81 FR 85923 - Coconino and Tonto National Forests; Arizona; Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive River Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 229 (November 29, 2016)
Forest Service
Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 229 (November 29, 2016)
| Page Range | 85923-85924 | |
| FR Document | 2016-28683 |
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 229 (Tuesday, November 29, 2016)] [Notices] [Pages 85923-85924] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2016-28683] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Coconino and Tonto National Forests; Arizona; Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive River Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Coconino and Tonto national forests are preparing a Comprehensive River Management Plan (CRMP) for the Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River, designated by Congress in 2009. Fossil Creek is located within the administrative boundaries of the Coconino and Tonto National Forests. Fossil Creek is the only intact perennial system with continuous flow without any water diversions in Arizona and is the only uninterrupted river system between the Verde River and the Mogollon Rim, spanning and connecting a number of biotic communities from upper Sonoran desert scrub through ponderosa pine forests. In response to the approximately 17-mile river Wild and Scenic River corridor designation, the Forest Service must establish a CRMP, in accordance with the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (WSRA), to provide detailed direction, implementation actions, and monitoring to protect or enhance outstandingly remarkable values (ORVs) of the Wild and Scenic River. Since full flows returned to Fossil Creek with the decommissioning of a historic hydropower dam in 2005, public use has dramatically increased. Impacts from recreational use have threatened the river's water quality, free-flowing condition and its ORVs, potentially compromising their benefit and enjoyment by present and future generations. Planning for Fossil Creek has been ongoing for several years, and the environmental analysis for the Fossil Creek CRMP is being elevated from an environmental assessment (EA) to a more detailed environmental impact statement (EIS) in order to more fully analyze potential effects. The Forest Service has developed a proposed action and alternatives for future management of Fossil Creek through the CRMP. DATES: Comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received by January 13, 2017. The draft environmental impact statement is expected in summer 2017, and the final environmental impact statement is expected in spring 2018. ADDRESSES: Send written comments via email to [email protected] (include ``Fossil Creek CRMP'' in the subject line); via mail to Coconino National Forest, Attention: Fossil Creek CRMP, P.O. Box 20429, Sedona, AZ 86341; via facsimile to (928) 203-7539; or in person at the Red Rock Ranger District Office, 8375 State Route 179, Sedona, AZ 86351. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Contact Marcos Roybal, Fossil Creek Project Coordinator, by email at [email protected] or by phone at (928) 203-2915. For information about the project, including proposed alternatives and other project documents, visit http://tinyurl.com/FossilCreekCRMP. Hard copy documents may be requested from the phone number above. 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 project is to prepare a CRMP for the Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River to meet the requirements of Section 3(d)(1) of the WSRA. The CRMP is needed to provide for the protection or enhancement of Fossil Creek's water quality, free-flowing condition, and its ORVs, and to fulfill WSRA Section 3(b) requirements to establish river corridor boundaries and recreation and wild segment classifications. Since the decommissioning of a historic hydropower dam in 2005, public use dramatically increased as visitors sought to explore the heavily publicized Arizona landscape. Recreational use during the high- use season (June-September), for example, increased from an estimated 20,000 visitors in 2006 to approximately 80,000 visitors by 2013, with thousands turned away daily at the entrance barricades due to overcrowding. River values that need protection from impacts of recreational use include water quality, recreation, geology, Western Apache traditional and contemporary cultural values, and biological values (especially the high diversity of fish and wildlife species). Impacts have resulted from uncontrolled dispersed camping, creation of unapproved camp sites, creation of unplanned trail systems, excessive littering, and human waste near the creek. Monitoring since 2011 indicates there are increasing impacts to upland vegetation that is habitat for wildlife species; damage to heritage sites; and unsafe conditions for visitors, Forest Service personnel and emergency responders. In April 2016, an interim management reservation system was successfully implemented to reduce the daily capacity of visitors during the high-use season; this interim management reservation system will remain in place until the CRMP's completion. Proposed Action The Coconino and Tonto National Forests propose to establish a CRMP to guide management of the designated 17-mile Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River corridor and to protect or enhance the area's outstandingly remarkable values. Within a range of alternatives, the proposed action is designated to include the most flexibility to increase capacity and recreation infrastructure--maximizing recreation opportunities in the future--while providing protection for sensitive river and tribal values at the same time through both a management plan and site-specific actions. Project actions would address recreation capacity, corridor access, recreation facilities, services, and public health and safety. During all or part of the year, a reservation system would manage visitor use by limiting the number of people at one time (PAOT) in the river [[Page 85924]] corridor. The initial PAOT in the river corridor would be set at the current 2016 reservation management level--approximately 154 vehicles and 780 PAOT, including administrative use. Over time, if appropriate, adaptive management would increase capacity to a permitted maximum of approximately 338 vehicles and 1,705 PAOT if infrastructure is built, management capacity allows, and visitor behavior promotes sustainable river value protection. The proposed action also includes the following potential elements:Existing recreation sites would be expanded, particularly at the Irving site. Additional trails would be developed to link recreation sites and provide a greater variety of opportunities for a different hiking levels. A portion of Forest Road 708 would become a motorized trail. A limited amount of camping would be allowed at designated sites. Opportunities for outfitters/guides and concessionaries would be provided. Limited or no waterplay would exist at some creek locations due to cultural or natural resource issues. Some system routes would be closed or decommissioned, and other restoration actions would occur. The existing Coconino and Tonto Forest Plans would be programmatically amended under the 2012 Planning Rule to incorporate management direction for the Fossil Creek WSR corridor. The proposed amendments would add, replace, delete or revise (as needed) direction for the management of the Wild and Scenic River corridor. Possible Alternatives A range of alternatives to the proposed action, including a no action alternative and three additional action alternatives, are being considered. The no action alternative (Alternative A) represents no change (a CRMP would not be established) and serves as the baseline for comparison of the effects of the action alternatives. The four action alternatives, which are based on extensive public engagement that has occurred since 2010, include: Alternative B (Enhanced Protections), Alternative C (Non-motorized Experience), Alternative D (Motorized Use and Refugia), and Alternative E (Long-term Adaptive Management-- Proposed Action). More detailed descriptions of the proposed action and alternatives can be found online at http://tinyurl.com/FossilCreekCRMP or be requested through the contact information provided above. Lead and Cooperating Agencies Arizona Game and Fish Department has cooperating agency status in order to assist the Coconino and the Tonto National Forests in the preparation of the Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River CRMP and EIS. Responsible Official Laura Jo West, the Forest Supervisor on the Coconino National Forest, is the responsible official. Nature of Decision To Be Made Given the purpose and need of the project, the Coconino Forest Supervisor will review the proposed action, other alternatives, and the effects analysis in the EIS in order to determine: (1) Which alternative, or combination of alternatives, should be implemented; (2) what actions will be taken to protect and enhance the river's water quality, free-flowing condition and its ORVs, as required by WSRA; (3) the location and extent of infrastructure development, restoration activities, and changes in permitted visitor capacity; (4) the design features, mitigation measures and monitoring requirements; and, (5) consistency with the forest plans in place at the time of the decision and the need for amendments. Preliminary Issues Since 2010, public involvement regarding management of the Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River has informed key issues and the alternatives that have been developed. Three key issues have arisen: (1) Recreation opportunities and recreational impacts on natural and cultural resources; (2) the level of recreation development; and (3) public health and safety. These issues form the basis for the alternatives presented in this Notice. Scoping Process This Notice of Intent initiates the scoping process, which guides the development of the environmental impact statement. Several scoping meetings will be held, and interested parties should check the Fossil Creek CRMP Web page at http://tinyurl.com/FossilCreekCRMP for dates and locations. This project is subject to the objection process pursuant to 36 CFR 218 and is not being authorized under the Healthy Forest Restoration Act (HFRA). As such, those who provide specific written comments during designated comment periods in accordance with 36 CFR 218.5 will be eligible to participate in the objection process. Issues raised in objections must be based on previously submitted timely, specific written comments regarding the proposed project unless new information arises after designated opportunities (36 CFR 218.7). Several previous scoping periods have occurred since 2010, and provide standing to object under 36 CFR 218 to those who commented during designated comment periods. 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, but will not be eligible for objection per 36 CFR 218.5. Dated: November 22, 2016. Laura Jo West, Coconino National Forest Supervisor. [FR Doc. 2016-28683 Filed 11-28-16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3411-15-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 229 / Tuesday, November 29, 2016 / Notices 85923
States under any program or activity Scenic Rivers Act (WSRA), to provide for the protection or enhancement of
conducted by the USDA. detailed direction, implementation Fossil Creek’s water quality, free-
actions, and monitoring to protect or flowing condition, and its ORVs, and to
How To File a Complaint of
enhance outstandingly remarkable fulfill WSRA Section 3(b) requirements
Discrimination
values (ORVs) of the Wild and Scenic to establish river corridor boundaries
To file a complaint of discrimination, River. Since full flows returned to Fossil and recreation and wild segment
complete the USDA Program Creek with the decommissioning of a classifications.
Discrimination Complaint Form, which historic hydropower dam in 2005, Since the decommissioning of a
may be accessed online at http:// public use has dramatically increased. historic hydropower dam in 2005,
www.ocio.usda.gov/sites/default/files/ Impacts from recreational use have public use dramatically increased as
docs/2012/Complain_combined_6_8_ threatened the river’s water quality, visitors sought to explore the heavily
12.pdf, or write a letter signed by you free-flowing condition and its ORVs, publicized Arizona landscape.
or your authorized representative. potentially compromising their benefit Recreational use during the high-use
Send your completed complaint form and enjoyment by present and future season (June-September), for example,
or letter to USDA by mail, fax, or email: generations. Planning for Fossil Creek increased from an estimated 20,000
Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, has been ongoing for several years, and visitors in 2006 to approximately 80,000
Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 the environmental analysis for the visitors by 2013, with thousands turned
Independence Avenue SW., Fossil Creek CRMP is being elevated away daily at the entrance barricades
Washington, DC 20250–9410, Fax: (202) from an environmental assessment (EA) due to overcrowding. River values that
690–7442, Email: program.intake@ to a more detailed environmental need protection from impacts of
usda.gov. impact statement (EIS) in order to more recreational use include water quality,
Persons with disabilities who require fully analyze potential effects. The recreation, geology, Western Apache
alternative means for communication Forest Service has developed a traditional and contemporary cultural
(Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.), proposed action and alternatives for values, and biological values (especially
should contact USDA’s TARGET Center future management of Fossil Creek the high diversity of fish and wildlife
at (202) 720–2600 (voice and TDD). through the CRMP. species). Impacts have resulted from
uncontrolled dispersed camping,
Done at Washington, DC, on: November 22, DATES: Comments concerning the scope
2016. creation of unapproved camp sites,
of the analysis must be received by
creation of unplanned trail systems,
Alfred V. Almanza, January 13, 2017. The draft
excessive littering, and human waste
Acting Administrator. environmental impact statement is
near the creek. Monitoring since 2011
[FR Doc. 2016–28611 Filed 11–28–16; 8:45 am] expected in summer 2017, and the final
indicates there are increasing impacts to
BILLING CODE 3410–DM–P environmental impact statement is
upland vegetation that is habitat for
expected in spring 2018.
wildlife species; damage to heritage
ADDRESSES: Send written comments via sites; and unsafe conditions for visitors,
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE email to comments-southwestern- Forest Service personnel and emergency
coconino-redrock@fs.fed.us (include responders. In April 2016, an interim
Forest Service ‘‘Fossil Creek CRMP’’ in the subject management reservation system was
line); via mail to Coconino National successfully implemented to reduce the
Coconino and Tonto National Forests; Forest, Attention: Fossil Creek CRMP,
Arizona; Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic daily capacity of visitors during the
P.O. Box 20429, Sedona, AZ 86341; via high-use season; this interim
River Comprehensive River facsimile to (928) 203–7539; or in
Management Plan and Environmental management reservation system will
person at the Red Rock Ranger District remain in place until the CRMP’s
Impact Statement Office, 8375 State Route 179, Sedona, completion.
AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA. AZ 86351.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Proposed Action
ACTION:Notice of intent to prepare an
environmental impact statement. Contact Marcos Roybal, Fossil Creek The Coconino and Tonto National
Project Coordinator, by email at Forests propose to establish a CRMP to
SUMMARY: The Coconino and Tonto maroybal@fs.fed.us or by phone at (928) guide management of the designated 17-
national forests are preparing a 203–2915. For information about the mile Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River
Comprehensive River Management Plan project, including proposed alternatives corridor and to protect or enhance the
(CRMP) for the Fossil Creek Wild and and other project documents, visit area’s outstandingly remarkable values.
Scenic River, designated by Congress in http://tinyurl.com/FossilCreekCRMP. Within a range of alternatives, the
2009. Fossil Creek is located within the Hard copy documents may be requested proposed action is designated to include
administrative boundaries of the from the phone number above. the most flexibility to increase capacity
Coconino and Tonto National Forests. Individuals who use and recreation infrastructure—
Fossil Creek is the only intact perennial telecommunication devices for the deaf maximizing recreation opportunities in
system with continuous flow without (TDD) may call the Federal Information the future—while providing protection
any water diversions in Arizona and is Relay Service (FIRS) at 1 (800) 877–8339 for sensitive river and tribal values at
the only uninterrupted river system between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern the same time through both a
between the Verde River and the Time, Monday through Friday. management plan and site-specific
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Mogollon Rim, spanning and connecting SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: actions. Project actions would address
a number of biotic communities from recreation capacity, corridor access,
upper Sonoran desert scrub through Purpose and Need for Action recreation facilities, services, and public
ponderosa pine forests. In response to The purpose of the project is to health and safety.
the approximately 17-mile river Wild prepare a CRMP for the Fossil Creek During all or part of the year, a
and Scenic River corridor designation, Wild and Scenic River to meet the reservation system would manage
the Forest Service must establish a requirements of Section 3(d)(1) of the visitor use by limiting the number of
CRMP, in accordance with the Wild and WSRA. The CRMP is needed to provide people at one time (PAOT) in the river
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![85924 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 229 / Tuesday, November 29, 2016 / Notices
corridor. The initial PAOT in the river Lead and Cooperating Agencies comments regarding the proposed
corridor would be set at the current Arizona Game and Fish Department project unless new information arises
2016 reservation management level— has cooperating agency status in order after designated opportunities (36 CFR
approximately 154 vehicles and 780 to assist the Coconino and the Tonto 218.7). Several previous scoping periods
PAOT, including administrative use. National Forests in the preparation of have occurred since 2010, and provide
Over time, if appropriate, adaptive the Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River standing to object under 36 CFR 218 to
management would increase capacity to CRMP and EIS. those who commented during
a permitted maximum of approximately designated comment periods.
338 vehicles and 1,705 PAOT if Responsible Official It is important that reviewers provide
infrastructure is built, management Laura Jo West, the Forest Supervisor their comments at such times and in
capacity allows, and visitor behavior on the Coconino National Forest, is the such manner that they are useful to the
promotes sustainable river value responsible official. agency’s preparation of the
protection. The proposed action also environmental impact statement.
Nature of Decision To Be Made Therefore, comments should be
includes the following potential
elements: Given the purpose and need of the provided prior to the close of the
• Existing recreation sites would be project, the Coconino Forest Supervisor comment period and should clearly
expanded, particularly at the Irving site. will review the proposed action, other articulate the reviewer’s concerns and
• Additional trails would be alternatives, and the effects analysis in contentions.
developed to link recreation sites and the EIS in order to determine: (1) Which Comments received in response to
provide a greater variety of alternative, or combination of this solicitation, including names and
opportunities for a different hiking alternatives, should be implemented; (2) addresses of those who comment, will
levels. what actions will be taken to protect be part of the public record for this
• A portion of Forest Road 708 would and enhance the river’s water quality, proposed action. Comments submitted
become a motorized trail. free-flowing condition and its ORVs, as anonymously will be accepted and
• A limited amount of camping required by WSRA; (3) the location and considered, but will not be eligible for
would be allowed at designated sites. extent of infrastructure development, objection per 36 CFR 218.5.
restoration activities, and changes in
• Opportunities for outfitters/guides Dated: November 22, 2016.
permitted visitor capacity; (4) the design
and concessionaries would be provided. Laura Jo West,
features, mitigation measures and
• Limited or no waterplay would Coconino National Forest Supervisor.
monitoring requirements; and, (5)
exist at some creek locations due to [FR Doc. 2016–28683 Filed 11–28–16; 8:45 am]
consistency with the forest plans in
cultural or natural resource issues.
place at the time of the decision and the BILLING CODE 3411–15–P
• Some system routes would be need for amendments.
closed or decommissioned, and other
restoration actions would occur. Preliminary Issues DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
The existing Coconino and Tonto Since 2010, public involvement
Forest Plans would be programmatically regarding management of the Fossil Rural Business-Cooperative Service
amended under the 2012 Planning Rule Creek Wild and Scenic River has
to incorporate management direction for Notice of Solicitation of Applications
informed key issues and the alternatives for the Rural Energy for America
the Fossil Creek WSR corridor. The that have been developed. Three key
proposed amendments would add, Program for Federal Fiscal Year 2017;
issues have arisen: (1) Recreation Correction
replace, delete or revise (as needed) opportunities and recreational impacts
direction for the management of the on natural and cultural resources; (2) AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative
Wild and Scenic River corridor. the level of recreation development; and Service, USDA.
Possible Alternatives (3) public health and safety. These ACTION: Notice; correction.
issues form the basis for the alternatives
A range of alternatives to the presented in this Notice. SUMMARY: The Rural Business-
proposed action, including a no action Cooperative Service (the Agency)
alternative and three additional action Scoping Process published a notice in the Federal
alternatives, are being considered. The This Notice of Intent initiates the Register of October 18, 2016,
no action alternative (Alternative A) scoping process, which guides the announcing the acceptance of
represents no change (a CRMP would development of the environmental applications for funds available under
not be established) and serves as the impact statement. Several scoping the Rural Energy for America Program
baseline for comparison of the effects of meetings will be held, and interested (REAP) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2017. The
the action alternatives. The four action parties should check the Fossil Creek 2014 Farm Bill provides funding for the
alternatives, which are based on CRMP Web page at http://tinyurl.com/ program for FY 2017. This notice
extensive public engagement that has FossilCreekCRMP for dates and provides corrections to: Section III.
occurred since 2010, include: locations. Eligibility Information, subsection D.
Alternative B (Enhanced Protections), This project is subject to the objection Cost Sharing or Matching, paragraph (2)
Alternative C (Non-motorized process pursuant to 36 CFR 218 and is to indicate that applicants that have
Experience), Alternative D (Motorized not being authorized under the Healthy been previously been awarded energy
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Use and Refugia), and Alternative E Forest Restoration Act (HFRA). As such, audit or renewable energy development
(Long-term Adaptive Management— those who provide specific written assistance grants and have not expended
Proposed Action). More detailed comments during designated comment 50 percent of those funds are considered
descriptions of the proposed action and periods in accordance with 36 CFR a ‘‘risk’’ pursuant to 2 CFR 200.205;
alternatives can be found online at 218.5 will be eligible to participate in Section V. Application Review
http://tinyurl.com/FossilCreekCRMP or the objection process. Issues raised in Information, subsection (B) Review and
be requested through the contact objections must be based on previously Selection Process, paragraphs (1)(a)
information provided above. submitted timely, specific written through (d), and paragraph (3)
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Document Created: 2016-11-29 00:33:13
Document Modified: 2016-11-29 00:33:13
| 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 January 13, 2017. The draft environmental impact statement is expected in summer 2017, and the final environmental impact statement is expected in spring 2018. | |
| Contact | Contact Marcos Roybal, Fossil Creek Project Coordinator, by email at [email protected] or by phone at (928) 203-2915. For information about the project, including proposed alternatives and other project documents, visit http://tinyurl.com/ FossilCreekCRMP. Hard copy documents may be requested from the phone number above. | |
| FR Citation | 81 FR 85923 |
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