83 FR 53443 - Flathead National Forest; Montana; Mid-Swan Landscape Restoration & Wildland Urban Interface Fuels Project
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 205 (October 23, 2018)
Forest Service
Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 205 (October 23, 2018)
| Page Range | 53443-53444 | |
| FR Document | 2018-23086 |
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 205 (Tuesday, October 23, 2018)] [Notices] [Pages 53443-53444] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2018-23086] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Flathead National Forest; Montana; Mid-Swan Landscape Restoration & Wildland Urban Interface Fuels Project AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Mid-Swan Landscape Restoration and Wildland Urban Interface Fuels Project (Mid-Swan) area encompasses approximately 246,000 acres within the larger 1.3 million acre Southwestern Crown of the Continent landscape. This project is part of a long-term effort between the USDA Forest Service and the Southwestern Crown Collaborative to restore the resilience and function of the ecosystem within this landscape. The Mid-Swan project is proposing treatments on approximately 70,000 acres to improve aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity by removing vegetation, planting drought tolerant species found there historically, and reducing fuel buildup in the wildland urban interface (WUI). DATES: Comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received by November 23, 2018. The publication of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) is expected in April 2019, and the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) is expected to be published in October 2019. ADDRESSES: Send written comments to Mid-Swan Project, Attention: Sandy Mack, 24 Fort Missoula Road, Missoula, MT 59804. Comments may also be sent via email to [email protected], or submitted through an electronic form available on our project page at https://www.fs.usda.gov/projects/flathead/landmanagement/projects. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sandy Mack, Team Leader, via email at [email protected], or calling 406-329-3817; Chris Dowling, Swan Lake District Ranger, via email at [email protected], or calling 406-837- 7501. Individuals who use telecommun- ication 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 Today's Mid-Swan landscape is the result of mixed ownerships across a diverse landscape with a variety of forest types. Timber harvest was prevalent in this area through the 20th century with combined state forest cutting to support local schools, harvest for commercial timber interests owned by Plum Creek, and National Forest System (NFS) lands that are managed for multiple uses. Fire suppression and commercially aggressive harvest practices left fire intolerant tree species behind to reseed the area. A logging method known as high-grading was practiced in some areas that removed the best trees and their naturally selected seed source. Roads in the area were built to a mix of design standards; and, are in various states of maintenance with less stable roads contributing to sedimentation into watersheds. The purpose of the Mid-Swan project is to restore and maintain aquatic biodiversity, and terrestrial biodiversity. It is also to reduce the risk from wildfire in the wildland urban interface where national forest system lands are close or adjacent to private land. The Mid-Swan area is at risk of losing key habitat components for native aquatic and terrestrial species in this ecologically important landscape. Currently state, federal and private infrastructure, recreationists, and residents are at risk from fire. Wildland firefighters are especially at risk when engaging with extreme wildfire behavior in this area. The Mid-Swan landscape was assessed with three-dimensional high resolution aerial photography through photo interpretation, ground truthing, and modeling in order to determine the needs across the landscape. The following problems have been identified regarding aquatic biodiversity within the project area: 1. Amount of sediment in streams; 2. fish barriers blocking access to available habitat; and 3. lack of small scale disturbance in riparian areas due to reduced beaver activity and warming waters. Problems with terrestrial biodiversity include: [[Page 53444]] 1. Loss of large trees and old forest structure; 2. loss of western white pine and whitebark pine; 3. Lynx habitat quality and distribution and long-term availability; 4. missed fire intervals through fire suppression (fire deficit); 5. overabundance of young forests with multi-stories and shade tolerant species, in particular subalpine fir; 6. highly fragmented forests in the valley bottom (too many small patches); and 7. homogenous forests at higher elevations due to fire suppression (in a few large patches). An analysis of the WUI identified that current fuel conditions would create flame lengths greater than four feet precluding direct attack. Crown fire initiation and crown fire propagation conditions are high. Proposed Action In order to restore and maintain aquatic ecosystem resilience, this project proposes to storm proof (decommission, store, or improve) approximately 167 miles of existing Forest Service roads, including about 20 miles of road that are within riparian management zones (RMZ). The goals of the project include: Reducing sediment loads in streams through road storage and decommissioning (storm proofing); removal of five fish passage barriers (culverts) at road/stream crossings; application of vegetative treatment actions within RMZs to better match desired conditions; and, to install beaver dam analog structures at nine stream sites to increase water holding capacity in cold water drainages. The artificial beaver dams would slightly offset predicted climate induced stressors in key stream reaches. The Mid-Swan EIS will also propose treatments on forest ecosystems to promote resilience by reducing ladder fuels, decreasing crown bulk density, and reducing the risk of crown fire in large ponderosa pine, western larch and Douglas-fir forest types. Other proposed treatments will include thinning to reduce competition from shade tolerant conifers. Goals include planting rust resistant western white pine stock in suitable areas after regeneration harvest. Tree composition will also be improved through the removal of encroaching subalpine fir and Engelmann spruce and the planting of rust resistant whitebark pine. Another goal of the Mid-Swan project is to restore whitebark pine stands by caching rust resistant whitebark pine seeds; and, converting overabundant competing multistory subalpine fir patches to other cover types with better structural stages. Whitebark pine restoration would also be promoted by breaking up large homogeneous patches through mechanical treatments and prescribed fire. To reduce risk of wildfire in the WUI, proposed actions will include removing vegetation to reduce potential flame lengths to four feet or less; reducing ladder fuels to minimize crown fire initiation; and reduction of canopy fuels to minimize crown fuel propagation. Vegetation treatments would include: Non-commercial thinning on approximately 2,900 acres, thinning with variable retention on 12,000 acres, thinning with regeneration openings on 21,700 acres, regeneration harvest with variable retention on 7,400 acres, controlled burning on 24,600 acres, planting on 500 acres, and seed caching on 900 acres. Proposed treatment methods include the use of tractor, skyline, helicopter, and hand treatments. The total number of acres proposed for treatment is approximately 70,000. Both temporary and permanent road construction would be needed to access treatments. This project would not change, increase, or reduce open motorized travel routes identified in the Flathead National Forest Motor Vehicle Use Map. Responsible Official The Responsible Official for this project is the Flathead National Forest Supervisor. Nature of Decision To Be Made The Flathead National Forest Supervisor will decide whether to implement the action as proposed, take no action, or to implement an alternative, or combination of alternatives, that have been analyzed. The Forest Supervisor will also decide whether to amend the Land and Resource Management Plan, if necessary, to implement the decision. Forest Plan Amendment Two project-specific suspension of forest plan standards would be required to implement the proposed actions and achieve desired conditions. The substantive requirements of the 2012 Planning Rule (36 CFR 219) that are directly related to the proposed amendments are Sec. 36 CFR 219.8 (a)(1); 219.9 (a)(1); 219.9 (a)(2); 219.9 (b)(1); and 219.10 (a)(8). The proposed amendments are: 1. Conduct non-commercial thinning and regeneration operations in snowshoe hare habitat that occurs from the stand initiation structural stage (Northern Rockies Lynx Management Direction (NRLMD) Standard Veg S5). 2. Conduct thinning activities in mature, multi-story lynx and snowshoe hare habitat (NRLMD Standard Veg S6). Permits or Licenses Required When the project is scheduled for implementation the appropriate 404 permits and approval from the US Army Corps of Engineers will be obtained for fish barrier removal and beaver dam analog structures among other proposed actions. Montana Streamside Protection Act, 124 permits, would be obtained for any activity that disturbs stream channels. Scoping Process This notice of intent (NOI) to publish an EIS initiates the scoping process, which guides the development of the EIS. An open house will be scheduled following the publication of this NOI and release of the scoping document. The public will be informed through mailing and media release of the date, time, and location. Your comments will be most useful if they describe a specific action and the environmental effects of that action (cause and effect). If you cite literature in your comments please provide us with a complete bibliography and a copy of the reference material. It is important that reviewers provide their comments so they are useful to the Agency's preparation of the EIS. 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. Dated: October 4, 2018. Allen Rowley, Acting Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest System. [FR Doc. 2018-23086 Filed 10-22-18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3411-15-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 205 / Tuesday, October 23, 2018 / Notices 53443
the collection of information that such achieving multiple use management spmack@fs.fed.us, or calling 406–329–
persons are not required to respond to programs such as reducing fire hazard 3817; Chris Dowling, Swan Lake District
the collection of information unless it and improving forest health on the Ranger, via email at cdowling@fs.fed.us,
displays a currently valid OMB control National Forest would be impaired. or calling 406–837–7501.
number. Description of Respondents: Individuals who use telecommun-
Individuals or households; Business or ication devices for the deaf (TDD) may
Forest Service other for-profit; State, Local or Tribal call the Federal Information Relay
Title: Forest Products Removal Government. Service (FIRS) at 1–800–877–8339
Permits and Contracts. Number of Respondents: 192,204. between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern
OMB Control Number: 0596–0085. Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Time, Monday through Friday.
Summary of Collection: The Food, On occasion; Recordkeeping. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 Total Burden Hours: 33,434.
(Pub. L. 110–246, 122 Stat. 1651) Purpose and Need for Action
Ruth Brown,
hereinafter the ‘‘2008 Farm Bill’’), Today’s Mid-Swan landscape is the
section 8105 authorizes that the Departmental Information Collection
Clearance Officer. result of mixed ownerships across a
Secretary of Agriculture may provide, diverse landscape with a variety of
[FR Doc. 2018–23054 Filed 10–22–18; 8:45 am]
free of charge, to federally recognized forest types. Timber harvest was
Indian Tribes trees, portions of trees, or BILLING CODE 3411–15–P
prevalent in this area through the 20th
forest products from National Forest century with combined state forest
System lands for noncommercial cutting to support local schools, harvest
traditional and cultural purposes. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
for commercial timber interests owned
Individuals and businesses that wish to Forest Service by Plum Creek, and National Forest
remove forest products from national System (NFS) lands that are managed
forest lands must request a permit. 16 Flathead National Forest; Montana; for multiple uses. Fire suppression and
U.S.C. 551 requires the promulgation of Mid-Swan Landscape Restoration & commercially aggressive harvest
regulations to regulate forest use and Wildland Urban Interface Fuels Project practices left fire intolerant tree species
prevent destruction of the forests. behind to reseed the area. A logging
Regulations at 36 CFR 223.1 and 223.2 AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.
method known as high-grading was
govern the sale of forest products such ACTION:Notice of intent to prepare an
practiced in some areas that removed
as Christmas trees, pinecones, moss, and environmental impact statement.
the best trees and their naturally
mushrooms. Regulations at 36 CFR selected seed source. Roads in the area
SUMMARY: The Mid-Swan Landscape
223.5 through 223.11 set forth were built to a mix of design standards;
Restoration and Wildland Urban
conditions under which free use of and, are in various states of
Interface Fuels Project (Mid-Swan) area
forest products may be obtained by maintenance with less stable roads
encompasses approximately 246,000
individuals or organizations. Upon contributing to sedimentation into
acres within the larger 1.3 million acre
receiving a permit, the permittee must watersheds.
Southwestern Crown of the Continent
comply with the terms of the permit at The purpose of the Mid-Swan project
landscape. This project is part of a long-
36 CFR 261.6 that designate the forest is to restore and maintain aquatic
term effort between the USDA Forest
products that can be harvested and biodiversity, and terrestrial biodiversity.
Service and the Southwestern Crown
under what conditions, such as limiting It is also to reduce the risk from wildfire
Collaborative to restore the resilience
harvest to a designated area or in the wildland urban interface where
permitting harvest of only specifically and function of the ecosystem within
this landscape. The Mid-Swan project is national forest system lands are close or
designated material. adjacent to private land. The Mid-Swan
Need and Use of the Information: proposing treatments on approximately
70,000 acres to improve aquatic and area is at risk of losing key habitat
Using forms FS–2400–1/BLM–5450–24,
terrestrial biodiversity by removing components for native aquatic and
FS–2400–4ANF and FS–2400–8, FS and
vegetation, planting drought tolerant terrestrial species in this ecologically
BLM will collect the name, vehicle
species found there historically, and important landscape. Currently state,
information, address and tax
reducing fuel buildup in the wildland federal and private infrastructure,
identification number from persons
urban interface (WUI). recreationists, and residents are at risk
applying for permits. The information
DATES: Comments concerning the scope from fire. Wildland firefighters are
will be used to keep a record of persons
of the analysis must be received by especially at risk when engaging with
buying forest products and to determine
November 23, 2018. The publication of extreme wildfire behavior in this area.
if the applicant meets the criteria under The Mid-Swan landscape was
which free use or sale of forest products the Draft Environmental Impact
Statement (DEIS) is expected in April assessed with three-dimensional high
is authorized by the regulations and to resolution aerial photography through
ensure that the permittee has not 2019, and the Final Environmental
Impact Statement (FEIS) is expected to photo interpretation, ground truthing,
received product values in excess of the and modeling in order to determine the
amount allowed by regulation in any be published in October 2019.
needs across the landscape.
one fiscal year and complies with the ADDRESSES: Send written comments to
The following problems have been
regulations and terms of the permit. Mid-Swan Project, Attention: Sandy identified regarding aquatic biodiversity
Under the 2008 Farm Bill Authority, the Mack, 24 Fort Missoula Road, Missoula, within the project area:
Federally recognized Indian Tribe/ MT 59804. Comments may also be sent
khammond on DSK30JT082PROD with NOTICES
1. Amount of sediment in streams;
Tribal Official makes their free-use via email to bslrp@fs.fed.us, or 2. fish barriers blocking access to
request in writing and submits it to the submitted through an electronic form available habitat; and
appropriate local FS District Ranger’s available on our project page at https:// 3. lack of small scale disturbance in
Office. This information is also needed www.fs.usda.gov/projects/flathead/ riparian areas due to reduced beaver
to allow FS compliance personnel to landmanagement/projects. activity and warming waters.
identify permittees in the field. Without FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Problems with terrestrial biodiversity
the forest product removal program, Sandy Mack, Team Leader, via email at include:
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![53444 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 205 / Tuesday, October 23, 2018 / Notices
1. Loss of large trees and old forest types with better structural stages. (Northern Rockies Lynx Management
structure; Whitebark pine restoration would also Direction (NRLMD) Standard Veg S5).
2. loss of western white pine and be promoted by breaking up large 2. Conduct thinning activities in
whitebark pine; homogeneous patches through mature, multi-story lynx and snowshoe
3. Lynx habitat quality and mechanical treatments and prescribed hare habitat (NRLMD Standard Veg S6).
distribution and long-term availability; fire.
4. missed fire intervals through fire Permits or Licenses Required
To reduce risk of wildfire in the WUI,
suppression (fire deficit); proposed actions will include removing When the project is scheduled for
5. overabundance of young forests vegetation to reduce potential flame implementation the appropriate 404
with multi-stories and shade tolerant lengths to four feet or less; reducing permits and approval from the US Army
species, in particular subalpine fir; ladder fuels to minimize crown fire Corps of Engineers will be obtained for
6. highly fragmented forests in the fish barrier removal and beaver dam
initiation; and reduction of canopy fuels
valley bottom (too many small patches); analog structures among other proposed
to minimize crown fuel propagation.
and actions. Montana Streamside Protection
7. homogenous forests at higher Vegetation treatments would include:
Non-commercial thinning on Act, 124 permits, would be obtained for
elevations due to fire suppression (in a any activity that disturbs stream
few large patches). approximately 2,900 acres, thinning
with variable retention on 12,000 acres, channels.
An analysis of the WUI identified that
current fuel conditions would create thinning with regeneration openings on Scoping Process
flame lengths greater than four feet 21,700 acres, regeneration harvest with
variable retention on 7,400 acres, This notice of intent (NOI) to publish
precluding direct attack. Crown fire an EIS initiates the scoping process,
initiation and crown fire propagation controlled burning on 24,600 acres,
planting on 500 acres, and seed caching which guides the development of the
conditions are high. EIS. An open house will be scheduled
on 900 acres. Proposed treatment
Proposed Action methods include the use of tractor, following the publication of this NOI
skyline, helicopter, and hand and release of the scoping document.
In order to restore and maintain
treatments. The total number of acres The public will be informed through
aquatic ecosystem resilience, this
proposed for treatment is approximately mailing and media release of the date,
project proposes to storm proof
70,000. Both temporary and permanent time, and location.
(decommission, store, or improve)
approximately 167 miles of existing road construction would be needed to Your comments will be most useful if
Forest Service roads, including about 20 access treatments. This project would they describe a specific action and the
miles of road that are within riparian not change, increase, or reduce open environmental effects of that action
management zones (RMZ). The goals of motorized travel routes identified in the (cause and effect). If you cite literature
the project include: Reducing sediment Flathead National Forest Motor Vehicle in your comments please provide us
loads in streams through road storage Use Map. with a complete bibliography and a
and decommissioning (storm proofing); copy of the reference material.
Responsible Official It is important that reviewers provide
removal of five fish passage barriers
(culverts) at road/stream crossings; The Responsible Official for this their comments so they are useful to the
application of vegetative treatment project is the Flathead National Forest Agency’s preparation of the EIS.
actions within RMZs to better match Supervisor. Comments should be provided prior to
desired conditions; and, to install the close of the comment period and
Nature of Decision To Be Made should clearly articulate the reviewer’s
beaver dam analog structures at nine
stream sites to increase water holding The Flathead National Forest concerns and contentions.
capacity in cold water drainages. The Supervisor will decide whether to Comments received in response to
artificial beaver dams would slightly implement the action as proposed, take this solicitation, including names and
offset predicted climate induced no action, or to implement an addresses of those who comment, will
stressors in key stream reaches. alternative, or combination of be part of the public record for this
The Mid-Swan EIS will also propose alternatives, that have been analyzed. proposed action. Comments submitted
treatments on forest ecosystems to The Forest Supervisor will also decide anonymously will be accepted and
promote resilience by reducing ladder whether to amend the Land and considered.
fuels, decreasing crown bulk density, Resource Management Plan, if Dated: October 4, 2018.
and reducing the risk of crown fire in necessary, to implement the decision. Allen Rowley,
large ponderosa pine, western larch and Forest Plan Amendment Acting Associate Deputy Chief, National
Douglas-fir forest types. Other proposed Forest System.
treatments will include thinning to Two project-specific suspension of [FR Doc. 2018–23086 Filed 10–22–18; 8:45 am]
reduce competition from shade tolerant forest plan standards would be required BILLING CODE 3411–15–P
conifers. Goals include planting rust to implement the proposed actions and
resistant western white pine stock in achieve desired conditions. The
suitable areas after regeneration harvest. substantive requirements of the 2012 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Tree composition will also be improved Planning Rule (36 CFR 219) that are
through the removal of encroaching directly related to the proposed Forest Service
subalpine fir and Engelmann spruce and amendments are § 36 CFR 219.8 (a)(1);
khammond on DSK30JT082PROD with NOTICES
the planting of rust resistant whitebark 219.9 (a)(1); 219.9 (a)(2); 219.9 (b)(1); Monongahela National Forest, West
pine. Another goal of the Mid-Swan and 219.10 (a)(8). The proposed Virginia; Big Rock Project
project is to restore whitebark pine amendments are: AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.
stands by caching rust resistant 1. Conduct non-commercial thinning
ACTION: Withdrawal of notice of intent
whitebark pine seeds; and, converting and regeneration operations in
to prepare environmental impact
overabundant competing multistory snowshoe hare habitat that occurs from
statement.
subalpine fir patches to other cover the stand initiation structural stage
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Document Created: 2018-10-23 04:15:10
Document Modified: 2018-10-23 04:15:10
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| Action | Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement. | |
| Dates | Comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received by November 23, 2018. The publication of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) is expected in April 2019, and the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) is expected to be published in October 2019. | |
| Contact | Sandy Mack, Team Leader, via email at [email protected], or calling 406-329-3817; Chris Dowling, Swan Lake District Ranger, via email at [email protected], or calling 406-837- 7501. | |
| FR Citation | 83 FR 53443 |
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