82 FR 45802 - Kemmerer Ranger District; Bridger-Teton National Forest; Wyoming; Kemmerer Grazing and Rangeland Vegetation Management Project
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 189 (October 2, 2017)
Forest Service
Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 189 (October 2, 2017)
| Page Range | 45802-45804 | |
| FR Document | 2017-21007 |
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 189 (Monday, October 2, 2017)] [Notices] [Pages 45802-45804] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2017-21007] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Kemmerer Ranger District; Bridger-Teton National Forest; Wyoming; Kemmerer Grazing and Rangeland Vegetation Management Project AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA. ACTION: Revised Notice of Intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Bridger-Teton National Forest will prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to analyze the effects of continued authorization of grazing on 17 sheep allotments on the Kemmerer Ranger District in southwest Wyoming. DATES: Although comments are accepted at any time, two designated comment periods concerning the scope of the analysis were established: June 26, 2017 through July 26, 2017 and November 17, 2008 through January 2, 2009. Comments will be accepted for an additional 30 days after October 2, 2017. The Draft EIS is expected in June 2018. Following its release, an opportunity to comment on the Draft EIS will be provided. The Final EIS is expected June 2019. ADDRESSES: Send written comments to Kemmerer Ranger District, 308 U.S. Highway 189 North, Kemmerer, WY 83101. Comments may also be sent via email to [email protected], or via facsimile to 307-828-5135. Please put ``Comments on Kemmerer Grazing'' in the subject line. It is important that reviewers provide their comments at such times and in such a way 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. [[Page 45803]] FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: R. Aaron Zobell, Rangeland Management Specialist, Kemmerer Ranger District, 307-828-5100, [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. Ongoing information related to the proposed project can be found on the the project Web page at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=26874. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Purpose and Need for Action A Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare an EIS was published on November 17, 2008 (73 FR 67835) and April 9, 2010 (75 FR 10144). This NOI updates and supplements the previously published NOI to prepare an EIS and adds one additional allotment, Trespass Creek Allotment. The project area encompasses 181,227 acres of National Forest System lands within Lincoln County of western Wyoming. The 17 allotments included in the analysis are: Aspen Springs; Basin Creek; Buckskin Knoll; Devils Hole; Elk Creek; Green Knoll; Indian Creek; Lake Alice; Lake Mountain; Lower Salt Creek; Pole Creek; Porcupine Creek; Sams-Allen Creek; Smiths Fork; South Fontenelle; Spruce Creek; and Trespass Creek allotments. The analysis contained in the EIS will be used by the responsible official to decide whether or not, and if so, how to authorize livestock grazing and manage rangeland vegetation within the project area. The purpose of the Kemmerer Grazing and Rangeland Vegetation Management project is to authorize livestock grazing in a manner that will maintain desired conditions or improve resource conditions towards desired conditions. There is a need for continued livestock grazing on the Bridger-Teton National Forest to meet the direction provided by the Bridger Teton Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan) to contribute to the prosperity of communities (Goal 1.1) and provide forage for about 260,000 animal unit months of livestock grazing annually (Objective 1.1(h)). There is also a need to avoid unacceptable effects from livestock use as outlined in the Forest Plan (Goal 4.7) which directs that grazing use of the National Forest sustain or improve overall range, soils, water, wildlife, and recreation values or experiences. The difference between the existing condition and desired condition in terms of livestock grazing and resource conditions describes the need for federal action. Desired conditions are defined by the Forest Plan, Forest Service Manual, and applicable laws. This effort is undertaken to comply with the 1995 Rescissions Act (Pub. L. 104-19). Proposed Action The proposed action is to authorize livestock grazing on 17 allotments within the project area (Aspen Springs; Basin Creek; Buckskin Knoll; Devils Hole; Elk Creek; Green Knoll; Indian Creek; Lake Alice; Lake Mountain; Lower Salt Creek; Pole Creek; Porcupine Creek; Sams-Allen Creek; Smiths Fork; South Fontenelle; Spruce Creek; and Trespass Creek allotments) with updated domestic sheep grazing and rangeland vegetation management direction. Desired conditions are identified. Grazing practices addressing frequency of grazing and rest from grazing would be guided by the amount and diversity of vegetation given the capability of soils, as well as indicators of soil quality such as amount of ground cover, sign of active erosion and healing of headcuts. Other best management practices addressing the timing, duration, and in specific settings the intensity, of use are identified. Adaptive management is part of the proposed action. Identified are: Criteria to guide management, pre-determined optional courses of action used to make adaptive changes in management over time, and the focused monitoring which provides the basis for adjusting management to attain desired resource conditions. Allotment management plans would become part of a term grazing permit and contain the livestock grazing and rangeland vegetation management direction identified by the responsible official's decision. Possible Alternatives To date the Bridger-Teton National Forest has identified two alternatives to the proposed action: Alternative A--No Domestic Livestock Grazing, and Alternative B--Continuation of Current Livestock Management. Alternative A would discontinue sheep grazing on the 17 allotments over the next five years with the exception of sheep trailing to other allotments on the Bridger-Teton National Forest and the Caribou National Forest. This alternative will demonstrate the effects of eliminating livestock grazing on the environment and more clearly illustrate the potential effects of implementing any grazing and rangeland vegetation management alternative. Alternative B would continue current grazing management practices including annual adjustments in authorized livestock numbers and season of use, as needed. Responsible Official Kemmerer District Ranger Adrienne Holcomb Nature of the Decision To Be Made Whether domestic sheep grazing should be allowed to continue on all, part, or none of the 17 allotments within the project area; and if so, under what management strategy. Preliminary Issues Preliminary issues associated with the proposed action include: (1) The amount and diversity of vegetation in some locations is less than the current capability of soils; (2) Sediment delivery to drainages supporting fisheries, and retention of precipitation on uplands, as evidenced by headcutting/ gullies and sign of active erosion; and (3) Wildlife values within some aspen stands are minimized by a lack of diverse aspen age classes; in some locations the diversity of herbaceous and shrub species in the understory is also diminished. Permits or Licenses Required If a decision is made to authorize regularly scheduled livestock grazing, such grazing must be authorized under a term grazing permit. Scoping Process Pursuant to 36 CFR 218.7(a)(2), this proposed project implements the land management plan and is subject to Sec. 218 subparts A and B. Those who submit specific written comments regarding the proposed project during this scoping period or other designated opportunity for public comment in accordance with Sec. 218.5(a) are eligible to object. Issues raised in objections must be based on previously submitted timely, specific written comments regarding the proposed project unless based on new information arising after the designated comment opportunities. Specific written comments as defined by Sec. 218.2 should be within the scope of the proposed action, have a direct relationship to the proposed action, and must include supporting reasons for the responsible official to consider. It is the responsibility of all individuals and organizations to ensure that their comments are received in a timely manner. Comments received, including names and addresses of those who comment, will be considered part of the public record on these proposed actions and will be available for public inspection. [[Page 45804]] 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 nor provide the respondent with standing to object the subsequent draft decision. Only those who respond to the request for comments or request to be placed on the mailing list will be added to the mailing list for this project. An objection period will follow the regulation found in Sec. 218.7. For objection eligibility (Sec. 218.5), only those who have submitted timely, specific written comments during any designated opportunity for public comment may file an objection. Issues to be raised in objections must be based on previously submitted specific written comments regarding the proposed project and attributed to the objector, unless the issue is based on new information that arose after a designated opportunity to comment (Sec. 218.8(c)). Dated: September 12, 2017. Jeanne M. Higgins, Acting Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest System. [FR Doc. 2017-21007 Filed 9-29-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3411-15-P
![45802 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 189 / Monday, October 2, 2017 / Notices
for those roads and trails that does not alternatives used the 2010 DEIS as a motorized access for dispersed camping,
require redundant analysis. foundation and the public comments whether to designate motorized use
Collectively, these changes will be received from that DEIS. areas, and whether to provide access for
analyzed and incorporated into the Alternative 1 (no action) represents motorized big game retrieval. The
revised DEIS, which will be circulated the existing transportation system and Record of Decision, which will be
for public comment. The previous proposes no changes. The existing published after analyzing the public’s
public comments and analysis will be system includes 3,418 miles of open comments, will document the decision
used as the foundation for this revision. roads and 127 miles of motorized trails. with the rationale.
At the time that the revised DEIS is Cross-country travel off system roads on Dated: September 15, 2017.
circulated, the public will have the around 1.6 million acres would
Jeanne M. Higgins,
opportunity to comment on the entire continue, except where currently
DEIS, including portions that have not Acting Associate Deputy Chief, National
prohibited. This alternative is not be
Forest System.
been revised. compliant with the travel management
[FR Doc. 2017–21009 Filed 9–29–17; 8:45 am]
Preliminary Issues rule because it does not designate a
BILLING CODE 3411–15–P
system of roads, trails and areas for
The Forest analyzed all scoping motorized use.
comments received in 2007 to identify Alternative 2 is the Proposed Action,
issues, which are defined as cause-effect which would designate a system of DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
relationships directly or indirectly roads, trails, and areas for motorized use
caused by implementing the proposed Forest Service
as well as motorized access for
action. The issues defined as within the dispersed camping and motorized Kemmerer Ranger District; Bridger-
scope of the project, and directly or access for big game retrieval. The road Teton National Forest; Wyoming;
indirectly caused by implementing the system would have 15 percent fewer Kemmerer Grazing and Rangeland
proposal, were used to develop the roads and 68 percent more motorized Vegetation Management Project
range of action alternatives. Four issues trails than the current system. That
were identified: (1) Restricting would result in 2,890 miles of NFS AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.
motorized access for dispersed camping; roads open to public motorized travel, ACTION: Revised Notice of Intent to
(2) restricting motorized big game including 2,143 miles of roads that are prepare an Environmental Impact
retrieval; (3) impacts to resources from open to both highway legal and off- Statement.
motorized use; and, (4) economics: loss highway vehicles.
of revenues and jobs. Alternative 3 is being designated to SUMMARY: The Bridger-Teton National
address the following issues: (1) Forest will prepare an Environmental
Proposed Action
Restricting motorized access for Impact Statement (EIS) to analyze the
The revised proposed action would dispersed camping; (2) restricting effects of continued authorization of
designate a system of roads, trails, and motorized big game retrieval; and, (3) grazing on 17 sheep allotments on the
areas for motorized use as well as impacts to resources from motorized Kemmerer Ranger District in southwest
motorized access for dispersed camping use. Wyoming.
and motorized access for big game DATES: Although comments are accepted
retrieval. The road system would have Scoping Process
at any time, two designated comment
15 percent fewer roads and 68 percent The proposed action outlined in this periods concerning the scope of the
more motorized trails than the current revised NOI is identical to the scope of analysis were established: June 26, 2017
system. That would result in 2,890 the proposed action that was originally through July 26, 2017 and November 17,
miles of NFS roads open to public scoped, and therefore a new scoping 2008 through January 2, 2009.
motorized travel, including 2,143 miles period is not required. The original Comments will be accepted for an
of roads that are open to both highway scoping process solicited over 20,000 additional 30 days after October 2, 2017.
legal and off-highway vehicles. Also, public comments, which are being used The Draft EIS is expected in June 2018.
this would result in 270 miles of to guide the development of the revised Following its release, an opportunity to
motorized trails across the Forests, with DEIS. Comments received in response to comment on the Draft EIS will be
20 miles open to all vehicles and 182 this solicitation, including names and provided. The Final EIS is expected
miles open to vehicles less than 50 addresses of those who comment, will June 2019.
inches wide. be part of the public record for this
The proposed action would designate ADDRESSES: Send written comments to
proposed action. Comments submitted
300 feet from either side of around 35 anonymously will also be accepted and Kemmerer Ranger District, 308 U.S.
percent of the designated open roads considered. Highway 189 North, Kemmerer, WY
(1,027 miles) for the sole purpose of 83101. Comments may also be sent via
accessing dispersed camping locations Responsible Official email to comments-intermtn-bridger-
with motor vehicles. Motorized big The Responsible Official is the Forest teton-kemmerer@fs.fed.us, or via
game retrieval would be allowed within Supervisor of the Apache-Sitgreaves facsimile to 307–828–5135. Please put
a 1-mile distance off the designated road National Forests, P.O. Box 640, ‘‘Comments on Kemmerer Grazing’’ in
and motorized trail system (1.2 million Springerville, AZ 85938. the subject line.
acres) for elk. No other species would be It is important that reviewers provide
Nature of Decision To Be Made their comments at such times and in
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES
retrieved using motor vehicles. There
would be one motorized use area Based on the effects to social, natural, such a way that they are useful to the
designated (17 acres). All other cross and cultural resources, the Forest Agency’s preparation of the EIS.
country travel would be prohibited. Supervisor will decide what changes to Therefore, comments should be
make to the current motorized travel provided prior to the close of the
Possible Alternatives system to be compliant with the Travel comment period and should clearly
The revised DEIS will analyze three Management Rule. The decision will articulate the reviewer’s concerns and
alternatives in detail. These revised also include whether to provide contentions.
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![45804 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 189 / Monday, October 2, 2017 / Notices
Comments submitted anonymously will 2011 by the Office of Management and calling the Federal Relay Service at 1–
be accepted and considered; however, Budget, Office of Federal Procurement 800–977–8339 and providing the
anonymous comments will not provide Policy (OFPP). operator with the toll-free conference
the agency with the ability to provide FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: call-in number: 1–888–539–3624 and
the respondent with subsequent James McGuirk, Senior Procurement conference call 6145125.
environmental documents nor provide Analyst, IBB Office of Contracts via Members of the public are invited to
the respondent with standing to object email at jmcguirk@bbg.gov or at make statements during the open
the subsequent draft decision. Only telephone number (202) 382–7840. comment period of the meeting or
those who respond to the request for submit written comments. The
Dated: September 27, 2017.
comments or request to be placed on the comments must be received in the
mailing list will be added to the mailing Chris Luer, regional office approximately 30 days
list for this project. Chief, IBB Office of Administration. after each scheduled meeting. Written
An objection period will follow the [FR Doc. 2017–21102 Filed 9–29–17; 8:45 am] comments may be mailed to the Eastern
regulation found in § 218.7. For BILLING CODE 8610–01–P Regional Office, U.S. Commission on
objection eligibility (§ 218.5), only those Civil Rights, 1331 Pennsylvania
who have submitted timely, specific Avenue, Suite 1150, Washington, DC
written comments during any COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS 20425, faxed to (202) 376–7548, or
designated opportunity for public emailed to Evelyn Bohor at ero@
comment may file an objection. Notice of Public Meeting of the New usccr.gov. Persons who desire
Issues to be raised in objections must Hampshire Advisory Committee additional information may contact the
be based on previously submitted Eastern Regional Office at (202) 376–
specific written comments regarding the AGENCY: Commission on Civil Rights.
7533.
proposed project and attributed to the ACTION: Announcement of meeting. Records and documents discussed
objector, unless the issue is based on during the meeting will be available for
new information that arose after a SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given,
public viewing as they become available
designated opportunity to comment pursuant to the provisions of the rules
at https://www.facadatabase.gov/
(§ 218.8(c)). and regulations of the U.S. Commission
committee/meetings.aspx?cid=262; click
on Civil Rights (Commission), and the
Dated: September 12, 2017. the ‘‘Meeting Details’’ and ‘‘Documents’’
Federal Advisory Committee Act
Jeanne M. Higgins, links.Records generated from this
(FACA), that a meeting of the New
Acting Associate Deputy Chief, National meeting may also be inspected and
Hampshire Advisory Committee to the
Forest System. reproduced at the Eastern Regional
Commission will convene by conference
[FR Doc. 2017–21007 Filed 9–29–17; 8:45 am] Office, as they become available, both
call at 11:00 a.m. (EDT) on: Thursday
BILLING CODE 3411–15–P before and after the meetings. Persons
October 26, 2017. The purpose of the
interested in the work of this advisory
meeting is to begin the work on the
committee are advised to go to the
Valley Street project, including
THE BROADCASTING BOARD OF Commission’s Web site, www.usccr.gov,
potential panelists, venue, and other
GOVERNORS or to contact the Eastern Regional Office
details for a future briefing on the
at the above phone numbers, email or
project.
Notice of Public Availability of the street address.
Broadcasting Board of Governors FY– DATES: Thursday, October 26, 2017, at
11:00 a.m. EDT. Agenda
2015 Service Contract Analysis and
FY–2016 Service Contract Inventory Public Call-In Information: October 26, 2017
Conference call-in number: 1–888–539–
AGENCY: The Broadcasting Board of • Open—Rollcall
3624 and conference call 6145125. • Project Discussion: Valley Street Jail
Governors.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Venues, Panelists, Other Details
ACTION: Notice.
Evelyn Bohor, at ero@usccr.gov or by • Open Comment
SUMMARY: In accordance with Section phone at 202–376–7533. • Adjourn
743 of Division C of the Consolidated SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Interested Dated: September 27, 2017.
Appropriations Act of 2010, the members of the public may listen to the David Mussatt,
Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) discussion by calling the following toll- Supervisory Chief, Regional Programs Unit.
is publishing this notice to advise the free conference call-in number: 1–888–
[FR Doc. 2017–21034 Filed 9–29–17; 8:45 am]
public of the availability of its FY–2015 539–3624 and conference call 6145125.
BILLING CODE P
Service Contract Analysis and FY 2016 Please be advised that before placing
Service Contract Inventory. They are them into the conference call, the
available on the BBG Web site, through conference call operator will ask callers
the following link: https://www.bbg.gov/ to provide their names, their DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
strategy-and-performance/research- organizational affiliations (if any), and
Submission for OMB Review;
reports/bbg-service-contract-inventory/. email addresses (so that callers may be
Comment Request
The service contract inventory provides notified of future meetings). Callers can
information on service contract actions expect to incur charges for calls they The Department of Commerce will
over $25,000 made in FY–2016. The initiate over wireless lines, and the
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES
submit to the Office of Management and
information is organized by function to Commission will not refund any Budget (OMB) for clearance the
show how contracted resources are incurred charges. Callers will incur no following proposal for collection of
distributed throughout the Agency. The charge for calls they initiate over land- information under the provisions of the
inventory has been developed in line connections to the toll-free Paperwork Reduction Act.
accordance with guidance on service conference call-in number. Agency: U.S. Census Bureau.
contract inventories issued on Persons with hearing impairments Title: Longitudinal Employer-
November 5, 2010 and on December 19, may also follow the discussion by first Household Dynamics (LEHD).
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Document Created: 2017-09-30 04:41:39
Document Modified: 2017-09-30 04:41:39
| 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 | Revised Notice of Intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement. | |
| Dates | Although comments are accepted at any time, two designated comment periods concerning the scope of the analysis were established: June 26, 2017 through July 26, 2017 and November 17, 2008 through January 2, 2009. Comments will be accepted for an additional 30 days after October 2, 2017. The Draft EIS is expected in June 2018. Following its release, an opportunity to comment on the Draft EIS will be provided. The Final EIS is expected June 2019. | |
| Contact | R. Aaron Zobell, Rangeland Management Specialist, Kemmerer Ranger District, 307-828-5100, [email protected] Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. | |
| FR Citation | 82 FR 45802 |
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