged to help identify any
• Email: headwaters@blm.gov. planning criteria in writing to the BLM management questions and concerns
• Fax: 707–825–2301. at any public scoping meeting, or you that should be addressed in the plan.
• Mail: 1695 Heindon Road, Arcata, may submit them to the BLM using one The BLM will work collaboratively with
CA 95521. of the methods listed in the ADDRESSES interested parties to identify the
Documents pertinent to this proposal section above. To be most helpful, you management decisions that are best
may be examined at the Arcata Field should submit comments by the close of suited to local, regional, and national
Office, 1695 Heindon Road, Arcata, CA. the 30-day scoping period or within 15 needs and concerns.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: days after the last public meeting, The BLM will use an interdisciplinary
Benjamin Blom, Headwaters Manager, whichever is later. approach to develop the plan
707–825–2300; 1695 Heindon Road, The BLM will utilize and coordinate amendment in order to consider the
Arcata, CA 95521, bblom@blm.gov. the NEPA scoping process to help fulfill variety of resource issues and concerns
Contact Mr. Blom to have your name the public involvement process under identified. Specialists with expertise in
added to our mailing list. Persons who the National Historic Preservation Act the following disciplines will be
use a telecommunications device for the (54 U.S.C. 306108) as provided in 36 involved in the planning process: forest
deaf (TDD) may call the Federal CFR 800.2(d)(3). The information about ecology, wildlife biology, fire and fuels
Information Relay Service (FIRS) at historic and cultural resources within management, fish biology, geology,
800–877–8339, to contact the above the area potentially affected by the botany, and hydrology.
individual during normal business proposed action will assist the BLM in Authority: 40 CFR 1501.7 and 43 CFR
hours. The FIRS is available 24 hours a identifying and evaluating impacts to 1610.2.
day, 7 days a week, to leave a message such resources. Thomas Pogacnik,
or question with the above individual. The BLM will consult with Indian
You will receive a reply during normal Deputy State Director.
tribes on a government-to-government
business hours. [FR Doc. 2015–20711 Filed 8–21–15; 8:45 am]
basis in accordance with Executive
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This Order 13175 and other policies. Tribal BILLING CODE 4310–40–P
document provides notice that the BLM concerns, including impacts on Indian
Arcata Field Office, Arcata, California, trust assets and potential impacts to
intends to prepare an RMP amendment cultural resources, will be given due DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
with an associated EA for the consideration. Federal, State, and local Bureau of Land Management
Headwaters Forest Reserve, announces agencies, along with tribes and other
the beginning of the scoping process, stakeholders that may be interested in or [LLMTC 00900.L16100000.DP0000,
and seeks public input on issues and affected by the proposed action that the MO#4500082592]
planning criteria. As the Headwaters BLM is evaluating are invited to
Notice of Public Meeting, Dakotas
Forest Reserve is jointly managed by the participate in the scoping process and,
Resource Advisory Council Meeting
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
BLM and the CDFW, the BLM and if eligible, may request or be asked by
CDFW intend to concurrently prepare the BLM to participate in the AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management,
an EA under NEPA and a negative development of the environmental Interior.
declaration under CEQA. The planning analysis as a cooperating agency. Before ACTION: Notice of Public Meeting.
area is located in Humboldt County, including your address, phone number,
California, and encompasses email address, or other personal SUMMARY: In accordance with the
approximately 7,500 acres of public identifying information in your Federal Land Policy and Management
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Document Created: 2015-12-15 10:55:08
Document Modified: 2015-12-15 10:55:08
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| Action | Notice of intent. | |
| Dates | This notice initiates the public scoping process for the RMP amendment with an associated EA. Comments on issues may be submitted in writing until September 23, 2015. The date(s) and location(s) of any scoping meetings will be announced at least 15 days in advance through local news media, newspapers and the BLM Web site at: http:// www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/arcata/headwaters.html. In order to be included in the analysis, all comments must be received prior to the close of the 30-day scoping period or 15 days after the last public meeting, whichever is later. We will provide additional opportunities for public participation as appropriate. | |
| Contact | Benjamin Blom, Headwaters Manager, 707-825-2300; 1695 Heindon Road, Arcata, CA 95521, [email protected] Contact Mr. Blom to have your name added to our mailing list. Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 800-877-8339, to contact the above individual during normal business hours. The FIRS is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to leave a message or question with the above individual. You will receive a reply during normal business hours. | |
| FR Citation | 80 FR 51301 |
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