80 FR 59727 - Idaho Roadless Area Boundary Modification; Caribou-Targhee National Forest

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 191 (October 2, 2015)

The Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is modifying the boundary of the West Mink Idaho Roadless Area on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest to relocate and expand the Gibson Jack Trailhead and also to incorporate the area bordering another trail that was previously excluded from the Roadless Area. These modifications are pursuant to 36 CFR 294.27(b).

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 191 (Friday, October 2, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Page 59727]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-25136]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Idaho Roadless Area Boundary Modification; Caribou-Targhee 
National Forest

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of final Idaho Roadless Area boundary modification.

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SUMMARY: The Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is 
modifying the boundary of the West Mink Idaho Roadless Area on the 
Caribou-Targhee National Forest to relocate and expand the Gibson Jack 
Trailhead and also to incorporate the area bordering another trail that 
was previously excluded from the Roadless Area. These modifications are 
pursuant to 36 CFR 294.27(b).

DATES: These modifications are effective October 2, 2015.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Idaho Roadless Coordinator Anne Davy 
at (406) 329-3314. Additional information concerning this modification, 
including the corrected map, may be obtained on the Internet at http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/roadless/idahoroadlessrule/?cid=stelprdb5382399. 
Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) may 
call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 
between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through 
Friday.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The following modification changes the 
boundary of the West Mink Idaho Roadless area. Approximately 11.4 acres 
are removed from the West Mink Roadless Area allow for the relocation 
and expansion of the Gibson Jack Trailhead. This modification also adds 
18 acres to the Roadless Area by incorporating an area (or ``cherry 
stem'') that was originally carved out of the Roadless Area. This 18 
acre area follows a closed Forest Service road that has since been 
converted to a motorized trail. These boundary modifications result in 
a net increase of 6.6 acres.
    The Idaho Roadless Rule authorizes modifications to the maps of 
lands identified in 36 CFRSec.  294.22(c), including but not limited 
to, additions, removals, or modifications of the designations and 
management classifications listed in 36 CFRSec.  294.29 based on 
changed circumstances or public need. The Chief of the Forest Service 
may issue modifications after a 45-day public notice and opportunity to 
comment.
    The Forest Service published notice of the proposed boundary 
modification in the Federal Register on July 8, 2015 for a 45-day 
public comment period. The Forest Service presented the modifications 
to the State of Idaho's Roadless Rule Advisory Commission on June 28, 
2012 and the Governor of Idaho recommended the Forest Service proceed 
with the modification on August 29, 2013.

Consideration of Comments

    The Forest Service received one comment on the proposed boundary 
modification. The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation supported 
the proposed modification because it would result in a net gain to the 
roadless area and would improve parking at the Gibson Jack trailhead.

Modifications to Relocate and Expand the Gibson Jack Trailhead

    West Mink Idaho Roadless Area #151. Approximately 11.4 acres are 
removed from the roadless area to allow for the construction of a new 
trailhead that will improve public access and safety for trail users, 
meet recreation demand, and improved the area's manageability for the 
Caribou-Targhee. In addition, 18.0 acres are added to the roadless area 
by incorporating a Forest Service trail into the roadless area. These 
changes result in a 6.6-acre increase in backcountry restoration-themed 
acres.

    Dated: September 28, 2015
Thomas L. Tidwell
Chief, Forest Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-25136 Filed 10-1-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3411-15-P