81_FR_59075 81 FR 58909 - Inyo, Plumas, and Stanislaus National Forests; Mono, Inyo, Plumas, and Tuolumne Counties, California; Mammoth Base Land Exchange

81 FR 58909 - Inyo, Plumas, and Stanislaus National Forests; Mono, Inyo, Plumas, and Tuolumne Counties, California; Mammoth Base Land Exchange

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 166 (August 26, 2016)

Page Range58909-58910
FR Document2016-20383

In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA), and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, as amended (FLPMA), the Inyo, Plumas, and Stanislaus National Forests intend to prepare and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to evaluate a proposed land exchange pursuant to section 206 of FLPMA, 43 U.S.C. 1716, and by this notice is announcing the beginning of the scoping process to solicit public comments and identify issues. The proposed exchange includes the conveyance of approximately 1,317.5 acres of a non-Federal land owned by Mammoth Main Lodge Redevelopment LLC (MMLR) to the United States in exchange for 30.6 acres of Federal land in the Inyo National Forest. The non-Federal parcels are located in Mono, Inyo, Plumas and Tuolumne Counties. The Federal parcels are located in Mono County.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 166 (Friday, August 26, 2016) 
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 166 (Friday, August 26, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 58909-58910]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-20383]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Inyo, Plumas, and Stanislaus National Forests; Mono, Inyo, 
Plumas, and Tuolumne Counties, California; Mammoth Base Land Exchange

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

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

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SUMMARY: In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 
1969, as amended (NEPA), and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act 
of 1976, as amended (FLPMA), the Inyo, Plumas, and Stanislaus National 
Forests intend to prepare and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to 
evaluate a proposed land exchange pursuant to section 206 of FLPMA, 43 
U.S.C. 1716, and by this notice is announcing the beginning of the 
scoping process to solicit public comments and identify issues. The 
proposed exchange includes the conveyance of approximately 1,317.5 
acres of a non-Federal land owned by Mammoth Main Lodge Redevelopment 
LLC (MMLR) to the United States in exchange for 30.6 acres of Federal 
land in the Inyo National Forest. The non-Federal parcels are located 
in Mono, Inyo, Plumas and Tuolumne Counties. The Federal parcels are 
located in Mono County.

DATES: Comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received 
45 days from date of publication in the Federal Register. A public open 
house regarding this proposal will be held on September 8, 2016 (see 
the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for further information on the 
open house).

ADDRESSES: Send written comments to: Edward Armenta, Forest Supervisor, 
c/o Janelle Walker, Winter Sports Specialist, Inyo National Forest, PO 
Box 148, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546, FAX; (760) 924-5537 or by email to: 
[email protected] (please include ``Mammoth Base 
Land Exchange EIS'' in the subject line). Comments may also be 
submitted on the project Web site: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/fs-usda-pop.html?project=30428.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Additional information related to the 
proposed project can be obtained from the project Web site, http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/fs-usda-pop.html?project=30428, or by contacting 
Janelle Walker, Winter Sports Specialist, Inyo National Forest. Ms. 
Walker can be reached by phone at (760) 924-5523 or by email at 
[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 of the Land Exchange

    (1) To acquire environmentally sensitive lands and an 
administrative site to better meet resource and other management goals 
of the National Forests as outlined in the respective Land and Resource 
Management Plans of the National Forests involved in this exchange; and
    (2) To exchange developed lands in the National Forest that 
encumber adequate management by the United States Forest Service and 
would better serve the community and economic needs of the Town of 
Mammoth Lakes and Mono County in private ownership.

Proposed Action

    The Proposed Action is to complete a land exchange pursuant to 
section 206 of FLPMA, 43 U.S.C. 1716. Under the Proposed Action, the 
United States would convey approximately 30.6 acres of NFS lands within 
the boundaries of the Inyo National Forest, and currently managed as 
part of a Ski Area Term Special Use Permit to MMLR. In exchange, MMLR 
would convey to the United States approximately 1,317.5 acres of 
privately owned lands (``inholdings'') located within the boundaries of 
the Inyo, Plumas and Stanislaus National Forests and one small parcel 
(approximately 1.66 acres) in Inyo County, California that is outside 
the boundaries of the Inyo National Forest.

Federal Parcels

    Under the Proposed Action, two Federal parcels located within the 
municipal boundary limits of the Town of Mammoth Lakes--totaling 
approximately 30.6 acres--would be transferred to MMLR. The Federal 
parcels include an intensely developed tract containing structures that 
provide lodging and visitor services facilities at the main base area 
for the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, and an adjacent tract containing 
sewage ponds that receive and treat sewage from various Mammoth 
Mountain Ski Area facilities. The Federal parcels are located adjacent 
to California State Highway 203, approximately four miles west of the 
town center of Mammoth Lakes.

[[Page 58910]]

Non-Federal Parcels
    Under the Proposed Action, 12 non-Federal parcels--totaling 
approximately 1,317.5 acres--would be transferred to the United States, 
to be managed by the United States Forest Service.
    Six of the non-Federal parcels are located inside the boundaries of 
the Inyo National Forest. These parcels include the West Mono Lake 
Parcel (located inside the boundaries of the Congressionally designated 
Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area near the west shore of Mono 
Lake), the Lundy Canyon Parcel (patented mining claims located in or 
adjacent to the Hoover Wilderness northwest of Mono Lake), the Moran 
Springs Parcel (located in the Benton Range), Dexter Canyon Parcel (a 
large inholding southeast of Mono Lake), Madden Parcel (adjacent to 
Lake Mary Road in the Town of Mammoth Lakes), and the Pine Creek Parcel 
(located at the trailhead of the Pine Canyon Trail).
    The non-Federal parcel located outside the boundaries of the Inyo 
National Forest is located in Inyo County. The Los Angeles Department 
of Water and Power (DWP)-Bishop Parcel is located in the City of 
Bishop, California, adjacent to the White Mountain Ranger District 
Office of the Inyo National Forest.
    One of the non-Federal parcels (Taylor Lake Parcel) is located 
inside the boundaries of the Plumas National Forest at Taylor Lake east 
of Greenville, California.
    Four of the non-Federal parcels are located inside the boundaries 
of the Stanislaus National Forest in the Clavey River watershed near 
Yosemite National Park.
    Additional information and maps of this proposal can be found on 
the project Web site: http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/fs-usda-pop.html?project=30428

Responsible Official

    The Responsible Official is Edward Armenta, Forest Supervisor for 
the Inyo National Forest.

Nature of Decision To Be Made

    The decision to be made is whether to authorize the Proposed Action 
as described above, modify the Proposed Action to address issues raised 
in public scoping, or to take no action at this time.

Permits or Licenses Required

    Forest Service Special Use Permit

Scoping Process

    This notice of intent initiates the scoping process, which guides 
the development of the environmental impact statement. The Forest 
Service is soliciting comments from Federal, State and local agencies 
and other individuals or organizations that may be interested in or 
affected by implementation of the proposed projects. A public meeting 
will be held on September 8, 2016 to share information and answer 
questions about the project. The meeting will be held in the town of 
Mammoth Lakes at the Council Chambers (Suite Z--437 Old Mammoth Road) 
from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
    This project will be subject to 36 CFR 254.8 Notice of Exchange 
Proposal. Individuals and entities who have submitted timely, specific 
written comments regarding a proposed project or activity during public 
comment periods, including this 45-day public scoping period, may file 
an objection (36 CFR 218.5(a)). Written comments received, including 
the names and addresses of those who comment, will be considered part 
of the public record on this proposal and will be available for public 
inspection (36 CFR 218.25(b)(2)). For purposes of meeting the 36 CFR 
218.5 eligibility requirements, the public scoping period will end 45 
days from the date the Notice of Exchange Proposal is published in the 
Federal Register.
    It is important that reviewers provide their comments at such times 
and in such 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.
    Comments received in response to this solicitation, including names 
and addresses of those who comment, will be part of the public record 
for this proposed action. Comments submitted anonymously will be 
accepted and considered, however those who only submit anonymous 
comments will not have standing to appeal the subsequent decision under 
36 CFR 215.

    Dated: August 18, 2016.
Edward E. Armenta,
Forest Supervisor, Inyo National Forest.
[FR Doc. 2016-20383 Filed 8-25-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3411-15-P

Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 166 / Friday, August 26, 2016 / Notices 58909 Alder Springs Campground is DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 924–5523 or by email at currently a free site, with six campsites. janellelwalker@fs.fed.us. The campground is co-located with the Forest Service Individuals who use Linton Lake Trailhead, which has an telecommunication devices for the deaf Inyo, Plumas, and Stanislaus National existing $5/day recreation fee. Campers (TDD) may call the Federal Information Forests; Mono, Inyo, Plumas, and currently use many of the same Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–800–877–8339 Tuolumne Counties, California; amenities as day users plus have the between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern Mammoth Base Land Exchange added benefit of their campsite, yet do Time, Monday through Friday. this for free. The proposed fee addresses AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: this inequity and is $10.00 for overnight ACTION:Notice of intent to prepare an camping, with a $5.00/night extra environmental impact statement. Purpose of the Land Exchange vehicle fee. This small, rustic (1) To acquire environmentally campground is surrounded by towering SUMMARY: In compliance with the sensitive lands and an administrative Douglas fir trees. It is located on historic National Environmental Policy Act of site to better meet resource and other McKenzie Pass Highway (Hwy 242) 1969, as amended (NEPA), and the management goals of the National about 90 minutes east of Eugene and Federal Land Policy and Management Forests as outlined in the respective provides easy access into the Three Act of 1976, as amended (FLPMA), the Land and Resource Management Plans Sisters Wilderness. Inyo, Plumas, and Stanislaus National of the National Forests involved in this Forests intend to prepare and exchange; and The Hardesty Trailhead is located on Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Highway 58, about 30 miles southeast of to evaluate a proposed land exchange (2) To exchange developed lands in the Eugene/Springfield metropolitan pursuant to section 206 of FLPMA, 43 the National Forest that encumber area. It was redeveloped in 2014, adding U.S.C. 1716, and by this notice is adequate management by the United a vault restroom, picnic tables, hitching announcing the beginning of the States Forest Service and would better posts, and interpretation. It is a low scoping process to solicit public serve the community and economic elevation trailhead, providing year- comments and identify issues. The needs of the Town of Mammoth Lakes round access to the Hardesty Trail and proposed exchange includes the and Mono County in private ownership. the South Willamette Trail, which conveyance of approximately 1,317.5 Proposed Action provide access to the Goodman Creek acres of a non-Federal land owned by and Eula Ridge trails. These trails are Mammoth Main Lodge Redevelopment The Proposed Action is to complete a very popular with hikers, mountain LLC (MMLR) to the United States in land exchange pursuant to section 206 bikers, and equestrians. exchange for 30.6 acres of Federal land of FLPMA, 43 U.S.C. 1716. Under the in the Inyo National Forest. The non- Proposed Action, the United States McCredie Picnic Area is located on would convey approximately 30.6 acres Federal parcels are located in Mono, Highway 58, about 10 miles east of the of NFS lands within the boundaries of Inyo, Plumas and Tuolumne Counties. Oakridge, OR. It was redeveloped in The Federal parcels are located in Mono the Inyo National Forest, and currently 2014, adding a vault restroom, picnic County. managed as part of a Ski Area Term tables, and interpretation. With picnic Special Use Permit to MMLR. In DATES: Comments concerning the scope areas in view of the Salt Creek and trails exchange, MMLR would convey to the of the analysis must be received 45 days to the water’s edge, the easily accessible United States approximately 1,317.5 from date of publication in the Federal site provides a pleasant stopping point acres of privately owned lands Register. A public open house regarding for travelers along Highway 58. (‘‘inholdings’’) located within the this proposal will be held on September Hackleman Old Growth Grove, boundaries of the Inyo, Plumas and 8, 2016 (see the SUPPLEMENTARY located along Highway 20 about 39 Stanislaus National Forests and one INFORMATION section for further miles east of Sweet Home, OR, has on- small parcel (approximately 1.66 acres) information on the open house). in Inyo County, California that is site interpretation, picnic tables, ADDRESSES: Send written comments to: outside the boundaries of the Inyo restrooms, and a fully accessible trail Edward Armenta, Forest Supervisor, National Forest. that travels through an old-growth grove c/o Janelle Walker, Winter Sports of Douglas Fir trees. Specialist, Inyo National Forest, PO Box Federal Parcels The proposed fee for Hardesty 148, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546, FAX; Under the Proposed Action, two Trailhead, McCredie Picnic Area, and (760) 924–5537 or by email to: Federal parcels located within the Hackleman Old Growth Grove is $5/day. comments-pacificsouthwest- municipal boundary limits of the Town Recreation passes, such as the inyo@fs.fed.us (please include of Mammoth Lakes—totaling Northwest Forest Pass, would also be ‘‘Mammoth Base Land Exchange EIS’’ in approximately 30.6 acres—would be accepted. Fees would help maintain and the subject line). Comments may also be transferred to MMLR. The Federal submitted on the project Web site: parcels include an intensely developed operate these sites, including adding http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/fs-usda- tract containing structures that provide garbage service. pop.html?project=30428. lodging and visitor services facilities at Dated: August 15, 2016. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: the main base area for the Mammoth Tracy Beck, Additional information related to the Mountain Ski Area, and an adjacent mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES Willamette National Forest Supervisor. proposed project can be obtained from tract containing sewage ponds that [FR Doc. 2016–20291 Filed 8–25–16; 8:45 am] the project Web site, http:// receive and treat sewage from various BILLING CODE 3411–15–P www.fs.fed.us/nepa/fs-usda- Mammoth Mountain Ski Area facilities. pop.html?project=30428, or by The Federal parcels are located adjacent contacting Janelle Walker, Winter Sports to California State Highway 203, Specialist, Inyo National Forest. Ms. approximately four miles west of the Walker can be reached by phone at (760) town center of Mammoth Lakes. VerDate Sep<11>2014 21:17 Aug 25, 2016 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\26AUN1.SGM 26AUN1

58910 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 166 / Friday, August 26, 2016 / Notices Non-Federal Parcels soliciting comments from Federal, State DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Under the Proposed Action, 12 non- and local agencies and other individuals Federal parcels—totaling approximately or organizations that may be interested Forest Service 1,317.5 acres—would be transferred to in or affected by implementation of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest; the United States, to be managed by the proposed projects. A public meeting Okanogan, Chelan and Skagit United States Forest Service. will be held on September 8, 2016 to Counties, Washington; Pack Stock Six of the non-Federal parcels are share information and answer questions Outfitter Guide Special Use Permits located inside the boundaries of the about the project. The meeting will be Supplemental Environmental Impact Inyo National Forest. These parcels held in the town of Mammoth Lakes at Statement include the West Mono Lake Parcel the Council Chambers (Suite Z—437 (located inside the boundaries of the Old Mammoth Road) from 6 p.m. to 8 AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA. Congressionally designated Mono Basin p.m. ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare a National Forest Scenic Area near the supplement to a final environmental This project will be subject to 36 CFR west shore of Mono Lake), the Lundy impact statement. Canyon Parcel (patented mining claims 254.8 Notice of Exchange Proposal. located in or adjacent to the Hoover Individuals and entities who have SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that Wilderness northwest of Mono Lake), submitted timely, specific written the USDA, Forest Service will prepare a the Moran Springs Parcel (located in the comments regarding a proposed project Supplemental Environmental Impact Benton Range), Dexter Canyon Parcel (a or activity during public comment Statement (SEIS) to update and correct large inholding southeast of Mono periods, including this 45-day public the Pack and Saddle Stock Outfitter- Lake), Madden Parcel (adjacent to Lake scoping period, may file an objection Guide Special Use Permit Issuance Final Mary Road in the Town of Mammoth (36 CFR 218.5(a)). Written comments Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS). Lakes), and the Pine Creek Parcel received, including the names and The Notice of Availability for the FEIS (located at the trailhead of the Pine addresses of those who comment, will was published on March 8, 2013 (FR Canyon Trail). be considered part of the public record Vol. 78, No. 46, 15011). The Record of The non-Federal parcel located on this proposal and will be available Decision for the FEIS was withdrawn in outside the boundaries of the Inyo for public inspection (36 CFR June 2013, after appeals were filed, and National Forest is located in Inyo 218.25(b)(2)). For purposes of meeting Regional Office review found portions County. The Los Angeles Department of the 36 CFR 218.5 eligibility of the analysis needed correction. The Water and Power (DWP)-Bishop Parcel Supplemental Environmental Impact requirements, the public scoping period is located in the City of Bishop, Statement will evaluate a modification will end 45 days from the date the California, adjacent to the White of FEIS Alternative 4 and make other Notice of Exchange Proposal is corrections to provide pack stock Mountain Ranger District Office of the published in the Federal Register. Inyo National Forest. outfitter and guide services on the One of the non-Federal parcels It is important that reviewers provide Methow Valley, Chelan and Tonasket (Taylor Lake Parcel) is located inside their comments at such times and in Ranger Districts of the Okanogan- the boundaries of the Plumas National such manner that they are useful to the Wenatchee National Forest. Forest at Taylor Lake east of Greenville, agency’s preparation of the DATES: The draft supplemental California. environmental impact statement. environmental impact statement is Four of the non-Federal parcels are Therefore, comments should be expected in October 2016 and the final located inside the boundaries of the provided prior to the close of the supplemental environmental impact Stanislaus National Forest in the Clavey comment period and should clearly statement is expected February 2017. River watershed near Yosemite National articulate the reviewer’s concerns and FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Park. contentions. Jennifer Zbyszewski, Project Team Additional information and maps of Leader, Methow Valley Ranger District, this proposal can be found on the Comments received in response to this solicitation, including names and Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, project Web site: http://www.fs.fed.us/ (509) 996–4021, jzbysewski@fs.fed.us, or nepa/fs-usda-pop.html?project=30428 addresses of those who comment, will Paul Willard, Recreation Program be part of the public record for this Responsible Official Manager, Chelan Ranger District, proposed action. Comments submitted Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, The Responsible Official is Edward anonymously will be accepted and (509)682–4960, pwillard@fs.fed.us. Armenta, Forest Supervisor for the Inyo considered, however those who only Individuals who use telecommunication National Forest. submit anonymous comments will not devices for the deaf (TDD) may call the Nature of Decision To Be Made have standing to appeal the subsequent Federal Information Relay Service decision under 36 CFR 215. (FIRS) at 1–800–877–8339 between 8 The decision to be made is whether to authorize the Proposed Action as Dated: August 18, 2016. a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday described above, modify the Proposed Edward E. Armenta, through Friday. Action to address issues raised in public Forest Supervisor, Inyo National Forest. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Scoping is scoping, or to take no action at this time. [FR Doc. 2016–20383 Filed 8–25–16; 8:45 am] not required for supplements to environmental impact statements [40 Permits or Licenses Required BILLING CODE 3411–15–P CFR 1502.9(c)(4)] and will not be mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES Forest Service Special Use Permit conducted because of the limited nature of the additional analysis needed. Scoping Process The SEIS will be modified based on This notice of intent initiates the a new 2016 Needs Assessment and scoping process, which guides the Extent Necessary Determination; the development of the environmental 2012 Needs Assessment was revised to impact statement. The Forest Service is more accurately calculate the extent of VerDate Sep<11>2014 21:17 Aug 25, 2016 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\26AUN1.SGM 26AUN1


Document Created: 2016-08-26 10:41:19
Document Modified: 2016-08-26 10:41:19
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 45 days from date of publication in the Federal Register. A public open house regarding this proposal will be held on September 8, 2016 (see the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for further information on the open house).
ContactAdditional information related to the proposed project can be obtained from the project Web site, http:// www.fs.fed.us/nepa/fs-usda-pop.html?project=30428, or by contacting Janelle Walker, Winter Sports Specialist, Inyo National Forest. Ms. Walker can be reached by phone at (760) 924-5523 or by email at [email protected]
FR Citation81 FR 58909 
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