83 FR 19808 - Notice of Availability of the Colorado Draft Resource Management Plan Amendment and Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Greater Sage-Grouse Conservation
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Land Management Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 87 (May 4, 2018)
Bureau of Land Management
Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 87 (May 4, 2018)
| Page Range | 19808-19809 | |
| FR Document | 2018-09523 |
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 87 (Friday, May 4, 2018)] [Notices] [Pages 19808-19809] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2018-09523] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [LLWO200000.LXSGPL000000.18x.L11100000.PH0000] Notice of Availability of the Colorado Draft Resource Management Plan Amendment and Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Greater Sage-Grouse Conservation AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of Availability. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA), and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, as amended (FLPMA), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has prepared a Draft Resource Management Plan (RMP) Amendment and Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Colorado Greater-Sage-Grouse (GRSG) Conservation and by this notice is announcing the opening of the comment period. BLM Colorado is soliciting comments on the entire Draft EIS, as well as the specific planning issues mentioned in this NOA, and the cumulative effects analysis. DATES: To ensure that comments will be considered, the BLM must receive written comments on the Draft RMP Amendment/Draft EIS within 90 days following the date the Environmental Protection Agency publishes a notice of availability of the Draft RMP Amendment/Draft EIS in the Federal Register. The BLM will announce future meetings or hearings and any other public participation activities at least 15 days in advance through public notices, media releases, and/or mailings. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments related to the Colorado GRSG RMP Amendment/Draft EIS by any of the following methods:Website: https://goo.gl/kmLtwT. mail: BLM--Greater Sage-Grouse EIS, 2815 H Road, Grand Junction, CO 81506. Copies of the Colorado GRSG Draft RMP Amendment/ Draft EIS are available at the website above. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information contact Bridget Clayton, Colorado Sage-grouse Coordinator, telephone 970-244- 3045; see address above; email bclayton@blm.gov. Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1-800-877-8339 to contact Ms. Clayton. The FRS is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to leave a message or question with Ms. Clayton. You will receive a reply during normal business hours. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Greater Sage-Grouse is a state-managed species that is dependent on sagebrush steppe ecosystems. These ecosystems are managed in partnership across the range of the Greater Sage-Grouse by federal, state, and local authorities. Efforts to conserve the species and its habitat date back to the 1950s. Over the past two decades, state wildlife agencies, federal agencies, and many others in the range of the species have been collaborating to conserve Greater Sage-Grouse and its habitats. The United States Department of the Interior (DOI) and the BLM have broad responsibilities to manage federal lands and resources for the public benefit. Nearly half of Greater Sage-Grouse habitat is managed by the BLM. The BLM is committed to being a good neighbor and investing in on-the-ground conservation activities through close collaboration with State governments, local communities, private landowners, and other stakeholders. In September 2015, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) determined that the Greater Sage-Grouse did not warrant listing under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. The USFWS based its ``not warranted'' determination, in part, on the conservation commitments and management actions in the BLM [[Page 19809]] and U.S. Forest Service (Forest Service) Greater Sage-Grouse land use plan amendments and revisions (2015 GRSG land use plan decisions), as well as on other private, state, and federal conservation efforts. Since 2015 the BLM, in discussion with partners, primarily Governors and state wildlife management agencies, recognized that several refinements and policy updates could help strengthen conservation efforts, while providing increased economic opportunity to local communities. The BLM and Department of Interior worked closely with Governors charged with managing Greater Sage-Grouse to determine whether some, none, or all of the 2015 Land Use Plans should be amended. After carefully considering the Governor's input, and using its discretion and authority under FLPMA, as well as under direction from the Secretary, including Secretary's Order (SO) 3353, the BLM proposes amending the Colorado Greater Sage-Grouse land use plans that address GRSG management. This action is proposed to enhance cooperation and improve alignment with the state plans or management strategies, in accordance with the BLM's multiple use and sustained yield mission. The BLM prepared the Colorado GRSG Draft RMP Amendment/Draft EIS to address alternatives that will build upon its commitment to conserve and restore Greater Sage-Grouse habitat, while improving collaboration and alignment with state management strategies for Greater Sage-Grouse. The BLM seeks to improve management alignment in ways that will increase management flexibility, maintain access to public resources, and promote conservation outcomes. The BLM used internal, agency, and public scoping to identify issues considered in the environmental analysis. As part of this analysis, the BLM also examined the range of alternatives evaluated in the BLM's 2015 GRSG land use plan decisions and their supporting NEPA analyses. This Draft RMP Amendment/Draft EIS is one of six separate planning efforts that are being undertaken in response to SO 3353, Greater Sage-Grouse Conservation and Cooperation with Western States (June 7, 2017), and in accordance with SO 3349, American Energy Independence (March 29, 2017). The Draft RMP Amendment/ Draft EIS proposes to amend the RMPs for field offices on BLM lands within BLM Colorado boundaries. In addition to the 2015 Northwest Colorado GRSG Approved RMP Amendment, current management decisions for resources are described in the following RMPs: Colorado River Valley RMP (2015) Kremmling RMP (2015) Grand Junction RMP (2015) Little Snake RMP (2011) White River RMP (1997) The planning area includes approximately 4,153,000 acres of BLM, National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, State, local, and private lands located in Colorado, in 10 counties: Eagle, Garfield, Grand, Jackson, Larimer, Mesa, Moffat, Rio Blanco, Routt and Summit. Within the decision area, the BLM manages approximately 1,731,400 acres of GRSG habitat. Surface management decisions made as a result of this Draft RMP Amendment/EIS will apply only to BLM-administered lands in the decision area. The formal public scoping process for the Draft RMP Amendment/Draft EIS began on October 11, 2017, with the publication of a Notice of Intent in the Federal Register (82 FR 47248), and ended on December 1, 2017. A public scoping meeting was held in Craig, Colorado, on November 8, 2017. The Draft RMP Amendment/Draft EIS addresses leasing availability within one mile from active leks, lek buffers, adjustments to habitat boundaries to reflect new information, and changes to waivers, exceptions and modification criteria. The Draft RMP Amendment/Draft EIS evaluate two alternatives in detail, including the No Action Alternative (Alternative A) and one action alternative (Alternative B). Alternative B has been identified as BLM's Preferred Alternative for the purposes of public comment and review. Identification of this alternative, however, does not represent final agency direction, and the Proposed RMP Amendment/Final EIS may reflect changes or adjustments from information received during public comment, from new information, or from changes in BLM policies or priorities. The Proposed RMP Amendment/Final EIS may include objectives and actions described in the other analyzed alternative as well. Alternative A would retain the current management goals, objectives, and direction specified in the current RMPs for each field office. Please note that public comments and information submitted including names, street addresses, and email addresses of persons who submit comments will be available for public review and disclosure at the address provided in the ADDRESSES section of this notice during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.), Monday through Friday, except holidays. Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment--including your personal identifying information--may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Authority: 40 CFR 1506.6, 40 CFR 1506.10 and 43 CFR 1610.2 Gregory P. Shoop, Acting BLM Colorado State Director. [FR Doc. 2018-09523 Filed 5-3-18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-84-P
![19808 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 87 / Friday, May 4, 2018 / Notices
recommendation for withdrawal is subject to valid existing right, the written comments on the Draft RMP
presented to Congress. provision of existing withdrawals, and Amendment/Draft EIS within 90 days
In addition, a public meeting other segregations of record, and other following the date the Environmental
addressing the amended withdrawal applicable law, including the provisions Protection Agency publishes a notice of
application will be held to help the of 43 U.S.C. 1782. Appropriation of any availability of the Draft RMP
public understand the amended of the land described in this order under Amendment/Draft EIS in the Federal
withdrawal application and the the general mining laws prior to the date Register. The BLM will announce future
associated process for decision-making; and time of restoration is unauthorized. meetings or hearings and any other
please see the DATES and ADDRESSES Any such attempted appropriation, public participation activities at least 15
sections for details. including attempted adverse possession days in advance through public notices,
The DON is the lead agency for under 30 U.S.C. 38 (1988), shall vest no media releases, and/or mailings.
evaluation of the proposed withdrawal rights against the United States. Acts ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
expansion as pursuant to the National required to establish a location and to related to the Colorado GRSG RMP
Environmental Policy Act of 1970, as initiate a right of possession are Amendment/Draft EIS by any of the
amended (NEPA) 42 U.S.C. 4371 et seq., governed by State law where not in following methods:
and other applicable environmental and conflict with Federal law. The BLM will • Website: https://goo.gl/kmLtwT.
cultural resources authorities. not intervene in disputes between rival • mail: BLM—Greater Sage-Grouse
Comments including names and street locators over possessory rights, because EIS, 2815 H Road, Grand Junction, CO
addresses of respondents will be Congress has provided for such 81506. Copies of the Colorado GRSG
available for public review at the BLM determinations in local courts. All valid Draft RMP Amendment/Draft EIS are
addresses noted above, during regular applications under any other general available at the website above.
business hours Monday through Friday, land laws received at or prior to 9 a.m. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For
except Federal holidays. Before on June 4, 2018 shall be considered as
including your address, phone number, further information contact Bridget
simultaneously filed at that time. Those Clayton, Colorado Sage-grouse
email address, or other personally received thereafter shall be considered
identifiable information in your Coordinator, telephone 970–244–3045;
in the order of filing. see address above; email bclayton@
comment, you should be aware that
your entire comment—including your Authority: 43 CFR 2300. blm.gov. Persons who use a
personally identifiable information— telecommunications device for the deaf
Michael C. Courtney, (TDD) may call the Federal Relay
may be publicly available at any time. Acting State Director, Nevada.
While you can ask the BLM in your Service (FRS) at 1–800–877–8339 to
[FR Doc. 2018–09665 Filed 5–3–18; 8:45 am] contact Ms. Clayton. The FRS is
comment to withhold your personally
identifiable information from public BILLING CODE 4310–HC–P available 24 hours a day, seven days a
review, we cannot guarantee that we week, to leave a message or question
will be able to do so. with Ms. Clayton. You will receive a
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR reply during normal business hours.
For a period until May 4, 2020,
subject to valid existing rights, the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Greater
Bureau of Land Management
Federal lands that are described in this Sage-Grouse is a state-managed species
Notice as added to the DON’s [LLWO200000.LXSGPL000000.18x.L11100 that is dependent on sagebrush steppe
withdrawal application will be 000.PH0000] ecosystems. These ecosystems are
segregated, for two years, from all forms managed in partnership across the range
Notice of Availability of the Colorado
of appropriation under the public land of the Greater Sage-Grouse by federal,
Draft Resource Management Plan
laws, including the mining laws, the state, and local authorities. Efforts to
Amendment and Draft Environmental
mineral leasing laws, and the conserve the species and its habitat date
Impact Statement for Greater Sage-
geothermal leasing laws, unless the back to the 1950s. Over the past two
Grouse Conservation
applications/proposal are denied or decades, state wildlife agencies, federal
canceled or the withdrawal is approved AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, agencies, and many others in the range
prior to that date. The acres of public Interior. of the species have been collaborating to
land segregated upon publication of this ACTION: Notice of Availability. conserve Greater Sage-Grouse and its
Notice totals 92,482.45 acres. Licenses, habitats. The United States Department
permits, cooperative agreements, or SUMMARY: In accordance with the of the Interior (DOI) and the BLM have
discretionary land use authorizations National Environmental Policy Act of broad responsibilities to manage federal
may be allowed during the period of 1969, as amended (NEPA), and the lands and resources for the public
segregation, but only with the approval Federal Land Policy and Management benefit. Nearly half of Greater Sage-
of the authorized officer and, as Act of 1976, as amended (FLPMA), the Grouse habitat is managed by the BLM.
appropriate, with the concurrence of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has The BLM is committed to being a good
DON. prepared a Draft Resource Management neighbor and investing in on-the-ground
Pursuant to 43 CFR 2310.1–4, the Plan (RMP) Amendment and Draft conservation activities through close
segregative effect for the 2,429.80 acres Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) collaboration with State governments,
described above is terminated, and the for Colorado Greater-Sage-Grouse local communities, private landowners,
lands opened as follows: At 9 a.m. on (GRSG) Conservation and by this notice and other stakeholders.
June 4, 2018 the 2,429.80 acres of public is announcing the opening of the In September 2015, the U.S. Fish and
amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES
lands in Churchill County, identified by comment period. BLM Colorado is Wildlife Service (USFWS) determined
the DON as no longer needed for their soliciting comments on the entire Draft that the Greater Sage-Grouse did not
application for legislative withdrawal, EIS, as well as the specific planning warrant listing under the Endangered
and legally described above, will be issues mentioned in this NOA, and the Species Act of 1973. The USFWS based
opened to the operation of the general cumulative effects analysis. its ‘‘not warranted’’ determination, in
land laws and to location and entry DATES: To ensure that comments will be part, on the conservation commitments
under the United States mining laws, considered, the BLM must receive and management actions in the BLM
VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:16 May 03, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00129 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\04MYN1.SGM 04MYN1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/83_FR_19895/page/1.svg)
![Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 87 / Friday, May 4, 2018 / Notices 19809
and U.S. Forest Service (Forest Service) management decisions for resources are to 4:00 p.m.), Monday through Friday,
Greater Sage-Grouse land use plan described in the following RMPs: except holidays.
amendments and revisions (2015 GRSG • Colorado River Valley RMP (2015) Before including your address, phone
land use plan decisions), as well as on • Kremmling RMP (2015) number, email address, or other
other private, state, and federal • Grand Junction RMP (2015) personal identifying information in your
conservation efforts. Since 2015 the • Little Snake RMP (2011) comment, you should be aware that
BLM, in discussion with partners, • White River RMP (1997) your entire comment—including your
primarily Governors and state wildlife The planning area includes personal identifying information—may
management agencies, recognized that approximately 4,153,000 acres of BLM, be made publicly available at any time.
several refinements and policy updates National Park Service, U.S. Forest While you can ask us in your comment
could help strengthen conservation Service, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, to withhold your personal identifying
efforts, while providing increased State, local, and private lands located in information from public review, we
economic opportunity to local Colorado, in 10 counties: Eagle, cannot guarantee that we will be able to
Garfield, Grand, Jackson, Larimer, Mesa, do so.
communities. The BLM and Department
of Interior worked closely with Moffat, Rio Blanco, Routt and Summit. Authority: 40 CFR 1506.6, 40 CFR 1506.10
Governors charged with managing Within the decision area, the BLM and 43 CFR 1610.2
Greater Sage-Grouse to determine manages approximately 1,731,400 acres
of GRSG habitat. Surface management Gregory P. Shoop,
whether some, none, or all of the 2015
decisions made as a result of this Draft Acting BLM Colorado State Director.
Land Use Plans should be amended.
RMP Amendment/EIS will apply only to [FR Doc. 2018–09523 Filed 5–3–18; 8:45 am]
After carefully considering the
Governor’s input, and using its BLM-administered lands in the decision BILLING CODE 4310–84–P
discretion and authority under FLPMA, area.
as well as under direction from the The formal public scoping process for
the Draft RMP Amendment/Draft EIS DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Secretary, including Secretary’s Order
(SO) 3353, the BLM proposes amending began on October 11, 2017, with the
Bureau of Land Management
the Colorado Greater Sage-Grouse land publication of a Notice of Intent in the
use plans that address GRSG Federal Register (82 FR 47248), and [LLWY920000. L51040000.FI0000.
ended on December 1, 2017. A public 18XL5017AR]
management. This action is proposed to
enhance cooperation and improve scoping meeting was held in Craig,
Colorado, on November 8, 2017. Notice of Proposed Reinstatement of
alignment with the state plans or Terminated Oil and Gas Lease
management strategies, in accordance The Draft RMP Amendment/Draft EIS
addresses leasing availability within one WYW180624, Wyoming
with the BLM’s multiple use and
mile from active leks, lek buffers, AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management,
sustained yield mission. The BLM
adjustments to habitat boundaries to Interior.
prepared the Colorado GRSG Draft RMP
reflect new information, and changes to ACTION: Notice.
Amendment/Draft EIS to address
waivers, exceptions and modification
alternatives that will build upon its SUMMARY: As provided for under the
criteria. The Draft RMP Amendment/
commitment to conserve and restore Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, as
Draft EIS evaluate two alternatives in
Greater Sage-Grouse habitat, while detail, including the No Action amended, the Bureau of Land
improving collaboration and alignment Alternative (Alternative A) and one Management (BLM) received a petition
with state management strategies for action alternative (Alternative B). for reinstatement of competitive oil and
Greater Sage-Grouse. The BLM seeks to Alternative B has been identified as gas lease WYW180624 from Kirkwood
improve management alignment in ways BLM’s Preferred Alternative for the Oil & Gas LLC for land in Converse
that will increase management purposes of public comment and County, Wyoming. The lessee filed the
flexibility, maintain access to public review. Identification of this alternative, petition on time, along with all rentals
resources, and promote conservation however, does not represent final due since the lease terminated under the
outcomes. The BLM used internal, agency direction, and the Proposed RMP law. No leases affecting this land were
agency, and public scoping to identify Amendment/Final EIS may reflect issued before the petition was filed. The
issues considered in the environmental changes or adjustments from BLM proposes to reinstate the lease.
analysis. As part of this analysis, the information received during public FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Erik
BLM also examined the range of comment, from new information, or Norelius, Acting Branch Chief for Fluid
alternatives evaluated in the BLM’s from changes in BLM policies or Minerals Adjudication, Bureau of Land
2015 GRSG land use plan decisions and priorities. The Proposed RMP Management, Wyoming State Office,
their supporting NEPA analyses. This Amendment/Final EIS may include 5353 Yellowstone Road, P.O. Box 1828,
Draft RMP Amendment/Draft EIS is one objectives and actions described in the Cheyenne, Wyoming, 82003; phone
of six separate planning efforts that are other analyzed alternative as well. 307–775–6176; email enoreliu@blm.gov.
being undertaken in response to SO Alternative A would retain the current Persons who use a
3353, Greater Sage-Grouse Conservation management goals, objectives, and telecommunications device for the deaf
and Cooperation with Western States direction specified in the current RMPs may call the Federal Relay Service (FRS)
(June 7, 2017), and in accordance with for each field office. at 1–800–877–8339 to contact Mr.
SO 3349, American Energy Please note that public comments and Norelius during normal business hours.
amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES
Independence (March 29, 2017). The information submitted including names, The FRS is available 24 hours a day, 7
Draft RMP Amendment/Draft EIS street addresses, and email addresses of days a week, to leave a message or
proposes to amend the RMPs for field persons who submit comments will be question with the above individual. A
offices on BLM lands within BLM available for public review and reply will be sent during normal
Colorado boundaries. In addition to the disclosure at the address provided in business hours.
2015 Northwest Colorado GRSG the ADDRESSES section of this notice SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The lessee
Approved RMP Amendment, current during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. agreed to the amended lease terms for
VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:16 May 03, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00130 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\04MYN1.SGM 04MYN1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/83_FR_19895/page/2.svg)
Document Created: 2018-11-02 09:52:59
Document Modified: 2018-11-02 09:52:59
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| Action | Notice of Availability. | |
| Dates | To ensure that comments will be considered, the BLM must receive written comments on the Draft RMP Amendment/Draft EIS within 90 days following the date the Environmental Protection Agency publishes a notice of availability of the Draft RMP Amendment/Draft EIS in the Federal Register. The BLM will announce future meetings or hearings and any other public participation activities at least 15 days in advance through public notices, media releases, and/or mailings. | |
| Contact | For further information contact Bridget Clayton, Colorado Sage-grouse Coordinator, telephone 970-244- | |
| FR Citation | 83 FR 19808 |
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