81_FR_37288 81 FR 37177 - Lincoln National Forest; New Mexico; Integrated Non-Native Invasive Plant Management

81 FR 37177 - Lincoln National Forest; New Mexico; Integrated Non-Native Invasive Plant Management

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 111 (June 9, 2016)

Page Range37177-37178
FR Document2016-13669

The Lincoln National Forest will prepare an environmental impact statement to document and disclose projected effects of its management strategy for treating non-native invasive plants (NNIP) across the Forest. This strategy utilizes several management tools, including registered herbicides, biological treatments (biological controls and controlled grazing), and manual and/or mechanical methods. The strategy is adaptive, allowing for the treatment of new NNIP infestations and use of new treatment options, including new herbicides.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 111 (Thursday, June 9, 2016) 
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 111 (Thursday, June 9, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 37177-37178]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-13669]


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Notices
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules 
or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings 
and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, 
delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency 
statements of organization and functions are examples of documents 
appearing in this section.

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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 111 / Thursday, June 9, 2016 / 
Notices

[[Page 37177]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Lincoln National Forest; New Mexico; Integrated Non-Native 
Invasive Plant Management

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Lincoln National Forest will prepare an environmental 
impact statement to document and disclose projected effects of its 
management strategy for treating non-native invasive plants (NNIP) 
across the Forest. This strategy utilizes several management tools, 
including registered herbicides, biological treatments (biological 
controls and controlled grazing), and manual and/or mechanical methods. 
The strategy is adaptive, allowing for the treatment of new NNIP 
infestations and use of new treatment options, including new 
herbicides.

DATES: Comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received 
by July 11, 2016. The draft environmental impact statement is expected 
February 2017 and the final environmental impact statement is expected 
August 2017.

ADDRESSES: Send written comments to the Aurora Roemmich, Integrated 
Non-Native Invasive Plant Management Project, Lincoln National Forest, 
3462 La Palomas Road, Alamogordo, NM 88310. Comments may also be sent 
via email to http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=31150, or via 
facsimile to (575) 434-7218. For email comments, go to the right-hand 
side ``Get Connected'', click ``Comment on Project'' to submit comments 
on this project.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jennie O'Connor Card, 
Interdisciplinary Team Leader at (406) 522-2537 or by email at 
[email protected] or Aurora Roemmich, Forest Botanist, 
Lincoln National Forest at (575) 434-7266 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:

Purpose and Need for Action

    Executive Order 13112, Forest Service Manual 2900, and Lincoln 
National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan), 
provide direction related to the management of invasive species. 
Executive Order 13112 directs Federal agencies to prevent and control 
invasive species and to minimize their economic, ecological, and human 
health impacts. The order provides for restoration of native species 
and habitat conditions in ecosystems that have been invaded by non-
native invasive species.
    A non-native invasive plant species is defined as any terrestrial 
or aquatic plant species occurring outside its natural range that is 
likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. 
If a native plant species is deemed a noxious weed by the New Mexico 
Department of Agriculture or another agency because it is likely to 
cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health, then the 
species would also be considered for treatment under this analysis and 
decision.
    The overall purpose of this project is to implement a management 
strategy that uses an integrated selection of techniques designed to 
prevent the introduction of and control the spread of non-native 
invasive plants (NNIP). A second purpose is to ensure that the strategy 
is adaptive, allowing for the treatment of new NNIP infestations and 
use of new treatment options, including new herbicides, because future 
NNIP management needs may be different. As such, there are underlying 
needs to:
    1. Utilize the most effective and economical strategies to treat 
NNIP while protecting valued resources to the greatest practical 
extent; and,
    2. Adapt management techniques to accommodate new NNIP infestations 
and treatment options, including new herbicides, within the scope of 
this analysis and resulting decision.

Proposed Action

    The proposed action presents a forest-wide integrated weed 
management (IWM) strategy, for the prevention, eradication, 
suppression, and reduction of existing and future non-native invasive 
plant infestations. The IWM strategy is based on ecological factors and 
includes consideration of site conditions, other resource values, 
resource uses, NNIP characteristics, and potential effectiveness of 
control measures for specific circumstances.
    The proposed action includes a wide range of treatment methods 
including options to use a combination of methods on the same site. It 
also was developed to minimize the risk of adverse impacts through 
resource protection measures. These resource protection measures are 
designed to minimize, avoid or mitigate adverse effects which could 
occur as a result of implementing proposed NNIP treatments on the 
Forest. The resource protection measures are based on Forest Plan 
direction and policy, best available science, and site-specific 
evaluations.
    Selection of the most appropriate treatment practice, or 
combination of treatments, depends on numerous factors, including the 
size of the infestation, risk of NNIP expansion, species biology, 
environmental setting, potential impacts to other resources, and 
management objectives. Treatment practices available for use would 
include manual, mechanical, biological, and chemical treatments. 
Chemical treatments include hand/selective and broadcast herbicide 
applications (including aerial application). Aerial herbicide 
application by helicopter could be used in selected locations of the 
Forest including designated wilderness areas. Aerial application 
provides a means to effectively treat infestations in isolated areas 
rapidly and efficiently, dramatically reducing the threat of further 
establishment or expansion.
    The project also includes an adaptive management strategy to 
determine treatment of identified and future NNIP infestations. This 
adaptive management strategy consists of two principle components: The 
ability to effectively treat new infestations as they are detected; 
and, the ability to incorporate new technology as it becomes available.

[[Page 37178]]

Forest Plan Amendment

    This project would require an amendment to the Lincoln National 
Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan). The project 
proposes use of herbicides in places and under conditions that were not 
foreseen when the existing Forest Plan standards and guidelines were 
developed in 1986. To meet the purpose and need for this project, it 
may be necessary to apply herbicide treatments to areas infested with 
non-native invasive plant species.
    This amendment would change forestwide standards and guidelines 
applicable to all areas for wildlife (pages 31-34), grazing management 
(page 35 and replacement page 35B), soil and water (pages 40-41), fire 
and protection (replacement page 55), all species (pages 205-206), 
Mexican spotted owl (replacement page 206A), peregrine falcon (page 
207), and northern goshawk (replacement page 208A and 208E). The 
amendment also would change standards and guidelines related to 
protection in management area 1C Capitan Mountains Wilderness 
(replacement page 62), management area 1F White Mountain Wilderness 
(replacement page 70), management area 1H RNA William G. Telfer 
Research Natural Area (page 77), and management area 3A RNA Upper 
McKittrick RNA (page 115). If adopted, this would be the eigthtennth 
amendment to the Forest Plan since its inception in 1986.

Responsible Official

    The Responsible Official for this project is the Lincoln National 
Forest, Forest Supervisor.

Nature of Decision To Be Made

    The Responsible Official will decide whether to adopt and implement 
the proposed action, an alternative to the proposed action, or take no 
action. The Responsible Official also will decide whether or not to 
amend the Forest Plan.

Scoping Process

    This notice of intent initiates the scoping process, which guides 
the development of the environmental impact statement. It is important 
that reviewers provide their comments at such times and in such a 
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 contentions.
    This proposed project is an activity implementing a land management 
plan and is subject to the objection process described in 36 CFR 218 
Subparts A and B. As such, individuals and organizations wishing to be 
eligible to file a predecisional objection must meet the information 
requirements in 36 CFR 218.25(a)(3). Names and contact information 
submitted with comments will become part of the public record and may 
be released under the Freedom of Information Act. Comments submitted 
anonymously will be accepted and considered, however.

    Dated: June 3, 2016.
Barry L. Imler,
Acting Forest Supervisor.
[FR Doc. 2016-13669 Filed 6-8-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3411-15-P

37177 Notices Federal Register Vol. 81, No. 111 Thursday, June 9, 2016 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER Lincoln National Forest at (575) 434– Proposed Action contains documents other than rules or 7266 or aurorarroemmich@fs.fed.us. proposed rules that are applicable to the The proposed action presents a forest- Individuals who use public. Notices of hearings and investigations, wide integrated weed management committee meetings, agency decisions and telecommunication devices for the deaf (IWM) strategy, for the prevention, rulings, delegations of authority, filing of (TDD) may call the Federal Information eradication, suppression, and reduction petitions and applications and agency Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–800–877–8339 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern of existing and future non-native statements of organization and functions are examples of documents appearing in this Time, Monday through Friday. invasive plant infestations. The IWM section. strategy is based on ecological factors SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: and includes consideration of site Purpose and Need for Action conditions, other resource values, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE resource uses, NNIP characteristics, and Executive Order 13112, Forest Service potential effectiveness of control Forest Service Manual 2900, and Lincoln National measures for specific circumstances. Forest Land and Resource Management The proposed action includes a wide Lincoln National Forest; New Mexico; Plan (Forest Plan), provide direction Integrated Non-Native Invasive Plant range of treatment methods including related to the management of invasive Management options to use a combination of methods species. Executive Order 13112 directs on the same site. It also was developed AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA. Federal agencies to prevent and control invasive species and to minimize their to minimize the risk of adverse impacts ACTION:Notice of intent to prepare an through resource protection measures. economic, ecological, and human health environmental impact statement. These resource protection measures are impacts. The order provides for restoration of native species and habitat designed to minimize, avoid or mitigate SUMMARY: The Lincoln National Forest adverse effects which could occur as a will prepare an environmental impact conditions in ecosystems that have been invaded by non-native invasive species. result of implementing proposed NNIP statement to document and disclose treatments on the Forest. The resource projected effects of its management A non-native invasive plant species is protection measures are based on Forest strategy for treating non-native invasive defined as any terrestrial or aquatic Plan direction and policy, best available plants (NNIP) across the Forest. This plant species occurring outside its strategy utilizes several management natural range that is likely to cause science, and site-specific evaluations. tools, including registered herbicides, economic or environmental harm or Selection of the most appropriate biological treatments (biological harm to human health. If a native plant treatment practice, or combination of controls and controlled grazing), and species is deemed a noxious weed by treatments, depends on numerous manual and/or mechanical methods. the New Mexico Department of factors, including the size of the The strategy is adaptive, allowing for Agriculture or another agency because it infestation, risk of NNIP expansion, the treatment of new NNIP infestations is likely to cause economic or species biology, environmental setting, and use of new treatment options, environmental harm or harm to human potential impacts to other resources, including new herbicides. health, then the species would also be and management objectives. Treatment DATES: Comments concerning the scope considered for treatment under this practices available for use would of the analysis must be received by July analysis and decision. include manual, mechanical, biological, 11, 2016. The draft environmental The overall purpose of this project is and chemical treatments. Chemical impact statement is expected February to implement a management strategy treatments include hand/selective and 2017 and the final environmental that uses an integrated selection of broadcast herbicide applications impact statement is expected August techniques designed to prevent the (including aerial application). Aerial 2017. introduction of and control the spread herbicide application by helicopter ADDRESSES: Send written comments to of non-native invasive plants (NNIP). A could be used in selected locations of the Aurora Roemmich, Integrated Non- second purpose is to ensure that the the Forest including designated Native Invasive Plant Management strategy is adaptive, allowing for the wilderness areas. Aerial application Project, Lincoln National Forest, 3462 treatment of new NNIP infestations and provides a means to effectively treat La Palomas Road, Alamogordo, NM use of new treatment options, including infestations in isolated areas rapidly and 88310. Comments may also be sent via new herbicides, because future NNIP efficiently, dramatically reducing the email to http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/ management needs may be different. As threat of further establishment or ?project=31150, or via facsimile to (575) such, there are underlying needs to: expansion. 434–7218. For email comments, go to 1. Utilize the most effective and The project also includes an adaptive the right-hand side ‘‘Get Connected’’, economical strategies to treat NNIP management strategy to determine sradovich on DSK3TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES click ‘‘Comment on Project’’ to submit while protecting valued resources to the treatment of identified and future NNIP comments on this project. greatest practical extent; and, infestations. This adaptive management FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 2. Adapt management techniques to strategy consists of two principle Jennie O’Connor Card, Interdisciplinary accommodate new NNIP infestations components: The ability to effectively Team Leader at (406) 522–2537 or by and treatment options, including new treat new infestations as they are email at jennieoconnorcard@fs.fed.us or herbicides, within the scope of this detected; and, the ability to incorporate Aurora Roemmich, Forest Botanist, analysis and resulting decision. new technology as it becomes available. 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37178 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 111 / Thursday, June 9, 2016 / Notices Forest Plan Amendment and is subject to the objection process protections under title IX of the This project would require an described in 36 CFR 218 Subparts A and Education Amendments of 1972 amendment to the Lincoln National B. As such, individuals and C. State Advisory Committees Forest Land and Resource Management organizations wishing to be eligible to • Status of State Advisory Plan (Forest Plan). The project proposes file a predecisional objection must meet Committees by the Chief of the use of herbicides in places and under the information requirements in 36 CFR Regional Programs Unit conditions that were not foreseen when 218.25(a)(3). Names and contact • Vote on Administrative Instruction the existing Forest Plan standards and information submitted with comments (5–9) governing the appointments of guidelines were developed in 1986. To will become part of the public record State Advisory Committee members meet the purpose and need for this and may be released under the Freedom • Appointment of members to project, it may be necessary to apply of Information Act. Comments Advisory Committees herbicide treatments to areas infested submitted anonymously will be • Nevada with non-native invasive plant species. accepted and considered, however. • Delaware This amendment would change Dated: June 3, 2016. • Vermont forestwide standards and guidelines Barry L. Imler, • New York applicable to all areas for wildlife (pages • Connecticut Acting Forest Supervisor. 31–34), grazing management (page 35 • Minnesota [FR Doc. 2016–13669 Filed 6–8–16; 8:45 am] and replacement page 35B), soil and • Presentation by the Chair of the BILLING CODE 3411–15–P Illinois Advisory Committee on water (pages 40–41), fire and protection (replacement page 55), all species (pages Environmental Justice 205–206), Mexican spotted owl a. Management and Operations (replacement page 206A), peregrine COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS • Staff Director’s Report falcon (page 207), and northern goshawk b. Status of USCCR Web site (replacement page 208A and 208E). The Sunshine Act Meeting Notice Transition amendment also would change AGENCY: United States Commission on D. Other standards and guidelines related to Civil Rights. II. Adjourn Meeting protection in management area 1C ACTION: Notice of Commission Business Dated: June 7, 2016. Capitan Mountains Wilderness Meeting. David Mussatt, (replacement page 62), management area Regional Programs Unit Chief, U.S. 1F White Mountain Wilderness DATES: Friday, June 17, 2016, at 12:30 Commission on Civil Rights. (replacement page 70), management area p.m. EST. [FR Doc. 2016–13802 Filed 6–7–16; 4:15 pm] 1H RNA William G. Telfer Research ADDRESSES: Place: National Place BILLING CODE 6335–01–P Natural Area (page 77), and Building, 1331 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., management area 3A RNA Upper 11th Floor, Suite 1150, Washington, DC McKittrick RNA (page 115). If adopted, 20245 (Entrance on F Street NW.). this would be the eigthtennth DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: amendment to the Forest Plan since its Gerson Gomez, Media Advisor at Submission for OMB Review; inception in 1986. telephone: (202) 376–8371 or email: Comment Request; Trade Adjustment Responsible Official publicaffairs@usccr.gov. Assistance for Firms Program; Form The Responsible Official for this SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This ED–840P Petition by a Firm for project is the Lincoln National Forest, business meeting is open to the public. Certification of Eligibility To Apply for Forest Supervisor. If you would like to listen to the Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms business meeting, please contact the Nature of Decision To Be Made The Department of Commerce will above for the call-in information. The Responsible Official will decide submit to the Office of Management and Persons with hearing impairments, whether to adopt and implement the Budget (OMB) for clearance the please contact the above for how to proposed action, an alternative to the following proposal for collection of access the Federal Relay Service for the proposed action, or take no action. The information under the provisions of the meeting. Responsible Official also will decide Hearing-impaired persons who will Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. whether or not to amend the Forest attend the briefing and require the Chapter 35). Plan. services of a sign language interpreter Agency: Economic Development should contact Pamela Dunston at (202) Administration (EDA). Scoping Process Title: Form ED–840P Petition by a 376–8105 or at signlanguage@usccr.gov This notice of intent initiates the at least seven business days before the Firm for Certification of Eligibility to scoping process, which guides the scheduled date of the meeting. Apply for Trade Adjustment Assistance development of the environmental for Firms. impact statement. It is important that Meeting Agenda OMB Control Number: 0610–0091. reviewers provide their comments at I. Business Meeting Form Number(s): ED–840P. such times and in such a manner that A. Approval of Agenda Type of Request: Regular submission. they are useful to the agency’s B. Program Planning Number of Respondents: 800 (500 preparation of the environmental impact • Discussion of proposed Concept petitions for certification and 300 sradovich on DSK3TPTVN1PROD with NOTICES statement. Therefore, comments should Papers for 2017 Statutory adjustment proposals). be provided prior to the close of the Enforcement Report Average Hours per Response: 128.2 comment period and should clearly • Discussion and vote on Commission hours (8.2 for petitions for certification articulate the reviewer’s concerns and Letter regarding guidance issued by and 120 for adjustment proposals). contentions. the Department of Education’s Burden Hours: 40,100 (4,100 for This proposed project is an activity Office for Civil Rights on petitions for certification and 36,000 for implementing a land management plan transgender students and their adjustment proposals). VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:50 Jun 08, 2016 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\09JNN1.SGM 09JNN1


Document Created: 2018-02-08 07:33:52
Document Modified: 2018-02-08 07:33:52
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
ActionNotice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement.
DatesComments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received by July 11, 2016. The draft environmental impact statement is expected February 2017 and the final environmental impact statement is expected August 2017.
ContactJennie O'Connor Card, Interdisciplinary Team Leader at (406) 522-2537 or by email at [email protected] or Aurora Roemmich, Forest Botanist, Lincoln National Forest at (575) 434-7266 or [email protected]
FR Citation81 FR 37177 
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