80 FR 55323 - Shasta-Trinity National Forest; California; Highway 89 Safety Enhancement and Forest Ecosystem Restoration Project
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 178 (September 15, 2015)
Forest Service
Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 178 (September 15, 2015)
| Page Range | 55323-55327 | |
| FR Document | 2015-23157 |
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 178 (Tuesday, September 15, 2015)] [Notices] [Pages 55323-55327] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2015-23157] [[Page 55323]] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Shasta-Trinity National Forest; California; Highway 89 Safety Enhancement and Forest Ecosystem Restoration Project AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: With the Highway 89 Safety Enhancement and Forest Ecosystem Restoration Project (Highway 89 project), the Shasta-Trinity National Forest (Forest) is proposing to improve public safety along California State Highway 89 (Highway 89) and restore forest health throughout approximately 13,514 acres of forest by: Addressing infrastructure needs (National Forest System roads and helispot, developed recreation areas); Reducing the risk of uncharacteristic wildfire by reducing fuel loads, thinning overstocked stands, and gradually returning fire to the landscape both along the highway corridor and within the surrounding forest; and Restoring resilient forest structures, patterns, and disturbance regimes by reducing stand densities, retaining and releasing larger trees, increasing under-represented forest vegetation such as aspen and oak, and providing forest structural diversity across the landscape. The 13,514 acre project area is located in Siskiyou County, California, north and south of Highway 89, from near the junction of Highway 89 with Interstate 5 (Mount Shasta, California area), east to the Cattle Camp turnoff (Forest Roads 43N19 and 40N44). The project boundary extends up to 2.5 miles from the highway and is bounded by the McCloud River, private property, and major Forest roads. The large landscape selected encompasses both complex natural forest stands that retain more spatial heterogeneity combined with simplified forest stands that are typically homogeneous in structure and include uniform stands of small and medium-sized trees within plantations. Using logical landscape boundaries, including the river, private property, roads, and other restored landscapes (Algoma Vegetation Management Project) fosters restoration of resilient forest structures, patterns, and disturbance regimes which are lacking. The legal location is: Township 39 North, Range 1 West, Sections 2- 10, 17-18; Township 39 North, Range 2 West, Sections 1-3, 12; Township 40 North, Range 1 West, Sections 27, 28, 31-34; Township 40 North, Range 2 West, Sections 34-36; Township 40 North, Range 3 West, Sections 32-33; Township 40 North, Range 4 West, Sections 22-26, 34, Mt. Diablo Meridian. Elevations range from 3,200 to 4,400 feet. Project treatments include thinning along the Highway 89 corridor, thinning in plantations and in natural forest stands throughout the 13,514 acres, hazard tree removal, prescribed burning, Forest road management, and developing a helispot. DATES: Comments concerning this scope of the analysis must be received by October 15, 2015. The draft environmental impact statement is expected in December, 2015 and the final environmental impact statement is expected in May 2016. ADDRESSES: Send written comments to Carolyn Napper, District Ranger, Shasta-McCloud Management Unit, 204 W. Alma St., Mt. Shasta, California 96067, Attn. Heather McRae. Comments may also be sent via email to: [email protected], or via facsimile to (530) 926-5120. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Heather McRae, Fuels Specialist, at (530) 964-3770 or [email protected], or Ann Glubczynski, Natural Resource Planner, at (530) 964-3717 or [email protected]. Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The project purpose and need for action is generated by looking at the difference between the existing conditions and the desired conditions [as identified in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest Land Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan)] in the project area. Highway 89 Corridor Existing Conditions: The Highway 89 corridor is defined as the area that extends up to 275 feet out from the edge of the pavement on both sides of the two-lane highway. This corridor is composed of three sections between Interstate 5 (I-5) and Cattle Camp (Forest roads 43N19 and 40N44), for a total of 10.2 miles. The California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) right of way (ROW) along the highway varies from 80 to 200 feet from the roadway centerline through the project area. The vegetation along portions of the Highway 89 corridor includes tall, dense forest stands that are close to the road shoulder and cast shadows on the pavement. During the winter months, the shade on the roadway keeps snow and ice from melting for up to several weeks following a storm. Trees immediately adjacent to the highway with overhanging branches can drop snow loads onto the highway and passing vehicles. These branches collect snow, until the snow becomes too heavy, and drops onto the roadway. Snow from overhanging branches has been known to hit the windshields of vehicles as it falls, even breaking some windshields. In many areas, the trees and brush are very dense, growing within the ROW, which makes snow removal from the paved traffic lanes difficult. During the entire year, vegetation along the highway also limits visibility for drivers to see wildlife moving from the forest onto the highway. Numerous animal and vehicle collisions have occurred along the highway in the project area, because drivers are not able to see animals entering the roadway until they are so close that it is difficult to stop or even slow down. Dense vegetation, tree mortality, and large amounts of dead vegetation and debris along Highway 89 have increased the likelihood that a fire starting or burning along the highway could spread quickly to threaten surrounding forests and communities, or allow for a fire to cross the highway, and be difficult to control during dry summer conditions. Highway 89 also serves as an evacuation route for residents to leave and emergency personnel to access the area. Desired Future Conditions: Sunlight is able to reach the Highway 89 road surface during winter months, enabling snow and ice to melt from the roadway more quickly. There are fewer trees with branches hanging over Highway 89. Drivers along Highway 89 have adequate sight distance and an open view of wildlife entering the roadway to respond as necessary. Sufficient gaps in vegetation exist along Highway 89 to allow for efficient snow removal during heavy snowfalls. Vegetation conditions and predicted fire behavior along Highway 89 are such that a wildfire during summer months is less likely to spread along or across the highway, is less likely to threaten surrounding forests and communities, and would not limit access for firefighters, or egress for citizens. Forest Roads, Powerline Corridors and Helispot Existing Conditions: There are many Forest roads within the project area. The conditions of these roads vary, from [[Page 55324]] well maintained to nearly undrivable. Brush and trees encroach on some roadways making them undrivable or difficult to drive on and therefore unsafe for users. Many Forest roads are used frequently by Forest visitors to access areas where they recreate, or for recreation activities such as biking, horse-back riding, or driving off highway vehicles (OHVs). Some of these roads have reduced access for recreational opportunities due to their poor condition or being overgrown. Some roads that are open are not heavily used, nor are they needed for resource management activities. There are many user-created routes in the project area that are not part of the Forest transportation system (unauthorized routes) and not needed for resource management activities. But several Forest Transportation System roads and one unauthorized route in the project area that are currently closed or inaccessible do provide critical access for resource management activities. Powerlines crossing through the project area are maintained by the power companies, who currently remove vegetation within the power line corridor ROW. However, in some areas, such as near the community of Mount Shasta, dense forest stands on NFS lands are growing right up to the powerline corridors. The safety of firefighters responding to a fire near these powerlines is at risk. There is no break in the vegetation sufficient to safely put firefighters near the powerlines during a wildfire to protect them. There is an existing helispot located behind the Ash Creek Guard Station where trees are obstructing the take-off and landing paths for helicopters. These trees are part of a seed orchard of specially bred trees. Cutting these trees would result in the loss of valuable genetic research. The effectiveness of the helispot is increasingly hazardous due to the height of adjacent trees, and we expect that within 10 years the helispot will no longer be usable. There is currently no other suitable landing spot for helicopters in the general vicinity. Desired Future Conditions: Roads on the Forest transportation system that are needed for current and future resource management or recreation access have been maintained to provide safe access for forest management and recreation activities, including: OHV riding, horseback riding, and biking (activities the public has indicated are important to them). Forest transportation system roads used for Forest resource management are closed when not in use. Unauthorized routes that do not meet management needs are decommissioned and become revegetated. Forest system roads and trails that access rivers and streams for water-oriented recreation activities are improved, and roads and trails to hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing areas are maintained at an appropriate maintenance level. Vegetation on both sides of the powerline ROW is managed to reduce potential impacts during wildfire. Overstory, ladder, and surface fuels would be reduced such that the potential for crown fire during summer conditions is unlikely. Anticipated fire behavior during summer conditions is such that firefighters can safely manage a fire in the vicinity of the powerlines. A new helispot is located east of McCloud, with sufficient clearance to allow a medical evacuation (medevac) helicopter to land and transport a patient. This helispot is also available to support fire operations. Developed Recreation Areas Existing Conditions: Developed recreation areas within the project boundary include those within the McCloud River Loop area, specifically: Fowlers, Cattle Camp and Camp 4 Campgrounds, Lower, Middle, and Upper Falls picnic areas, Lakin Dam and Cattle Camp Swimming Hole day use sites, the McCloud River Trail, and the Vista Point along Highway 89. Many of the forest stands in the recreation areas are overly dense and at risk of density-related mortality. Evidence of root disease and insect damage has been observed, and high fuel loading from mortality is present throughout the area, increasing the likelihood of undesirable effects in the event of a wildfire. In the Cattle Camp Campground, there has been an increase in tree mortality over the past five years. Within the developed campgrounds and other recreation sites in the McCloud River corridor, hazard trees continue to be a concern for public safety. Excessive hazardous fuel accumulations can increase the potential for intense wildfires. Vegetation is blocking views of the McCloud River from many of the developed recreation sites such as Fowlers Campground and views of Mount Shasta from the Vista Point. Desired Future Conditions: Hazardous fuels are reduced to the standards under the Forest Plan, allowing fire managers to effectively protect life, property, and natural resources during a wildfire. Hazard trees in developed recreation sites, along trails, and in campgrounds are removed for forest health and public safety. Forest stands within and surrounding campgrounds are healthy. Opportunities exist to view the McCloud River within the developed recreation sites and trails, and to view Mount Shasta from the Vista Point on Highway 89. Wildland Urban Interface Defense Zones (Defined as Areas Up to \1/4\ Mile From Structures) Existing Conditions: Fuels have been reduced in a portion of the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) in recent years around the communities of McCloud and Mount Shasta. However, there are numerous forest stands and brushy areas where fuels have not been reduced. Some of the treated stands are still in a condition that could sustain a wildfire with potential impacts to homes and private property, especially in the WUI defense zones near Mount Shasta and on Snowman's Hill. Desired Future Conditions: In the WUI defense zones around the community of Mt. Shasta and Snowman's Hill, fuel loading has been managed and reduced to the Forest Plan standards. Vegetation is managed to achieve 4-foot flame lengths or less during 97th percentile weather conditions. There is sufficient ingress/egress clearance and limited chances of crown fire. Forest Ecosystem Health Existing Conditions: The project area is a combination of plantations and natural (non-plantation) forest stands. The primarily ponderosa pine plantations range in age from less than 10 years to over 70 years. Some of the plantations have had recent treatments (brush mastication, thinning, pruning). Others have not and are overstocked, with interlocking tree crowns and decadent woody shrubs, making them vulnerable to mortality from insects and fire. Mortality has occurred within some of the plantations, resulting in pockets of dead trees. The plantations lack age, structure, and species diversity, and some were subject to windrowing (a site preparation method which resulted in piles of topsoil) and mechanical planting in the past. Most of the natural forest stands are overly dense and at risk of density-related mortality. Mortality pockets are starting to occur across the project area. Root diseases, such as black stain and Heterobasidion, along with evidence of insect damage, have been observed in many locations. Dense and dying knobcone pine stands are far outside of their natural range of variation both in overall numbers as well as percent composition and are creating unnaturally large fuel loads. [[Page 55325]] Windrows were created in several plantations prior to planting as a way to remove competing vegetation. Windrowing reduced overall soil productivity by scalping and piling nutrient rich topsoil, which displaced nutrients and soil organic matter in the piles and left poorer quality subsoil exposed for tree planting. Areas dominated by bitterbrush, individual black oak trees, and stands of aspen and oak (important for vegetative diversity and wildlife habitat) are being encroached on by conifers, which are shading out these shrubs/trees. Due to a lack of disturbance, forest stands have followed a process of succession in which conifers grow taller than aspen and oak, blocking the sunlight these species need. Conifers are competing for soil nutrients and water with the other tree and shrub species. Aspen stands are declining at a rapid rate due to past management such as fire suppression, timber management (removing aspen and planting conifers), livestock grazing and site conversion. Bitterbrush stands are mostly even-aged and decadent with limited regeneration or new growth, and there are encroaching conifers at the edges of and within the bitterbrush stands. Some Riparian Reserve areas located within the McCloud River corridor (inner gorge) contain dense pockets of young conifers encroaching on the riparian vegetation as well as dead and dying trees. Some of these areas are adjacent to trails, such as the McCloud River Trail, and recreation sites. Effective fire suppression in the last century has greatly reduced the total area burned when compared to pre-historic levels. Approximately 73% of the project area historically experienced a high frequency (0-35 year return interval), low to mixed severity fire regime. Approximately 6% of the project area historically experienced a high frequency (0-35 year return interval), high severity fire regime, while 6% of the project area evolved under a low frequency (35-100 year) high severity fire regime (non-burnable area accounts for the remaining 15%). Based on the historic fire return intervals and fire history data, the project area is outside the historical range for fire occurrence. Approximately 80% of the project area is designated as a high departure from the historical fire return interval range. These areas have missed multiple fire return intervals. The remaining 4% of burnable area is at a moderate departure, missing one or more return intervals. This departure has resulted in changes to vegetation characteristics (species composition, structural stages, stand age, canopy closure, and mosaic pattern); fuel composition; fire frequency, severity, and pattern; and insect and disease activity. The risk of losing key ecosystem components is high. Desired Future Conditions: Plantations with trees primarily 10 inches diameter at breast height (dbh) or greater have a more multi- aged structure with variable sizes and spacing, and plantations with trees primarily less than 10 inches dbh are moving toward stands with larger sized trees. Natural stands have densities at levels that improve and protect forest health and vigor. The stands have structural diversity with varied species, multiple canopy layers, other types of vegetation, and appropriate levels of coarse woody debris and snags. Plantations and natural stands are resilient to epidemic insect or disease attack. Knobcone pine dominated stands more closely resemble their historic conditions of other species such as ponderosa pine, incense cedar and white fir mixed in with the knobcone. In plantations with windrows, the windrows have been respread, redistributing the topsoil and nutrients throughout the plantation. Overall soil quality and productivity are improved in the plantations providing more nutrients to the trees. Hardwoods, especially oaks and aspen, remain a healthy and vigorous component of forest stands where they are naturally located. In hardwood-dominated stands, there are fewer conifers competing for resources (sunlight, nutrients, water) with the hardwoods. Bitterbrush stands have a mix of age and condition classes and also have limited competition from conifers. In riparian areas, the species composition and structural diversity of the native vegetation maintain a healthy riparian ecosystem, without excess competition for resources from conifers. All stands and vegetation types experience fires at intervals that are historic to the area, have appropriate coarse woody debris and snag levels, but do not have excess fuel loads. Wildfires that occur within the project area during dry summer conditions are beneficial to the ecosystem, as occurred historically. Purpose and Need For the Highway 89 corridor, there is a need to: (1) Cut vegetation throughout the highway corridor, so that the forest canopy is more open, allowing increased winter sunlight on the roadway and faster melting of snow and ice on the pavement. (2) Manage vegetation along the highway for increased driver sight distance to reduce the risk of vehicle-wildlife collisions. (3) Remove vegetation along the road shoulders for space to place plowed/blown snow during storms. (4) Reduce fuels along Highway 89 to allow for a more effective fire response during summer conditions. For Forest roads, powerline corridors and helispot facilities, there is a need: (1) To ensure that roads needed for Forest resource management are maintained or repaired to meet Forest standards and closed when not in use. Roads needed fror recreation access are maintained and repaired to meet Forest standards and public safety needs. Roads not needed for Forest management or recreation access are decommissioned. Roads are added or removed from the Forest transportation system as appropriate. (2) For a helispot east of McCloud to facilitate a medical evacuation and an appropriate fire management response. (3) To reduce hazardous fuels levels (surface fuel loadings, ladder fuels, and vegetation densities) along powerlines, to increase firefighter safety during a wildfire. For developed recreation areas, there is a need to: (1) Increase visitor safety from hazard trees and the risk of wildfires, including along the McCloud River Trail, and improve access within and surrounding the developed recreation sites. (2) Improve the views throughout the project area, including Mt. Shasta, the McCloud River, and the natural landscape. For the WUI defense zones, there is a need to: (1) Reduce hazardous fuel levels (surface fuel loadings, ladder fuels, and vegetation densities) within the defense zones to achieve 4- foot flame lengths or less during 97th percentile weather conditions. For forest and ecosystem health, there is a need to: (1) Increase the diversity of species composition, age, and structure in plantations and natural forest stands. (2) Increase resilience to fire, insects and disease in all stands. (3) Reduce competition by conifers in hardwood stands, bitterbrush areas, and riparian vegetation to ensure their growth and vigor. (4) Respread existing windrowed topsoil in several plantations to redistribute soil nutrients and organic matter and improve overall soil productivity. (5) Restore the natural role of fire in the ecosystem to facilitate vegetative and other fire-related processes. [[Page 55326]] Proposed Alternative 3 The project area was divided into treatment areas based on vegetation type, use, and areas with special conditions. Activities include Forest road management, and construction of a new helispot for medical air evacuation and firefighting support. Silviculture treatments such as tree thinning, sanitation thinning and hazard tree removal, along with fuels treatments such as underburning, hand or machine piling, and mastication will be implemented to improve resilience and health in forest stands, and improve safety along the Highway 89 corridor, in WUI defense zones and in developed recreation areas. A complete description of alternative 3, including resource protection measures and treatment maps, can be found in the Highway 89 Safety Enhancement and Forest Ecosystem Restoration Project Scoping Document on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest Web site at http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=43770. In summary, to meet the purpose and need the following treatments have been identified (all acreages and miles are approximate, some treatments will overlap, occurring in the same areas). Thinning (variable density across all diameter classes, including understory vegetation) of trees will be implemented throughout the project area to reduce relative stand densities and meet other objectives. In some areas thinning will create small gaps/openings in the canopy (such as the WUI defense zone). In other areas, clumps of trees with wildlife sheltering structure will be retained. Sanitation (removing dead and dying clumps of trees) will be implemented in areas of disease, insect damage, and ongoing mortality. Group selections will be installed in larger areas of mortality to try and slow rate of progression. Hazard tree removal will occur throughout the project area. Encroaching conifers will be removed to release riparian vegetation along the McCloud River Corridor and from bitterbrush fields. These treatments will occur in:3,376 acres of plantations with trees 10 inches or greater, 617 acres of plantations with trees less than 10 inches dbh, 1,241 acres of mixed conifer natural stands, 3,794 acres of pine dominated natural stands, 653 acres of knobcone pine dominated stands, 212 acres of the McCloud River Corridor area, 212 acres of the Big Canyon Creek area, 61 acres of bitterbrush fields, and 16 acres of black oak stands. Fuels treatments will include mastication, machine and hand piling and pile burning, and thinning for fuel reduction. The entire project area (with the exception of specific sensitive areas) will be underburned. The treatments will yield renewable forest by-products of both sawtimber (logs) and biomass (chips), firewood, and special forest products. Treatments will be accomplished through a variety of methods including service contacts, force account, commercial timber harvest, and stewardship contracts. In addition to vegetation treatments, a 550-foot x 550-foot helispot will be constructed across the highway from the Ash Creek Work Station (total area of approximately 14 acres). Forest road management activities will include 78 miles of road maintenance, 2.8 miles of reconstruction, 4 miles of new temporary road construction, 7.9 miles road/route decommissioning, 11.25 miles of road closures, 3 miles of road openings, and 0.25 miles of road (access to the new helispot) added to the Forest Transportation System. Highway 89 is designated as a Forest Service Scenic Byway. Visual quality objectives for the highway corridor through National Forest land call for retention, meaning human activities are not visually evident to the casual forest visitor. Trees will be removed along the highway in view of the roadway and the resulting changes in vegetation will be visually evident. Depending on the results of the scenery analysis, a Forest Plan amendment may be required for the project activities along the Highway 89 corridor. Responsible Official Forest Supervisor, Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Nature of Decision To Be Made The Forest Supervisor will decide whether to implement the proposed alternative 3, take an alternative action that meets the purpose and need, or take no action. Permits or Licenses Required A permit would be required from the State of California prior to burning piles. The appropriate regulatory agencies will be consulted regarding national or state required permits associated with roads used during project implementation. All rquired permits will be obtained prior to implementation. Scoping Process This notice of intent initiates the scoping process, which guides the development of the environmental impact statement. Early in the project development process, meetings were held with local stakeholders, including representatives from the California Department of Transportation, the local timber industry and American Forest Resources Council, local fire safe and watershed councils, environmental and citizens' organizations, and the Pit River Tribe. It was anticipated at that time that an environmental assessment would be written for the project. The project was originally scoped in June, 2014. The project was posted on the Forest Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA) On June 30, 2014. The Legal Notice was published in the newspaper of record (Record Searchlight, Redding, California) on June 30, 2014. A notice was also published in the Mount Shasta Herald (Mount Shasta, California). A scoping letter was mailed or emailed to 168 individuals, organizations, and government agencies. The scoping document and was posted to the Shasta-Trinity National Forest Web site. The scoping period was 30 days. Comments were received from nine individuals, organizations, and agencies. In addition to the written request for comments, the scoping phase included two public meetings and field trips for interested members of the public and other government agencies. A public meeting/field trip was held on October 4, 2014 with 11 attendees. A field trip with representatives of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was held on October 31, 2014. The comments from the scoping period and public meetings/field trips have become part of the Highway 89 Safety Enhancement and Forest Ecosystem Restoration Project record, and were considered when developing this new alternative (alternative 3), which is referred to as alternative 3 in this notice of intent. Based on the public involvement since scoping as well as new information, the line officer has chosen to evaluate and document project effects on the environment in an environmental impact statement. For the scoping period initiated by this notice of intent, it is important that reviewers provide their comments at such times and in such manner that they are useful to the agency's preparation of the environmental impact statement. Therefore, comments should be provided prior to the close of the comment period and should clearly articulate the reviewer's concerns and [[Page 55327]] contentions. Comments submitted during the first scoping period will continue to be considered and need not be resubmitted. This project would implement the Forest Plan and is subject to 36 CFR 218 subparts A and B. All persons who provided comment in past designated comment periods associated with this project will have standing to object on comment issues previously provided however, those interested in the project are encouraged to review the scoping package and provide comments. Please note that to object per 36 CFR 218, a commenter must have provided specific written comments regarding the proposed project or activity during scoping or another designated opportunity for public comment (in other words objection issues must be based on previously submitted specific written comments except for issues that arose after the opportunities for comment). Please refer to 36 CFR 218. Comments received in response to this solicitation, including names and addresses of those who comment, will be part of the public record for this proposed action. Comments submitted anonymously will be accepted and considered, however anonymous comments will not provide the Agency with the ability to provide the respondent with subsequent environmental documents and may preclude their ability to object. Dated: September 8, 2015. David R. Myers, Forest Supervisor. [FR Doc. 2015-23157 Filed 9-14-15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-11-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 178 / Tuesday, September 15, 2015 / Notices 55323
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Township 40 North, Range 2 West, dense forest stands that are close to the
Sections 34–36; Township 40 North, road shoulder and cast shadows on the
Forest Service Range 3 West, Sections 32–33; pavement. During the winter months,
Township 40 North, Range 4 West, the shade on the roadway keeps snow
Shasta-Trinity National Forest; Sections 22–26, 34, Mt. Diablo and ice from melting for up to several
California; Highway 89 Safety Meridian. Elevations range from 3,200 weeks following a storm. Trees
Enhancement and Forest Ecosystem to 4,400 feet. immediately adjacent to the highway
Restoration Project Project treatments include thinning with overhanging branches can drop
AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA. along the Highway 89 corridor, thinning snow loads onto the highway and
in plantations and in natural forest passing vehicles. These branches collect
ACTION:Notice of intent to prepare an stands throughout the 13,514 acres, snow, until the snow becomes too
environmental impact statement. hazard tree removal, prescribed burning, heavy, and drops onto the roadway.
SUMMARY: With the Highway 89 Safety Forest road management, and Snow from overhanging branches has
Enhancement and Forest Ecosystem developing a helispot. been known to hit the windshields of
Restoration Project (Highway 89 DATES: Comments concerning this scope vehicles as it falls, even breaking some
project), the Shasta-Trinity National of the analysis must be received by windshields. In many areas, the trees
Forest (Forest) is proposing to improve October 15, 2015. The draft and brush are very dense, growing
public safety along California State environmental impact statement is within the ROW, which makes snow
Highway 89 (Highway 89) and restore expected in December, 2015 and the removal from the paved traffic lanes
forest health throughout approximately final environmental impact statement is difficult.
13,514 acres of forest by: expected in May 2016. During the entire year, vegetation
Addressing infrastructure needs ADDRESSES: Send written comments to
along the highway also limits visibility
(National Forest System roads and Carolyn Napper, District Ranger, Shasta- for drivers to see wildlife moving from
helispot, developed recreation areas); McCloud Management Unit, 204 W. the forest onto the highway. Numerous
Reducing the risk of uncharacteristic Alma St., Mt. Shasta, California 96067, animal and vehicle collisions have
wildfire by reducing fuel loads, thinning Attn. Heather McRae. Comments may occurred along the highway in the
overstocked stands, and gradually also be sent via email to: comments- project area, because drivers are not able
returning fire to the landscape both pacificsw-shasta-trinity-mtshasta- to see animals entering the roadway
along the highway corridor and within mccloud@fs.fed.us, or via facsimile to until they are so close that it is difficult
the surrounding forest; and (530) 926–5120. to stop or even slow down.
Dense vegetation, tree mortality, and
Restoring resilient forest structures, FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
large amounts of dead vegetation and
patterns, and disturbance regimes by Heather McRae, Fuels Specialist, at debris along Highway 89 have increased
reducing stand densities, retaining and (530) 964–3770 or hmcrae@fs.fed.us, or the likelihood that a fire starting or
releasing larger trees, increasing under- Ann Glubczynski, Natural Resource burning along the highway could spread
represented forest vegetation such as Planner, at (530) 964–3717 or quickly to threaten surrounding forests
aspen and oak, and providing forest aglubczynski@fs.fed.us. and communities, or allow for a fire to
structural diversity across the Individuals who use cross the highway, and be difficult to
landscape. telecommunication devices for the deaf control during dry summer conditions.
The 13,514 acre project area is located (TDD) may call the Federal Information Highway 89 also serves as an evacuation
in Siskiyou County, California, north Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–800–877–8339 route for residents to leave and
and south of Highway 89, from near the between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern emergency personnel to access the area.
junction of Highway 89 with Interstate Time, Monday through Friday. Desired Future Conditions: Sunlight is
5 (Mount Shasta, California area), east to SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The able to reach the Highway 89 road
the Cattle Camp turnoff (Forest Roads project purpose and need for action is surface during winter months, enabling
43N19 and 40N44). The project generated by looking at the difference snow and ice to melt from the roadway
boundary extends up to 2.5 miles from between the existing conditions and the more quickly. There are fewer trees with
the highway and is bounded by the desired conditions [as identified in the branches hanging over Highway 89.
McCloud River, private property, and Shasta-Trinity National Forest Land Drivers along Highway 89 have
major Forest roads. The large landscape Resource Management Plan (Forest adequate sight distance and an open
selected encompasses both complex Plan)] in the project area. view of wildlife entering the roadway to
natural forest stands that retain more respond as necessary.
spatial heterogeneity combined with Highway 89 Corridor
Sufficient gaps in vegetation exist
simplified forest stands that are Existing Conditions: The Highway 89 along Highway 89 to allow for efficient
typically homogeneous in structure and corridor is defined as the area that snow removal during heavy snowfalls.
include uniform stands of small and extends up to 275 feet out from the edge Vegetation conditions and predicted
medium-sized trees within plantations. of the pavement on both sides of the fire behavior along Highway 89 are such
Using logical landscape boundaries, two-lane highway. This corridor is that a wildfire during summer months is
including the river, private property, composed of three sections between less likely to spread along or across the
roads, and other restored landscapes Interstate 5 (I–5) and Cattle Camp highway, is less likely to threaten
(Algoma Vegetation Management (Forest roads 43N19 and 40N44), for a surrounding forests and communities,
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Project) fosters restoration of resilient total of 10.2 miles. The California and would not limit access for
forest structures, patterns, and Department of Transportation firefighters, or egress for citizens.
disturbance regimes which are lacking. (CalTrans) right of way (ROW) along the
The legal location is: Township 39 highway varies from 80 to 200 feet from Forest Roads, Powerline Corridors and
North, Range 1 West, Sections 2–10, 17– the roadway centerline through the Helispot
18; Township 39 North, Range 2 West, project area. Existing Conditions: There are many
Sections 1–3, 12; Township 40 North, The vegetation along portions of the Forest roads within the project area. The
Range 1 West, Sections 27, 28, 31–34; Highway 89 corridor includes tall, conditions of these roads vary, from
VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:04 Sep 14, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\15SEN1.SGM 15SEN1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/80_FR_55501/page/1.svg)
![Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 178 / Tuesday, September 15, 2015 / Notices 55327
contentions. Comments submitted FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: exceeds 10 percent of the borrower’s net
during the first scoping period will Thomas P. Dickson, Acting Director, utility plant.
continue to be considered and need not Program Development and Regulatory Estimate of Burden: Public Reporting
be resubmitted. This project would Analysis, Rural Utilities Service, U.S. burden for this collection of information
implement the Forest Plan and is Department of Agriculture, 1400 is estimated to average 3 hours per
subject to 36 CFR 218 subparts A and Independence Ave. SW., STOP 1522, response.
B. All persons who provided comment Room 5164, South Building, Respondents: Not-for-profit
in past designated comment periods Washington, DC 20250–1522. institutions; Business or other for profit.
associated with this project will have Telephone: (202) 690–4492. Fax: (202) Estimated Number of Respondents: 5.
standing to object on comment issues 720–8435. Estimated Number of Responses per
previously provided however, those SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Office
Respondent: 1.
interested in the project are encouraged Estimated Total Annual Burden on
of Management and Budget’s (OMB)
to review the scoping package and Respondents: 15 hours.
regulation (5 CFR part 1320)
provide comments. Please note that to implementing provisions of the Dated: September 5, 2015.
object per 36 CFR 218, a commenter Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. Brandon McBride,
must have provided specific written L. 104–13) requires that interested Administrator, Rural Utilities Service.
comments regarding the proposed members of the public and affected [FR Doc. 2015–23087 Filed 9–14–15; 8:45 am]
project or activity during scoping or agencies have an opportunity to BILLING CODE 3410–15–P
another designated opportunity for comment on information collection and
public comment (in other words recordkeeping activities [see 5 CFR
objection issues must be based on 1320.8(d)]. This notice identifies DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
previously submitted specific written information collections that RUS is
comments except for issues that arose submitting to OMB for extension. [Docket No.: 150720626–5831–02]
after the opportunities for comment). Comments are invited on: (a) Whether
Please refer to 36 CFR 218. this collection of information is Privacy Act of 1974, Amended System
Comments received in response to necessary for the proper performance of of Records
this solicitation, including names and the functions of the agency, including AGENCY: National Oceanic and
addresses of those who comment, will whether the information will have Atmospheric Administration,
be part of the public record for this practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the Commerce.
proposed action. Comments submitted agency’s estimate of the burden of the ACTION: Notice of Proposed Amendment
anonymously will be accepted and collection of information including the to Privacy Act System of Records:
considered, however anonymous validity of the methodology and COMMERCE/NOAA–19, Permits and
comments will not provide the Agency assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance Registrations for United States Federally
with the ability to provide the the quality, utility, and clarity of the Regulated Fisheries.
respondent with subsequent information to be collected; and (d)
environmental documents and may ways to minimize the burden of the SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce
preclude their ability to object. collection of information on publishes this notice to announce the
Dated: September 8, 2015. respondents, including through the use effective date of a Privacy Act System of
David R. Myers, of appropriate automated, electronic, Records notice entitled Notice of
Forest Supervisor. mechanical or other technological Proposed Amendment to Privacy Act
collection techniques or other forms of System of Records: COMMERCE/
[FR Doc. 2015–23157 Filed 9–14–15; 8:45 am]
information technology. Comments may NOAA–19, Permits and Registrations for
BILLING CODE 3410–11–P
be sent to Thomas P. Dickson, Acting United States Federally Regulated
Director, Program Development and Fisheries.
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Regulatory Analysis, Rural Utilities DATES: The system of records becomes
Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, effective on September 15, 2015.
Rural Utilities Service STOP 1522, 1400 Independence Ave.
ADDRESSES: For a copy of the system of
SW., Washington, DC 20250–1522. (202)
records please mail requests to: Sarah
Information Collection Activity; 690–4492. Fax: (202) 720–8435.
Brabson, NOAA Office of the Chief
Comment Request Title: Request for Approval to Sell
Information Officer, Room 9856, 1315
Capital Assets.
Rural Utilities Service, USDA.
AGENCY: East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD
OMB Control Number: 0572–0020.
Notice and request for
ACTION: 20910.
Type of Request: Extension of a
comments. currently approved collection. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Erin
Abstract: A borrower’s assets provide Steiner, NOAA Fisheries, Northwest
SUMMARY: In accordance with the the security for a government loan. The Fisheries Science Center, FRAM
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 selling of assets reduces the security and Division, 2725 Montlake Boulevard
U.S.C. chapter 35, as amended), the increases the risk to the government. East, Seattle, WA 98112.
Rural Utilities Service, a Rural RUS Form 369 allows the borrower to SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On August
Development agency of the United seek agency permission to sell some of 7, 2015 (80 FR 47457), the Department
States Department of Agriculture invites
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
its assets. The form collects detailed of Commerce published a notice in the
comments on the following information information regarding the proposed Federal Register requesting comments
collections for which the Agency sales of a portion of the borrower’s on a proposed new Privacy Act System
intends to request approval from the systems. USDA Rural Development of Records notice entitled Notice of
Office of Management and Budget electric utility borrowers complete this Proposed Amendment to Privacy Act
(OMB). form to request USDA Rural System of Records: COMMERCE/
DATES: Comments on this notice must be Development approval in order to sell NOAA–19, Permits and Registrations for
received by November 16, 2015. capital assets when the fair market value United States Federally Regulated
VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:04 Sep 14, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\15SEN1.SGM 15SEN1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/80_FR_55501/page/5.svg)
Document Created: 2015-12-15 10:08:58
Document Modified: 2015-12-15 10:08:58
| 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 to prepare an environmental impact statement. | |
| Dates | Comments concerning this scope of the analysis must be received by October 15, 2015. The draft environmental impact statement is expected in December, 2015 and the final environmental impact statement is expected in May 2016. | |
| Contact | Heather McRae, Fuels Specialist, at (530) 964-3770 or [email protected], or Ann Glubczynski, Natural Resource Planner, at (530) 964-3717 or [email protected] | |
| FR Citation | 80 FR 55323 |
2025 Federal Register | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
USC | CFR | eCFR