82 FR 6487 - Coconino and Tonto National Forests; Arizona; Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive River Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 12 (January 19, 2017)
Forest Service
Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 12 (January 19, 2017)
| Page Range | 6487-6488 | |
| FR Document | 2017-01191 |
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 12 (Thursday, January 19, 2017)] [Notices] [Pages 6487-6488] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2017-01191] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Coconino and Tonto National Forests; Arizona; Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River Comprehensive River Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA. ACTION: Revised notice of intent to extend the scoping period for the Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River Environmental Impact Statement and Comprehensive River Management Plan. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Coconino and Tonto national forests published a Notice of Intent in the Federal Register on November 29, 2016 for the Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River Environmental Impact Statement and Comprehensive River Management Plan. This notice extends the comment period to January 27, 2017. DATES: Comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received by January 27, 2017. The draft environmental impact statement is expected in summer 2017, and the final environmental impact statement is expected in spring 2018. ADDRESSES: Send written comments via email to [email protected] (include ``Fossil Creek CRMP'' in the subject line); via mail to Coconino National Forest, Attention: Fossil Creek CRMP, P.O. Box 20429, Sedona, AZ 86341; via facsimile to (928) 203-7539; or in person at the Red Rock Ranger District Office, 8375 State Route 179, Sedona, AZ 86351. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Contact Marcos Roybal, Fossil Creek Project Coordinator, by email at [email protected] or by phone at (928) 203-2915. For information about the project, including proposed alternatives and other project documents, visit http://tinyurl.com/FossilCreekCRMP. Hard copy documents may be requested from the phone number above. Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1 (800) 877- 8339 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Purpose and Need for Action The purpose of the project is to prepare a CRMP for the Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River to meet the requirements of Section 3(d)(1) of the WSRA. The CRMP is needed to provide for the protection or enhancement of Fossil Creek's water quality, free-flowing condition, and its ORVs, and to fulfill WSRA Section 3(b) requirements to establish river corridor boundaries and recreation and wild segment classifications. Since the decommissioning of a historic hydropower dam in 2005, public use dramatically increased as visitors sought to explore the heavily publicized Arizona landscape. Recreational use during the high- use season (June-September), for example, increased from an estimated 20,000 visitors in 2006 to approximately 80,000 visitors by 2013, with thousands turned away daily at the entrance barricades due to overcrowding. River values that need protection from impacts of recreational use include water quality, recreation, geology, Western Apache traditional and contemporary cultural values, and biological values (especially the high diversity of fish and wildlife species). Impacts have resulted from uncontrolled dispersed camping, creation of unapproved camp sites, creation of unplanned trail systems, excessive littering, and human waste near the creek. Monitoring since 2011 indicates there are increasing impacts to upland vegetation that is habitat for wildlife species; damage to heritage sites; and unsafe conditions for visitors, Forest Service personnel and emergency responders. In April 2016, an interim management reservation system was successfully implemented to reduce the daily capacity of visitors during the high-use season; this interim management reservation system will remain in place until the CRMP's completion. Proposed Action The Coconino and Tonto National Forests propose to establish a CRMP to guide management of the designated 17-mile Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River corridor and to protect or enhance the area's outstandingly remarkable values. Within a range of alternatives, the proposed action is designated to include the most flexibility to increase capacity and recreation infrastructure--maximizing recreation opportunities in the future--while providing protection for sensitive river and tribal values at the same time through both a management plan and site-specific actions. Project actions would address recreation capacity, corridor access, recreation facilities, services, and public health and safety. During all or part of the year, a reservation system would manage visitor use by limiting the number of people at one time (PAOT) in the river corridor. The initial PAOT in the river corridor would be set at the current 2016 reservation management level--approximately 154 vehicles and 780 PAOT, including administrative use. Over time, if appropriate, adaptive management would increase capacity to a permitted maximum of approximately 338 vehicles and 1,705 PAOT if infrastructure is built, management capacity allows, and visitor behavior promotes sustainable river value protection. The proposed action also includes the following potential elements:Existing recreation sites would be expanded, particularly at the Irving site. Additional trails would be developed to link recreation sites and provide a greater variety of opportunities for a different hiking levels. A portion of Forest Road 708 would become a motorized trail. A limited amount of camping would be allowed at designated sites. Opportunities for outfitters/guides and concessionaries would be provided. Limited or no waterplay would exist at some creek locations due to cultural or natural resource issues. Some system routes would be closed or decommissioned, and other restoration actions would occur. The existing Coconino and Tonto Forest Plans would be programmatically amended under the 2012 Planning Rule to incorporate management direction for the Fossil Creek WSR corridor. The proposed amendments would add, replace, delete or revise (as needed) direction for the management of the Wild and Scenic River corridor. Possible Alternatives A range of alternatives to the proposed action, including a no action alternative and three additional action alternatives, are being considered. The no action alternative (Alternative A) represents no change (a CRMP would not be established) and serves as the baseline for comparison of the effects of the action alternatives. The four action alternatives, which are based on extensive public engagement that has occurred since 2010, include: Alternative B (Enhanced Protections), Alternative C (Non-motorized Experience), Alternative D (Motorized Use and Refugia), and Alternative E (Long-term Adaptive Management-- [[Page 6488]] Proposed Action). More detailed descriptions of the proposed action and alternatives can be found online at http://tinyurl.com/FossilCreekCRMP or be requested through the contact information provided above. Lead and Cooperating Agencies Arizona Game and Fish Department has cooperating agency status in order to assist the Coconino and the Tonto National Forests in the preparation of the Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River CRMP and EIS. Responsible Official Laura Jo West, the Forest Supervisor on the Coconino National Forest, is the responsible official. Nature of Decision To Be Made Given the purpose and need of the project, the Coconino Forest Supervisor will review the proposed action, other alternatives, and the effects analysis in the EIS in order to determine: (1) Which alternative, or combination of alternatives, should be implemented; (2) what actions will be taken to protect and enhance the river's water quality, free-flowing condition and its ORVs, as required by WSRA; (3) the location and extent of infrastructure development, restoration activities, and changes in permitted visitor capacity; (4) the design features, mitigation measures and monitoring requirements; and, (5) consistency with the forest plans in place at the time of the decision and the need for amendments. Preliminary Issues Since 2010, public involvement regarding management of the Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River has informed key issues and the alternatives that have been developed. Three key issues have arisen: (1) Recreation opportunities and recreational impacts on natural and cultural resources; (2) the level of recreation development; and (3) public health and safety. These issues form the basis for the alternatives presented in this Notice. Scoping Process The Notice of Intent published on November 29, 2016 initiated the scoping process, which guides the development of the environmental impact statement. Several scoping meetings have been held, and interested parties should check the Fossil Creek CRMP Web page at http://tinyurl.com/FossilCreekCRMP for information about these meetings. This revised Notice of Intent extends the scoping period to January 27, 2017. This project is subject to the objection process pursuant to 36 CFR 218 and is not being authorized under the Healthy Forest Restoration Act (HFRA). As such, those who provide specific written comments during designated comment periods in accordance with 36 CFR 218.5 will be eligible to participate in the objection process. Issues raised in objections must be based on previously submitted timely, specific written comments regarding the proposed project unless new information arises after designated opportunities (36 CFR 218.7). Several previous scoping periods have occurred since 2010, and provide standing to object under 36 CFR 218 to those who commented during designated comment periods. It is important that reviewers provide their comments at such times and in such manner that they are useful to the agency's preparation of the environmental impact statement. Therefore, comments should be provided prior to the close of the comment period and should clearly articulate the reviewer's concerns and contentions. Comments received in response to this solicitation, including names and addresses of those who comment, will be part of the public record for this proposed action. Comments submitted anonymously will be accepted and considered, but will not be eligible for objection per 36 CFR 218.5. Dated: January 12, 2017. Laura Jo West, Coconino National Forest Supervisor. [FR Doc. 2017-01191 Filed 1-18-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3411-15-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 12 / Thursday, January 19, 2017 / Notices 6487
Dated: January 12, 2016. Purpose and Need for Action recreation capacity, corridor access,
Mary Frances Lowe, The purpose of the project is to recreation facilities, services, and public
U.S. Manager for Codex Alimentarius. prepare a CRMP for the Fossil Creek health and safety.
[FR Doc. 2017–01108 Filed 1–18–17; 8:45 am] Wild and Scenic River to meet the During all or part of the year, a
BILLING CODE 3410–DM–P requirements of Section 3(d)(1) of the reservation system would manage
WSRA. The CRMP is needed to provide visitor use by limiting the number of
for the protection or enhancement of people at one time (PAOT) in the river
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Fossil Creek’s water quality, free- corridor. The initial PAOT in the river
flowing condition, and its ORVs, and to corridor would be set at the current
Forest Service fulfill WSRA Section 3(b) requirements 2016 reservation management level—
to establish river corridor boundaries approximately 154 vehicles and 780
Coconino and Tonto National Forests; PAOT, including administrative use.
Arizona; Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic and recreation and wild segment
classifications. Over time, if appropriate, adaptive
River Comprehensive River management would increase capacity to
Management Plan and Environmental Since the decommissioning of a
historic hydropower dam in 2005, a permitted maximum of approximately
Impact Statement 338 vehicles and 1,705 PAOT if
public use dramatically increased as
AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA. visitors sought to explore the heavily infrastructure is built, management
publicized Arizona landscape. capacity allows, and visitor behavior
ACTION: Revised notice of intent to promotes sustainable river value
extend the scoping period for the Fossil Recreational use during the high-use
season (June–September), for example, protection. The proposed action also
Creek Wild and Scenic River includes the following potential
Environmental Impact Statement and increased from an estimated 20,000
visitors in 2006 to approximately 80,000 elements:
Comprehensive River Management Plan. • Existing recreation sites would be
visitors by 2013, with thousands turned
expanded, particularly at the Irving site.
SUMMARY: The Coconino and Tonto away daily at the entrance barricades
• Additional trails would be
national forests published a Notice of due to overcrowding. River values that
developed to link recreation sites and
Intent in the Federal Register on need protection from impacts of
provide a greater variety of
November 29, 2016 for the Fossil Creek recreational use include water quality,
opportunities for a different hiking
Wild and Scenic River Environmental recreation, geology, Western Apache
levels.
Impact Statement and Comprehensive traditional and contemporary cultural • A portion of Forest Road 708 would
River Management Plan. This notice values, and biological values (especially become a motorized trail.
extends the comment period to January the high diversity of fish and wildlife • A limited amount of camping
27, 2017. species). Impacts have resulted from would be allowed at designated sites.
DATES: Comments concerning the scope uncontrolled dispersed camping, • Opportunities for outfitters/guides
of the analysis must be received by creation of unapproved camp sites, and concessionaries would be provided.
January 27, 2017. The draft creation of unplanned trail systems, • Limited or no waterplay would
environmental impact statement is excessive littering, and human waste exist at some creek locations due to
expected in summer 2017, and the final near the creek. Monitoring since 2011 cultural or natural resource issues.
environmental impact statement is indicates there are increasing impacts to • Some system routes would be
expected in spring 2018. upland vegetation that is habitat for closed or decommissioned, and other
ADDRESSES: Send written comments via
wildlife species; damage to heritage restoration actions would occur.
email to comments-southwestern- sites; and unsafe conditions for visitors, The existing Coconino and Tonto
coconino-redrock@fs.fed.us (include Forest Service personnel and emergency Forest Plans would be programmatically
‘‘Fossil Creek CRMP’’ in the subject responders. In April 2016, an interim amended under the 2012 Planning Rule
line); via mail to Coconino National management reservation system was to incorporate management direction for
Forest, Attention: Fossil Creek CRMP, successfully implemented to reduce the the Fossil Creek WSR corridor. The
P.O. Box 20429, Sedona, AZ 86341; via daily capacity of visitors during the proposed amendments would add,
facsimile to (928) 203–7539; or in high-use season; this interim replace, delete or revise (as needed)
person at the Red Rock Ranger District management reservation system will direction for the management of the
Office, 8375 State Route 179, Sedona, remain in place until the CRMP’s Wild and Scenic River corridor.
AZ 86351. completion.
Possible Alternatives
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Proposed Action A range of alternatives to the
Contact Marcos Roybal, Fossil Creek The Coconino and Tonto National proposed action, including a no action
Project Coordinator, by email at Forests propose to establish a CRMP to alternative and three additional action
maroybal@fs.fed.us or by phone at (928) guide management of the designated 17- alternatives, are being considered. The
203–2915. For information about the mile Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River no action alternative (Alternative A)
project, including proposed alternatives corridor and to protect or enhance the represents no change (a CRMP would
and other project documents, visit area’s outstandingly remarkable values. not be established) and serves as the
http://tinyurl.com/FossilCreekCRMP. Within a range of alternatives, the baseline for comparison of the effects of
Hard copy documents may be requested proposed action is designated to include the action alternatives. The four action
from the phone number above. the most flexibility to increase capacity alternatives, which are based on
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES
Individuals who use and recreation infrastructure— extensive public engagement that has
telecommunication devices for the deaf maximizing recreation opportunities in occurred since 2010, include:
(TDD) may call the Federal Information the future—while providing protection Alternative B (Enhanced Protections),
Relay Service (FIRS) at 1 (800) 877–8339 for sensitive river and tribal values at Alternative C (Non-motorized
between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern the same time through both a Experience), Alternative D (Motorized
Time, Monday through Friday. management plan and site-specific Use and Refugia), and Alternative E
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: actions. Project actions would address (Long-term Adaptive Management—
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![6488 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 12 / Thursday, January 19, 2017 / Notices
Proposed Action). More detailed not being authorized under the Healthy ADDRESSES: Old Judiciary Room of the
descriptions of the proposed action and Forest Restoration Act (HFRA). As such, Capitol Building, 210 Capitol Avenue,
alternatives can be found online at those who provide specific written Hartford, CT 06106.
http://tinyurl.com/FossilCreekCRMP or comments during designated comment FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
be requested through the contact periods in accordance with 36 CFR Barbara Delaviez at ero@usccr.gov, or
information provided above. 218.5 will be eligible to participate in 202–376–7533.
the objection process. Issues raised in SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
Lead and Cooperating Agencies
objections must be based on previously purpose of the briefing meeting is to
Arizona Game and Fish Department submitted timely, specific written examine the issue of solitary
has cooperating agency status in order comments regarding the proposed confinement in Connecticut correctional
to assist the Coconino and the Tonto project unless new information arises facilities. The Committee will hear from
National Forests in the preparation of after designated opportunities (36 CFR elected officials, correction officials,
the Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River 218.7). Several previous scoping periods advocates, former inmates, and family
CRMP and EIS. have occurred since 2010, and provide members of incarcerated prisoners. The
Responsible Official standing to object under 36 CFR 218 to public is invited to the meeting and
those who commented during encouraged to address the committee
Laura Jo West, the Forest Supervisor designated comment periods.
on the Coconino National Forest, is the following the presentations.
It is important that reviewers provide If other persons who plan to attend
responsible official.
their comments at such times and in the meeting require other
Nature of Decision To Be Made such manner that they are useful to the accommodations, please contact Evelyn
Given the purpose and need of the agency’s preparation of the Bohor at ebohor@usccr.gov at the
project, the Coconino Forest Supervisor environmental impact statement. Eastern Regional Office at least ten (10)
will review the proposed action, other Therefore, comments should be working days before the scheduled date
alternatives, and the effects analysis in provided prior to the close of the of the meeting.
the EIS in order to determine: (1) Which comment period and should clearly Time will be set aside at the end of
alternative, or combination of articulate the reviewer’s concerns and the briefing so that members of the
alternatives, should be implemented; (2) contentions. public may address the Committee after
what actions will be taken to protect Comments received in response to the formal presentations have been
and enhance the river’s water quality, this solicitation, including names and completed. Persons interested in the
free-flowing condition and its ORVs, as addresses of those who comment, will issue are also invited to submit written
required by WSRA; (3) the location and be part of the public record for this comments; the comments must be
extent of infrastructure development, proposed action. Comments submitted received in the regional office by
restoration activities, and changes in anonymously will be accepted and Tuesday, March 7, 2017. Written
permitted visitor capacity; (4) the design considered, but will not be eligible for comments may be mailed to the Eastern
features, mitigation measures and objection per 36 CFR 218.5. Regional Office, U.S. Commission on
monitoring requirements; and, (5) Dated: January 12, 2017. Civil Rights, 1331 Pennsylvania
consistency with the forest plans in Laura Jo West,
Avenue, Suite 1150, Washington, DC
place at the time of the decision and the 20425, faxed to (202) 376–7548, or
Coconino National Forest Supervisor.
need for amendments. emailed to Evelyn Bohor at ebohor@
[FR Doc. 2017–01191 Filed 1–18–17; 8:45 am]
usccr.gov. Persons who desire
Preliminary Issues BILLING CODE 3411–15–P additional information may contact the
Since 2010, public involvement Eastern Regional Office at (202) 376–
regarding management of the Fossil 7533.
Creek Wild and Scenic River has Records and documents discussed
informed key issues and the alternatives COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS during the meeting will be available for
that have been developed. Three key Agenda and Notice of Public Meeting public viewing as they become available
issues have arisen: (1) Recreation of the Connecticut Advisory at http://facadatabase.gov/committee/
opportunities and recreational impacts Committee meetings.aspx?cid=239 and clicking on
on natural and cultural resources; (2) the ‘‘Meeting Details’’ and ‘‘Documents’’
the level of recreation development; and AGENCY: Commission on Civil Rights. links. Records generated from this
(3) public health and safety. These meeting may also be inspected and
ACTION: Announcement of meeting. reproduced at the Eastern Regional
issues form the basis for the alternatives
presented in this Notice. Office, as they become available, both
SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given,
before and after the meeting. Persons
Scoping Process pursuant to the provisions of the rules
interested in the work of this advisory
The Notice of Intent published on and regulations of the U.S. Commission
committee are advised to go to the
November 29, 2016 initiated the scoping on Civil Rights (Commission), and the
Commission’s Web site, www.usccr.gov,
process, which guides the development Federal Advisory Committee Act
or to contact the Eastern Regional Office
of the environmental impact statement. (FACA), that a briefing meeting of the
at the above phone number, email or
Several scoping meetings have been Connecticut Advisory Committee to the
street address.
held, and interested parties should Commission will convene at 9:30 a.m.
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES
check the Fossil Creek CRMP Web page (EST) on Tuesday, February 7, 2017, in Tentative Agenda
at http://tinyurl.com/FossilCreekCRMP the Old Judiciary Room of the Capitol Welcome and Introductions
for information about these meetings. Building, 210 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, David J. McGuire, Chair, Connecticut
This revised Notice of Intent extends the CT 06106. Advisory Committee
scoping period to January 27, 2017. DATES: Tuesday, February 7, 2017 (EST). Opening Statement
This project is subject to the objection at 9:30 a.m.—Briefing Meeting and David J. McGuire, Chair, Connecticut
process pursuant to 36 CFR 218 and is Public Session Advisory Committee
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Document Created: 2018-02-01 15:15:46
Document Modified: 2018-02-01 15:15:46
| 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 extend the scoping period for the Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River Environmental Impact Statement and Comprehensive River Management Plan. | |
| Dates | Comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received by January 27, 2017. The draft environmental impact statement is expected in summer 2017, and the final environmental impact statement is expected in spring 2018. | |
| Contact | Contact Marcos Roybal, Fossil Creek Project Coordinator, by email at maroyba[email protected] or by phone at (928) 203-2915. For information about the project, including proposed alternatives and other project documents, visit http://tinyurl.com/ FossilCreekCRMP. Hard copy documents may be requested from the phone number above. | |
| FR Citation | 82 FR 6487 |
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