81 FR 12066 - Umatilla National Forest, North Fork John Day Ranger District; Oregon; Ten Cent Community Wildfire Protection Project
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 45 (March 8, 2016)
Forest Service
Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 45 (March 8, 2016)
| Page Range | 12066-12067 | |
| FR Document | 2016-04303 |
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 45 (Tuesday, March 8, 2016)] [Notices] [Pages 12066-12067] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2016-04303] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Umatilla National Forest, North Fork John Day Ranger District; Oregon; Ten Cent Community Wildfire Protection Project AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The USDA, Forest Service will prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to analyze impacts for fuels treatment in the Granite Creek Watershed of the North Fork John Day Ranger District of the Umatilla National Forest and the Whitman Ranger District of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. Scoping for the EIS was open for 30 days in July 2015 and numerous comments were received from the public. These comments were used to form the issues for the EIS. DATES: The draft environmental impact statement is expected to be available for public comment in May 2016 and the final environmental impact statement is expected to be completed in September 2016. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrew Stinchfield, North Fork John Day Ranger District, P.O. Box 158, Ukiah, OR 97880, (541) 427-3231. 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: Purpose and Need for Action The purpose and need of the Ten Cent Community Wildfire Protection Project is to provide a safer working environment for firefighters while improving probability of success in protecting life and property associated with the adjacent private lands in the event of a wildfire within or threatening the values at risk (VAR) in the Granite Zone as defined by the Grant County Community Wildfire Protection Plan. These values at risk include the cities of Granite and Greenhorn, scattered inholdings (intermix), and the ingress/egress routes from private lands. Modeled flame lengths across the planning area are currently around 4.6 feet, with some stands showing modeled flame lengths as high as 20 feet. Many of the stands within the analysis area are predicted to exhibit active crown fires as well. The desired condition would result in areas within the strategically placed Defensible Fuel Profile Zones (DFPZs) exhibiting flame lengths of less than 4 feet and reducing the probability of a wildfire burning through the crowns of live trees. Defensible Fuel Profile Zones are defined as linear paths through a forested area in which surface and canopy fuels have been altered but where significant overstory is retained to shade the surface fuels. Fires that exhibit flame lengths of less than 4 feet can generally be attacked at the head or flanks by firefighters using hand tools. Handline should be able to hold the fire within the line, and with ladder fuels removed the chance of the fire running into the live tree crowns is greatly reduced as well. Running crown fires lead to unpredictable ember generation (spotting) which can further threaten values at risk. Therefore, there is a need:To create a series of strategically placed DFPZs in order to modify the existing fuels to reduce potential fire behavior to low intensity and reduce the probability of crown fire and spotting. To enhance landscape resilience to future wildfires within the Granite Creek watershed. To maintain and enhance local communities and economies by providing a diversity of resource management activities, recreational opportunities, commodity outputs, and ecosystem services from public lands. The overall need for the Ten Cent Community Wildfire Protection Project is to modify the predicted fire behavior in the project area while also supporting local communities by providing goods and services. Proposed Action The Forest Service proposes the following actions within the project area to address the purpose and need for action. Multiple types of fuel reduction treatments would occur across these stands and would be designed to increase crown spacing and reduce surface fuels. These treatments would occur along the private land boundaries and extend up to 1.5 miles away from those boundaries, where indicated by predicted fire behavior. The goal would be to create a contiguous DFPZ along all private land borders within the project area. Strategic DFPZs would also be placed along roads and the forest stands within these zones would be treated a maximum of 500 feet from both sides of the road as necessary. The width of treatment would be dictated by current stand conditions as well as other resource management needs. The goal of these roadside treatments would be DFPZs that help facilitate safe evacuation of residents and recreationists in the event of a wildfire, slow the progress of a wildfire coming out of the Wilderness, and provide suppression forces a higher probability of successfully managing a wildfire using indirect or more direct suppression tactics. The proposed actions, with the exception of some prescribed burning, are within 1.5 miles of identified values at risk (cities of Granite and Greenhorn, private inholdings/structures, ingress and egress routes) with most of the treatments occurring within 0.25 miles of the values at risk. The area treated would include 8,137 acres of stands identified that currently support flame lengths greater than or equal to 4 feet and have a high potential for crown fire initiation. A total of 6,035 acres would be treated along egress routes within the project area. About 38,000 acres of prescribed fire is proposed across the watershed including a maximum of about 9,500 acres located in the NFJD Wilderness. Possible Alternatives The Forest Service developed 4 alternatives in response to issues raised by the public: Alternative 1--No Action Alternative 2--Proposed Action [[Page 12067]] Alternative 3--First Alternative to the Proposed Action Alternative 4--Second Alternative to the Proposed Action Responsible Official Ian Reid, District Ranger, North Fork John Day Ranger District will be the responsible official for making the decision and providing direction for the analysis. Nature of Decision To Be Made The responsible official will decide whether or not to authorize the proposal. Preliminary Issues The Forest Service has identified seven issues from previous scoping: Issue 1: Large scale landscape burning may have a negative impact on air quality. Issue 2: The prescribed fire treatment proposed in Moist and Cold upland forests (UF) is not appropriate for these Potential Vegetation Groups (PVGs) and associated biophysical environments. These PVGs historically burned at mixed (primarily Moist UF) and high (primarily Cold UF and some Moist UF) severity at the hottest and driest time of the year. Impacts of prescribed burning in the late summer and fall to Moist and Cold UF stands would not be characteristic of these PVGs; as a result, impacts to nutrient cycling, dead wood recruitment, vegetative succession, wildlife species, etc., would also be uncharacteristic. Issue 3: Prescribed fire treatments in the Wilderness may have a negative impact on Wilderness characteristics. Issue 4: Mechanical treatments need to be prescribed in a manner which maximizes economic benefits. Issue 5: Some proposed treatments may be a threat to forest investments such as white pine plantations and Subalpine fir stands. Issue 6: Treatment under the Proposed Action would impact the quality of forested stands that provide connectivity between late and old structure and Forest Plan designated old growth habitat at the analysis area and larger landscape scale; treated (mechanical and prescribed fire) connectivity habitat would not meet Forest Plan standards following implementation. The treatment activities would affect the ability of wildlife to move freely between late and old structure and designated old growth stands, and may ultimately impact population levels and the viability of species dependent on old forest habitat. ADDRESSES: Andrew Stinchfield, Project Manager, P.O. Box 158, Ukiah, OR 97880. Dated: February 22, 2016. Ian Reid, District Ranger. [FR Doc. 2016-04303 Filed 3-7-16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-11-P
![12066 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 45 / Tuesday, March 8, 2016 / Notices
ACTION: Notice of intent to cancel Day Ranger District, P.O. Box 158, opportunities, commodity outputs, and
preparation of a supplemental Ukiah, OR 97880, (541) 427–3231. ecosystem services from public lands.
environmental impact statement. Individuals who use The overall need for the Ten Cent
telecommunication devices for the deaf Community Wildfire Protection Project
SUMMARY: On August 6, 2014, the USDA (TDD) may call the Federal Information is to modify the predicted fire behavior
Forest Service published a Notice of Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–800–877–8339 in the project area while also supporting
Intent in the Federal Register (Vol. 79, between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern local communities by providing goods
No. 151, page 45761) to prepare a Time, Monday through Friday. and services.
Supplement to the Snow Basin SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Vegetation Management Project Final Proposed Action
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Purpose and Need for Action
The Forest Service proposes the
to address the environmental impact of The purpose and need of the Ten Cent following actions within the project area
the project on elk and elk habitat. The Community Wildfire Protection Project to address the purpose and need for
USDA Forest Service no longer intends is to provide a safer working action. Multiple types of fuel reduction
to prepare the Supplement and the environment for firefighters while treatments would occur across these
project has been cancelled. improving probability of success in stands and would be designed to
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dea protecting life and property associated increase crown spacing and reduce
Nelson, Environmental Coordinator, with the adjacent private lands in the surface fuels. These treatments would
Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, event of a wildfire within or threatening occur along the private land boundaries
1550 Dewey, Suite A, Baker City, OR the values at risk (VAR) in the Granite and extend up to 1.5 miles away from
97814; or, 541–523–1216; or, Zone as defined by the Grant County those boundaries, where indicated by
dnelson09@fs.fed.us. Community Wildfire Protection Plan. predicted fire behavior. The goal would
Individuals who use These values at risk include the cities of be to create a contiguous DFPZ along all
telecommunication devices for the deaf Granite and Greenhorn, scattered private land borders within the project
(TDD) may call the Federal Information inholdings (intermix), and the ingress/ area. Strategic DFPZs would also be
Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–800–877–8339 egress routes from private lands. placed along roads and the forest stands
between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern Modeled flame lengths across the within these zones would be treated a
Time, Monday through Friday. planning area are currently around 4.6 maximum of 500 feet from both sides of
feet, with some stands showing modeled the road as necessary. The width of
Thomas Montoya,
flame lengths as high as 20 feet. Many treatment would be dictated by current
Forest Supervisor. of the stands within the analysis area
[FR Doc. 2016–05090 Filed 3–7–16; 8:45 am] stand conditions as well as other
are predicted to exhibit active crown resource management needs. The goal of
BILLING CODE 3410–11–P fires as well. these roadside treatments would be
The desired condition would result in
DFPZs that help facilitate safe
areas within the strategically placed
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE evacuation of residents and
Defensible Fuel Profile Zones (DFPZs)
recreationists in the event of a wildfire,
exhibiting flame lengths of less than 4
Forest Service slow the progress of a wildfire coming
feet and reducing the probability of a
out of the Wilderness, and provide
Umatilla National Forest, North Fork wildfire burning through the crowns of
suppression forces a higher probability
John Day Ranger District; Oregon; Ten live trees. Defensible Fuel Profile Zones
of successfully managing a wildfire
Cent Community Wildfire Protection are defined as linear paths through a
using indirect or more direct
Project forested area in which surface and
suppression tactics. The proposed
canopy fuels have been altered but
AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA. actions, with the exception of some
where significant overstory is retained
ACTION:Notice of intent to prepare an prescribed burning, are within 1.5 miles
to shade the surface fuels. Fires that
environmental impact statement. of identified values at risk (cities of
exhibit flame lengths of less than 4 feet
Granite and Greenhorn, private
can generally be attacked at the head or
SUMMARY: The USDA, Forest Service inholdings/structures, ingress and
flanks by firefighters using hand tools.
will prepare an Environmental Impact egress routes) with most of the
Handline should be able to hold the fire
Statement (EIS) to analyze impacts for treatments occurring within 0.25 miles
within the line, and with ladder fuels
fuels treatment in the Granite Creek of the values at risk. The area treated
removed the chance of the fire running
Watershed of the North Fork John Day would include 8,137 acres of stands
into the live tree crowns is greatly
Ranger District of the Umatilla National identified that currently support flame
reduced as well. Running crown fires
Forest and the Whitman Ranger District lengths greater than or equal to 4 feet
lead to unpredictable ember generation
of the Wallowa-Whitman National and have a high potential for crown fire
(spotting) which can further threaten
Forest. initiation. A total of 6,035 acres would
Scoping for the EIS was open for 30 values at risk.
be treated along egress routes within the
Therefore, there is a need:
days in July 2015 and numerous • To create a series of strategically project area. About 38,000 acres of
comments were received from the placed DFPZs in order to modify the prescribed fire is proposed across the
public. These comments were used to existing fuels to reduce potential fire watershed including a maximum of
form the issues for the EIS. about 9,500 acres located in the NFJD
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
behavior to low intensity and reduce the
DATES: The draft environmental impact probability of crown fire and spotting. Wilderness.
statement is expected to be available for • To enhance landscape resilience to Possible Alternatives
public comment in May 2016 and the future wildfires within the Granite
final environmental impact statement is Creek watershed. The Forest Service developed 4
expected to be completed in September • To maintain and enhance local alternatives in response to issues raised
2016. communities and economies by by the public:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: providing a diversity of resource • Alternative 1—No Action
Andrew Stinchfield, North Fork John management activities, recreational • Alternative 2—Proposed Action
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![Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 45 / Tuesday, March 8, 2016 / Notices 12067
• Alternative 3—First Alternative to the ADDRESSES: Andrew Stinchfield, Project Estimated Number of Responses per
Proposed Action Manager, P.O. Box 158, Ukiah, OR Respondent: 6.6.
• Alternative 4—Second Alternative to 97880. Estimated Number of Responses: 400.
the Proposed Action Estimated Total Annual Burden on
Dated: February 22, 2016.
Respondents: 575 hours.
Responsible Official Ian Reid, Copies of this information collection
District Ranger. can be obtained from Jeanne Jacobs,
Ian Reid, District Ranger, North Fork
[FR Doc. 2016–04303 Filed 3–7–16; 8:45 am] Regulations and Paperwork
John Day Ranger District will be the
responsible official for making the BILLING CODE 3410–11–P Management Branch, Support Services
decision and providing direction for the Division at (202) 692–0040.
analysis. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Comments
Nature of Decision To Be Made Comments are invited on: (a) Whether
Rural Business-Cooperative Service the proposed collection of information
The responsible official will decide
Notice of Request for Extension of a is necessary for the proper performance
whether or not to authorize the
Currently Approved Information of the functions of the Rural Business-
proposal.
Collection Cooperative Service, including whether
Preliminary Issues the information will have practical
AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative utility; (b) the accuracy of the Rural
The Forest Service has identified Service, USDA. Business-Cooperative Service’s estimate
seven issues from previous scoping:
ACTION: Proposed collection; Comments of the burden of the proposed collection
• Issue 1: Large scale landscape requested. of information including validity of the
burning may have a negative impact on methodology and assumptions used; (c)
air quality. SUMMARY: In accordance with the ways to enhance the quality, utility and
• Issue 2: The prescribed fire Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this clarity of the information to be
treatment proposed in Moist and Cold notice announces the Rural Business- collected; and (d) ways to minimize the
upland forests (UF) is not appropriate Cooperative Service’s intention to burden of the collection of information
for these Potential Vegetation Groups request an extension for a currently on those who are to respond, including
(PVGs) and associated biophysical approved information collection in through the use of appropriate
environments. These PVGs historically support of the program for 7 CFR part automated, electronic, mechanical, or
burned at mixed (primarily Moist UF) 4284, subpart F. More specifically, 310B other technological collection
and high (primarily Cold UF and some (e) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural techniques or other forms of information
Moist UF) severity at the hottest and Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932). technology.
driest time of the year. Impacts of DATES: Comments on this notice must be Comments may be sent to Jeanne
prescribed burning in the late summer received by May 9, 2016 to be assured Jacobs, Regulations and Paperwork
and fall to Moist and Cold UF stands of consideration. Management Branch, Support Services
would not be characteristic of these FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Division, U.S. Department of
PVGs; as a result, impacts to nutrient Deputy Administrator, Cooperative Agriculture, Rural Development, STOP
cycling, dead wood recruitment, Programs, U.S. Department of 0742, 1400 Independence Avenue SW.,
vegetative succession, wildlife species, Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue Washington, DC 20250–0742.
etc., would also be uncharacteristic. SW., STOP 3250, Washington, DC All responses to this notice will be
• Issue 3: Prescribed fire treatments 20250, Telephone: 202–720–7558. summarized and included in the request
in the Wilderness may have a negative SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: for OMB approval. All comments will
impact on Wilderness characteristics. Title: Socially Disadvantaged Groups also become a matter of public record.
• Issue 4: Mechanical treatments need Grant. Dated: February 25, 2016.
to be prescribed in a manner which OMB Number: 0570–0052. William C. Smith,
maximizes economic benefits. Expiration Date of Approval: August
31, 2016. Acting Administrator, Rural Business-
• Issue 5: Some proposed treatments Cooperative Service.
Type of Request: Extension of a
may be a threat to forest investments [FR Doc. 2016–05057 Filed 3–7–16; 8:45 am]
currently approved information
such as white pine plantations and
collection. BILLING CODE 3410–XY–P
Subalpine fir stands. Abstract: The purpose of this
• Issue 6: Treatment under the information collection is to obtain
Proposed Action would impact the information necessary to evaluate grant DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
quality of forested stands that provide applications to determine the eligibility
connectivity between late and old Rural Business-Cooperative Service
of the applicant and the project for the
structure and Forest Plan designated old program and to qualitatively assess the
growth habitat at the analysis area and Notice of Request for Extension of a
project to determine which projects Currently Approved Information
larger landscape scale; treated should be funded.
(mechanical and prescribed fire) Collection
Estimate of Burden: Public reporting
connectivity habitat would not meet
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
burden for this collection of information AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative
Forest Plan standards following is estimated to average 1.4 hours per Service.
implementation. The treatment response. ACTION: Proposed collection; Comments
activities would affect the ability of Respondents: Provide technical requested.
wildlife to move freely between late and assistance to socially-disadvantaged
old structure and designated old growth groups through eligible cooperatives SUMMARY: In accordance with the
stands, and may ultimately impact and cooperative development centers. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this
population levels and the viability of Estimated Number of Respondents: notice announces the Rural Business-
species dependent on old forest habitat. 60. Cooperative Service’s (RBS) intention to
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Document Created: 2018-02-02 15:09:51
Document Modified: 2018-02-02 15:09:51
| 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 | The draft environmental impact statement is expected to be available for public comment in May 2016 and the final environmental impact statement is expected to be completed in September 2016. | |
| Contact | Andrew Stinchfield, North Fork John Day Ranger District, P.O. Box 158, Ukiah, OR 97880, (541) 427-3231. | |
| FR Citation | 81 FR 12066 |
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