54608 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 204 / Monday, October 21, 1996 / Notices review of the proposal so that it is suitable lands in response to human The Clearwater National Forest Plan meaningful and alerts an agency to the needs for wood products. provides guidance to management reviewer’s position and contentions. This project will tier to the Clearwater activities within the potentially affected Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Corp. v. National Forest Environmental Impact area through its goals, objectives, NRDC, 435 U.S. 519, 553 (1978), and Statement Land and Resource standards and guidelines, and that environmental objections that could Management Plan and Forest Plan management direction. The areas of have been raised at the draft stage may (1987), which provides overall guidance proposed timber harvest and be waived if not raised until after of land management activities on the reforestation would occur only on completion of the final environmental Clearwater National Forest. Analysis suitable timber land, Management Areas impact statement. Wisconsin Heritages, will also be conducted in compliance E1, A4, A5 and M2. Below is a brief Inc. v. Harris, 490 F. Supp. 1334, 1338 with the Stipulations of Dismissal description of applicable management (E.D. Wis. 1980). The reason for this is agreed to in the settlement of the direction. to ensure that substantive comments lawsuit between the Forest Service and Management Area E1 and objections are made available to the the Sierra Club, et al. (Signed September Forest Service at a time when it can 13, 1993). Timber Management—Provide meaningfully consider them and The agency invites written comments optimum sustained production of respond to them in the final. and suggestions on the issues and timber products in a cost effective To assist the Forest Service in management opportunities for the area manner while protecting soil and water identifying and considering issues and being analyzed. quality (applies to approximately 15,900 concerns on the proposed action, acres on National Forest System land in comments on the draft environmental DATE: Written comments concerning the the project area). impact statement should be as specific scope of the analysis should be received Management Area A4 as possible. It is also helpful if on or before December 5, 1996. comments refer to specific pages or ADDRESSES: Send written comments to Visual Travel Corridor—Maintain or chapters of the draft statement. Carmine Lockwood, District Ranger, enhance an aesthetically pleasing, Comments may also address the Palouse Ranger District, 1700 Highway natural appearing Forest setting adequacy of the draft environmental 6, Potlatch, Idaho 83855. surrounding designated roads, trails, impact statement or the merits of the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: and other areas considered important alternatives formulated and discussed in Suzanne Lay, Team Leader, at the same for recreational travel use (applies to the statement. Reviewers may wish to address, (208) 875–1131. approximately 2,900 acres of National refer to the Council on Environmental Forest System land in the project area). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Quality Regulations for implementing Management Area M2 the procedural provisions of the proposed action is designed to restore National Environmental Policy Act at 40 terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem health Riparian Areas—Manage as areas of CFR 1503.3 in addressing these points. and to provide benefits to people within special consideration with distinctive the capabilities of ecosystems. values, and integrate with adjacent Dated: October 10, 1996. Vegetation treatments designed to management areas to the extent that Diane K. Henderson-Bramlette, reintroduce western white pine in the water and other riparian resources are Forest Supervisor. forest cover type will be analyzed. protected (applies to approximately [FR Doc. 96–26924 Filed 10–18–96; 8:45 am] Regeneration and intermediate harvest 2,500 acres of National Forest System BILLING CODE 3410±11±M treatments intended to improve the land in the project area). structure composition and function of PACFISH—The Interim Strategies for the forest matrix will be analyzed, along Managing Anadromous Fish-Producing West Fork Potlatch EIS, Vegetation with the use of prescribed fire and Watersheds in Eastern Oregon and Management Analysis, Clearwater mechanical methods to treat fuel Washington, Idaho, and Portions of National Forest, Latch County, Idaho loadings. Intermediate treatments will California (PACFISH), an amendment to AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA. be designed to improve forest health the Clearwater Forest Plan, provides conditions by treating overstocked ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an additional guidance in anadromous environmental impact statement. stressed sites while maintaining drainages such as the Palouse River. desirable serial species such as western This EIS will tier to the decisions and SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of white pine, ponderosa pine and western direction provided by the PACFISH EA Agriculture, Forest Service, Clearwater larch. These overstocked stands are and Decision Notice (2/95). National Forest, will prepare an highly susceptible to root rot pathogens, The West Fork Potlatch project area environmental impact statement (EIS) to bark beetles, defoliators, and dwarf lies south of the divide between the disclose effects of alternative decisions mistletoe. Restoration of the aquatic Potlatch River drainage and the St. it may make to manage vegetation, component will focus on eliminating Maries River drainage. It is a roaded restore watersheds, and analyze access sediment delivery sources to aquatic area with intermingled ownership in the management in the vicinity of the West and riparian habitats, restoring stream panhandle of Idaho. The planning area Fork of Potlatch Creek. The area is channels, as well as improving the consists of approximately 34,000 acres located approximately 2 miles north of structural components in riparian areas in located in T.41N., R.1W., T.41N., the town of Bovill, Idaho. The purpose by installing large woody debris where R1E., and T.42N., R.1W., and T.42N., of the project is to implement the it is lacking. Other fish habitat R.1E; Approximately 21,300 acres are on Clearwater Forest Plan within the improvement projects are also included National Forest System land, and context of ecosystem management in this analysis. This project area is in proposed actions are entirely on these principles; improve forest stand intermingled ownership. Much of the lands. The decision to be made is what, composition and health by reducing National Forest System land in the if anything, should be done in the West crown competition; reestablish western project area was acquired from Fork Potlatch project area to (1) white pine as a major component in the Weyerhauser timber company in the maintain or enhance forest health and ecosystem; and provide timber from 1930’s after it had been logged. improve the structure and composition Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 204 / Monday, October 21, 1996 / Notices 54609 in overstocked stressed stands, and (2) genetically improved disease resistant surfacing approximately 10 miles of provide multiple benefits to people seedlings would be utilized within existing road with the objective of within the capabilities of ecosystems. regeneration harvest units. correcting existing sediment sources. Public participation will be fully Proposed Action: Road Construction Purpose and Need: The proposed incorporated into preparation of the EIS. and Access: Approximately 27 miles of actions for aquatic ecosystems have the The first step is the scoping process, proposed road construction is an following purposes; (1) improve aquatic during which the Forest Service will be integral part of the proposed action. Key health by adding structural diversity, (2) seeking information, comments, and design features as minimizing road improve aquatic health by providing assistance from Federal, State, and local densities, and use of advanced cover for salmonids, (3) provide agencies, the Nez Perce and Coeur technology in logging systems would additional quality pools, (4) remove D’Alene Tribes, and other individuals or help reduce the impacts of these roads sediment from the system to accelerate groups who may be interested or over the 34,000 acre project area. natural recovery rates, (5) reduce affected by the proposed action. This The Forest Service is proposing to sediment sources to restore a more information will be used in preparing develop a comprehensive access ‘‘natural’’ sediment system, (6) provide the EIS. Interested individuals and management plan for the project area. a source of future woody debris to organizations should contact the We intend to seek public input on the ensure long term stability, (7) provide a Palouse Ranger District and request to development of that plan and give source of future shading to reduce be placed on the project mailing list. consideration to the needs of various summer stream temperatures, and (8) Those doing so will receive future forest users as part of the plan. While encourage streams to adjust their form information related to this project and the details of the plan have yet to be to be more stable and efficient. This will notification of public meetings. Scoping worked out, it is anticipated that access reduce stream energy, channel erosion, will include: inviting participation, restrictions would be necessary to and to some extent, the flashy nature of determining the project’s scope and achieve resource objectives such as the basin. potential issues, eliminating from wildlife habitat security and watershed Proposed Action: Recreation—A nine protection. detailed study those issues which are mile loop trail is proposed for Purpose and Need: Although this area not significant, and determining construction in Upper Feather Creek for is thoroughly ‘‘roaded’’ with old potential cooperating agencies and task non-motorized recreation use. assignments. The public will also be railroad beds, these lines are in an unsuitable place for using again for Improvement of dispersed campsites invited to participate in developing along Feather, West Fork Potlatch, alternatives, and identifying and/or timber haul. Management area direction from the Clearwater National Forest Cougar and Moose Creek roads is also reviewing the potential environmental proposed. effects of the proposed action and its Plan for the majority of the project area Purpose and Need: Currently there are alternatives. (75% of the National Forest System Public meetings will continue to be Land) calls for optimum sustained over 85 miles of trails on the Palouse held in the Potlatch, Idaho, area in the production of wood products. District which are open to motorized fall and winter of 1996 and 1997. Field In order to manage for a sustainable vehicles and approximately 4 miles trips are also to be held. The exact dates production of wood products in the which are non-motorized trails. The and locations of these meetings will be West Fork Potlatch project area a proposal for a non-motorized trail will published in local newspapers at least substantial amount of road construction help meet some of the current demand two weeks in advance. is necessary to provide access. Many of for non-motorized recreation Proposed Action: Timber Harvest: the proposed treatments are opportunities. The improvement of Approximately 4600 acres of National intermediate in type (meaning future dispersed camping sites is proposed to Forest System lands are proposed for entries into this area are probable). help keep roadside camping spots harvest. At this time, we anticipate that Therefore, a permanent system of roads available and prevent rutting and mud the primary proposed treatments will be is needed. from accumulating in these areas. commercial thinnings (approximately Proposed Action: Aquatic Proposed Action: Wildlife— 3500 acres), with some regeneration Restoration—Relocating portions of the Approximately 2200 acres are proposed harvests and overstory removals (1100 West Fork of the Potlatch River to it’s for old growth/replacement old growth acres). original channel; planting riparian areas habitat with this project. Some areas Purpose and Need: To conduct in Porcupine, Head, and Nat Brown adjacent to roads may need to be posted vegetation management activities that Creeks, (totaling two miles of riparian to prevent woodcutting. will maintain or enhance forest health. habitat improvement in the Upper Purpose and Need: Old growth habitat Active forest management is needed to Potlatch, and 1.5 miles in the Potlatch is a vital component of the vegetative ensure ecosystem diversity, integrity, face drainages); dredging in the Potlatch diversity of the Clearwater Forest. Old and ability to provide goods and River, Nat Brown and Head Creeks; and growth habitat is vital to the services for people on a sustainable installing large woody debris in over 10 perpetuation of old growth dependent basis. The intermediate treatments and miles of streams. Restoration of stream species of wildlife (Clearwater Forest regeneration harvests are proposed to channel meandering is proposed for Plan, Appendix H–1). improve the structure and composition several tributaries of the West Fork of Proposed Action: Grazing—In the in overstocked stressed stands. Active Potlatch River. The winter/spring of Purdue Creek Allotment a reduction in management is needed to reduce 1996 resulted in four landslides in the animal numbers of ten percent is susceptibility to root pathogens, bark Potlatch watershed. While restoration proposed. Reductions in cattle numbers beetles, defoliators, and dwarf mistletoe. began in 1996 (seeding, mulching, are needed to promote the recovery of Timber harvest is needed to make adding debris storage, and falling trees); riparian areas and continue the current progress toward reestablishing western part of this proposal is to continue the trend of watershed improvement. white pine on this landscape. rehabilitation work. Additional woody Riparian fencing and hardened cattle Intermediate treatments would be used debris and some dredging would crossings have been shown to restore to favor existing white pine that is probably be required. Road riparian vegetation and prevent relatively disease free, and planting of reconstruction is also proposed, streambank trampling. 54610 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 204 / Monday, October 21, 1996 / Notices

Purpose and Need: In order to Effects Analysis objections are made available to the promote the recovery of riparian areas The direct, indirect, cumulative, Forest Service at a time when it can and continue the current trend of short-term, and long-term, aspects of meaningfully consider them and watershed improvement the grazing impacts on national forest lands and respond to them in the Final EIS. reductions are proposed. The riparian resources, and those of connected or As Forest Supervisor, I am the fencing and hardened cattle crossings related effects off-site, will be fully Responsible Official for this project. My should help improve/restore riparian disclosed. address is Clearwater National Forest, vegetation and prevent streambank Preliminary alternatives in addition to 12730 U.S. Highway 12, Orofino, ID trampling. the proposed action have not been 83544 (208–476–4541). Preliminary Issues identified. The issues discussed Dated: October 9, 1996. previously, and those provided in Douglas E. Gochnour, White Pine Blister Rust public comment, will drive the Acting Forest Supervisor. Blister rust is a major cause in the formulation of alternatives. Minimizing [FR Doc. 96–26852 Filed 10–18–96; 8:45 am] decline of western white pine in the the number of alternatives by BILLING CODE 3410±11±M West Fork Potlatch project area. This is incorporating key design features an exotic pathogen introduced in the common to all alternatives will help early 1900’s which has caused a 60 address many concerns while Summit Fire Recovery, Malheur percent decline in western white pine streamlining the environmental National Forest, Grant County, Oregon since 1952 (O’laughlin et al. 1993). As analysis. a consequence, forest stands within the The Forest Service predicts the Draft AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA. planning area are now dominated by EIS will be filed in January of 1997 and ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare tree species which are less resistant to the Final EIS in April of 1997. We will environmental impact statement. insects, disease, and wildfire (primarily seek comments on the Draft EIS for a Douglas-fir and grand fir). SUMMARY: The Forest Service, USDA, period of 45 days after its publication. will prepare an environmental impact Insects and Disease Comments will then be summarized and statement (EIS) on a proposal to salvage responded to in the Final EIS. harvest and reforest burned timber Forest stands within the project area To assist us in identifying and stands, construct and reconstruct roads, are generally composed of a diverse considering issues and concerns on the and apply herbicides to manage species mix of trees which are growing proposed action or the effects unwanted vegetation. The proposed well; but, in many cases are becoming disclosure, comments on the DEIS project will be in compliance with the overcrowded. Many of the seral disease should be as specific as possible. It is 1990 Malheur National Forest Land and resistant larch, western white pine, and also helpful if comments refer to Resource Management Plan (Forest ponderosa pine, are being crowded by specific pages or chapters of the Draft Plan), as amended, which provides the grand fir, Douglas-fir and other more EIS. Comments may also address the overall guidance for management of this shade tolerant less disease resistant adequacy of the DEIS or the merits of species. The loss of white pine to blister area. The proposed project is within the the alternatives formulated and rust, and the increased presence of Summit Fire area which lies within the discussed in the statement. (Reviewers susceptible species is inconsistent with Middle Fork John Day Watershed on the may wish to refer to the Council on historic (pre-european) settlement Long Creek Ranger District and will Environmental Quality Regulations for patterns. occur in fiscal year 1997. The Malheur implementing the procedural provisions National Forest invites written Forest Habitat of the National Environmental Policy comments and suggestions on the scope Act at 40 CFR 1503.3 in addressing Old growth and mature forest of the analysis. The agency will give these points.) structure is an important component for notice of the full environmental analysis We believe it is important to give many wildlife species. Timber harvest and decision making process on the reviewers notice at this early stage of has the potential to change the amount proposal so interested and affected several court rulings related to public and distribution of mature forest people may participate and contribute participation in the environmental structure. in the final decision. review process. First, reviewers of Watershed and Fish Habitat Conditions DEIS’s must structure their participation DATES: Comments concerning the scope of the analysis should be received in Management activities (especially in the environmental review of the writing by November 20, 1996. those in the earlier part of the century), proposal so that it is meaningful and in the Potlatch River subbasin have alerts an agency to the reviewer’s ADDRESSES: Send written comments and delivered large quantities of sediment position and contentions. Vermont suggestions concerning the management without allowing for recovery thus Yankee Nuclear Power Corp. v. NRDC, of this area to John L. Shoberg, District altering the natural function of the 435 U.S. 519, 553 (1978). Also, Ranger, P.O. Box 849, John Day, Oregon stream system. Additional activities environmental objections that could be 97845. without allowing for recovery could raised at the DEIS stage but that are not FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: compound these effects and have raised until after completion of the final Questions about the proposed project adverse effects on channel stability and EIS may be waived or dismissed by the and scope of analysis should be directed designated beneficial uses. Management courts. City of Argoon v. Hodel, 803 F2d to: Resource Planner, Robert Hammond; practices that cause fine sediment 1016, 1022 (9th Circuit 1986) and P.O. Box 849; John Day, Oregon 97845; production to exceed the processing and Wisconsin Heritages, Inc. v. Harris, 490 phone 541–575–3000. transporting capability of streams, or F. Supp. 1334, 1338 (E.D. Wis. 1980). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The that alter the natural timing of sediment Because of these court rulings, it is proposed action includes: salvage transport, would have the greatest very important that those interested in harvesting fire killed or dying timber; potential to impair stream integrity and this proposed action participate by the constructing and reconstructing roads; salmonid populations, and therefore close of the 45 day comment period so reforestation; and application of beneficial uses. that substantive comments and herbicides.