81 FR 7743 - Mt. Hood National Forest; Oregon; Cooper Spur-Government Camp Land Exchange
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 30 (February 16, 2016)
Forest Service
Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 30 (February 16, 2016)
| Page Range | 7743-7744 | |
| FR Document | 2016-03047 |
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 30 (Tuesday, February 16, 2016)] [Notices] [Pages 7743-7744] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2016-03047] [[Page 7743]] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Mt. Hood National Forest; Oregon; Cooper Spur--Government Camp Land Exchange AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Mt. Hood National Forest will prepare an environmental impact statement to document and disclose the projected effects of a congressionally directed and conditioned land exchange. This land exchange includes the conveyance of approximately 110 acres of National Forest System lands adjacent to Government Camp in Clackamas County, Oregon, in exchange for the acquisition of approximately 765 acres of land owned by Mt. Hood Meadows Oreg., LLC, in Hood River County, Oregon. DATES: Comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received by March 17, 2016. The draft environmental impact statement is expected November 2016 and the final environmental impact statement is expected January 2018. ADDRESSES: Send written comments to the Mt. Hood National Forest, 16400 Champion Way, Sandy, OR 97055. Comments may also be sent via email to [email protected], or via facsimile to (503) 668-1423. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michelle Lombardo, Forest Environmental Coordinator, Mt. Hood National Forest, at (503) 668-1796 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 and Need for Action The purpose of the congressionally directed and conditioned land exchange between the Mt. Hood National Forest and the Mt. Hood Meadows Oregon, LLC, is to comply with and carry out the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of March 30, 2009 (123 Stat. 991, Pub. L. 111-11), which provides direction for this land exchange. Proposed Action The proposed action includes the conveyance of two parcels of National Forest System lands, totaling approximately 110 acres, in exchange for the acquisition of approximately 765 acres of land owned by Mt. Hood Meadows. The Federal land proposed for conveyance is located to the north of the Government Camp Loop Road in Government Camp, Oregon, in T3S, R8E, sections 13 & 24, and T3S, R8.5E, section 14 in Clackamas County. The land owned by Mt. Hood Meadows that is proposed for acquisition is located about one-half mile to the west of Highway 35 in the vicinity of the Cooper Spur Ski Area in T2S, R10E, sections 6 & 7, T1S, R10E, Sections 30 & 31, and T1S, R9E, Section 36 in Hood River County. The Omnibus Act (Section 1206(a)(2)(G)) prescribes as a condition to the land exchange that the Forest Service reserve wetland and trail easements on the Federal parcels to be exchanged. More specifically, the Omnibus Act requires the U.S. to reserve a conservation easement on the Federal land to protect existing wetland, as identified by the Oregon Department of State Lands, that allows equivalent wetland mitigation measures to compensate for minor wetland encroachments necessary for the orderly development of that land following the exchange. The Omnibus Act also requires the U.S. to reserve a trail easement on the Federal land that allows non-motorized use by the public of existing trails; roads, utilities, and infrastructure facilities to cross the trails; and improvement or relocation of the trails to accommodate development of the Federal land. The Omnibus Act also provides that, on completion of the land exchange, additional lands would be considered part of the Mt. Hood Wilderness and that the Crystal Springs Watershed Special Resource Management Unit would be created. The environmental impact statement to be prepared will also consider a proposed amendment to the the Mt. Hood National Forest Land and Resources Management Plan (1990), as amended by the Northwest Forest Plan (1994), that will be necessary to assign land use allocations to the acquired lands, change the land use allocations for the new Tilly Jane Wilderness Addition and the Crystal Springs Watershed Special Resource Management Unit, and add standards and guidelines for the Crystal Springs Watershed Special Resource Management Unit upon its creation. Possible Alternatives A bill, referred to as the ``Mount Hood Cooper Spur Land Exchange Clarification Act,'' has been introduced in the U.S. Congress that would amend the Omnibus Act to modify certain conditions of the land exchange as described in the proposed action. The proposed modifications set forth in the bill will be analyzed in the environmental impact statement as appropriate, depending upon future congressional developments regarding its status. Responsible Official The Responsible Official for this project is the Mt. Hood Forest Supervisor. Nature of Decision To Be Made The Responsible Official will decide whether to adopt and implement the proposed action, an alternative to the proposed action, or take no action. It should be noted that, in this context, this decision is necessarily informed and constrained by the Omnibus Act, which provides direction for the proposed action, and therefore, if the Responsible Official finds the congressionally-mandated conditions are satisfied, the Forest Service will execute the land exchange. Preliminary Issues A preliminary analysis of potential effects revealed the following preliminary issues: (1) Camp Creek and an intermittent tributary of Camp Creek run through the Federal parcels. Neither reach of the stream is fish- bearing. Camp Creek is not 303(d)-listed under the Clean Water Act, but it does have water quality issues associated with Government Camp (such as sewage and runoff from the roads). Depending on the type and quality of development that might occur on the parcels after the exchange, the water quality could further decrease. However, the impacts of development should be lessened by the congressionally-mandated conservation easement on the wetland, through which the streams flow. Detailed information is not available regarding fisheries or water quality on the non-Federal parcel. (2) Surveys for wetlands and floodplains on both parcels have been completed. Wetlands are present on the Federal parcels, and narrow, stream-associated wetlands exist on the non-Federal parcel. It appears that the Forest Service will be conveying more wetlands than would be acquired. In the Omnibus Act (Section 1206(a)(G)(i)), however, Congress mandated that a conservation easement be placed upon the wetlands at Government Camp. The Act directs that the easement protect the wetland and allow for equivalent wetland mitigation measures necessary for the orderly development of the [[Page 7744]] conveyed land. The acquisition of the wetlands at Cooper Spur and the easement on the wetlands at Government Camp may therefore result in no net loss of wetlands. (3) A cultural and heritage resource survey was conducted on the Federal parcel. The survey revealed the potential for an adverse effect to a site of archaeological/cultural interest. Mitigation measures will be developed with Tribal and State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) consultation. (4) Trails 755, 755A, and 755B cross the Federal parcels. A trail easement has been congressionally mandated so that non-motorized users would continue to be able to use the trails to get to Federal land, so that roads, utilities, and infrastructure facilities could be built across the trails, and to allow for improvement or relocation of the trails so that development of the conveyed parcels could occur. While the trails (or relocated trails) would still exist, the recreation experience could be negatively impacted by new development (such as buildings and parking lots) or the presence of new infrastructure. Scoping Process This notice of intent initiates the scoping process, which guides the development of the environmental impact statement. It is important that reviewers provide their comments at such times and in such 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. Dated: February 9, 2016. Lisa A. Northrop, Mt. Hood Forest Supervisor. [FR Doc. 2016-03047 Filed 2-12-16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-11-P
![7744 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 30 / Tuesday, February 16, 2016 / Notices
conveyed land. The acquisition of the SUMMARY: The Eastern Washington oral statement should request in writing
wetlands at Cooper Spur and the Cascades Provincial Advisory by March 14, 2016 to be scheduled on
easement on the wetlands at Committee (PAC) will meet in the agenda. Anyone who would like to
Government Camp may therefore result Wenatchee, Washington. The committee bring related matters to the attention of
in no net loss of wetlands. is authorized pursuant to the the committee may file written
(3) A cultural and heritage resource implementation of E–19 of the Record of statements with the committee staff
survey was conducted on the Federal Decision and operates in compliance before or after the meeting. Written
parcel. The survey revealed the with the Federal Advisory Committee comments and requests for time to make
potential for an adverse effect to a site Act. The purpose of the committee is to oral comments must be sent to Pubic
of archaeological/cultural interest. provide advice and make Affairs Specialist Robin DeMario, 216
Mitigation measures will be developed recommendations to promote a better Melody Lane, Wenatchee, Washington,
with Tribal and State Historic integration of forest management 98801; by email to rdemario@fs.fed.us,
Preservation Officer (SHPO) activities between Federal and non- or via facsimile to 509–664–9286.
consultation. Federal entities to ensure that such Meeting Accommodations: If you are
(4) Trails 755, 755A, and 755B cross activities are complementary. PAC a person requiring reasonable
the Federal parcels. A trail easement has information can be found at the accommodation, please make requests
been congressionally mandated so that following Web site: http:// in advance for sign language
non-motorized users would continue to www.fs.usda.gov/main/okawen/ interpreting, assistive listening devices
be able to use the trails to get to Federal workingtogether/advisorycommittees. or other reasonable accommodation for
land, so that roads, utilities, and DATES: The meeting will be held from access to the facility or proceedings by
infrastructure facilities could be built 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, contacting the person listed in the
across the trails, and to allow for March 22. section titled FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
improvement or relocation of the trails All PAC meetings are subject to CONTACT. All reasonable
so that development of the conveyed cancellation. For status of meeting prior accommodation requests are managed
parcels could occur. While the trails (or to attendance, please contact the person on a case by case basis.
relocated trails) would still exist, the listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION Dated: February 9, 2016.
recreation experience could be CONTACT. Jason Kuiken,
negatively impacted by new
ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at Deputy Forest Supervisor, Okanogan-
development (such as buildings and Wenatchee National Forest.
parking lots) or the presence of new the Okanogan-Wenatchee National
infrastructure. Forest headquarters office located at 215 [FR Doc. 2016–03042 Filed 2–12–16; 8:45 am]
Melody Lane, Wenatchee, Washington. BILLING CODE 3411–15–P
Scoping Process Written comments may be submitted
This notice of intent initiates the as described under SUPPLEMENTARY
scoping process, which guides the INFORMATION. All comments, including CHEMICAL SAFETY AND HAZARD
development of the environmental names and addresses when provided, INVESTIGATION BOARD
impact statement. It is important that are placed in the record and are
reviewers provide their comments at available for public inspection and Sunshine Act Meeting
such times and in such manner that copying. The public may inspect
comments received at 215 Melody Lane, TIME AND DATE:February 23, 2016, 1:00
they are useful to the agency’s p.m. EST
preparation of the environmental impact Wenatchee, Washington. Please call
ahead to facilitate entry into the PLACE: U.S. Chemical Safety Board,
statement. Therefore, comments should
building. 1750 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Suite 910,
be provided prior to the close of the
Washington, DC 20006.
comment period and should clearly FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
articulate the reviewer’s concerns and STATUS: Open to the public.
Public Affairs Specialist Robin DeMario
contentions. Comments received in by phone at 509–664–9292 or via email Matters To Be Considered
response to this solicitation, including at rdemario@fs.fed.us. The Chemical Safety and Hazard
names and addresses of those who Individuals who use Investigation Board (CSB) will convene
comment, will be part of the public telecommunication devices for the deaf a public meeting on February 23, 2016,
record for this proposed action. (TDD) may call the Federal Information starting at 1:00 p.m. EST in Washington,
Comments submitted anonymously will Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–800–877–8339 DC at the CSB offices located at 1750
be accepted and considered, however. between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Suite 910.
Dated: February 9, 2016. Eastern Standard Time, Monday The Board will discuss the status of
Lisa A. Northrop, through Friday. open investigations, advocacy related to
Mt. Hood Forest Supervisor. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The the State of California’s Process Safety
[FR Doc. 2016–03047 Filed 2–12–16; 8:45 am] purpose of the meeting is: Management (PSM) reforms, on the
BILLING CODE 3410–11–P
1. To provide updates to advisory status of audits from the Office of the
committee members on Forest Plan Inspector General, financial and
Revision, Travel Management Planning, organizational updates, and a review of
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Restoration Strategy, review of the agency’s action plan. An
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
the fires that occurred in 2015 on the opportunity for public comment will be
Forest Service Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, provided.
and Burned Area Emergency Response
Eastern Washington Cascades efforts. Additional Information
Provincial Advisory Committee The meeting is open to the public. The meeting is free and open to the
AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA. The agenda will include time for people public. If you require a translator or
to make oral statements of three minutes interpreter, please notify the individual
ACTION: Notice of meeting.
or less. Individuals wishing to make an listed below as the ‘‘Contact Person for
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Document Created: 2016-02-13 03:13:43
Document Modified: 2016-02-13 03:13:43
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| Action | Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement. | |
| Dates | Comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received by March 17, 2016. The draft environmental impact statement is expected November 2016 and the final environmental impact statement is expected January 2018. | |
| Contact | Michelle Lombardo, Forest Environmental Coordinator, Mt. Hood National Forest, at (503) 668-1796 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. | |
| FR Citation | 81 FR 7743 |
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