82_FR_45987 82 FR 45798 - Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests; Idaho; Lolo Insect & Disease Project

82 FR 45798 - Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests; Idaho; Lolo Insect & Disease Project

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 189 (October 2, 2017)

Page Range45798-45800
FR Document2017-21008

This is a corrected Notice of Intent (NOI). This notice updates the information about the purpose and need, proposed action, expected dates of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Final EIS, addresses, contact information for the project, and the responsible official for the Lolo Insect & Disease project. This notice also provides clarification for individuals or organizations that provided comments in response to scoping previously conducted as it relates to having standing to object. Preliminary issues, alternatives, and permits are also available and presented in this notice.

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 189 (Monday, October 2, 2017)
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 189 (Monday, October 2, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 45798-45800]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-21008]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests; Idaho; Lolo Insect & 
Disease Project

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Revised Notice of Intent to prepare an Environmental Impact 
Statement.

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SUMMARY: This is a corrected Notice of Intent (NOI). This notice 
updates the information about the purpose and need, proposed action, 
expected dates of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and 
Final EIS, addresses, contact information for the project, and the 
responsible official for the Lolo Insect & Disease project. This notice 
also provides clarification for individuals or organizations that 
provided comments in response to scoping previously conducted as it 
relates to having standing to object. Preliminary issues, alternatives, 
and permits are also available and presented in this notice.

DATES: Comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received 
by October 17, 2017. The Draft EIS is expected January of 2018 and the 
Final EIS is expected August of 2018. This project was originally 
scoped under the provisions of 36 CFR 215. For this project, 
individuals or organizations who submitted written comments in response 
to scoping conducted under 36 CFR 215 will be considered to have 
standing to object under 36 CFR 218, Subparts A and B. Those who also 
wish to establish standing to object under 36 CFR part 218 should 
submit scoping comments no later than 15 days after publication of this 
Notice of Intent or during the 45-day comment period following 
distribution of the Draft EIS.

ADDRESSES: Send written comments to Lochsa Ranger District, c/o Sara 
Daugherty, 502 Lowry Street, Kooskia, Idaho 83539. Comments may also be 
sent via email to [email protected], or via 
facsimile to 208-926-6450.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For more information please contact 
Sara Daugherty at 208-926-6404 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: The Forest Service gives notice of its 
intent to prepare an EIS for the Lolo Insect & Disease project to 
analyze and disclose the effects of proposed forest management and 
watershed improvement activities within the Lolo Creek watershed, 
located approximately 16 miles northeast of Kamiah, Idaho. The proposed 
action would use a combination of timber harvest and reforestation to 
achieve the desired range of age classes, size classes, vegetative 
species distributions, habitat complexity (diversity), and landscape 
patterns across the forested portions of the project area. Road 
decommissioning, culvert replacements, road and trail improvements, and 
soils rehabilitation are also proposed to improve watershed health. The 
EIS will analyze the effects of the proposed action and alternatives. 
The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests invites comments and 
suggestions on the issues to be addressed. The agency gives notice of 
the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis and decision 
making process on the proposal so interested and affected members of 
the public may participate and contribute to the final decision. The 
original notice was published in the Federal Register on April 25, 
2013; 78 FR 24718. 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 guidelines. Additionally, pursuant to Section 
106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, the public scoping 
process will allow members of the general public to provide comments on 
potential impacts to historic and cultural resources for the proposed 
action. An objection priod for the Draft Record of Decision will be 
provided, consistent with 36 CFR part 218.

Purpose and Need for Action

Vegetation and Wildlife Habitat Improvement

    Existing Condition: Most of the project area is in Forest Plan 
management area (MA) E1. MA E1 is timber-producing land to be managed

[[Page 45799]]

for healthy timber stands to optimize potential timber growing. Timber 
production is to be cost-effective and provide maximum protection of 
soil and water quality. Big game, primarily elk, is to be managed 
through limited road closures. Dispersed recreation and livestock 
grazing will be provide if compatible with timber management goals.
    In the project area, fires that occurred in 1910 and 1934 and the 
introduction of white pine blister rust have created a homogeneous age 
class and species composition which has become highly susceptible to 
insect and disease change agents due to its current age. Mortality in 
grand fir and Douglas-fir dominated stands is increasing from root 
disease, Douglas-fir bark beetle, and grand fir engraver. In 2015, some 
of the proposed treatment areas were burned causing extensive tree 
mortality. Insects are invading stands within and outside of areas 
burned in 2015. Currently, a higher percentage of grand fir and 
Douglas-fir exist than natural long-term disturbances patterns would 
have created and that would have dominated these habitat types in the 
absence of historical disturbance events. Grand fir and Douglas-fir are 
more susceptible to insects and diseases, and grand fir is less likely 
to survive intense wildfires, than early seral species such as 
ponderosa pine, western larch, and western white pine.
    Young forest habitat is lacking on this landscape, while the 
quality of available habitat for sensitive and old growth-associated 
species has declined. Patches of young forest that do exist are smaller 
with edges that are straighter and more even than natural disturbances 
would have created.
    Desired Condition: The desired condition is a forest structure with 
a range of age and size classes with species diversity that is 
resistant and resilient to change agents such as insects, diseases, and 
wildfires. Early seral species (white pine, larch) should represent a 
greater percentage of the species mix.
    Need for Action: Vegetation in this area needs to be managed to 
create a more diverse and resilient forest structure by creating a 
range of age and size classes, species diversity, and disturbance 
patterns that more closely emulate the results of natural disturbance. 
A need exists to shift tree species composition away from shade-
tolerant species toward more resistant and resilient early seral 
species. Restoration of blister rust resistant white pine is a primary 
objective.
Goods and Services
    Existing Condition: Much of the Project area consists of grand fir-
dominated stands. Insect and disease infestations are contributing to 
increased tree mortality, while decreasing timber volume and value.
    Desired Condition: The desired condition is to provide a sustained 
yield of resource outputs as direct by the Clearwater Forest Plan.
    Need for Action: Stands that are infested with insects and diseases 
need to be treated so that the harvested timber that still has a 
merchantable product in the trees will help sustain community stability 
through supporting jobs in the timber industry and support businesses.

Watershed Improvement

    The emphasis for watershed restoration in the Lolo Creek drainage 
is associated with roads and soil improvement.
    Existing Condition: Gravel and native surface roads could 
contribute sediment to stream channels, which can affect water quality 
and fish habitat. There are 555 miles of system and 40 miles of non-
system road in the Lolo Creek watershed. A total of 178 miles occurs 
within designated PACFISH buffers.
    Desired Condition: The desired condition is to maintain a road 
system in the Lolo Creek watershed that is adequate to provide for 
continued recreation, commodity production, and administrative use as 
described in the Clearwater Forest Plan while maintaining fish and 
water quality objectives.
    Need for Action: Improving watershed function and stream conditions 
by reducing road densities and repairing existing roads and culverts to 
reduce sediment and improve drainage is needed. New system roads would 
be constructed to provide a long term transportation system while 
reducing roads located within riparian habitat conservation areas.

Roads Analysis

    Existing Condition: Transportation planning has been completed at 
the Clearwater National Forest level by analyzing the entire 
transportation system as a whole. A roads analysis of the project area 
provides the current transportation system.
    Desired Condition: A diversity of motorized access adequate to 
provide for continued recreation, commodity production, and 
administrative use as described in the Clearwater Forest Plan.
    Need for Action: A comprehensive roads analysis including all 
motorized access opportunities. Implementation of the results of the 
roads analysis would create a sustainable transportation system.

Soil Improvement

    Existing Condition: Past management activities have resulted in 
areas of detrimental soil disturbance, mostly in the form of compacted 
or displaced soil or loss of organic matter.
    Desired Condition: Soils are productive (functioning soil biology, 
soil hydrology, and nutrient cycling) and stable.
    Need for Action: Watershed function can be improved by restoring 
compacted soils and adding organic material on old skid trails and 
landings. Restoration of meadow function with seeding and planting of 
native species.

Proposed Action

    The Lochsa Ranger District proposes the following vegetation 
management actions to improve forest health, reforest areas burned in 
2015, provide goods and services, and improve wildlife habitat:
     Variable retention regeneration harvest and site 
preparation activities would be conducted on approximately 3464 acres. 
Stands that are currently being affected by biotic change agents would 
be targeted for treatment. Regeneration harvest would create early 
successional plant communities and habitat. Project design criteria 
would be used in portions of units to address specific resource 
concerns, such as areas within the National Historic Landmark Corridor 
that require retention to meet visual objectives. Regeneration would 
focus on restoring white pine and other long-lived early seral species. 
Variable retention harvest would include areas of full retention 
(clumps), irregular edges, and retention of snags and legacy trees to 
provide structure and a future source of woody debris. Some openings 
may exceed 40 acres. Harvest would include utilizing ground based, 
skyline, and helicopter yarding systems; as well as approximately 2.6 
miles of tractor swing trails. There is no harvest proposed in old 
growth.
     Approximately 19 miles of temporary roads would be 
constructed to carry out the proposed harvest. Temporary roads would be 
decommissioned after use.
    The following road improvement actions area proposed to reduce 
sediment production and address transportation needs.
     Road improvements would occur on up to 125 miles of roads 
within the project area. Road improvement activities include: Adding 
cross drains on either side of perennial streams

[[Page 45800]]

where fish-bearing would be the highest priority followed by non-fish 
bearing perennial streams (these would be determined and prioritized 
based on field review); replacing crossings on perennial streams with 
structures appropriately sized for a 100-year event (these would be 
prioritized by the district fisheries biologist); and stabilize eroding 
sections of road that may be accomplished by blading followed by spot 
rocking or the addition of drainage structures where needed.
     Road maintenance and reconditioning would occur on 
approximately 157 miles of system roads. Maintenance consist of culvert 
cleaning, surface blading, and roadside brushing; and reconditioning 
includes minor road reshaping, waterbar removal, and road surface brush 
removal.
     Road decommissioning is proposed on approximately 60 miles 
of system road and approximately 30 miles of non-system road. In most 
cases this includes fully re-contouring the road.
     Approximately 4 miles of system roads would be converted 
to an off-highway vehicle (OHV) trail.
     Approximately 0.74 miles of new system roads would be 
constructed to contribute to the long term transportation system while 
reducing roads located within riparian habitat conservation areas.
    The following actions are proposed to improve soil and vegetation 
conditions in the Musselshell Restoration Area portion (1,600 acres) of 
the project area:
     Approximately 745 acres of white pine restoration would be 
accomplished through intermediate harvest by creating small openings to 
plant blister rust resistant seedlings, benefit other species, and 
contribute to ecosystem health.
     Approximately 92 acres of riparian habitat conservation 
area (RHCA) restoration would occur where RHCAs of perennial streams 
are overstocked with trees. Trees would be commercially thinned to 
promote a healthy stand and promote long term RHCA function.
     Soil rehabilitation would occur on approximately 55 acres 
of currently detrimentally disturbed areas associated with past harvest 
related activities. Activities could include decompaction, mastication, 
fertilization, seeding, and addition of woody/organic material.
     Deferred maintenance would occur on mile of Trail #853. 
Work may include improvement and development of drainage structures 
within the existing tread. Rock and/or gravel material may be placed on 
the exiting tread surface to complement the drainage structures and 
provide adequate base to support motorized OHV use, reduce erosion, and 
loss of fine materials.
    The Lolo Insect & Disease project will also include a variety of 
project design criteria that have been developed from past projects, 
verified by field surveys, and will be used to limit possible adverse 
effects to soils, water quality, fish and wildlife habitat, recreation 
opportunities, and culturally significant areas.

Possible Alternatives

    In addition to the No Action and the Proposed Action, alternatives 
that do not harvest in riparian habitat conservation areas, within the 
Eldorado Creek Roadless Area and special areas of historic or tribal 
significance (such as the National Historic Landmark corridor), as well 
as minimal temporary road construction with more helicopter logging are 
expected. These preliminary alternatives were developed based on prior 
scoping comments received. Alternatives will be developed based on 
previous and additional comments received during the scoping periods.

Responsible Official

    Nez Perce-Clearwater Forest Supervisor.

Nature of Decision To Be Made

    The Responsible Official will determine whether to adopt the 
proposed action or another alternative, in whole or in part, and what 
mitigation measurements and management requirements will be 
implemented.

Preliminary Issues

    Issues received during the previous scoping period include 
harvesting in the Eldorado Creek Roadless Area, the National Historic 
Landmark corridor, and other special areas of historic or tribal 
significance; riparian habitat conservation area thinning, helicopter 
logging systems, winter logging, and minimal road construction.

Permits or Licenses Required

    Any required permits for disturbance of water or wetlands would be 
obtained prior to initiating work (Army Corps of Engineers 404 permit, 
Idaho Department of Water Resources Stream Alteration Permit). Any 
additional mitigation measures identified in the permitting process 
would be incorporated into the project plans.

Scoping Process

    This Notice of Intent initiates the scoping process, which guides 
the development of the EIS. The interdisciplinary team will continue to 
seek information and comments from Federal, State, and local agencies, 
Tribal governments, and other individuals or organizations that may 
interested in, or affected by, the proposed action. There is a 
collaborative group in the area that the interdisciplinary team will 
interact with during the analysis process. 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 EIS. 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, anonymous comments will not provide 
the Agency with the ability to provide the respondent with subsequent 
environmental documents.

    Dated: September 13, 2017.
Jeanne M. Higgins,
Acting Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest System.
[FR Doc. 2017-21008 Filed 9-29-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3411-15-P



                                                45798                        Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 189 / Monday, October 2, 2017 / Notices

                                                Connected Actions                                       addresses of those who comment, will                  FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:      For
                                                  Access: Access for this project would                 be part of the public record for this                 more information please contact Sara
                                                be mainly accomplished by use of roads                  proposed action. Comments submitted                   Daugherty at 208–926–6404 or
                                                on the National Forest Transportation                   anonymously will be accepted and                      sddaugherty@fs.fed.us.
                                                System. About three miles of temporary                  considered, however.                                     Individuals who use
                                                roads would be needed to facilitate                       Dated: September 12, 2017.
                                                                                                                                                              telecommunication devices for the deaf
                                                                                                                                                              (TDD) may call the Federal Information
                                                commercial thinning operations. Most                    Jeanne M. Higgins,
                                                                                                                                                              Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–800–877–8339
                                                of these temporary roads would occur                    Acting Associate Deputy Chief, National               between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern
                                                on existing roadbeds. However, several                  Forest System.
                                                                                                                                                              Time, Monday through Friday.
                                                short new temporary spur roads would                    [FR Doc. 2017–21005 Filed 9–29–17; 8:45 am]
                                                also be constructed. Both new and                                                                             SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Forest
                                                                                                        BILLING CODE 3411–15–P
                                                existing temporary roads would be                                                                             Service gives notice of its intent to
                                                hydrologically stabilized at the end of                                                                       prepare an EIS for the Lolo Insect &
                                                the project.                                                                                                  Disease project to analyze and disclose
                                                                                                        DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
                                                  Landings: Existing landings would be                                                                        the effects of proposed forest
                                                used where possible. Landing size                       Forest Service                                        management and watershed
                                                would be appropriately sized for                                                                              improvement activities within the Lolo
                                                operational safety. Cable landings                      Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests;                Creek watershed, located approximately
                                                would use roads where possible. Cable                   Idaho; Lolo Insect & Disease Project                  16 miles northeast of Kamiah, Idaho.
                                                landings off the road system and                                                                              The proposed action would use a
                                                                                                        AGENCY:  Forest Service, USDA.                        combination of timber harvest and
                                                ground-based landings would average
                                                one acre in size but would not exceed                   ACTION: Revised Notice of Intent to                   reforestation to achieve the desired
                                                1.5 acres in size. Both new and existing                prepare an Environmental Impact                       range of age classes, size classes,
                                                landings would be hydrologically                        Statement.                                            vegetative species distributions, habitat
                                                stabilized at the end of the project.                                                                         complexity (diversity), and landscape
                                                                                                        SUMMARY:   This is a corrected Notice of              patterns across the forested portions of
                                                Responsible Official                                    Intent (NOI). This notice updates the                 the project area. Road decommissioning,
                                                  Patricia A. Grantham, Klamath                         information about the purpose and                     culvert replacements, road and trail
                                                National Forest, Forest Supervisor.                     need, proposed action, expected dates of              improvements, and soils rehabilitation
                                                                                                        the Draft Environmental Impact                        are also proposed to improve watershed
                                                Nature of Decision To Be Made                           Statement (EIS) and Final EIS,                        health. The EIS will analyze the effects
                                                   The Forest Service is the lead agency                addresses, contact information for the                of the proposed action and alternatives.
                                                for the project. Based on the result of the             project, and the responsible official for             The Nez Perce-Clearwater National
                                                NEPA analysis, the Klamath National                     the Lolo Insect & Disease project. This               Forests invites comments and
                                                Forest, Forest Supervisor’s Record of                   notice also provides clarification for                suggestions on the issues to be
                                                Decision regarding the Elk Creek                        individuals or organizations that                     addressed. The agency gives notice of
                                                Watershed Project will recommend                        provided comments in response to                      the National Environmental Policy Act
                                                implementation of one of the following:                 scoping previously conducted as it                    (NEPA) analysis and decision making
                                                   (1) The proposed action and                          relates to having standing to object.                 process on the proposal so interested
                                                mitigations necessary to minimize or                    Preliminary issues, alternatives, and                 and affected members of the public may
                                                avoid adverse impacts;                                  permits are also available and presented              participate and contribute to the final
                                                   (2) An alternative to the proposed                   in this notice.                                       decision. The original notice was
                                                action and mitigations necessary to                     DATES: Comments concerning the scope                  published in the Federal Register on
                                                minimize or avoid adverse impacts; or                   of the analysis must be received by                   April 25, 2013; 78 FR 24718. This
                                                   (3) The no-action alternative.                       October 17, 2017. The Draft EIS is                    process is being conducted pursuant to
                                                   The Record of Decision will also                     expected January of 2018 and the Final                the National Environmental Policy Act
                                                document the consistency of the                         EIS is expected August of 2018. This                  (NEPA), the Council on Environmental
                                                proposed action or one of the                           project was originally scoped under the               Quality Regulations for Implementing
                                                alternatives with the Klamath National                  provisions of 36 CFR 215. For this                    the NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500–1508),
                                                Forest Land and Resource Management                     project, individuals or organizations                 and Forest Service NEPA guidelines.
                                                Plan.                                                   who submitted written comments in                     Additionally, pursuant to Section 106 of
                                                Scoping Process                                         response to scoping conducted under 36                the National Historic Preservation Act,
                                                  This notice of intent initiates the                   CFR 215 will be considered to have                    the public scoping process will allow
                                                scoping process, which guides the                       standing to object under 36 CFR 218,                  members of the general public to
                                                development of the Environmental                        Subparts A and B. Those who also wish                 provide comments on potential impacts
                                                Impact Statement.                                       to establish standing to object under 36              to historic and cultural resources for the
                                                  It is important that reviewers provide                CFR part 218 should submit scoping                    proposed action. An objection priod for
                                                their comments at such times and in                     comments no later than 15 days after                  the Draft Record of Decision will be
                                                such manner that they are useful to the                 publication of this Notice of Intent or               provided, consistent with 36 CFR part
                                                agency’s preparation of the                             during the 45-day comment period                      218.
                                                                                                        following distribution of the Draft EIS.
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES




                                                Environmental Impact Statement.                                                                               Purpose and Need for Action
                                                Therefore, comments should be                           ADDRESSES: Send written comments to
                                                provided prior to the close of the                      Lochsa Ranger District, c/o Sara                      Vegetation and Wildlife Habitat
                                                comment period and should clearly                       Daugherty, 502 Lowry Street, Kooskia,                 Improvement
                                                articulate the reviewer’s concerns and                  Idaho 83539. Comments may also be                       Existing Condition: Most of the
                                                contentions.                                            sent via email to comments-northern-                  project area is in Forest Plan
                                                  Comments received in response to                      clearwater-lochsa@fs.fed.us, or via                   management area (MA) E1. MA E1 is
                                                this solicitation, including names and                  facsimile to 208–926–6450.                            timber-producing land to be managed


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                                                                             Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 189 / Monday, October 2, 2017 / Notices                                            45799

                                                for healthy timber stands to optimize                   Goods and Services                                    access opportunities. Implementation of
                                                potential timber growing. Timber                          Existing Condition: Much of the                     the results of the roads analysis would
                                                production is to be cost-effective and                  Project area consists of grand fir-                   create a sustainable transportation
                                                provide maximum protection of soil and                  dominated stands. Insect and disease                  system.
                                                water quality. Big game, primarily elk,                 infestations are contributing to                      Soil Improvement
                                                is to be managed through limited road                   increased tree mortality, while
                                                closures. Dispersed recreation and                                                                              Existing Condition: Past management
                                                                                                        decreasing timber volume and value.                   activities have resulted in areas of
                                                livestock grazing will be provide if                      Desired Condition: The desired
                                                compatible with timber management                                                                             detrimental soil disturbance, mostly in
                                                                                                        condition is to provide a sustained yield             the form of compacted or displaced soil
                                                goals.                                                  of resource outputs as direct by the                  or loss of organic matter.
                                                   In the project area, fires that occurred             Clearwater Forest Plan.                                 Desired Condition: Soils are
                                                in 1910 and 1934 and the introduction                     Need for Action: Stands that are                    productive (functioning soil biology,
                                                of white pine blister rust have created                 infested with insects and diseases need               soil hydrology, and nutrient cycling)
                                                a homogeneous age class and species                     to be treated so that the harvested                   and stable.
                                                composition which has become highly                     timber that still has a merchantable                    Need for Action: Watershed function
                                                susceptible to insect and disease change                product in the trees will help sustain                can be improved by restoring compacted
                                                agents due to its current age. Mortality                community stability through supporting                soils and adding organic material on old
                                                in grand fir and Douglas-fir dominated                  jobs in the timber industry and support               skid trails and landings. Restoration of
                                                stands is increasing from root disease,                 businesses.                                           meadow function with seeding and
                                                Douglas-fir bark beetle, and grand fir                                                                        planting of native species.
                                                engraver. In 2015, some of the proposed                 Watershed Improvement
                                                treatment areas were burned causing                        The emphasis for watershed                         Proposed Action
                                                extensive tree mortality. Insects are                   restoration in the Lolo Creek drainage is                The Lochsa Ranger District proposes
                                                invading stands within and outside of                   associated with roads and soil                        the following vegetation management
                                                areas burned in 2015. Currently, a                      improvement.                                          actions to improve forest health, reforest
                                                higher percentage of grand fir and                         Existing Condition: Gravel and native              areas burned in 2015, provide goods and
                                                Douglas-fir exist than natural long-term                surface roads could contribute sediment               services, and improve wildlife habitat:
                                                disturbances patterns would have                        to stream channels, which can affect                     • Variable retention regeneration
                                                created and that would have dominated                   water quality and fish habitat. There are             harvest and site preparation activities
                                                these habitat types in the absence of                   555 miles of system and 40 miles of                   would be conducted on approximately
                                                historical disturbance events. Grand fir                non-system road in the Lolo Creek                     3464 acres. Stands that are currently
                                                and Douglas-fir are more susceptible to                 watershed. A total of 178 miles occurs                being affected by biotic change agents
                                                insects and diseases, and grand fir is                  within designated PACFISH buffers.                    would be targeted for treatment.
                                                less likely to survive intense wildfires,                  Desired Condition: The desired                     Regeneration harvest would create early
                                                than early seral species such as                        condition is to maintain a road system                successional plant communities and
                                                ponderosa pine, western larch, and                      in the Lolo Creek watershed that is                   habitat. Project design criteria would be
                                                western white pine.                                     adequate to provide for continued                     used in portions of units to address
                                                   Young forest habitat is lacking on this              recreation, commodity production, and                 specific resource concerns, such as areas
                                                landscape, while the quality of available               administrative use as described in the                within the National Historic Landmark
                                                habitat for sensitive and old growth-                   Clearwater Forest Plan while                          Corridor that require retention to meet
                                                associated species has declined. Patches                maintaining fish and water quality                    visual objectives. Regeneration would
                                                of young forest that do exist are smaller               objectives.                                           focus on restoring white pine and other
                                                with edges that are straighter and more                    Need for Action: Improving watershed               long-lived early seral species. Variable
                                                even than natural disturbances would                    function and stream conditions by                     retention harvest would include areas of
                                                have created.                                           reducing road densities and repairing                 full retention (clumps), irregular edges,
                                                                                                        existing roads and culverts to reduce                 and retention of snags and legacy trees
                                                   Desired Condition: The desired                       sediment and improve drainage is                      to provide structure and a future source
                                                condition is a forest structure with a                  needed. New system roads would be                     of woody debris. Some openings may
                                                range of age and size classes with                      constructed to provide a long term                    exceed 40 acres. Harvest would include
                                                species diversity that is resistant and                 transportation system while reducing                  utilizing ground based, skyline, and
                                                resilient to change agents such as                      roads located within riparian habitat                 helicopter yarding systems; as well as
                                                insects, diseases, and wildfires. Early                 conservation areas.                                   approximately 2.6 miles of tractor swing
                                                seral species (white pine, larch) should
                                                                                                        Roads Analysis                                        trails. There is no harvest proposed in
                                                represent a greater percentage of the
                                                                                                                                                              old growth.
                                                species mix.                                               Existing Condition: Transportation                    • Approximately 19 miles of
                                                   Need for Action: Vegetation in this                  planning has been completed at the                    temporary roads would be constructed
                                                area needs to be managed to create a                    Clearwater National Forest level by                   to carry out the proposed harvest.
                                                more diverse and resilient forest                       analyzing the entire transportation                   Temporary roads would be
                                                structure by creating a range of age and                system as a whole. A roads analysis of                decommissioned after use.
                                                size classes, species diversity, and                    the project area provides the current                    The following road improvement
                                                disturbance patterns that more closely                  transportation system.
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES




                                                                                                                                                              actions area proposed to reduce
                                                emulate the results of natural                             Desired Condition: A diversity of                  sediment production and address
                                                disturbance. A need exists to shift tree                motorized access adequate to provide                  transportation needs.
                                                species composition away from shade-                    for continued recreation, commodity                      • Road improvements would occur
                                                tolerant species toward more resistant                  production, and administrative use as                 on up to 125 miles of roads within the
                                                and resilient early seral species.                      described in the Clearwater Forest Plan.              project area. Road improvement
                                                Restoration of blister rust resistant white                Need for Action: A comprehensive                   activities include: Adding cross drains
                                                pine is a primary objective.                            roads analysis including all motorized                on either side of perennial streams


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                                                45800                        Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 189 / Monday, October 2, 2017 / Notices

                                                where fish-bearing would be the highest                 drainage structures and provide                       interdisciplinary team will continue to
                                                priority followed by non-fish bearing                   adequate base to support motorized                    seek information and comments from
                                                perennial streams (these would be                       OHV use, reduce erosion, and loss of                  Federal, State, and local agencies, Tribal
                                                determined and prioritized based on                     fine materials.                                       governments, and other individuals or
                                                field review); replacing crossings on                      The Lolo Insect & Disease project will             organizations that may interested in, or
                                                perennial streams with structures                       also include a variety of project design              affected by, the proposed action. There
                                                appropriately sized for a 100-year event                criteria that have been developed from                is a collaborative group in the area that
                                                (these would be prioritized by the                      past projects, verified by field surveys,             the interdisciplinary team will interact
                                                district fisheries biologist); and stabilize            and will be used to limit possible                    with during the analysis process. It is
                                                eroding sections of road that may be                    adverse effects to soils, water quality,              important that reviewers provide their
                                                accomplished by blading followed by                     fish and wildlife habitat, recreation                 comments at such times and in such
                                                spot rocking or the addition of drainage                opportunities, and culturally significant             manner that they are useful to the
                                                structures where needed.                                areas.                                                agency’s preparation of the EIS.
                                                   • Road maintenance and                                                                                     Therefore, comments should be
                                                reconditioning would occur on                           Possible Alternatives
                                                                                                                                                              provided prior to the close of the
                                                approximately 157 miles of system                          In addition to the No Action and the               comment period and should clearly
                                                roads. Maintenance consist of culvert                   Proposed Action, alternatives that do                 articulate the reviewer’s concerns and
                                                cleaning, surface blading, and roadside                 not harvest in riparian habitat                       contentions.
                                                brushing; and reconditioning includes                   conservation areas, within the Eldorado                  Comments received in response to
                                                minor road reshaping, waterbar                          Creek Roadless Area and special areas of              this solicitation, including names and
                                                removal, and road surface brush                         historic or tribal significance (such as              addresses of those who comment, will
                                                removal.                                                the National Historic Landmark                        be part of the public record for this
                                                   • Road decommissioning is proposed                   corridor), as well as minimal temporary               proposed action. Comments submitted
                                                on approximately 60 miles of system                     road construction with more helicopter                anonymously will be accepted and
                                                road and approximately 30 miles of                      logging are expected. These preliminary               considered, however, anonymous
                                                non-system road. In most cases this                     alternatives were developed based on                  comments will not provide the Agency
                                                includes fully re-contouring the road.                  prior scoping comments received.                      with the ability to provide the
                                                   • Approximately 4 miles of system                    Alternatives will be developed based on               respondent with subsequent
                                                roads would be converted to an off-                     previous and additional comments                      environmental documents.
                                                highway vehicle (OHV) trail.                            received during the scoping periods.
                                                   • Approximately 0.74 miles of new                                                                            Dated: September 13, 2017.
                                                system roads would be constructed to                    Responsible Official                                  Jeanne M. Higgins,
                                                contribute to the long term                               Nez Perce-Clearwater Forest                         Acting Associate Deputy Chief, National
                                                transportation system while reducing                    Supervisor.                                           Forest System.
                                                roads located within riparian habitat                                                                         [FR Doc. 2017–21008 Filed 9–29–17; 8:45 am]
                                                conservation areas.                                     Nature of Decision To Be Made
                                                                                                                                                              BILLING CODE 3411–15–P
                                                   The following actions are proposed to                  The Responsible Official will
                                                improve soil and vegetation conditions                  determine whether to adopt the
                                                in the Musselshell Restoration Area                     proposed action or another alternative,               DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
                                                portion (1,600 acres) of the project area:              in whole or in part, and what mitigation
                                                   • Approximately 745 acres of white                   measurements and management                           Forest Service
                                                pine restoration would be accomplished                  requirements will be implemented.
                                                through intermediate harvest by creating                                                                      Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests;
                                                small openings to plant blister rust                    Preliminary Issues                                    Apache, Coconino, Greenlee and
                                                resistant seedlings, benefit other                         Issues received during the previous                Navajo Counties, Arizona; Revised
                                                species, and contribute to ecosystem                    scoping period include harvesting in the              Draft Environmental Impact Statement
                                                health.                                                 Eldorado Creek Roadless Area, the                     for Public Motorized Travel
                                                   • Approximately 92 acres of riparian                 National Historic Landmark corridor,                  Management Plan
                                                habitat conservation area (RHCA)                        and other special areas of historic or                AGENCY:    Forest Service, USDA.
                                                restoration would occur where RHCAs                     tribal significance; riparian habitat
                                                of perennial streams are overstocked                    conservation area thinning, helicopter                ACTION:   Revised Notice of Intent (NOI).
                                                with trees. Trees would be                              logging systems, winter logging, and
                                                commercially thinned to promote a                                                                             SUMMARY:   The Forest Service is revising
                                                                                                        minimal road construction.
                                                healthy stand and promote long term                                                                           the Environmental Impact Statement for
                                                RHCA function.                                          Permits or Licenses Required                          the Public Motorized Travel
                                                   • Soil rehabilitation would occur on                   Any required permits for disturbance                Management Plan on the Apache-
                                                approximately 55 acres of currently                     of water or wetlands would be obtained                Sitgreaves National Forests.
                                                detrimentally disturbed areas associated                prior to initiating work (Army Corps of               DATES: Comments concerning the 2010
                                                with past harvest related activities.                   Engineers 404 permit, Idaho Department                DEIS were received by December 13,
                                                Activities could include decompaction,                  of Water Resources Stream Alteration                  2010, 45 days from the date of
                                                mastication, fertilization, seeding, and                Permit). Any additional mitigation                    publication of the Notice of Availabiliy
                                                                                                                                                              (NOA) of the draft EIS in the Federal
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES




                                                addition of woody/organic material.                     measures identified in the permitting
                                                   • Deferred maintenance would occur                   process would be incorporated into the                Register (75 FR 66756). An additional
                                                on mile of Trail #853. Work may                         project plans.                                        45 day comment period will occur after
                                                include improvement and development                                                                           the publication of the revised DEIS in
                                                of drainage structures within the                       Scoping Process                                       the Federal Register. The revised DEIS
                                                existing tread. Rock and/or gravel                        This Notice of Intent initiates the                 is expected in the summer of 2018 and
                                                material may be placed on the exiting                   scoping process, which guides the                     the final EIS is expected in the winter
                                                tread surface to complement the                         development of the EIS. The                           of 2019.


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Document Created: 2017-09-30 04:40:43
Document Modified: 2017-09-30 04:40:43
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
ActionRevised Notice of Intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement.
DatesComments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received by October 17, 2017. The Draft EIS is expected January of 2018 and the Final EIS is expected August of 2018. This project was originally scoped under the provisions of 36 CFR 215. For this project, individuals or organizations who submitted written comments in response to scoping conducted under 36 CFR 215 will be considered to have standing to object under 36 CFR 218, Subparts A and B. Those who also wish to establish standing to object under 36 CFR part 218 should submit scoping comments no later than 15 days after publication of this Notice of Intent or during the 45-day comment period following distribution of the Draft EIS.
ContactFor more information please contact Sara Daugherty at 208-926-6404 or [email protected]
FR Citation82 FR 45798 

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