80 FR 60706 - Notice of Planning Area Boundary Changes for Bureau of Land Management Resource Management Plans in Alaska; Amendment to Notices of Intent To Prepare Resource Management Plans for Central Yukon and Bering Sea-Western Interior Planning Areas and Associated Environmental Impact Statements
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Land Management Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 194 (October 7, 2015)
Bureau of Land Management
Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 194 (October 7, 2015)
| Page Range | 60706-60707 | |
| FR Document | 2015-25538 |
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 194 (Wednesday, October 7, 2015)] [Notices] [Pages 60706-60707] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2015-25538] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [15X LLAKF02000.L16100000. DS0000.LXSILCYK0000] Notice of Planning Area Boundary Changes for Bureau of Land Management Resource Management Plans in Alaska; Amendment to Notices of Intent To Prepare Resource Management Plans for Central Yukon and Bering Sea-Western Interior Planning Areas and Associated Environmental Impact Statements AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The administrative boundaries between the Anchorage District Office and Fairbanks District Office have been changed. The administrative boundary adjustments affect two ongoing Bureau of Land Management (BLM) planning efforts by shifting 2.8 million acres of the Central Yukon Planning Area, managed by the Fairbanks District Office, into the Bering Sea-Western Interior Planning Area, managed by the Anchorage District Office; and by removing three islands from the Bering Sea-Western Interior Planning Area. DATES: These boundary changes were effective on January 9, 2015. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bridget Psarianos or Serena Sweet, BLM Alaska State Office, 907-271-4208 and 907-271-4543, respectively. Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 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: On January 9, 2015, the BLM Director approved administrative boundary adjustments between the Fairbanks District Office and the Anchorage District Office. The primary purposes for these administrative boundary changes are to improve service to the public, and to improve coordination efforts with local, Federal, and State agencies, tribal governments, and Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) corporations. The changes create a contiguous management block of land in Western Alaska, facilitate better tribal consultation and coordination, and provide for improved landscape management planning for key habitats. The district offices conducted public outreach meetings with affected communities, ANCSA corporations, and other organizations and entities, and have received support for the proposed changes. The BLM issued notices of intent on June 14, 2013, and July 18, 2013, respectively, to prepare resource management plans (RMPs) for the Central Yukon and Bering Sea-Western Interior planning areas. The administrative boundary adjustments will shift 2.8 million acres of the Central Yukon Planning Area into the Bering Sea-Western Interior Planning Area. The 2.8 million-acre area of land is referred to as the ``Nulato Hills.'' The boundary adjustment transferred the eastern portion of the Nulato Hills, including all of those lands within the boundary of the NANA Corporation, an ANCSA corporation, from the Fairbanks District Office to the Anchorage Field Office. Three islands located off the coast of Alaska will also be removed from the Bering Sea-Western Interior Planning Area. Saint Lawrence Island is removed from the planning area as the few remaining acres of BLM-managed land have been selected by two ANCSA village corporations, effectively leaving no public lands for the BLM to manage. Saint Mathew Island is removed from the planning area because all of the lands on the island are managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and designated as ``Wilderness.'' Oil and gas development is prohibited on lands designated as Wilderness. Nunivak Island is also removed from the planning area. There are portions of the island that are not designated Wilderness and would be subject to BLM-administration of oil and gas leasing. However, these lands have a very low likelihood of oil and gas potential. Should future BLM oil and gas potential studies (or industry) indicate otherwise, oil and gas leasing would need to be found to be in the national interest and compatible with the purpose of the Nunivak Island National Wildlife Refuge. If this occurs, in compliance with the National Environmental Protection Act process, an amendment would be necessary for both the Bering Sea-Western Interior Resource Management Plan, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Yukon [[Page 60707]] Delta National Wildlife Refuge final Comprehensive Conservation Plan (1988). Authority: 43 CFR 1601.2. Ted A. Murphy, Associate State Director. [FR Doc. 2015-25538 Filed 10-6-15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-JA-P
![60706 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 194 / Wednesday, October 7, 2015 / Notices
204 of the Federal Land Policy and Dated: September 20, 2015. efforts with local, Federal, and State
Management Act of 1976, 43 U.S.C. Janice M. Schneider, agencies, tribal governments, and
1714, it is ordered as follows: Assistant Secretary—Land and Minerals Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act
1. Subject to valid existing rights, the Management. (ANCSA) corporations. The changes
following described public lands are [FR Doc. 2015–25541 Filed 10–6–15; 8:45 am] create a contiguous management block
hereby withdrawn from location and BILLING CODE 4310–33–P of land in Western Alaska, facilitate
entry under the United States mining better tribal consultation and
laws, but not from leasing under the coordination, and provide for improved
mineral or geothermal leasing laws, for DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR landscape management planning for key
a period of 20 years to protect the habitats. The district offices conducted
Bureau of Land Management public outreach meetings with affected
geological, cultural, botanical,
recreational, and biological resources communities, ANCSA corporations, and
[15X LLAKF02000.L16100000.
within the New River Area of Critical DS0000.LXSILCYK0000] other organizations and entities, and
Environmental Concern, including a have received support for the proposed
Federal investment of $2.8 million for Notice of Planning Area Boundary changes.
Changes for Bureau of Land The BLM issued notices of intent on
facilities and roads on the lands:
Management Resource Management June 14, 2013, and July 18, 2013,
Willamette Meridian Plans in Alaska; Amendment to respectively, to prepare resource
T. 29 S., R. 15 W., Notices of Intent To Prepare Resource management plans (RMPs) for the
Sec. 35, N1⁄2NE1⁄4NE1⁄4; Management Plans for Central Yukon Central Yukon and Bering Sea-Western
Sec. 36, lot 1, and NW1⁄4NW1⁄4; SAVING and Bering Sea-Western Interior Interior planning areas. The
AND EXCEPTING that part subject to the administrative boundary adjustments
right-of-way of Berg Road.
Planning Areas and Associated
Environmental Impact Statements will shift 2.8 million acres of the Central
T. 30 S., R. 15 W., Yukon Planning Area into the Bering
Sec. 2, W1⁄2SW1⁄4, and a portion of lots 3 AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Sea-Western Interior Planning Area. The
and 4 described as follows: Beginning at
a point on the north line of said sec. 2,
Interior. 2.8 million-acre area of land is referred
said point being 967.37 ft. westerly of the ACTION: Notice. to as the ‘‘Nulato Hills.’’ The boundary
north quarter corner of said sec. 2; adjustment transferred the eastern
thence S. 9°29′14″ W., 192.13 ft.; thence SUMMARY: The administrative portion of the Nulato Hills, including all
S. 30°54′ 40″ W., 270.93 ft.; thence N. boundaries between the Anchorage of those lands within the boundary of
83°13′00″ W., 594.73 ft.; thence S. 28° District Office and Fairbanks District the NANA Corporation, an ANCSA
19′14″ W., 190.01 ft.; thence S. 0°19′14″ Office have been changed. The corporation, from the Fairbanks District
W., 422 ft. more or less to the north bank administrative boundary adjustments Office to the Anchorage Field Office.
of Four Mile Creek; thence running affect two ongoing Bureau of Land Three islands located off the coast of
northwesterly along the north bank of Management (BLM) planning efforts by Alaska will also be removed from the
said creek to the north line of said sec.
shifting 2.8 million acres of the Central Bering Sea-Western Interior Planning
2; thence easterly along said north line
to a point, 1230 ft. more or less to the Yukon Planning Area, managed by the Area. Saint Lawrence Island is removed
point of beginning; Fairbanks District Office, into the Bering from the planning area as the few
Sec. 3, lots 3 and 4; Sea-Western Interior Planning Area, remaining acres of BLM-managed land
Sec. 10, lots 1 to 4, inclusive, E1⁄2NE1⁄4, and managed by the Anchorage District have been selected by two ANCSA
SW1⁄4SE1⁄4; Office; and by removing three islands village corporations, effectively leaving
Sec. 11, lots 3 to 7, inclusive, excluding an from the Bering Sea-Western Interior no public lands for the BLM to manage.
easement 20 feet wide along northerly Planning Area. Saint Mathew Island is removed from
and easterly boundary of lots 5 and 7; the planning area because all of the
Sec. 15, lots 1 to 4, inclusive, and DATES: These boundary changes were
effective on January 9, 2015. lands on the island are managed by the
NW1⁄4NE1⁄4;
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and
Sec. 21, lots 1 and 2; FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Sec. 22, lots 1 and 2, and NW1⁄4SW1⁄4;
designated as ‘‘Wilderness.’’ Oil and gas
Bridget Psarianos or Serena Sweet, BLM development is prohibited on lands
Sec. 28, lots 2, 3, and 4, and SE1⁄4NE1⁄4; Alaska State Office, 907–271–4208 and
Sec. 32, lot 1; designated as Wilderness. Nunivak
907–271–4543, respectively. Persons Island is also removed from the
Sec. 33, lot 2.
T. 31 S., R. 15 W.,
who use a telecommunications device planning area. There are portions of the
Sec. 7, lot 1; for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal island that are not designated
Sec. 8, lots 3, 4, 7, and 8. Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1– Wilderness and would be subject to
The areas described aggregate 1,140.82 800–877–8339 to contact the above BLM-administration of oil and gas
acres in Coos and Curry Counties. individual during normal business leasing. However, these lands have a
hours. The FIRS is available 24 hours a very low likelihood of oil and gas
2. The withdrawal made by this order day, 7 days a week, to leave a message potential. Should future BLM oil and
does not alter the applicability of the or question with the above individual. gas potential studies (or industry)
public land laws other than the mining You will receive a reply during normal indicate otherwise, oil and gas leasing
laws. business hours. would need to be found to be in the
3. This withdrawal will expire 20 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On national interest and compatible with
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
years from the effective date of this January 9, 2015, the BLM Director the purpose of the Nunivak Island
order, unless, as a result of a review approved administrative boundary National Wildlife Refuge. If this occurs,
conducted before the expiration date adjustments between the Fairbanks in compliance with the National
pursuant to Section 204(f) of the Federal District Office and the Anchorage Environmental Protection Act process,
Land Policy and Management Act of District Office. The primary purposes an amendment would be necessary for
1976, 43 U.S.C. 1714(f), the Secretary for these administrative boundary both the Bering Sea-Western Interior
determines that the withdrawal shall be changes are to improve service to the Resource Management Plan, and the
extended. public, and to improve coordination U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Yukon
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![Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 194 / Wednesday, October 7, 2015 / Notices 60707
Delta National Wildlife Refuge final Planner, at the above address, or by Area facilities for day use and allow the
Comprehensive Conservation Plan calling 406–654–5124. Persons who use BLM to collect fees to cover the
(1988). a telecommunications device for the additional administrative and
Authority: 43 CFR 1601.2. deaf (TDD) may call the Federal maintenance costs.
Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1– The Zortman Community and
Ted A. Murphy, 800–877–8339 to contact the above surrounding rural areas are trying to
Associate State Director. individual during normal business increase economic and recreational
[FR Doc. 2015–25538 Filed 10–6–15; 8:45 am] hours. The FIRS is available 24 hours a opportunities for local and regional
BILLING CODE 4310–JA–P day, 7 days a week, to leave a message populations by promoting the Little
or question with the above individual. Rocky Mountains area and surrounding
You will receive a reply during normal public lands south to the Missouri River
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR business hours. as a destination for eco-tourism groups
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: By this
and families. The BLM is committed to
Bureau of Land Management providing and receiving fair value for
Notice, the BLM Malta Field Office is
[LLMTM01000.L12320000.FV0000.LVRDMT proposing to collect an expanded the use of developed recreation facilities
110000XXX MO#4500080082] amenity fee for the rental of the Zortman and services in a manner that meets
Ranger Station and historic site and the public use demands, provides quality
Notice of Intent To Collect Fees at the Buffington Day Use Area. Proposed experiences, and protects important
Zortman Ranger Station and resources. In an effort to meet increasing
rental fees and day use fees would be
Buffington Day Use Area on Public demands for services and maintenance
identified and posted on the Malta Field
Land in Phillips County Near Zortman, of the existing historic structure, the
Office Web site, at the Malta Field
Montana BLM would collect fees to offset those
Office, and distributed in the local
ongoing costs. In September 1994, the
AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, media. Fees would be collected as
BLM completed the Record of Decision
Interior. outlined in the field office’s existing
(ROD) and Approved Phillips Resource
Camp Creek Campground, Montana
ACTION: Notice of intent. Area Resource Management Plan (RMP)
Gulch Campground, Buffington Day Use
which provides for the maintenance
SUMMARY: Pursuant to the Federal Lands Area, Zortman Ranger Station and
and/or enhancement of the recreational
Recreation Enhancement Act (REA), the Special Recreation Permits Business quality of BLM land and resources to
Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Plan. ensure enjoyable recreation experiences.
Malta Field Office, Malta, Montana, The Zortman Ranger Station, built in Collecting expanded amenity fees for
intends to collect fees at the Zortman 1905, was part of the Lewis and Clark the Zortman Ranger Station and
Ranger Station, a historic U.S. Forest National Forest until 1965 when Buffington Day Use Area would provide
Service Ranger Station now management of public lands in the area a reliable source of funding to ensure
administered by the BLM in Zortman, was transferred to the BLM. The site the long-term maintenance of these
Montana, and expand the amenity includes the four-room main building, a facilities for future recreational use. The
reservation fee at the Buffington Day storage shed and amphitheater which collection of user fees was also
Use Area at the Camp Creek Recreation was built for the Lewis and Clark addressed in the Business Plan,
Area. Bicentennial celebration. The main prepared pursuant to the REA and BLM
DATES: To ensure that comments will be
building is eligible for listing on the recreation fee program policy. This
considered, the BLM must receive National Register of Historic Places. In Business Plan establishes the rationale
written comments on the proposed 2013, the BLM partnered with the Forest for charging recreation fees. In
rental fees by November 6, 2015. Service’s historic preservation team to accordance with BLM recreation fee
Effective April 7, 2015, the BLM Malta repair the outside of the main building program policy, the Business Plan
Field Office will begin charging and landscape the yard to divert runoff explains the fee collection process and
expanded amenity fees for the which was undermining the foundation. outlines how the fees with be used
recreational rental of the Zortman The interior of the building has been within the Malta Field Office. The BLM
Ranger Station and reservation of inventoried and abated for asbestos and has notified and involved the public at
Buffington Day Use Area, unless the lead paint. The site also features an each stage of the public participation
BLM publishes a Federal Register amphitheater which is used for process addressed by REA, including
notice to the contrary. The Central interpretive presentations. the proposal to collect fees, through the
Montana Resource Advisory Council Buffington Day Use Area is located Central Montana Resource Advisory
reviewed these proposed fees in May within the Camp Creek Recreation Area Council and other public scoping
2014. just northeast of Zortman, Montana. avenues.
Buffington Day Use Area is utilized by Fee amounts will be posted on the
ADDRESSES: Comments may be mailed individuals and groups as a parking site BLM Malta Field Office Web site and at
or hand delivered to the BLM Malta for day hikes, family and group the Malta Field Office. Copies of the
Field Office, Attn: Field Manager, 501 gatherings such as picnics, reunions, Business Plan are available at the Malta
South 2nd Street East, Malta, MT 59538. church group outings and birthday Field Office and the BLM Montana State
You may also submit comments via parties. The BLM receives several Office.
email to BLM_MT_Malta_FO@blm.gov inquiries each year about reserving the Pursuant to the REA (16 U.S.C. 6801
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
or fax to 406–654–5150. Copies of the site for weddings and other large et seq.), the Secretary may establish,
fee proposal are available at the BLM gatherings. Since this site has never modify, charge and collect recreation
Malta Field Office, 501 South 2nd Street been designated as a fee area, use is on fees at Federal recreation lands and
East, Malta, MT 59538 or on-line at: a first come first serve basis and the waters. Specifically, pursuant to Section
http://www.blm.gov/mt/st/en/fo/malta_ facilities cannot be reserved for 6802(g)(2)(C) of the REA, the Secretary
field_office.html. exclusive use. Establishing the site as a may charge an expanded amenity
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: fee area will provide the opportunity for recreation fee, either in addition to a
Kathy Tribby, BLM Outdoor Recreation groups to reserve Buffington Day Use standard amenity fee, or by itself, for the
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Document Created: 2015-12-15 08:49:43
Document Modified: 2015-12-15 08:49:43
| 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. | |
| Dates | These boundary changes were effective on January 9, 2015. | |
| Contact | Bridget Psarianos or Serena Sweet, BLM Alaska State Office, 907-271-4208 and 907-271-4543, respectively. Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 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 60706 |
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