82 FR 40543 - Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, Evanston-Mountain View Ranger District; Utah; West Fork Smiths Fork Colorado River Cutthroat Trout Enhancement
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 164 (August 25, 2017)
Forest Service
Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 164 (August 25, 2017)
| Page Range | 40543-40546 | |
| FR Document | 2017-18016 |
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 164 (Friday, August 25, 2017)] [Notices] [Pages 40543-40546] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2017-18016] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, Evanston-Mountain View Ranger District; Utah; West Fork Smiths Fork Colorado River Cutthroat Trout Enhancement AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Evanston-Mountain View Ranger District of the Uinta- Wasatch-Cache National Forest (``Forest Service''), in cooperation with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR), proposes to treat the streams in the West Fork Smiths Fork drainage including some waters within the High Uintas Wilderness and High Uintas Inventoried Roadless Area with rotenone to remove non-native fish species and enhance habitat for native Colorado River cutthroat trout (CRCT; Onchorhynchus clarki pleuriticus). Implementation of this proposal would require the use of a piscicide (a substance used to kill fish; i.e., rotenone) to remove competing and hybridizing non-native fish species from selected streams. Non-native fish species to be removed are primarily rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and hybridized Colorado River cutthroat trout, although all fish species would be removed from the project area. Following the last treatment of the selected streams, CRCT, sculpin (Cottus sp.), mountain sucker (Catostomus [[Page 40544]] platyrhynchus), and speckled dace (Rhinichthys osculus) (all native to the drainage) would be restocked. Tiger trout (Salmo trutta x Salvelinus fontinalis) are a sterile hybrid that may be stocked in the project area to provide fishing opportunities while the CRCT population is expanding. The waters proposed for treatments include selected streams that are the headwaters of the West Fork Smiths Fork drainage, on the north slope of the Uinta Mountains. Implementation would potentially begin during the summer or fall of 2018. Treatments of all identified target waters is expected to take place over the course of two to three years. Monitoring will occur after the treatments to ensure all fish are removed throughout the project area. Once the treatment is completed and CRCT, sculpin, mountain sucker, speckled dace and tiger trout are stocked back in the drainage, populations will be monitored every five to ten years to ensure the native populations are well established. DATES: Comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received by September 25, 2017. The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) is expected January 2018 and the Final Environmental Impact Statement is expected July 2018. Those who wish to establish standing to object under 36 CFR part 218 subparts A and B should submit scoping comments no later than 30 days after publication of this notice of intent or during the comment period for the DEIS. ADDRESSES: Written comments concerning the scope of the analysis, including any attachments, must be sent via regular mail, hand- delivered or express delivered to: Logan Ranger District, Attn: West Fork Smiths Fork CRCT Enhancement, 1500 E Highway 89, Logan, UT 84321. The office business hours for submitting hand-delivered comments are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. Electronic comments must be submitted in a format such as an email message or attached to an email in a format such as, .pdf, .txt, .rtf, .doc, or .docx to: [email protected]. Comments may also be faxed to 435-755-3639. Public scoping meetings are not being considered at this time. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Chase, Fisheries Biologist, at 435-755-3629 or [email protected]. Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This process is being conducted pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations for Implementing the NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500-1508), and Forest Service NEPA regulations. This project is subject to pre-decisional administrative review pursuant to 36 CFR part 218, subparts A and B. Also called the ``objection process'' the pre- decisional administrative review process replaced the appeal process in March 2013. Only persons or organizations who have previously submitted ``specific written comments'' regarding the proposed project during any designated opportunity for public comment are eligible to file an objection. Opportunity for public comment on a DEIS includes request for comments during scoping, the 40 CFR 1506.10 comment period, or other public involvement opportunity where written comments are requested by the responsible official (36 CFR 218.5). An objection period for the draft Record of Decision and Final Environmental Impact Statement will be provided, consistent with those subparts. Purpose and Need for Action The purpose of the project is to permit the UDWR, having jurisdiction by law, to manage, protect, maintain, enhance, rehabilitate, and extend the fish and wildlife populations of the State of Utah, to conduct activities in order to protect known populations of indigenous species (i.e., CRCT) that could become threatened or endangered where necessary for their perpetuation and to aid in their recovery in previously occupied habitat. The Forest Service purpose and need is centric to responding to UDWR's proposal to use piscicide in wilderness as necessary to conduct fish removal prior to restocking with CRCT. The purpose of this project is to establish Colorado River cutthroat trout (CRCT) populations free of competing and hybridizing fish species (rainbow trout) in streams in the West Fork Smiths Fork drainage on the Evanston-Mountain View Ranger District of the Uinta- Wasatch-Cache National Forest. Removal of competing and hybridizing non-native fish is necessary to enhance habitat and restore genetically pure native CRCT populations to suitable habitats within the West Fork Smiths Fork drainage. Therefore, the primary objective is to remove rainbow and hybridized cutthroat trout that occur within these waters. The upper reaches of the West Fork Smiths Fork drainage is within the High Uintas Wilderness and considered by state and Forest Service fisheries biologists to be critical and essential habitat in the watershed. Moreover, a wilderness is to be ``protected and managed so as to preserve its natural conditions'' meaning that wilderness ecological systems are substantially free from the effects of modern civilization. To preserve this quality, it is necessary to take action to correct unnatural conditions and address the scenic and conservation public purposes of wilderness, even if they were present at the time of wilderness designation. Any impacts resulting from the influence of modern civilization (such as the effects on indigenous CRCT from historic stocking of non-native rainbow trout) affect the natural quality of wilderness character. In order to preserve the natural conditions within the wilderness and conserve the native CRCT and re-populate West Fork Smiths Fork with native CRCT the presence of the non-native hybridized CRCT and rainbow trout must be addressed in upper reaches of the West Fork Smiths Fork drainage. Limiting the project to the stream segments outside wilderness is not sufficient due to stream connectivity; the existing rainbow and hybridized CRCT within wilderness would continue downstream progression in the absence of a migration barrier. This action is being considered at this time because these non- native fish species continue to threaten CRCT populations through competition and hybridization. This action is important to meet the objective identified in the CRCT Conservation Strategy to ``secure or enhance CRCT populations'' by removing non-native fish species. Once hybridization and repeated backcrossing of CRCT populations has begun, options for restoring a genetically pure stock are few. If mating between CRCT and rainbow trout or nonnative cutthroat continues for a number of generations and if hybrids do not show reduced fitness, then the genes of non-native stocks will pervade virtually all remaining individuals to produce a hybrid swarm within a particular area. Removal of hybrids often fails for two reasons: First, whereas it is often possible to recognize first-generation hybrids between rainbow trout and cutthroat trout visually, backcrosses and later-generation individuals can be indistinguishable from genetically pure adults without the aid of genetic testing; second, if introgressive hybridization has progressed through several [[Page 40545]] generations, nearly all individuals will carry at least some introduced genes, and reducing this influence to undetectable levels is probably futile. Establishing populations of indigenous CRCT free from the threats from non-native trout would greatly benefit CRCT recovery efforts within the species historic range, which includes portions of Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado. The project would contribute to the conservation of the species and reduce the potential need for federal protection under the Endangered Species Act. This action is tiered to the 2003 Revised Land and Resource Management Plan [for the] Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, as amended through the September 2015 Plan, and helps move the project area towards desired conditions described in that plan. The UDWR and Forest Service want to ensure the persistence of the CRCT within its historic range. This includes preserving genetic integrity and providing adequate populations to maintain intrinsic and recreational values. This proposed project would not require a Forest Plan amendment. Proposed Action The Forest Service proposes to permit the UDWR, being the agency responsible for the management of fish populations, to treat target waters with piscicide (rotenone) to remove competing and hybridizing non-native trout species within the proposed project area. Target streams are located within the West Fork Smiths Fork drainage including some areas within the High Uintas Wilderness. The waters proposed for treatments includes approximately 12 stream miles (approximately 4 miles outside of wilderness and 8 miles within wilderness) on the north slope of the Uinta Mountains. Implementation would potentially begin during the summer or fall of 2018. Treatments of all identified target waters is expected to take place over the course of 2 to 3 years. The following is a summary of the proposed suite of activities for the West Fork Smiths Fork Colorado River Cutthroat Trout Enhancement project. The UDWR would take the lead in implementing the treatment project within target waters of the proposed project areas. The Forest Service would assist as the agency responsible for management of fish habitat. Transporting Crew Members, Equipment, and Supplies. Crew members, equipment, and supplies will be brought into the High Uintas Wilderness by foot and pack stock using designated trails; mechanical transport will not be used. Implementation of the proposed treatment project would require small crews to camp near the target waters. Crew members would set up base camp(s) in the wilderness to stay overnight. The actual dispensing of rotenone, which would require the most man-power (approximately 8-10 people), would occur over a short one to two day period in the late summer or fall of each year. On those days, crew members would disperse along the stream corridors and would be spread out at approximately one-half mile intervals along streams targeted for piscicide application; crew members would return to camp after the application has concluded for the day. On the final day crew members, equipment, and supplies would be hiked out and/or removed with pack stock using designated trails. The neutralization stage (one to two week period) which would occur outside the wilderness, would require that crew members set up a base camp at the Hewinta Guard Station. Piscicide Application (``Treatment'') and Neutralization. The proposed project would be implemented during a two week period in July through September of each year. Rotenone liquid would be applied up to a concentration of 1.0 parts per million of product however the minimum concentration needed to remove target species would be used. All target waters to be treated that year would be treated with rotenone during a one to two-day period. Streams would be treated a minimum of two times. This would likely be completed in consecutive years but could be within the same year. If two treatments occur within the same year, a one to two months resting period would occur between treatments. Liquid emulsifiable rotenone would be used to treat the flowing water sections following procedures outlined in the Rotenone Standard Operating Procedures Manual (SOP). Rotenone would be applied from drip stations located at approximately 0.5-1.0 mile intervals for a 6-hour period. Pressurized backpack sprayers would also be used to apply rotenone to springs and backwater areas; motorized transport would not be used during this process. A small amount of rotenone may be used to treat small side tributaries or standing water. Sentinel fish would be placed in live cages at strategic locations along the stream to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment. Procedures outlined in the Rotenone SOP would be followed for neutralizing rotenone-treated waters. Potassium permanganate would be dispensed at or near the fish migration barrier at the downstream end of the project area (outside of the wilderness). Potassium permanganate would be dispensed to neutralize rotenone and prevent mortality of non- target organisms beyond target treatment areas. Powdered potassium permanganate would be used as a neutralizing agent for the rotenone. The application rate of potassium permanganate would be determined after the pre-treatment factors of water temperature and hardness are measured. The neutralization zone for the project would be approximately the 30-minute travel distance downstream from the location potassium permanganate is dispensed into the stream. Neutralization of rotenone would take an estimated one to two weeks, dependent on temperature and other factors. Continuous use of the auger and gas powered generator would be necessary to effectively dispense potassium permanganate during this one to two week period (occurs outside of wilderness). Fish Recovery. Dead fish would be washed downstream, consumed by scavenging wildlife or provide needed nutrients for repopulating aquatic macroinvertebrates; dead fish would not be collected. Public Access and Area Closures. Public access into the High Uintas Wilderness would remain open to the public during the treatment, however closures (1-2 days) for public access to the target stream(s) during the treatment would occur. UDWR would post signs warning of the upcoming treatment prior to starting and actual closure signs would be posted along the trail(s) during the treatment. These temporary signs would be removed at the conclusion of each treatment. Public access would be allowed during the neutralization phase. Fish Stocking. UDWR would be the entity responsible for reintroducing/stocking fish species; fish would be released throughout the drainage. Buckets required to carry fish for restocking would be transported by small crews using designated trails and disperse along the stream corridors. Trucks would transport fish to the project area; no aircraft or mechanical transport would be used in wilderness. Fish reintroduction/stocking would occur a few weeks after the last treatment (year two). Treated waters would be restocked with CRCT, sculpin, mountain sucker, speckled dace, and tiger trout. Tiger trout are a sterile hybrid that would be stocked in the project area to provide fishing opportunities while the CRCT [[Page 40546]] population is expanding following the last treatment of the selected water. Once CRCT are well established, tiger trout will no longer be stocked and will disappear from the system over 4-5 years. Monitoring. Monitoring will occur after both the first and second treatments to ensure all fish are removed throughout the proposed project area. Once the treatment is completed and CRCT, sculpin, mountain sucker, speckled dace and tiger trout are stocked back in the drainage, populations will be monitored every 5-10 years to ensure the native populations are well established. Possible Alternatives At this time, there are two alternatives that are being considered: Alternative 1 (No Action) and Alternative 2 (Proposed Action). Alternative 1 would not authorize the application of piscicide in the wilderness and associated suite of activities. Alternative 2 is described above. During the course of development of the Environmental Impact Statement it is possible that the public, Forest Service staff, or both will identify additional alternatives to be evaluated. Lead and Cooperating Agencies The Evanston-Mountain View Ranger District of the Uinta-Wasatch- Cache National Forest will be the lead agency preparing the Environmental Impact Statement. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources will be a cooperating agency. Responsible Official Unless specified otherwise, the Regional Forester is responsible for approving all measures that implement Forest Service Manual direction on the use of other resources in wilderness. Specific responsibilities include approving the use of pesticides within wilderness. The responsible official for this project is the Regional Forester for the Intermountain Region (R4). Nature of Decision To Be Made The decision to be made includes whether or not to approve the proposed suite of activities, in whole or in part, specifically: (1) Application of piscicide (``treatment'') within designated wilderness on National Forest System (NFS) land and neutralization outside of designated wilderness on NFS land; (2) seasonal and multi-year timing of the action; (3) method of transport for materials, equipment, and personnel to treatment areas; (4) closing public access to the stream during the treatment; (5) restocking with CRCT, sculpin, mountain sucker, speckled dace, and tiger trout; (6) monitoring following treatment and neutralization; and, (7) what mitigation measures will be implemented. Because the majority of streams occur within wilderness, methodologies and activities selected for implementation must conform to special land use restrictions as much as possible. Preliminary Issues Preliminary issues that have been identified include potential impacts to fisheries and aquatic resources, health and human safety, wilderness and other undeveloped lands, wildlife (terrestrial), soil and water resources, wilderness, and wildlife. Additional issues may arise based on comments received from the public during the scoping and comment processes. Permits or Licenses Required The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources would submit a Pesticide Use Proposal as well as a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System to the Regional Forester for approval. These permits are required to allow application of the piscicide to targeted waters within wilderness. Scoping Process This notice of intent initiates the scoping process, which guides the development of the Environmental Impact Statement. In addition to and concurrent with publication of this notice of intent, a public scoping document was published to the project-specific information page on the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest Web site at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=51924, and a postcard was sent to individuals, entities, and organizations informing them that the notice of intent and public scoping document had been published. Comments may be submitted in a variety of ways, specifically: Via regular mail, hand-delivered or express delivered, via fax, and via email. Comments sought include specific comments to the proposed action, appropriate information that could be pertinent to analysis of environmental consequences, identification of significant issues, and identification of potential alternatives. 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 scoping 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: August 1, 2017. Jeanne M. Higgins, Acting Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest System. [FR Doc. 2017-18016 Filed 8-24-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3411-15-P
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LaFond, Agricultural Marketing Service, public may access or request copies of Discrimination Complaint Form, which
Fruits and Vegetables Division, Mail these documents (see ADDRESSES). may be accessed online at http://
Stop 0235, Room 2086, USDA, 1400 www.ocio.usda.gov/sites/default/files/
Public Meeting
Independence Avenue SW., docs/2012/Complain_combined_6_8_
Washington, DC 20250. Telephone: At the September 1, 2017, public 12.pdf, or write a letter signed by you
(202) 690–4944, Fax: (202) 720–0016, meeting, draft U.S. positions on the or your authorized representative.
Email: dorian.lafond@usda.gov. agenda items will be described and Send your completed complaint form
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE
discussed, and attendees will have the or letter to USDA by mail, fax, or email:
PUBLIC MEETING CONTACT: Kenneth
opportunity to pose questions and offer Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture,
Lowery, U.S. Codex Office, 1400 comments. Written comments may be Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400
Independence Avenue, Room 4861, offered at the meeting or sent to the U.S. Independence Avenue SW.,
Washington, DC 20250. Telephone: Delegate for the 20th Session of the Washington, DC 20250–9410. Fax: (202)
(202) 690–4042, Fax: (202) 720–3157, CCFFV, Dorian LaFond (see ADDRESSES). 690–7442. Email: program.intake@
Email: Kenneth.Lowery@fsis.usda.gov. Written comments should state that they usda.gov.
relate to activities of the 20th Session of Persons with disabilities who require
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
CCFFV. alternative means for communication
Background (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.),
Additional Public Notification
should contact USDA’s TARGET Center
Codex was established in 1963 by two Public awareness of all segments of at (202) 720–2600 (voice and TDD).
United Nations organizations, the Food rulemaking and policy development is
and Agriculture Organization and the Done at Washington, DC on August 22,
important. Consequently, FSIS will 2017.
World Health Organization. Through announce this Federal Register
adoption of food standards, codes of Mary Frances Lowe,
publication on-line through the FSIS
practice, and other guidelines Web page located at: http:// U.S. Manager for Codex Alimentarius.
developed by its committees, and by www.fsis.usda.gov/federal-register. [FR Doc. 2017–18082 Filed 8–24–17; 8:45 am]
promoting their adoption and FSIS also will make copies of this BILLING CODE 3410–DM–P
implementation by governments, Codex publication available through the FSIS
seeks to protect the health of consumers Constituent Update, which is used to
and ensure fair practices in the food provide information regarding FSIS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
trade. policies, procedures, regulations,
The CCFFV is responsible for Forest Service
Federal Register notices, FSIS public
elaborating worldwide standards and meetings, and other types of information
codes of practice as may be appropriate Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest,
that could affect or would be of interest Evanston-Mountain View Ranger
for fresh fruits and vegetables and for to our constituents and stakeholders.
consulting with other international District; Utah; West Fork Smiths Fork
The Update is available on the FSIS Colorado River Cutthroat Trout
organizations in the standards Web page. Through the Web page, FSIS
development process to avoid Enhancement
is able to provide information to a much
duplication. broader, more diverse audience. In AGENCY:Forest Service, USDA.
The Committee is hosted by Mexico. addition, FSIS offers an email ACTION:Notice of intent to prepare an
Issues To Be Discussed at the Public subscription service which provides Environmental Impact Statement.
Meeting automatic and customized access to
selected food safety news and SUMMARY: The Evanston-Mountain View
The following items on the Agenda information. This service is available at: Ranger District of the Uinta-Wasatch-
for the 20th Session of the CCFFV will http://www.fsis.usda.gov/subscribe. Cache National Forest (‘‘Forest
be discussed during the public meeting: Options range from recalls to export Service’’), in cooperation with the Utah
• Matters arising from Codex and information, regulations, directives, and Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR),
other Committees; notices. Customers can add or delete proposes to treat the streams in the West
• Matters arising from other subscriptions themselves, and have the Fork Smiths Fork drainage including
international organizations on the option to password protect their some waters within the High Uintas
standardization of fresh fruits and accounts. Wilderness and High Uintas Inventoried
vegetables Roadless Area with rotenone to remove
• Draft Standard for Aubergines; USDA Non-Discrimination Statement non-native fish species and enhance
• Draft Standard for Garlic; No agency, officer, or employee of the habitat for native Colorado River
• Draft Standard for Kiwifruit; USDA shall, on the grounds of race, cutthroat trout (CRCT; Onchorhynchus
• Draft Standard for Ware Potatoes; color, national origin, religion, sex, clarki pleuriticus).
• Proposed Draft Standard for Fresh gender identity, sexual orientation, Implementation of this proposal
Date; disability, age, marital status, family/ would require the use of a piscicide (a
• Proposals for new work on Codex parental status, income derived from a substance used to kill fish; i.e.,
standards for fresh fruits and vegetables; public assistance program, or political rotenone) to remove competing and
• Proposed layout for Codex beliefs, exclude from participation in, hybridizing non-native fish species from
standards for fresh fruits and vegetables deny the benefits of, or subject to selected streams. Non-native fish
(Outstanding issues); and species to be removed are primarily
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discrimination any person in the United
• Discussion paper on Glossary of States under any program or activity rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
terms used in the Layout for Codex conducted by the USDA. and hybridized Colorado River cutthroat
standards for fresh fruits and vegetables. trout, although all fish species would be
Each issue listed will be fully How To File a Complaint of removed from the project area.
described in documents distributed, or Discrimination Following the last treatment of the
to be distributed, by the Secretariat To file a complaint of discrimination, selected streams, CRCT, sculpin (Cottus
before to the Meeting. Members of the complete the USDA Program sp.), mountain sucker (Catostomus
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generations, nearly all individuals will will not be used. Implementation of the near the fish migration barrier at the
carry at least some introduced genes, proposed treatment project would downstream end of the project area
and reducing this influence to require small crews to camp near the (outside of the wilderness). Potassium
undetectable levels is probably futile. target waters. Crew members would set permanganate would be dispensed to
Establishing populations of up base camp(s) in the wilderness to neutralize rotenone and prevent
indigenous CRCT free from the threats stay overnight. The actual dispensing of mortality of non-target organisms
from non-native trout would greatly rotenone, which would require the most beyond target treatment areas.
benefit CRCT recovery efforts within the man-power (approximately 8–10 Powdered potassium permanganate
species historic range, which includes people), would occur over a short one would be used as a neutralizing agent
portions of Utah, Wyoming, and to two day period in the late summer or for the rotenone. The application rate of
Colorado. The project would contribute fall of each year. On those days, crew potassium permanganate would be
to the conservation of the species and members would disperse along the determined after the pre-treatment
reduce the potential need for federal stream corridors and would be spread factors of water temperature and
protection under the Endangered out at approximately one-half mile hardness are measured. The
Species Act. intervals along streams targeted for neutralization zone for the project
This action is tiered to the 2003 piscicide application; crew members would be approximately the 30-minute
Revised Land and Resource would return to camp after the travel distance downstream from the
Management Plan [for the] Uinta- application has concluded for the day. location potassium permanganate is
Wasatch-Cache National Forest, as On the final day crew members, dispensed into the stream.
amended through the September 2015 equipment, and supplies would be Neutralization of rotenone would take
Plan, and helps move the project area hiked out and/or removed with pack an estimated one to two weeks,
towards desired conditions described in stock using designated trails. dependent on temperature and other
that plan. The UDWR and Forest Service The neutralization stage (one to two factors. Continuous use of the auger and
want to ensure the persistence of the week period) which would occur gas powered generator would be
CRCT within its historic range. This outside the wilderness, would require necessary to effectively dispense
includes preserving genetic integrity that crew members set up a base camp potassium permanganate during this
and providing adequate populations to at the Hewinta Guard Station. one to two week period (occurs outside
maintain intrinsic and recreational Piscicide Application (‘‘Treatment’’) of wilderness).
values. This proposed project would not and Neutralization. The proposed Fish Recovery. Dead fish would be
require a Forest Plan amendment. project would be implemented during a washed downstream, consumed by
two week period in July through scavenging wildlife or provide needed
Proposed Action
September of each year. Rotenone liquid nutrients for repopulating aquatic
The Forest Service proposes to permit would be applied up to a concentration macroinvertebrates; dead fish would not
the UDWR, being the agency responsible of 1.0 parts per million of product be collected.
for the management of fish populations, however the minimum concentration Public Access and Area Closures.
to treat target waters with piscicide needed to remove target species would Public access into the High Uintas
(rotenone) to remove competing and be used. All target waters to be treated Wilderness would remain open to the
hybridizing non-native trout species that year would be treated with public during the treatment, however
within the proposed project area. Target rotenone during a one to two-day closures (1–2 days) for public access to
streams are located within the West period. Streams would be treated a the target stream(s) during the treatment
Fork Smiths Fork drainage including minimum of two times. This would would occur. UDWR would post signs
some areas within the High Uintas likely be completed in consecutive years warning of the upcoming treatment
Wilderness. The waters proposed for but could be within the same year. If prior to starting and actual closure signs
treatments includes approximately 12 two treatments occur within the same would be posted along the trail(s)
stream miles (approximately 4 miles year, a one to two months resting period during the treatment. These temporary
outside of wilderness and 8 miles would occur between treatments. signs would be removed at the
within wilderness) on the north slope of Liquid emulsifiable rotenone would conclusion of each treatment. Public
the Uinta Mountains. Implementation be used to treat the flowing water access would be allowed during the
would potentially begin during the sections following procedures outlined neutralization phase.
summer or fall of 2018. Treatments of in the Rotenone Standard Operating Fish Stocking. UDWR would be the
all identified target waters is expected to Procedures Manual (SOP). Rotenone entity responsible for reintroducing/
take place over the course of 2 to 3 would be applied from drip stations stocking fish species; fish would be
years. located at approximately 0.5–1.0 mile released throughout the drainage.
The following is a summary of the intervals for a 6-hour period. Buckets required to carry fish for
proposed suite of activities for the West Pressurized backpack sprayers would restocking would be transported by
Fork Smiths Fork Colorado River also be used to apply rotenone to small crews using designated trails and
Cutthroat Trout Enhancement project. springs and backwater areas; motorized disperse along the stream corridors.
The UDWR would take the lead in transport would not be used during this Trucks would transport fish to the
implementing the treatment project process. A small amount of rotenone project area; no aircraft or mechanical
within target waters of the proposed may be used to treat small side transport would be used in wilderness.
project areas. The Forest Service would tributaries or standing water. Sentinel Fish reintroduction/stocking would
occur a few weeks after the last
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assist as the agency responsible for fish would be placed in live cages at
management of fish habitat. strategic locations along the stream to treatment (year two). Treated waters
Transporting Crew Members, monitor the effectiveness of the would be restocked with CRCT, sculpin,
Equipment, and Supplies. Crew treatment. mountain sucker, speckled dace, and
members, equipment, and supplies will Procedures outlined in the Rotenone tiger trout. Tiger trout are a sterile
be brought into the High Uintas SOP would be followed for neutralizing hybrid that would be stocked in the
Wilderness by foot and pack stock using rotenone-treated waters. Potassium project area to provide fishing
designated trails; mechanical transport permanganate would be dispensed at or opportunities while the CRCT
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population is expanding following the treatment; (5) restocking with CRCT, articulate the reviewer’s concerns and
last treatment of the selected water. sculpin, mountain sucker, speckled contentions.
Once CRCT are well established, tiger dace, and tiger trout; (6) monitoring Comments received in response to
trout will no longer be stocked and will following treatment and neutralization; this solicitation, including names and
disappear from the system over 4–5 and, (7) what mitigation measures will addresses of those who comment, will
years. be implemented. Because the majority be part of the public record for this
Monitoring. Monitoring will occur of streams occur within wilderness, proposed action. Comments submitted
after both the first and second methodologies and activities selected anonymously will be accepted and
treatments to ensure all fish are for implementation must conform to considered, however.
removed throughout the proposed special land use restrictions as much as Dated: August 1, 2017.
project area. Once the treatment is possible.
Jeanne M. Higgins,
completed and CRCT, sculpin, Preliminary Issues Acting Associate Deputy Chief, National
mountain sucker, speckled dace and
Preliminary issues that have been Forest System.
tiger trout are stocked back in the
identified include potential impacts to [FR Doc. 2017–18016 Filed 8–24–17; 8:45 am]
drainage, populations will be monitored
every 5–10 years to ensure the native fisheries and aquatic resources, health BILLING CODE 3411–15–P
populations are well established. and human safety, wilderness and other
undeveloped lands, wildlife (terrestrial),
Possible Alternatives soil and water resources, wilderness, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
At this time, there are two alternatives and wildlife. Additional issues may
Forest Service
that are being considered: Alternative 1 arise based on comments received from
(No Action) and Alternative 2 (Proposed the public during the scoping and Northern New Mexico Resource
Action). Alternative 1 would not comment processes. Advisory Committee
authorize the application of piscicide in Permits or Licenses Required
the wilderness and associated suite of AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.
activities. Alternative 2 is described The Utah Division of Wildlife ACTION: Notice of meeting.
above. During the course of Resources would submit a Pesticide Use
development of the Environmental Proposal as well as a National Pollutant SUMMARY: The Northern New Mexico
Impact Statement it is possible that the Discharge Elimination System to the Resource Advisory Committee (RAC)
public, Forest Service staff, or both will Regional Forester for approval. These will meet in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The
identify additional alternatives to be permits are required to allow committee is authorized under the
evaluated. application of the piscicide to targeted Secure Rural Schools and Community
waters within wilderness. Self-Determination Act (the Act) and
Lead and Cooperating Agencies operates in compliance with the Federal
Scoping Process
The Evanston-Mountain View Ranger Advisory Committee Act. The purpose
District of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache This notice of intent initiates the of the committee is to improve
National Forest will be the lead agency scoping process, which guides the collaborative relationships and to
preparing the Environmental Impact development of the Environmental provide advice and recommendations to
Statement. The Utah Division of Impact Statement. In addition to and the Forest Service concerning projects
Wildlife Resources will be a cooperating concurrent with publication of this and funding consistent with the Act.
agency. notice of intent, a public scoping RAC information can be found at the
document was published to the project- following Web site: https://
Responsible Official specific information page on the Uinta- www.fs.usda.gov/main/santafe/
Unless specified otherwise, the Wasatch-Cache National Forest Web site workingtogether/advisorycommittees.
Regional Forester is responsible for at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/ DATES: The meeting will be held on
approving all measures that implement ?project=51924, and a postcard was sent September 12–13, 2017, from 9:00 a.m.
Forest Service Manual direction on the to individuals, entities, and to 4:00 p.m.
use of other resources in wilderness. organizations informing them that the All RAC meetings are subject to
Specific responsibilities include notice of intent and public scoping cancellation. For status of meeting prior
approving the use of pesticides within document had been published. to attendance, please contact the person
wilderness. Comments may be submitted in a listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
The responsible official for this variety of ways, specifically: Via regular CONTACT.
project is the Regional Forester for the mail, hand-delivered or express
Intermountain Region (R4). delivered, via fax, and via email. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at
Comments sought include specific the Santa Fe National Forest (NF)
Nature of Decision To Be Made comments to the proposed action, Supervisor’s Office, 11 Forest Lane,
The decision to be made includes appropriate information that could be Santa Fe, New Mexico.
whether or not to approve the proposed pertinent to analysis of environmental Written comments may be submitted
suite of activities, in whole or in part, consequences, identification of as described under SUPPLEMENTARY
specifically: (1) Application of piscicide significant issues, and identification of INFORMATION. All comments, including
(‘‘treatment’’) within designated potential alternatives. names and addresses when provided,
wilderness on National Forest System It is important that reviewers provide are placed in the record and are
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES
(NFS) land and neutralization outside of their comments at such times and in available for public inspection and
designated wilderness on NFS land; (2) such manner that they are useful to the copying. The public may inspect
seasonal and multi-year timing of the agency’s preparation of the comments received at the Santa Fe NF
action; (3) method of transport for Environmental Impact Statement. Supervisor’s Office. Please call ahead to
materials, equipment, and personnel to Therefore, comments should be facilitate entry into the building.
treatment areas; (4) closing public provided prior to the close of the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
access to the stream during the scoping period and should clearly Reuben Montes, RAC Coordinator, by
VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:40 Aug 24, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\25AUN1.SGM 25AUN1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/82_FR_40707/page/4.svg)
Document Created: 2018-10-24 12:43:25
Document Modified: 2018-10-24 12:43:25
| 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 September 25, 2017. The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) is expected January 2018 and the Final Environmental Impact Statement is expected July 2018. Those who wish to establish standing to object under 36 CFR part 218 subparts A and B should submit scoping comments no later than 30 days after publication of this notice of intent or during the comment period for the DEIS. | |
| Contact | Paul Chase, Fisheries Biologist, at 435-755-3629 or [email protected] | |
| FR Citation | 82 FR 40543 |
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