83_FR_53649 83 FR 53444 - Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia; Big Rock Project

83 FR 53444 - Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia; Big Rock Project

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 205 (October 23, 2018)

Page Range53444-53445
FR Document2018-23087

The Monongahela National Forest is withdrawing the Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Big Rock Project. The original NOI was published in the Federal Register on July 30, 2014. The environmental analysis for this project is proceeding under an Environmental Assessment.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 205 (Tuesday, October 23, 2018) 
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 205 (Tuesday, October 23, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 53444-53445]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-23087]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia; Big Rock Project

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Withdrawal of notice of intent to prepare environmental impact 
statement.

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[[Page 53445]]

SUMMARY: The Monongahela National Forest is withdrawing the Notice of 
Intent (NOI) to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Big 
Rock Project. The original NOI was published in the Federal Register on 
July 30, 2014. The environmental analysis for this project is 
proceeding under an Environmental Assessment.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Questions concerning withdrawal of the 
NOI should be addressed to Karen Stevens (Forest Planner) at the 
following address: Monongahela National Forest, 200 Sycamore Street, 
Elkins, West Virginia 26241, or via phone at: 304-635-4480.
    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.
    Further information about the project can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=44762.

    Dated: October 5, 2018.
Allen Rowley,
Acting Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest System.
[FR Doc. 2018-23087 Filed 10-22-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3411-15-P

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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:20 Oct 22, 2018 Jkt 247001 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\23OCN1.SGM 23OCN1

Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 205 / Tuesday, October 23, 2018 / Notices 53445 SUMMARY: The Monongahela National number: 1–888–778–9069 and Dated: October 18, 2018. Forest is withdrawing the Notice of conference call ID: 6970676. Please be David Mussatt, Intent (NOI) to prepare an advised that before placing them into Supervisory Chief, Regional Programs Unit. Environmental Impact Statement for the the conference call, the conference call [FR Doc. 2018–23048 Filed 10–22–18; 8:45 am] Big Rock Project. The original NOI was operator may ask callers to provide their BILLING CODE P published in the Federal Register on names, their organizational affiliations July 30, 2014. The environmental (if any), and email addresses (so that analysis for this project is proceeding callers may be notified of future COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS under an Environmental Assessment. meetings). Callers can expect to incur FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: charges for calls they initiate over Agenda and Notice of Public Meeting Questions concerning withdrawal of the wireless lines, and the Commission will of the Delaware Advisory Committee NOI should be addressed to Karen not refund any incurred charges. Callers AGENCY: Commission on Civil Rights. Stevens (Forest Planner) at the following will incur no charge for calls they address: Monongahela National Forest, initiate over land-line connections to ACTION: Announcement of meeting. 200 Sycamore Street, Elkins, West the toll-free telephone number herein. SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given, Virginia 26241, or via phone at: 304– Persons with hearing impairments pursuant to the provisions of the rules 635–4480. may also follow the discussion by first and regulations of the U.S. Commission Individuals who use calling the Federal Relay Service at 1– on Civil Rights (Commission), and the telecommunication devices for the deaf 800–877–8339 and providing the Federal Advisory Committee Act (TDD) may call the Federal Information operator with the toll-free conference (FACA), that a planning meeting of the Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–800–877–8339 call number: 1–888–778–9069 and Delaware Advisory Committee to the between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern conference call ID: 6970676. Commission will convene by conference Time, Monday through Friday. Members of the public are invited to call, on Monday, November 19, 2018 at Further information about the project submit written comments; the 4:00 p.m. (EST). The purpose of the can be found at https:// comments must be received in the meeting is to discuss preparation of the www.fs.usda.gov/project/ regional office approximately 30 days Committee’s report on implicit bias and ?project=44762. after each scheduled meeting. Written policing in communities of color in Dated: October 5, 2018. comments may be mailed to the Eastern Delaware. Allen Rowley, Regional Office, U.S. Commission on DATES: Monday, November 19, 2018, at Acting Associate Deputy Chief, National Civil Rights, 1331 Pennsylvania 4:00 p.m. (EST). Forest System. Avenue, Suite 1150, Washington, DC FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ivy [FR Doc. 2018–23087 Filed 10–22–18; 8:45 am] 20425, or emailed to Evelyn Bohor at ero@usccr.gov. Persons who desire L. Davis, at ero@usccr.gov or by phone BILLING CODE 3411–15–P additional information may contact the at 202–376–7533. Eastern Regional Office at (202) 376– SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Public 7533. Call-In Information: Conference call COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS Records and documents discussed number: 1–800–210–9006 and Agenda and Notice of Public Meeting during the meeting will be available for conference call ID: 4124362. of the New Jersey Advisory Committee public viewing as they become available Interested members of the public may at https://gsageo.force.com/FACA/ listen to the discussion by calling the AGENCY: Commission on Civil Rights. following toll-free conference call FACAPublicViewCommittee ACTION: Announcement of meeting. Details?id=a10t0000001gzjVAAQ; click number: 1–800–210–9006 and the ‘‘Meeting Details’’ and ‘‘Documents’’ conference call ID: 4124362. Please be SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given, advised that before placing them into pursuant to the provisions of the rules links. Records generated from this meeting may also be inspected and the conference call, the conference call and regulations of the U.S. Commission operator may ask callers to provide their on Civil Rights (Commission), and the reproduced at the Eastern Regional Office, as they become available, both names, their organizational affiliations Federal Advisory Committee Act (if any), and email addresses (so that (FACA), that a planning meeting of the before and after the meetings. Persons interested in the work of this advisory callers may be notified of future New Jersey Advisory Committee to the meetings). Callers can expect to incur Commission will convene by conference committee are advised to go to the Commission’s website, www.usccr.gov, charges for calls they initiate over call, on Friday, November 16, 2018 at wireless lines, and the Commission will 12:00 p.m. (EST). The purpose of the or to contact the Eastern Regional Office at the above phone number, email or not refund any incurred charges. Callers meeting is to discuss the topics under will incur no charge for calls they review and to select the topic it will street address. initiate over land-line connections to examine as its civil rights project. Agenda the toll-free telephone number herein. DATES: Friday, November 16, 2018, at Persons with hearing impairments 12:00 p.m. (EST). Friday, November 16, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. (EST) may also follow the discussion by first FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ivy calling the Federal Relay Service at 1– L. Davis, at ero@usccr.gov or by phone I. Welcome and Introductions and 800–877–8339 and providing the at 202–376–7533. Rollcall operator with the toll-free conference khammond on DSK30JT082PROD with NOTICES SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Public II. Planning Meeting call number: 1–800–210–9006 and Call-In Information: Conference call —Discuss Project Topics conference call ID: 4124362. number: 1–888–778–9069 and Members of the public are invited to —Discuss Process for Selecting the submit written comments; the conference call ID: 6970676. Interested members of the public may Topic for the Civil Rights Project comments must be received in the listen to the discussion by calling the III. Other Business regional office approximately 30 days following toll-free conference call IV. Adjournment after each scheduled meeting. Written VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:20 Oct 22, 2018 Jkt 247001 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\23OCN1.SGM 23OCN1


Document Created: 2018-10-23 04:14:03
Document Modified: 2018-10-23 04:14:03
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
ActionWithdrawal of notice of intent to prepare environmental impact statement.
ContactQuestions concerning withdrawal of the
FR Citation83 FR 53444 
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