81_FR_42767 81 FR 42641 - Revision of Land and Resource Management Plan for the Santa Fe National Forest; Counties of Los Alamos, Mora, Rio Arriba, Sandoval, San Miguel, Santa Fe, and Taos, New Mexico

81 FR 42641 - Revision of Land and Resource Management Plan for the Santa Fe National Forest; Counties of Los Alamos, Mora, Rio Arriba, Sandoval, San Miguel, Santa Fe, and Taos, New Mexico

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 126 (June 30, 2016)

Page Range42641-42644
FR Document2016-15525

The Forest Service is revising the Land and Resource Management Plan (hereafter referred to as the forest plan) for the Santa Fe National Forest. This notice describes the documents (assessment report, summaries of public meetings, preliminary needs-to- change statements) currently available for review and how to obtain them; summarizes the needs to change to the existing forest plan; provides information concerning public participation and engagement, including the process for submitting comments; provides an estimated schedule for the planning process, including the time available for comments, and includes the names and addresses of agency contacts who can provide additional information.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 126 (Thursday, June 30, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 126 (Thursday, June 30, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 42641-42644]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-15525]



[[Page 42641]]

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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Revision of Land and Resource Management Plan for the Santa Fe 
National Forest; Counties of Los Alamos, Mora, Rio Arriba, Sandoval, 
San Miguel, Santa Fe, and Taos, New Mexico

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of Intent to revise the Santa Fe National Forest Land 
and Resource Management Plan and to prepare an associated Environmental 
Impact Statement (EIS).

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SUMMARY: The Forest Service is revising the Land and Resource 
Management Plan (hereafter referred to as the forest plan) for the 
Santa Fe National Forest. This notice describes the documents 
(assessment report, summaries of public meetings, preliminary needs-to-
change statements) currently available for review and how to obtain 
them; summarizes the needs to change to the existing forest plan; 
provides information concerning public participation and engagement, 
including the process for submitting comments; provides an estimated 
schedule for the planning process, including the time available for 
comments, and includes the names and addresses of agency contacts who 
can provide additional information.

DATES: Comments concerning the Needs for Change and Proposed Action 
provided in this notice will be most useful in the development of the 
revised forest plan and draft EIS if received by August 5, 2016. The 
agency expects to release a draft revised forest plan and draft EIS by 
summer, 2017 and a final revised forest plan and final EIS by fall, 
2018.

ADDRESSES: Written correspondence can be sent to: Santa Fe National 
Forest, Attn: Forest Plan, 11 Forest Lane, Santa Fe, NM 87508, or 
emailed to [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jennifer Cramer, Forest Planner, Santa 
Fe National Forest, 11 Forest Lane, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87508. More 
information on our forest plan revision process can be found on our Web 
site at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/santafeforestplan. If you have questions 
or would like to sign-up for our mailing list, you can email 
[email protected] or call our Forest Plan Revision number: 
505-438-5442. 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 National Forest Management Act (NFMA) of 
1976 requires that every National Forest System (NFS) unit develop a 
forest plan. On April 9, 2012, the Forest Service finalized its land 
management planning rule (2012 Planning Rule, 36 CFR 219), which 
describes requirements for the planning process and the content of the 
forest plans. Forest plans describe the strategic direction for 
management of forest resources for ten to fifteen years, and are 
adaptive and amendable as conditions change over time. Under the 2012 
Planning Rule, the assessment of ecological, social, and economic 
conditions and trends is the first stage of the planning process (36 
CFR 219.6). The second stage, formal plan revision, involves the 
development of our forest plan in conjunction with the preparation of 
an Environmental Impact Statement under the NEPA. The third stage of 
the process is monitoring and feedback, which is ongoing over the life 
of the revised forest plans.
    The Santa Fe National Forest has completed its assessment pursuant 
to 2012 Forest Planning Rule. The assessment was developed with public 
participation and includes an evaluation of existing information about 
relevant ecological, economic, cultural and social conditions, trends, 
and sustainability and their relationship to forest plans within the 
context of the broader landscape. The intent of the Santa Fe National 
Forest is that this information builds a common understanding prior to 
entering formal plan revision. With this notice, the Santa Fe National 
Forest is initiating formal plan revision and invites other 
governments, non-governmental parties, and the public to contribute. 
The intent of public engagement is to inform development of the plan 
revision. We encourage contributors to share material that may be 
relevant to the planning process, including desired conditions for the 
Santa Fe National Forest. As we develop public engagement opportunities 
to assist with the plan revision phase, public announcements will be 
made and information will be posted on the Forest's Web site: 
www.fs.usda.gov/goto/santafeforestplan. If you would like to contribute 
to the process or for more information, please call 505-438-5442, email 
[email protected], or contact Jennifer Cramer, Forest 
Planner, Santa Fe National Forest, 505-438-5449.

Name and Address of the Responsible Official

    The Responsible Official for the revision of the forest plan for 
the Santa Fe National Forest is Maria T. Garcia, Forest Supervisor, 
Santa Fe National Forest, 11 Forest Lane, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87508.

Nature of the Decision To Be Made

    The Santa Fe National Forest is proposing to revise the existing 
forest plan and is preparing an EIS to inform the Forest Supervisor so 
she can decide which alternative best maintains and restores National 
Forest System terrestrial and aquatic resources while providing 
ecosystem services and multiple uses, as required by the National 
Forest Management Act and the Multiple Use Sustained Yield Act.
    The revised forest plan will describe the strategic intent of 
managing the Santa Fe National Forest for the next 10 to 15 years and 
will address the identified needs for change to the existing forest 
plan. The revised forest plan will provide management direction in the 
form of desired conditions, objectives, standards, guidelines, and 
suitability of lands. It will identify delineation of new management 
areas and potentially geographic areas across the Forest; identify the 
timber sale program quantity; make recommendations to Congress for 
Wilderness designation; and list rivers and streams eligible for 
inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The revised 
forest plan will also provide a description of the plan area's 
distinctive roles and contributions within the broader landscape, 
identify watersheds that are a priority for maintenance or restoration, 
include a monitoring program, and contain information reflecting 
expected possible actions over the life of the forest plan.
    The revised forest plan will represent decisions that are strategic 
in nature, but will not make site-specific project decisions and will 
not dictate day-to-day administrative activities needed to carry on the 
Forest Service's internal operations. The authorization of project 
level activities will be based on the guidance/direction contained in 
the revised forest plan, but will occur through subsequent project 
specific NEPA analysis and decision-making.
    The revised forest plan will provide broad, strategic guidance that 
is consistent with other laws and regulations. Though strategic 
guidance will be provided, no decisions will be made regarding the 
management of individual roads or trails, such as those might be 
associated with a Travel

[[Page 42642]]

Management plan under 36 CFR part 212. Some issues (e.g., hunting 
regulations), although important, are beyond the authority or control 
of the National Forest System and will not be considered. No decision 
regarding oil and gas leasing availability will be made, though plan 
components may be brought forward or developed that will help guide the 
development of oil & gas leasing decisions that might be necessary in 
the future.

Purpose and Need (Needs for Change) and Proposed Action

    According to the National Forest Management Act, forest plans are 
to be revised every 10 to 15 years. The proposed action is to revise 
the forest plan to address the identified needs for change to the 
existing forest plan. Alternatives to the proposed action will be 
developed to address significant issues identified through scoping.
    The purpose and need for revising the current forest plan are to: 
(1) Update the forest plan which was approved in 1987 and is over 29 
years old, (2) reflect changes in economic, social, and ecological 
conditions, new policies and priorities, and new information based on 
monitoring and scientific research, and (3) address the preliminary 
identified needs for change to the existing forest plan, which are 
summarized below. Extensive public and interdisciplinary team 
involvement, along with science-based evaluations, have helped to 
identify these preliminary needs for change to the existing forest 
plan.
    What follows is a summary of the preliminary identified needs for 
change to the existing forest plan. A more fully developed description 
of the preliminary needs for change, which has been organized into 
several resource and management topic sections, is available for review 
on the plan revision Web site at: www.fs.usda.gov/goto/santafeforestplan.
    The Santa Fe National Forest has identified twelve focus areas, the 
first topics presented below, that have the greatest needs for new or 
different plan direction. Needs for change for additional resources 
follow and represent additional cases where changes are needed in plan 
direction. Overall, there is a need for plan direction that is 
strategic and identifies desired conditions with objectives for how 
resources should be managed; eliminates redundancies with existing 
laws, regulations and policy; removes requirements to prepare 
additional resource plans; and that incorporates the best available 
scientific information (BASI) into all plan components.
    Monitoring. Monitoring is a critical element of adaptive 
management, and the plan monitoring program needs to be focused to be 
effective. Monitoring questions that are relevant to plan components 
including desired conditions, standards, guidelines, suitability and 
other strategic goals of the revised forest plan are needed. In 
addition, monitoring at appropriate scales is needed, including 
monitoring beyond the Santa Fe National Forest boundary to compare 
resources on the forest with their status on a larger context scale or 
even between neighboring forests.
    Relationships & Partners. Relationships and effective partnerships 
are key to the successful implementation of the forest plan that will 
protect the land and serve the people. Management approaches are needed 
to both streamline the processes that leverage partners and volunteers 
and build stronger relationships with the public, including but not 
limited to state and federal agencies, cities and counties, tribal 
governments, recreational and forest user groups, environmental groups, 
land grant communities and other traditional communities, local 
communities, youth, and vendors. Management approaches are also needed 
that will emphasize public education regarding the Santa Fe National 
Forest's diverse ecological, social, and economic resources, the 
multiple-use philosophy, public laws and regulations, and management 
strategies.
    Frequent Fire (Low Severity) Systems. Fire exclusion and past 
management activities have limited frequent, low-severity wildfires on 
the landscape. Wildfire atypical of historic fire regimes has resulted 
from higher densities of trees, increased fuel loadings, and altered 
species composition from mature, fire-tolerant species toward shade-
tolerant, less fire-resistant species. There is a need for plan 
direction that recognizes the natural processes of fire and its use as 
a management tool for vegetation types on the Santa Fe National Forest 
and that supports integrated resource objectives.
    Grass Cover. Grassland, woodland and shrubland have significantly 
less grass cover and productivity as a result of legacy (historical) 
grazing from livestock, wildlife grazing, roads, and the exclusion of 
wildfire. This lack of cover contributes to reduced water infiltration, 
accelerated erosion and declining soil productivity, especially during 
periods of drought and contributes to a cycle that continues to reduce 
vegetative cover. In addition, native grasses on much of the landscape 
have been replaced with non-native and/or invasive species and are not 
as effective in the prevention of erosion or as productive for forage. 
There is a need for desired conditions and standards and guidelines 
that allow for the restoration, conservation, and maintenance of grass 
productivity and diversity, emphasizing native grasses. Desired 
conditions that limit and reverse woody species encroachment into 
grasslands and infill of shrublands, woodlands, and forested systems 
are also needed.
    Riparian Ecosystems. Riparian systems have been degraded and are at 
risk across the forest. A variety of land uses (e.g., roads, grazing, 
recreation), increased water demand (water withdrawal) and climatic 
changes (e.g., long-term drought) have deteriorated these systems. 
There is a need for desired conditions to restore or maintain 
characteristic composition and cover of riparian vegetation. There is a 
need for standards and guidelines that minimize the ecological impacts 
of multiple uses in riparian areas, and a recognition of their reliance 
on upland ecological health.
    Restoration of Ecosystem Resiliency. Resiliency is the ability of 
an ecosystem to regain structure, composition, and function following 
disturbance on a time span that is consistent with the dynamics of the 
ecosystem. There is a need for plan direction that recognizes the 
interdependence of resources, provides for management areas that 
reflect natural features and/or ecological boundaries, incorporates 
adaptive management components to better respond to changing 
environmental conditions, and support an all-lands approach of working 
with neighboring land managers to implement projects that improve 
landscape connectivity across mixed ownerships where natural systems 
span multiple administrative boundaries. In addition, desired 
conditions are needed that promote natural disturbance processes that 
sustain forest carbon sequestration and emphasize silvicultural 
practices of uneven-aged management, and standards and guidelines that 
limit non-native species while encouraging native species.
    Water. Both natural and human-caused disturbances have degraded 
water quality and quantity. As population around the Santa Fe National 
Forest increases, the lack of surface water will place a greater demand 
on groundwater resources which may further deplete surface flows both 
on and off the forest. There is a need for plan direction to protect 
stream channels, hydrological function and

[[Page 42643]]

condition of water-dependent systems by maintaining and restoring 
upland and riparian vegetative cover and reducing erosion and 
sedimentation from disturbed sites (e.g., reclaiming roads) where 
feasible. There is also a need for plan direction which provides for 
sustainable groundwater-dependent ecosystems (e.g., seeps and springs, 
fens, and wetlands) and for the long-term protection of groundwater 
quality and quantity on the Santa Fe National Forest. There is a need 
for plan direction that considers consumptive water uses and water 
rights because water is over allocated and will continue to be in high 
demand.
    Soils. Soil condition, and soil erosion hazard are directly linked 
to site productivity and soil resilience, and current soil loss rates 
exceed natural soil loss rates across the Santa Fe National Forest. The 
majority of the Santa Fe National Forest has a high probability for 
accelerated erosion due to natural disturbances or management 
disturbances that expose the soil surface without incorporating erosion 
control measures. There is a need for plan direction that promotes the 
maintenance and restoration of soil condition and function (e.g., 
hydrology, stability, and nutrient cycling) by limiting the amount of 
exposed soil and by restoring and maintaining sufficient vegetative 
cover.
    Range. Vegetation analyses show that the grassland types commonly 
used for livestock grazing are losing productivity due to declines in 
herbaceous ground cover, invasive species and drought. Other key 
influences include fractured ownership of private lands, legal 
uncertainties about land titles, and endangered species listings by the 
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, including the New Mexico Meadow Jumping 
Mouse. There is a need for plan direction that provides opportunities 
to use adaptive management for the range program that incorporates 
ecosystem-based desired conditions, with particular emphasis on 
strategies to address drought and other extreme weather-related events.
    Recreation. The ability of the Santa Fe National Forest to provide 
a meaningful recreation program is at risk, reflecting increasing and 
changing demands in a resource-constrained management environment. 
There is a need for plan direction on sustainable recreation management 
to provide high quality recreational experiences that are consistent 
with the Santa Fe National Forest's social, environmental, and 
economical resource capacity while balancing changing trends in 
services and intended use of recreation infrastructure and facilities. 
Plan direction is also needed to help manage recreation activity 
impacts to areas sensitive to resource degradation or at risk due to 
high visitation and to reduce user conflicts.
    Infrastructure. The Santa Fe National Forest's ability to maintain 
its current infrastructure is severely threatened. Of the approximately 
6,900 miles of roads on the landscape, 2,200 miles of roads are open to 
the public for motorized use. The remaining 4,700 miles of roads may be 
administrative use roads or non-system roads, and most contribute to 
erosion and sedimentation, reflecting a critical and growing gap in 
resources for maintenance. There is also infrastructure related to 
rural and agronomic uses, such as timber harvesting, grazing, and 
rangeland management. Much of the range infrastructure across the 
forest is non-functional and/or in need of maintenance or 
decommissioning. Non-functional water developments and downed fencing 
result in cattle seeking water in sensitive riparian areas. 
Unmaintained and vandalized range improvements can also be hazardous 
for wildlife. There is a need for plan direction to ensure sustainable 
infrastructure (e.g., roads, recreation and administrative facilities, 
range improvements, maintenance, etc.) and standards and guidelines 
that address negative impacts of existing roads.
    Land Status and Ownership. The Lands Program on the Santa Fe 
National Forest has increasing demands for services such as managing 
access to private inholdings, managing encroachments from private land 
onto Forest Service land, title claims, evolving requests for 
communication sites, the ever-growing Wildland Urban Interface area, 
completing property boundary surveys, and fragmentation. There is a 
need for plan direction regarding access to private lands, including 
during evaluation of placement of infrastructure, to minimize natural 
resource damage while ensuring rights of access to private lands are 
respected. Due to growing demand, plan direction regarding sites for 
communications infrastructure is needed. Plan direction is also needed 
to protect existing public access rights and provide for new 
recreational access opportunities to National Forest lands. Management 
approaches that support coordination between local governments and the 
Forest Service regarding permits, leases, and easements on National 
Forest lands are needed.
    Wildlife, Fish, and Plants. There is a need for plan direction that 
supports restoration and maintenance of ecological conditions that 
contribute to the recovery and conservation of federally listed species 
(threatened and endangered), maintaining viable populations of the 
species of conservation concern, and maintaining common and abundant 
species. In addition, plan direction for terrestrial and aquatic 
habitat connectivity for species migration and movement is needed.
    Air. There is a need for plan direction for air quality in terms of 
ambient air quality, visibility, and critical loads.
    Socioeconomic Resources. There is a need for plan direction that 
recognizes the Santa Fe National Forest's role in contributing to 
traditional and cultural forest uses and local economies, including 
service-based sectors such as recreation and tourism, timber, and other 
multiple-use related activities and products.
    Designated Areas. There is a need for plan direction to identify 
and evaluate potential additions to the National Wilderness 
Preservation System and eligibility for inclusion in the National Wild 
and Scenic Rivers System. In addition, plan direction for designated 
and recommended wilderness areas is needed to protect and enhance 
wilderness values and character.
    Scenery. There is a need for plan direction to integrate scenery 
management into all resource management decisions with the intent of 
retaining and enhancing scenic resources while integrating with other 
resources (e.g., restoration, habitat diversity, and timber 
management).
    Cultural Resources. There is a need for plan direction to 
stabilize, preserve, interpret, and protect historic and sensitive 
properties, (e.g., archaeological sites, historic structures, and 
traditional cultural properties). There is also a need for plan 
direction that recognizes the inherent value and preservation of Native 
American traditional cultural properties and sacred sites, as well as 
non-Native American traditional cultural properties, while maintaining 
the anonymity of such sites where appropriate.
    Traditional and Cultural Ways of Life. There are deep and historic 
ties between nearby populations and the Santa Fe National Forest, and 
the revised plan needs to recognize and protect historic and 
contemporary cultural uses--both economic and non-economic--for tribes 
as well as traditional communities not considered under tribal 
relations (e.g. traditional Hispanic and Anglo communities).
    Areas of Tribal Importance. There is a need for management 
approaches that include opportunities for integrating forest management 
with tribal needs through shared stewardship to address

[[Page 42644]]

threats to adjacent tribal resources (e.g., through the Tribal Forest 
Protection Act of 2004), to meet common objectives identified in tribal 
and pueblo land management plans, and to utilize an ``all lands'' 
approach to resources management.
    Extractive multiple uses. There is a need for plan direction that 
provides for the use of a variety of forest products by commercial, 
noncommercial, tribal, and land grant users. There is a need for plan 
direction that allows for flexible size criteria regarding timber 
extraction to balance desired conditions and the ability to provide 
economically viable forest products. There is a need for plan direction 
regarding traditional and alternative energy sources that balances 
demand with natural resource impacts.

Public Involvement

    A Notice of initiating the assessment phase of forest plan revision 
for the Santa Fe National Forest was published in the Federal Register 
on March 6, 2014 (79 FR 12686). Prior to the formal initiation of the 
assessment, the Santa Fe National Forest held 27 joint listening 
sessions with the Carson National Forest and two workshops to solicit 
comments, input, and desires from the public, governmental entities, 
tribes, land grants, and nongovernmental organization for public 
participation through the forest plan revision process. In April and 
May 2014, fourteen public meetings provided an introduction to forest 
plan revision and an opportunity for the public to provide input for 
the assessment by expressing how they use and value the forest, and 
what trends or changes they have observed. This information was 
directly incorporated into the assessment report for the Santa Fe 
National Forest ``Input Received from Public Meetings''. In April and 
May 2015, the Santa Fe and Carson National Forests jointly held three 
meetings with members of local land grants, to present and discuss the 
plan revision process. In October 2015, the forest held a symposium to 
present detailed findings from the assessment followed by ten public 
and two tribal work sessions on developing Need for Change statements. 
Additionally, the Santa Fe National Forest has been informing and 
engaging communities at a local level through presentation at meetings 
hosted by organizations, government groups and Tribes; informational 
booths at fairs and local community events; and presentations and field 
trips for local schools.
    Any comments related to the Santa Fe National Forest's assessment 
report that are received following the publication of this Notice may 
be considered in the draft and final environmental impact statements.

Scoping Process

    Written comments received in response to this notice will be 
analyzed to complete the identification of the needs for change to the 
existing forest plan, further develop the proposed action, and identify 
potential significant issues. Significant issues will, in turn, form 
the basis for developing alternatives to the proposed action. Comments 
on the preliminary needs for change and proposed action will be most 
valuable if received by August 17, 2016, and should clearly articulate 
the reviewer's opinions and concerns. Comments received in response to 
this notice, including the names and addresses of those who comment, 
will be part of the public record. Comments submitted anonymously will 
be accepted and considered in the NEPA process; however, anonymous 
comments will not provide the Agency with the ability to provide the 
respondent with subsequent environmental documents. See the below 
objection process material, particularly the requirements for filing an 
objection, for how anonymous comments are handled during the objection 
process. Refer to the Forest's Web site (www.fs.usda.gov/goto/santafeforestplan) for information on when public meetings will be 
scheduled for refining the proposed action and identifying possible 
alternatives to the proposed action.

Applicable Planning Rule

    Preparation of the revised forest plan for the Santa Fe National 
Forest began with the publication of a Notice of Assessment Initiation 
in the Federal Register on March 6, 2014 (79 FR 12686) and was 
initiated under the planning procedures contained in the 2012 Forest 
Service planning rule (36 CFR 219 (2012)).

Permits or Licenses Required To Implement the Proposed Action

    No permits or licenses are needed for the development or revision 
of a forest plan.

Decisions Will Be Subject To Objection

    The decision to approve the revised forest plan for the Santa Fe 
National Forest will be subject to the objection process identified in 
36 CFR part 219 Subpart B (219.50 to 219.62). According to 36 CFR 
219.53(a), those who may file an objection are individuals and entities 
who have submitted substantive formal comments related to forest plan 
revision during the opportunities provided for public comment during 
the planning process.

Documents Available for Review

    The Needs for Change documentation, the Assessment Report, 
summaries of the public meetings and public meeting materials, and 
public comments and responses are posted on the Forest's Web site at: 
www.fs.usda.gov/goto/santafeforestplan. As necessary or appropriate, 
the material available on this site will be further adjusted as part of 
the planning process using the provisions of the 2012 planning rule.

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1600-1614; 36 CFR part 219 [77 FR 21260-
21273].

    Dated: June 23, 2016.
Joseph S. Norrell,
Deputy Forest Supervisor.
[FR Doc. 2016-15525 Filed 6-29-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3410-11-P



                                                                                Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 126 / Thursday, June 30, 2016 / Notices                                             42641

                                                  DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE                               p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through                     Name and Address of the Responsible
                                                                                                          Friday.                                                Official
                                                  Forest Service
                                                                                                          SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:      The                      The Responsible Official for the
                                                  Revision of Land and Resource                           National Forest Management Act                         revision of the forest plan for the Santa
                                                  Management Plan for the Santa Fe                        (NFMA) of 1976 requires that every                     Fe National Forest is Maria T. Garcia,
                                                  National Forest; Counties of Los                        National Forest System (NFS) unit                      Forest Supervisor, Santa Fe National
                                                  Alamos, Mora, Rio Arriba, Sandoval,                     develop a forest plan. On April 9, 2012,               Forest, 11 Forest Lane, Santa Fe, New
                                                  San Miguel, Santa Fe, and Taos, New                     the Forest Service finalized its land                  Mexico 87508.
                                                  Mexico                                                  management planning rule (2012                         Nature of the Decision To Be Made
                                                  AGENCY:  Forest Service, USDA.                          Planning Rule, 36 CFR 219), which
                                                                                                                                                                   The Santa Fe National Forest is
                                                  ACTION: Notice of Intent to revise the                  describes requirements for the planning                proposing to revise the existing forest
                                                  Santa Fe National Forest Land and                       process and the content of the forest                  plan and is preparing an EIS to inform
                                                  Resource Management Plan and to                         plans. Forest plans describe the strategic             the Forest Supervisor so she can decide
                                                  prepare an associated Environmental                     direction for management of forest                     which alternative best maintains and
                                                  Impact Statement (EIS).                                 resources for ten to fifteen years, and are            restores National Forest System
                                                                                                          adaptive and amendable as conditions                   terrestrial and aquatic resources while
                                                  SUMMARY:   The Forest Service is revising               change over time. Under the 2012                       providing ecosystem services and
                                                  the Land and Resource Management                        Planning Rule, the assessment of                       multiple uses, as required by the
                                                  Plan (hereafter referred to as the forest               ecological, social, and economic                       National Forest Management Act and
                                                  plan) for the Santa Fe National Forest.                 conditions and trends is the first stage               the Multiple Use Sustained Yield Act.
                                                  This notice describes the documents                     of the planning process (36 CFR 219.6).                  The revised forest plan will describe
                                                  (assessment report, summaries of public                 The second stage, formal plan revision,                the strategic intent of managing the
                                                  meetings, preliminary needs-to-change                   involves the development of our forest                 Santa Fe National Forest for the next 10
                                                  statements) currently available for                     plan in conjunction with the                           to 15 years and will address the
                                                  review and how to obtain them;                          preparation of an Environmental Impact                 identified needs for change to the
                                                  summarizes the needs to change to the                   Statement under the NEPA. The third                    existing forest plan. The revised forest
                                                  existing forest plan; provides                          stage of the process is monitoring and                 plan will provide management direction
                                                  information concerning public                           feedback, which is ongoing over the life               in the form of desired conditions,
                                                  participation and engagement, including                 of the revised forest plans.                           objectives, standards, guidelines, and
                                                  the process for submitting comments;
                                                                                                            The Santa Fe National Forest has                     suitability of lands. It will identify
                                                  provides an estimated schedule for the
                                                                                                          completed its assessment pursuant to                   delineation of new management areas
                                                  planning process, including the time
                                                                                                          2012 Forest Planning Rule. The                         and potentially geographic areas across
                                                  available for comments, and includes
                                                                                                          assessment was developed with public                   the Forest; identify the timber sale
                                                  the names and addresses of agency
                                                                                                          participation and includes an evaluation               program quantity; make
                                                  contacts who can provide additional
                                                                                                          of existing information about relevant                 recommendations to Congress for
                                                  information.
                                                                                                          ecological, economic, cultural and                     Wilderness designation; and list rivers
                                                  DATES: Comments concerning the Needs                    social conditions, trends, and                         and streams eligible for inclusion in the
                                                  for Change and Proposed Action                          sustainability and their relationship to               National Wild and Scenic Rivers
                                                  provided in this notice will be most                    forest plans within the context of the                 System. The revised forest plan will also
                                                  useful in the development of the revised                broader landscape. The intent of the                   provide a description of the plan area’s
                                                  forest plan and draft EIS if received by                Santa Fe National Forest is that this                  distinctive roles and contributions
                                                  August 5, 2016. The agency expects to                   information builds a common                            within the broader landscape, identify
                                                  release a draft revised forest plan and                 understanding prior to entering formal                 watersheds that are a priority for
                                                  draft EIS by summer, 2017 and a final                   plan revision. With this notice, the                   maintenance or restoration, include a
                                                  revised forest plan and final EIS by fall,              Santa Fe National Forest is initiating                 monitoring program, and contain
                                                  2018.                                                   formal plan revision and invites other                 information reflecting expected possible
                                                  ADDRESSES: Written correspondence can                   governments, non-governmental parties,                 actions over the life of the forest plan.
                                                  be sent to: Santa Fe National Forest,                   and the public to contribute. The intent                 The revised forest plan will represent
                                                  Attn: Forest Plan, 11 Forest Lane, Santa                of public engagement is to inform                      decisions that are strategic in nature, but
                                                  Fe, NM 87508, or emailed to                             development of the plan revision. We                   will not make site-specific project
                                                  santafeforestplan@fs.fed.us.                            encourage contributors to share material               decisions and will not dictate day-to-
                                                  FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                        that may be relevant to the planning                   day administrative activities needed to
                                                  Jennifer Cramer, Forest Planner, Santa                  process, including desired conditions                  carry on the Forest Service’s internal
                                                  Fe National Forest, 11 Forest Lane,                     for the Santa Fe National Forest. As we                operations. The authorization of project
                                                  Santa Fe, New Mexico 87508. More                        develop public engagement                              level activities will be based on the
                                                  information on our forest plan revision                 opportunities to assist with the plan                  guidance/direction contained in the
                                                  process can be found on our Web site                    revision phase, public announcements                   revised forest plan, but will occur
                                                  at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/                                will be made and information will be                   through subsequent project specific
                                                  santafeforestplan. If you have questions                posted on the Forest’s Web site:                       NEPA analysis and decision-making.
                                                  or would like to sign-up for our mailing                www.fs.usda.gov/goto/                                    The revised forest plan will provide
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                                                  list, you can email santafeforestplan@                  santafeforestplan. If you would like to                broad, strategic guidance that is
                                                  fs.fed.us or call our Forest Plan Revision              contribute to the process or for more                  consistent with other laws and
                                                  number: 505–438–5442. Individuals                       information, please call 505–438–5442,                 regulations. Though strategic guidance
                                                  who use telecommunication devices for                   email santafeforestplan@fs.fed.us, or                  will be provided, no decisions will be
                                                  the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal                     contact Jennifer Cramer, Forest Planner,               made regarding the management of
                                                  Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–                  Santa Fe National Forest, 505–438–                     individual roads or trails, such as those
                                                  800–877–8339 between 8 a.m. and 8                       5449.                                                  might be associated with a Travel


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                                                  42642                         Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 126 / Thursday, June 30, 2016 / Notices

                                                  Management plan under 36 CFR part                          Monitoring. Monitoring is a critical                have been replaced with non-native
                                                  212. Some issues (e.g., hunting                         element of adaptive management, and                    and/or invasive species and are not as
                                                  regulations), although important, are                   the plan monitoring program needs to                   effective in the prevention of erosion or
                                                  beyond the authority or control of the                  be focused to be effective. Monitoring                 as productive for forage. There is a need
                                                  National Forest System and will not be                  questions that are relevant to plan                    for desired conditions and standards
                                                  considered. No decision regarding oil                   components including desired                           and guidelines that allow for the
                                                  and gas leasing availability will be                    conditions, standards, guidelines,                     restoration, conservation, and
                                                  made, though plan components may be                     suitability and other strategic goals of               maintenance of grass productivity and
                                                  brought forward or developed that will                  the revised forest plan are needed. In                 diversity, emphasizing native grasses.
                                                  help guide the development of oil & gas                 addition, monitoring at appropriate                    Desired conditions that limit and
                                                  leasing decisions that might be                         scales is needed, including monitoring                 reverse woody species encroachment
                                                  necessary in the future.                                beyond the Santa Fe National Forest                    into grasslands and infill of shrublands,
                                                                                                          boundary to compare resources on the                   woodlands, and forested systems are
                                                  Purpose and Need (Needs for Change)
                                                                                                          forest with their status on a larger                   also needed.
                                                  and Proposed Action                                                                                               Riparian Ecosystems. Riparian
                                                                                                          context scale or even between
                                                     According to the National Forest                     neighboring forests.                                   systems have been degraded and are at
                                                  Management Act, forest plans are to be                     Relationships & Partners.                           risk across the forest. A variety of land
                                                  revised every 10 to 15 years. The                       Relationships and effective partnerships               uses (e.g., roads, grazing, recreation),
                                                  proposed action is to revise the forest                 are key to the successful                              increased water demand (water
                                                  plan to address the identified needs for                implementation of the forest plan that                 withdrawal) and climatic changes (e.g.,
                                                  change to the existing forest plan.                     will protect the land and serve the                    long-term drought) have deteriorated
                                                  Alternatives to the proposed action will                people. Management approaches are                      these systems. There is a need for
                                                  be developed to address significant                     needed to both streamline the processes                desired conditions to restore or
                                                  issues identified through scoping.                      that leverage partners and volunteers                  maintain characteristic composition and
                                                     The purpose and need for revising the                and build stronger relationships with                  cover of riparian vegetation. There is a
                                                  current forest plan are to: (1) Update the              the public, including but not limited to               need for standards and guidelines that
                                                  forest plan which was approved in 1987                  state and federal agencies, cities and                 minimize the ecological impacts of
                                                  and is over 29 years old, (2) reflect                   counties, tribal governments,                          multiple uses in riparian areas, and a
                                                  changes in economic, social, and                        recreational and forest user groups,                   recognition of their reliance on upland
                                                  ecological conditions, new policies and                 environmental groups, land grant                       ecological health.
                                                  priorities, and new information based                   communities and other traditional                         Restoration of Ecosystem Resiliency.
                                                  on monitoring and scientific research,                  communities, local communities, youth,                 Resiliency is the ability of an ecosystem
                                                  and (3) address the preliminary                         and vendors. Management approaches                     to regain structure, composition, and
                                                  identified needs for change to the                      are also needed that will emphasize                    function following disturbance on a
                                                  existing forest plan, which are                         public education regarding the Santa Fe                time span that is consistent with the
                                                  summarized below. Extensive public                      National Forest’s diverse ecological,                  dynamics of the ecosystem. There is a
                                                  and interdisciplinary team involvement,                 social, and economic resources, the                    need for plan direction that recognizes
                                                  along with science-based evaluations,                   multiple-use philosophy, public laws                   the interdependence of resources,
                                                  have helped to identify these                           and regulations, and management                        provides for management areas that
                                                  preliminary needs for change to the                     strategies.                                            reflect natural features and/or ecological
                                                  existing forest plan.                                      Frequent Fire (Low Severity) Systems.               boundaries, incorporates adaptive
                                                     What follows is a summary of the                     Fire exclusion and past management                     management components to better
                                                  preliminary identified needs for change                 activities have limited frequent, low-                 respond to changing environmental
                                                  to the existing forest plan. A more fully               severity wildfires on the landscape.                   conditions, and support an all-lands
                                                  developed description of the                            Wildfire atypical of historic fire regimes             approach of working with neighboring
                                                  preliminary needs for change, which                     has resulted from higher densities of                  land managers to implement projects
                                                  has been organized into several resource                trees, increased fuel loadings, and                    that improve landscape connectivity
                                                  and management topic sections, is                       altered species composition from                       across mixed ownerships where natural
                                                  available for review on the plan revision               mature, fire-tolerant species toward                   systems span multiple administrative
                                                  Web site at: www.fs.usda.gov/goto/                      shade-tolerant, less fire-resistant                    boundaries. In addition, desired
                                                  santafeforestplan.                                      species. There is a need for plan                      conditions are needed that promote
                                                     The Santa Fe National Forest has                     direction that recognizes the natural                  natural disturbance processes that
                                                  identified twelve focus areas, the first                processes of fire and its use as a                     sustain forest carbon sequestration and
                                                  topics presented below, that have the                   management tool for vegetation types on                emphasize silvicultural practices of
                                                  greatest needs for new or different plan                the Santa Fe National Forest and that                  uneven-aged management, and
                                                  direction. Needs for change for                         supports integrated resource objectives.               standards and guidelines that limit non-
                                                  additional resources follow and                            Grass Cover. Grassland, woodland                    native species while encouraging native
                                                  represent additional cases where                        and shrubland have significantly less                  species.
                                                  changes are needed in plan direction.                   grass cover and productivity as a result                  Water. Both natural and human-
                                                  Overall, there is a need for plan                       of legacy (historical) grazing from                    caused disturbances have degraded
                                                  direction that is strategic and identifies              livestock, wildlife grazing, roads, and                water quality and quantity. As
                                                  desired conditions with objectives for                  the exclusion of wildfire. This lack of                population around the Santa Fe
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                                                  how resources should be managed;                        cover contributes to reduced water                     National Forest increases, the lack of
                                                  eliminates redundancies with existing                   infiltration, accelerated erosion and                  surface water will place a greater
                                                  laws, regulations and policy; removes                   declining soil productivity, especially                demand on groundwater resources
                                                  requirements to prepare additional                      during periods of drought and                          which may further deplete surface flows
                                                  resource plans; and that incorporates                   contributes to a cycle that continues to               both on and off the forest. There is a
                                                  the best available scientific information               reduce vegetative cover. In addition,                  need for plan direction to protect stream
                                                  (BASI) into all plan components.                        native grasses on much of the landscape                channels, hydrological function and


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                                                                                Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 126 / Thursday, June 30, 2016 / Notices                                             42643

                                                  condition of water-dependent systems                    recreation activity impacts to areas                   federally listed species (threatened and
                                                  by maintaining and restoring upland                     sensitive to resource degradation or at                endangered), maintaining viable
                                                  and riparian vegetative cover and                       risk due to high visitation and to reduce              populations of the species of
                                                  reducing erosion and sedimentation                      user conflicts.                                        conservation concern, and maintaining
                                                  from disturbed sites (e.g., reclaiming                     Infrastructure. The Santa Fe National               common and abundant species. In
                                                  roads) where feasible. There is also a                  Forest’s ability to maintain its current               addition, plan direction for terrestrial
                                                  need for plan direction which provides                  infrastructure is severely threatened. Of              and aquatic habitat connectivity for
                                                  for sustainable groundwater-dependent                   the approximately 6,900 miles of roads                 species migration and movement is
                                                  ecosystems (e.g., seeps and springs,                    on the landscape, 2,200 miles of roads                 needed.
                                                  fens, and wetlands) and for the long-                   are open to the public for motorized use.                 Air. There is a need for plan direction
                                                  term protection of groundwater quality                  The remaining 4,700 miles of roads may                 for air quality in terms of ambient air
                                                  and quantity on the Santa Fe National                   be administrative use roads or non-                    quality, visibility, and critical loads.
                                                  Forest. There is a need for plan                        system roads, and most contribute to                      Socioeconomic Resources. There is a
                                                  direction that considers consumptive                    erosion and sedimentation, reflecting a                need for plan direction that recognizes
                                                  water uses and water rights because                     critical and growing gap in resources for              the Santa Fe National Forest’s role in
                                                  water is over allocated and will                        maintenance. There is also                             contributing to traditional and cultural
                                                  continue to be in high demand.                          infrastructure related to rural and                    forest uses and local economies,
                                                     Soils. Soil condition, and soil erosion              agronomic uses, such as timber                         including service-based sectors such as
                                                  hazard are directly linked to site                      harvesting, grazing, and rangeland                     recreation and tourism, timber, and
                                                  productivity and soil resilience, and                   management. Much of the range                          other multiple-use related activities and
                                                  current soil loss rates exceed natural                  infrastructure across the forest is non-               products.
                                                  soil loss rates across the Santa Fe                     functional and/or in need of                              Designated Areas. There is a need for
                                                  National Forest. The majority of the                    maintenance or decommissioning. Non-                   plan direction to identify and evaluate
                                                  Santa Fe National Forest has a high                     functional water developments and                      potential additions to the National
                                                  probability for accelerated erosion due                 downed fencing result in cattle seeking                Wilderness Preservation System and
                                                  to natural disturbances or management                   water in sensitive riparian areas.                     eligibility for inclusion in the National
                                                  disturbances that expose the soil surface               Unmaintained and vandalized range                      Wild and Scenic Rivers System. In
                                                  without incorporating erosion control                   improvements can also be hazardous for                 addition, plan direction for designated
                                                  measures. There is a need for plan                      wildlife. There is a need for plan                     and recommended wilderness areas is
                                                  direction that promotes the maintenance                 direction to ensure sustainable                        needed to protect and enhance
                                                  and restoration of soil condition and                   infrastructure (e.g., roads, recreation and            wilderness values and character.
                                                  function (e.g., hydrology, stability, and               administrative facilities, range                          Scenery. There is a need for plan
                                                  nutrient cycling) by limiting the amount                improvements, maintenance, etc.) and                   direction to integrate scenery
                                                  of exposed soil and by restoring and                    standards and guidelines that address                  management into all resource
                                                  maintaining sufficient vegetative cover.                negative impacts of existing roads.                    management decisions with the intent
                                                     Range. Vegetation analyses show that                    Land Status and Ownership. The                      of retaining and enhancing scenic
                                                  the grassland types commonly used for                   Lands Program on the Santa Fe National                 resources while integrating with other
                                                  livestock grazing are losing productivity               Forest has increasing demands for                      resources (e.g., restoration, habitat
                                                  due to declines in herbaceous ground                    services such as managing access to                    diversity, and timber management).
                                                  cover, invasive species and drought.                    private inholdings, managing                              Cultural Resources. There is a need
                                                  Other key influences include fractured                  encroachments from private land onto                   for plan direction to stabilize, preserve,
                                                  ownership of private lands, legal                       Forest Service land, title claims,                     interpret, and protect historic and
                                                  uncertainties about land titles, and                    evolving requests for communication                    sensitive properties, (e.g., archaeological
                                                  endangered species listings by the U.S.                 sites, the ever-growing Wildland Urban                 sites, historic structures, and traditional
                                                  Fish and Wildlife Service, including the                Interface area, completing property                    cultural properties). There is also a need
                                                  New Mexico Meadow Jumping Mouse.                        boundary surveys, and fragmentation.                   for plan direction that recognizes the
                                                  There is a need for plan direction that                 There is a need for plan direction                     inherent value and preservation of
                                                  provides opportunities to use adaptive                  regarding access to private lands,                     Native American traditional cultural
                                                  management for the range program that                   including during evaluation of                         properties and sacred sites, as well as
                                                  incorporates ecosystem-based desired                    placement of infrastructure, to minimize               non-Native American traditional
                                                  conditions, with particular emphasis on                 natural resource damage while ensuring                 cultural properties, while maintaining
                                                  strategies to address drought and other                 rights of access to private lands are                  the anonymity of such sites where
                                                  extreme weather-related events.                         respected. Due to growing demand, plan                 appropriate.
                                                     Recreation. The ability of the Santa Fe              direction regarding sites for                             Traditional and Cultural Ways of Life.
                                                  National Forest to provide a meaningful                 communications infrastructure is                       There are deep and historic ties between
                                                  recreation program is at risk, reflecting               needed. Plan direction is also needed to               nearby populations and the Santa Fe
                                                  increasing and changing demands in a                    protect existing public access rights and              National Forest, and the revised plan
                                                  resource-constrained management                         provide for new recreational access                    needs to recognize and protect historic
                                                  environment. There is a need for plan                   opportunities to National Forest lands.                and contemporary cultural uses—both
                                                  direction on sustainable recreation                     Management approaches that support                     economic and non-economic—for tribes
                                                  management to provide high quality                      coordination between local governments                 as well as traditional communities not
                                                  recreational experiences that are                       and the Forest Service regarding                       considered under tribal relations (e.g.
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                                                  consistent with the Santa Fe National                   permits, leases, and easements on                      traditional Hispanic and Anglo
                                                  Forest’s social, environmental, and                     National Forest lands are needed.                      communities).
                                                  economical resource capacity while                         Wildlife, Fish, and Plants. There is a                 Areas of Tribal Importance. There is
                                                  balancing changing trends in services                   need for plan direction that supports                  a need for management approaches that
                                                  and intended use of recreation                          restoration and maintenance of                         include opportunities for integrating
                                                  infrastructure and facilities. Plan                     ecological conditions that contribute to               forest management with tribal needs
                                                  direction is also needed to help manage                 the recovery and conservation of                       through shared stewardship to address


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                                                  42644                         Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 126 / Thursday, June 30, 2016 / Notices

                                                  threats to adjacent tribal resources (e.g.,             this Notice may be considered in the                   during the opportunities provided for
                                                  through the Tribal Forest Protection Act                draft and final environmental impact                   public comment during the planning
                                                  of 2004), to meet common objectives                     statements.                                            process.
                                                  identified in tribal and pueblo land
                                                                                                          Scoping Process                                        Documents Available for Review
                                                  management plans, and to utilize an ‘‘all
                                                  lands’’ approach to resources                              Written comments received in                          The Needs for Change documentation,
                                                  management.                                             response to this notice will be analyzed               the Assessment Report, summaries of
                                                     Extractive multiple uses. There is a                 to complete the identification of the                  the public meetings and public meeting
                                                  need for plan direction that provides for               needs for change to the existing forest                materials, and public comments and
                                                  the use of a variety of forest products by              plan, further develop the proposed                     responses are posted on the Forest’s
                                                  commercial, noncommercial, tribal, and                  action, and identify potential significant             Web site at: www.fs.usda.gov/goto/
                                                  land grant users. There is a need for                   issues. Significant issues will, in turn,              santafeforestplan. As necessary or
                                                  plan direction that allows for flexible                 form the basis for developing                          appropriate, the material available on
                                                  size criteria regarding timber extraction               alternatives to the proposed action.                   this site will be further adjusted as part
                                                  to balance desired conditions and the                   Comments on the preliminary needs for                  of the planning process using the
                                                  ability to provide economically viable                  change and proposed action will be                     provisions of the 2012 planning rule.
                                                  forest products. There is a need for plan               most valuable if received by August 17,                  Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1600–1614; 36 CFR
                                                  direction regarding traditional and                     2016, and should clearly articulate the                part 219 [77 FR 21260–21273].
                                                  alternative energy sources that balances                reviewer’s opinions and concerns.
                                                  demand with natural resource impacts.                                                                            Dated: June 23, 2016.
                                                                                                          Comments received in response to this
                                                                                                          notice, including the names and                        Joseph S. Norrell,
                                                  Public Involvement                                                                                             Deputy Forest Supervisor.
                                                                                                          addresses of those who comment, will
                                                     A Notice of initiating the assessment                be part of the public record. Comments                 [FR Doc. 2016–15525 Filed 6–29–16; 8:45 am]
                                                  phase of forest plan revision for the                   submitted anonymously will be                          BILLING CODE 3410–11–P
                                                  Santa Fe National Forest was published                  accepted and considered in the NEPA
                                                  in the Federal Register on March 6,                     process; however, anonymous
                                                  2014 (79 FR 12686). Prior to the formal                 comments will not provide the Agency                   DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
                                                  initiation of the assessment, the Santa                 with the ability to provide the
                                                  Fe National Forest held 27 joint                        respondent with subsequent                             Forest Service
                                                  listening sessions with the Carson                      environmental documents. See the
                                                  National Forest and two workshops to                                                                           Information Collection; Appeal of
                                                                                                          below objection process material,                      Decisions Relating to Occupancy or
                                                  solicit comments, input, and desires                    particularly the requirements for filing
                                                  from the public, governmental entities,                                                                        Use of National Forest System Lands
                                                                                                          an objection, for how anonymous                        and Resources
                                                  tribes, land grants, and                                comments are handled during the
                                                  nongovernmental organization for                        objection process. Refer to the Forest’s               AGENCY:   Forest Service, USDA.
                                                  public participation through the forest                 Web site (www.fs.usda.gov/goto/                        ACTION:   Notice; requests for comments.
                                                  plan revision process. In April and May                 santafeforestplan) for information on
                                                  2014, fourteen public meetings provided                 when public meetings will be scheduled                 SUMMARY:  In accordance with the
                                                  an introduction to forest plan revision                 for refining the proposed action and                   Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the
                                                  and an opportunity for the public to                    identifying possible alternatives to the               Forest Service is seeking comments on
                                                  provide input for the assessment by                     proposed action.                                       the renewal of a currently approved
                                                  expressing how they use and value the                                                                          information collection.
                                                  forest, and what trends or changes they                 Applicable Planning Rule                               DATES: Comments must be received in
                                                  have observed. This information was                       Preparation of the revised forest plan               writing by August 29, 2016 to be
                                                  directly incorporated into the                          for the Santa Fe National Forest began                 considered.
                                                  assessment report for the Santa Fe                      with the publication of a Notice of
                                                  National Forest ‘‘Input Received from                                                                          ADDRESSES:   Comments concerning this
                                                                                                          Assessment Initiation in the Federal
                                                  Public Meetings’’. In April and May                                                                            notice should be addressed to USDA
                                                                                                          Register on March 6, 2014 (79 FR
                                                  2015, the Santa Fe and Carson National                                                                         Forest Service, Deb Beighley, Assistant
                                                                                                          12686) and was initiated under the
                                                  Forests jointly held three meetings with                                                                       Director, Appeals and Litigation,
                                                                                                          planning procedures contained in the
                                                  members of local land grants, to present                                                                       Ecosystem Management Coordination
                                                                                                          2012 Forest Service planning rule (36
                                                  and discuss the plan revision process. In                                                                      staff, 202–205–1277 or by email to
                                                                                                          CFR 219 (2012)).
                                                  October 2015, the forest held a                                                                                dbeighley@fs.fed.us.
                                                  symposium to present detailed findings                  Permits or Licenses Required To                          The public may inspect comments
                                                  from the assessment followed by ten                     Implement the Proposed Action                          received at the Office of Ecosystem
                                                  public and two tribal work sessions on                    No permits or licenses are needed for                Management Coordination, Appeals &
                                                  developing Need for Change statements.                  the development or revision of a forest                Litigation USDA Forest Service, 201
                                                  Additionally, the Santa Fe National                     plan.                                                  14th Street SW., Mail Stop 1104,
                                                  Forest has been informing and engaging                                                                         Washington, DC 20024–1101, during
                                                  communities at a local level through                    Decisions Will Be Subject To Objection                 normal business hours. Visitors are
                                                  presentation at meetings hosted by                        The decision to approve the revised                  encouraged to call ahead at 202–791–
                                                  organizations, government groups and                    forest plan for the Santa Fe National                  8488 to facilitate entry into the building.
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                                                  Tribes; informational booths at fairs and               Forest will be subject to the objection                FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Deb
                                                  local community events; and                             process identified in 36 CFR part 219                  Beighley, Assistant Director, Appeals
                                                  presentations and field trips for local                 Subpart B (219.50 to 219.62). According                and Litigation, Ecosystem Management
                                                  schools.                                                to 36 CFR 219.53(a), those who may file                Coordination staff, 202–205–1277.
                                                     Any comments related to the Santa Fe                 an objection are individuals and entities              Individuals who use telecommunication
                                                  National Forest’s assessment report that                who have submitted substantive formal                  devices for the deaf may call the Federal
                                                  are received following the publication of               comments related to forest plan revision               Relay Service at 800 877–8339 twenty


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Document Created: 2018-02-08 07:45:17
Document Modified: 2018-02-08 07:45:17
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 revise the Santa Fe National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan and to prepare an associated Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
DatesComments concerning the Needs for Change and Proposed Action provided in this notice will be most useful in the development of the revised forest plan and draft EIS if received by August 5, 2016. The agency expects to release a draft revised forest plan and draft EIS by summer, 2017 and a final revised forest plan and final EIS by fall, 2018.
ContactJennifer Cramer, Forest Planner, Santa Fe National Forest, 11 Forest Lane, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87508. More information on our forest plan revision process can be found on our Web site at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/santafeforestplan. If you have questions or would like to sign-up for our mailing list, you can email [email protected] or call our Forest Plan Revision number: 505-438-5442. 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.
FR Citation81 FR 42641 

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