DOCSLIB.ORG

Decision Memo

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Decision Memo DECISION MEMO ROW Special Use Permit Renewal– Fort Massac Water District Part of NESWNW and SESENW Sec. 17 T15S, R6E of the 3rd PM, Massac County, Illinois; and part of NWSE Sec. 31 and NENENE Sec. 19, 14S, 6E of the 3rd PM, Pope County, Illinois.. USDA Forest Service Hidden Springs Ranger District, Shawnee National Forest Background On September 6, 1973, the United States issued a special use permit to the Fort Massac Water District (permittee) for a right-of-way (ROW) across National Forest land located in the NESWNW and SESENW Sec. 17 T15S, R6E of the 3rd PM, Massac County, Illinois; and NWSE Sec. 31 and NENENE Sec. 19, 14S, 6E of the 3rd PM, Pope County, Illinois. The permit was issued for the purpose of installing and maintaining a buried water transmission line across National Forest lands. Decision and Rational for the Decision My decision is to renew this ROW permit for a period of twenty years, as requested, to the current permit holder, the permitted areas are located in part of the NESWNW and SESENW Sec. 17 T15S, R6E of the 3rd PM, Massac County, Illinois; and part of NWSE Sec. 31 and NENENE Sec. 19, 14S, 6E of the 3rd PM, Pope County, Illinois. The permit has been renewed once since its issuance, and has consistently been in satisfactory condition upon inspection. This special use permit is consistent with the Shawnee National Forest Land Management Plan (2006) goals, standards, and guidelines. Reasons for Categorically Excluding The Proposed Action This project is not expected to cause significant impacts to the human environment. A Categorical Exclusion (CE) is the appropriate NEPA decision document for this proposal, as outlined in 36 CFR 220.6(e)(3) Approval, modification, or continuation of minor special uses of NFS lands that require less than five contiguous acres of land. This project can be categorically excluded from documentation in an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement; however a case file and decision memo are required. Analysis of this proposal indicates there are no extraordinary circumstances that might cause the action to have significant effects upon the quality of the human environment, either cumulatively or individually. This special use permit reissuance would have no direct or indirect adverse effects on federal T&E species or on any Regional Forester Sensitive Species. Any tree removal will require prior approval by the Forest Service and therefore, opportunity to impose any necessary conditions or limitations on the plans or work to be performed in order to avoid adverse impacts to listed or sensitive animal or plant species. This project would have no effects on floodplains, wetlands, or municipal watersheds. This project would have no effects on Wilderness study areas or National Recreation Areas. This project would have no effects on Research Natural Areas. This project would have no effects on American Indian religious or cultural sites. This project would have no effect on archaeological sites or historic properties/areas. Public Involvement This project was scoped by listing in the July, 2012 Shawnee Quarterly, posting on the Projects page of the Shawnee National Forest internet site, and publication in the July 8, 2012 edition of the Southern Illinoisan newspaper. Findings Requirement by other Laws Forest Plan Consistency (National Forest Management Act) -The existing ROW is located within the (EH) Even-Aged Hardwood Forest management prescription of the Shawnee National Forest Land and Resources Management Plan and is consistent with the goals, standards, and guidelines for this management area as required by the National Forest Management Act. Federal Land Policy and Management Act - This Act allows the granting of special use authorizations across National Forest System lands. The regulations at 36 CFR 251 guide the issuance of permits, leases, and easements under this Act. Permits, leases, and easements are granted across National Forest System lands when the need for such is consistent with planned uses and Forest Service policy and regulations. This decision is consistent with this Act. Administrative Review or Appeal Opportunities The 30 day public comment period on this project is closed. No comments were received. Therefore, this decision is not subject to appeal pursuant to 36CFR§ 215.12. Implementation Date Implementation of this decision may occur on, but not before, 5 business days from the publication of this decision in the Southern Illinoisan (36CFR§ 215.15). Contact Person For additional information concerning this decision, contact Ron Scott, Shawnee National Forest, 50 Hwy. 145 South, Harrisburg, IL 62946; 618-253-1038 or [email protected]. _/s/ Hurston A. Nicholas_______ Date: _August 31, 2012__ HURSTON A. NICHOLAS Forest Supervisor Shawnee National Forest .
Load more

Recommended publications
  • 2017 - Year in Review Annual Report of Land Conservation Achievements in Illinois
    2017 - Year in Review Annual Report of Land Conservation Achievements in Illinois Written by David Holman The author thanks PSCC for their ongoing encouragement and support in the writing of this annual report. While the work and partnership of PSCC greatly contributes to the foundation of this writing, please note that the facts, figures, opinions, and general musings in this report are that of the author, and not of PSCC. About Prairie State Conservation Coalition Prairie State Conservation Coalition is a statewide, not-for-profit association that works to strengthen the effectiveness of conservation land trusts in Illinois. Conservation land trusts, such as local land conservancies, are also not-for-profit organizations seeking to improve the quality of life in their communities. Collectively, these organizations have helped protect more than 200,000 acres of open space in Illinois. PSCC provides continuing education and training for conservation land trusts and advocates for strong statewide policies that benefit land conservation. Find out more at prairiestateconservation.org. Author bio David Holman, the author of this report, is an independent conservation professional who works closely with the Prairie State Conservation Coalition and the individual land trust members of PSCC, as well as local, state, and federal agencies devoted to conservation. He specializes in Geographic Information Systems mapping, organizational efficiency, authoring Baseline and Current Conditions reports, irreverence, and project development, and is the creator of Illinois’ Protected Natural Lands Database and accompanying I-View interactive mapping application. He can be reached at [email protected]. 2017 - Year in Review A long and memorable year soon will withdraw to the pages of what undoubtedly will be a wild history.
    [Show full text]
  • 1 Illinois Nature Preserves Commission Minutes of the 206
    Illinois Nature Preserves Commission Minutes of the 206th Meeting (Approved at the 207th Meeting) Burpee Museum of Natural History 737 North Main Street Rockford, IL 61103 Tuesday, September 21, 2010 206-1) Call to Order, Roll Call, and Introduction of Attendees At 10:05 a.m., pursuant to the Call to Order of Chair Riddell, the meeting began. Deborah Stone read the roll call. Members present: George Covington, Donnie Dann, Ronald Flemal, Richard Keating, William McClain, Jill Riddell, and Lauren Rosenthal. Members absent: Mare Payne and David Thomas. Chair Riddell stated that the Governor has appointed the following Commissioners: George M. Covington (replacing Harry Drucker), Donald (Donnie) R. Dann (replacing Bruce Ross- Shannon), William E. McClain (replacing Jill Allread), and Dr. David L. Thomas (replacing John Schwegman). It was moved by Rosenthal, seconded by Flemal, and carried that the following resolution be approved: The Illinois Nature Preserves Commission wishes to recognize the contributions of Jill Allread during her tenure as a Commissioner from 2000 to 2010. Jill served with distinction as Chair of the Commission from 2002 to 2004. She will be remembered for her clear sense of direction, her problem solving abilities, and her leadership in taking the Commission’s message to the broader public. Her years of service with the Commission and her continuing commitment to and advocacy for the Commission will always be greatly appreciated. (Resolution 2089) It was moved by Rosenthal, seconded by Flemal, and carried that the following resolution be approved: The Illinois Nature Preserves Commission wishes to recognize the contributions of Harry Drucker during his tenure as a Commissioner from 2001 to 2010.
    [Show full text]
  • 25% of Proceeds of This Map Support Trail Improvements Hiker Only 001E 88°42'30"W 88°42'0"W 88°41'30"W 88°41'0"W UPPER 467 SPRING RD CENTER Hitching Post TH 001 UPPER
    88°43'0"W 88°42'0"W 88°41'0"W 88°40'0"W 88°39'0"W 88°38'0"W 88°37'0"W 88°36'0"W 88°35'0"W 88°34'0"W 88°33'0"W 88°32'0"W 88°31'0"W 88°30'0"W 88°29'0"W 88°28'0"W 88°27'0"W 88°26'0"W 88°25'0"W 020 37°38'0"N Emergency Contact Information National Forest Contact Numbers Shawnee National Forest Gallatin County Sheriff (618) 269-3137 Hidden Springs Ranger District Forest Supervisor’s Office GARDEN Hardin County Sheriff (618) 287-2271 602 N. First Street 50 Highway 145 South Hiker/Equestrian Trails Map Eagle Creek OF THE Pope County Sheriff (618) 683-4321 Route 45 North Harrisburg, IL 62946 Water s he d 462 Trails Designation Project Area 37°37'0"N Saline County Sheriff (618) 252-8661 Vienna, IL 62995 (618) 253-7114 Emergency cellphone service may not be available in all (618) 658-2111 (800) 699-6637 Lusk Creek and Upper Bay Creek STATE map areas Watersheds 37°37'0"N 465 408 : 464 HIGHWAY 34 Contour017 interval = 20 feet Trail Conditions Hotline 618-658-1312 463 Jackson Hollow Eddyville Vicinity 0 0.5 1 2 To report trail conditions and obtain updated information regarding wet -weather closures in the Lusk Creek Wilderness 460 408 460 Miles HORTON HILL RD 465 WWW.SNFFRIENDS.ORG Hiker Only 460 37°36'0"N [email protected] GARDEN OF THE GODS WILDERNESS Hiker Only Shawnee National Forest website: www.fs.usda.gov/shawnee 37°36'0"N 25% of proceeds of this map support trail improvements Hiker Only 001E 88°42'30"W 88°42'0"W 88°41'30"W 88°41'0"W UPPER 467 SPRING RD CENTER Hitching Post TH 001 UPPER SPRINGS RD GARDEN OF THE GODS WILDERNESS Jackson
    [Show full text]
  • The Hoosier- Shawnee Ecological Assessment Area
    United States Department of Agriculture The Hoosier- Forest Service Shawnee Ecological North Central Assessment Research Station General Frank R. Thompson, III, Editor Technical Report NC-244 Thompson, Frank R., III, ed 2004. The Hoosier-Shawnee Ecological Assessment. Gen. Tech. Rep. NC-244. St. Paul, MN: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, North Central Research Station. 267 p. This report is a scientific assessment of the characteristic composition, structure, and processes of ecosystems in the southern one-third of Illinois and Indiana and a small part of western Kentucky. It includes chapters on ecological sections and soils, water resources, forest, plants and communities, aquatic animals, terrestrial animals, forest diseases and pests, and exotic animals. The information presented provides a context for land and resource management planning on the Hoosier and Shawnee National Forests. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Key Words: crayfish, current conditions, communities, exotics, fish, forests, Hoosier National Forest, mussels, plants, Shawnee National Forest, soils, water resources, wildlife. Cover photograph: Camel Rock in Garden of the Gods Recreation Area, with Shawnee Hills and Garden of the Gods Wilderness in the back- ground, Shawnee National Forest, Illinois. Contents Preface....................................................................................................................... II North Central Research Station USDA Forest Service Acknowledgments ...................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Natural Resources Bruce Rauner, Governor One Natural Resources Way ∙ Springfield, Illinois 62702-1271 Wayne Rosenthal, Director
    Illinois Department of Natural Resources Bruce Rauner, Governor One Natural Resources Way ∙ Springfield, Illinois 62702-1271 Wayne Rosenthal, Director www.dnr.illinois.gov FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Tim Schweizer September 27, 2018 217-785-4344 IDNR Announces State and Federal Sites Open for 2018 Youth Waterfowl Hunting Seasons Youth Hunt Weekends Precede Start of Regular Waterfowl Seasons in Each Zone SPRINGFIELD, IL – A number of Illinois state parks, fish and wildlife areas, conservation areas and recreation areas will be open to youth waterfowl hunting during the 2018 North Zone Youth Waterfowl Hunt, Central Zone Youth Waterfowl Hunt, South Central Zone Youth Waterfowl Hunt and South Zone Youth Waterfowl Hunt, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) announced today. Federal sites that fall under the IDNR waterfowl administrative rule that will be open are also listed below. At most sites, regulations that apply during the regular waterfowl hunting season apply during the Youth Hunt (hunters should check for site-specific regulations, including changes in legal shooting hours). During the Youth Hunt, the bag limits are the same as during regular seasons. As part of the Youth Hunt, hunters age 17 or younger may hunt ducks, geese, coots and mergansers, as long as they are accompanied by an adult at least 18 years of age. The accompanying adult cannot hunt these species, but may participate in other open seasons. Youth hunters must have a hunting license, Youth Hunting License, or Apprentice Hunting License. The youth hunter or her or his accompanying adult must have a valid FOID card. The supervising adult does not need to have a hunting license if they are not hunting other species.
    [Show full text]
  • Regional Assessment of the Shawnee Hills Natural Division
    Regional Assessment of the Shawnee Hills Natural Division Characteristics The Shawnee Hills Natural Division in the southern tip of Illinois is unglaciated hill country characterized by ridged uplands with many cliffs and deeply dissected valleys. Cuesta Ridge of the northern Shawnee Hills extends from the Mississippi River to the Ohio. The steep south facing escarpment is nearly in the middle of the division and separates the land to the north known as the Greater Shawnee Hills and the hills to the south which average 200 feet lower, known as the Lesser Shawnee Hills. Cave and sinkholes are locally common in the division. Presettlement vegetation was mostly forest with some prairie vegetation contained in glades and barrens. At present this natural division is the most heavily forested in the state and hosts some of the most outstanding biodiversity. Major Habitats & Challenges Forests - lack of oak regeneration; oak decline; potential infestation of European gypsy moth; overuse from recreation; land clearing and fragmentation for exurban development; invasion by Microstegium viminium could affect regeneration; other exotic plants (including Japanese and bush honeysuckle); lack of fire management leading to composition change; poorly planned logging continues to be a threat to healthy forests; overgrazing by livestock and abundant deer populations are affecting forest composition and destroying rare plants in some localities Open Woodland/Savanna/Barrens - lack of fire management leading to invasion by mesophytic species of trees and shrubs Grasslands - no large, contiguous natural grasslands exist; lack of diversity of species, succession and exotic plants (autumn olive, fescue, sericea lespedeza) are threats to Conservation Reserve Program and U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • USDA Forest Service American Recovery and Reinvestment Act CIM Projects Facilities
    USDA Forest Service American Recovery and Reinvestment Act CIM Projects Facilities FS ARRA CIM projects – FACILITIES ALASKA ......................................................................................................................... 4 ARIZONA........................................................................................................................ 5 CALIFORNIA ................................................................................................................ 12 COLORADO ................................................................................................................. 15 CONNECTICUT ............................................................................................................ 20 FLORIDA ...................................................................................................................... 21 GEORGIA ..................................................................................................................... 21 IDAHO...........................................................................................................................23 ILLINOIS ....................................................................................................................... 26 INDIANA ....................................................................................................................... 28 KENTUCKY .................................................................................................................. 28 MAINE...........................................................................................................................29
    [Show full text]
  • Shawnee National Forest R
    SHAWNEE NATIONAL FOREST www.fs.usda.gov/shawnee R . TE MISSISSIPPI BLUFFS AT TER ST RANGER DISTRICT WA SHEL UNITS Developed West Side of the Shawnee AMPSITES National Forest C AMPSITES (618) 833-8576 (Jonesboro) C PICNIC PICNIC ELEC. FISHING DRINKING RESTROOMS DUMPING HIKING SHOWERS FEES OPEN FOR USE Recreation Site Buttermilk Hill Day Use Area � � � All Year (Boat-in) 10 (Restroom closed in winter) Information Johnson Creek Recreation Area 2 10 � � � Memorial to Labor Day Day Use Area (Memorial Day-Labor Day) � Dawn to Dusk Shawnee National Forest Boat Launch 1 � � � All Year 50 Hwy. 145 South Group Camping 20 � � $10 - $18 3/16 - 12/15 Harrisburg, IL 62946 Lincoln Memorial Picnic 1 8 � � All Year, Dawn to Dusk (618) 253-7114 Little Grand Canyon 2 � � All Year, Dawn to Dusk McGee Hill Picnic Area 1 All Year, Dawn to Dusk Oakwood Bottoms Interpretive Site 1 � � All Year, Dawn to Dusk Pine Hills Campground 13 � $10 3/16 - 12/15 Pomona Natural Bridge 1 � All Year, Dawn to Dusk Winters Pond Picnic Area 1 All Year R . Located in Southern Illinois, the TE HIDDEN SPRINGS AT ST WA RANGER DISTRICT PSITES Shawnee National Forest’s natural UNCHES M East Side of the Shawnee UNITS LA beauty is ideal for all types of out- CA FEES National Forest T Fees Subject door recreation. Nestled between AMPSITES (618) 658-2111 (Vienna) C PICNIC ELEC. BOA FISHING DRINKING RESTROOMS DUMPING HIKING SHOWERS to Change OPEN FOR USE the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, the Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area Forest’s landscape features roll- Redbud Campground 21 � � � $10 3/15 - 12/15 ing hills, forests, open lands, lakes, Bell Smith Springs Trail System � � All Year creeks, and rugged bluffs.
    [Show full text]
  • WINTER 1996 Vol 12 (1) by John Schwegman, Illinois Native Plant Conservation Program Illinois Department of Conservation
    ILLINOENSIS, WINTER 1996 Vol 12 (1) By John Schwegman, Illinois Native Plant Conservation Program Illinois Department of Conservation Comments While it is popular nowadays to say that technologically we are in or entering the information age, USDA weed scientist Randy Westbrooks points out that ecologically we are entering the homogenization age. Species that evolved on 5 separate continents are being transported by modern man and homogenized into a common worldwide biota. Continents that have been "engines of species evolution" since the breakup of Pangaea 185 million years ago are having their unique assemblages of co-evolved species invaded and disrupted by this homogenization. If we set back and let it happen, the result of this process may be large scale extinction of species and the loss of many ecosystems as we gain new (and fewer) homogenized ecosystems. Expect to hear more of the age of homogenization, whether you want to or not. The U. S. Department of Interior hosted an Eastern and Tropical States "Weed Summit" in Ft. Lauderdale, FL Nov 30 and Dec 1. The goal of the summit was to gather input and ideas from a broad spectrum of interest groups on actions and implementation strategies to combat invasive alien weeds. Representatives from this "summit" and an earlier western states "weed summit" will convene in Albuquerque February 11 to 14 to produce a recommended national strategy. This is indeed a promising development. The retirement of John Ebinger as Professor of Botany at Eastern Illinois University may well be the end of an era in Illinois. Students desiring in-depth training in native plant identification have found it increasingly difficult to find in recent years, and Ebinger's departure eliminates what has been their best opportunity in my opinion.
    [Show full text]
  • Shawnee National Forest Map.Pdf
    Ava 4 151 Johnson Creek 800-248-4373 To Chester 3 Kinkaid Lake www.southernmostillinois.com 14 Miles 127 Buttermilk Lake Hill (Boat in) Murphysboro State Park Murphysboro 149 To Mt. Vernon ek Middle Mississippi River re Carterville 45 Miles C National Wildlife Refuge rd ha rc Exit 54 O P b ra To Norris City o A - B 13 C To Carmi B p i g l Crab 22 Miles a Harrisburg 30 Miles M r u Orchard 13 d Marion 13 d y R Crab Orchard Lake Equality Gorham i R i d Exit 53 ve Carbondale g r e Ohio River Sahara Woods Saline Supervisors Visitor Center Shawneetown R G State Fish & Fountain Bluff D Vistor County Turkey i Office Oakwood a Center Wildlife Area Conservation n n Bottoms Bayou r t o t Area 13 h e t il E D ra R C T H Carrier i i t c Pomona y Mills Glen k Old Shawneetown Crab Orchard G o O. Jones r a Natural R 148 y National Lake r Little D Bridge d Wildlife Refuge 34 e R Grand n te i 145 37 d a To Morganfield Grand 3 Canyon o g St Stone f e t 12 Miles Tower Cedar Face h 57 e Mitchellsville Lake G R o D Little Grassy Exit 166 Rudement d Makanda 45 s Lake Devil R ll R D Hi D Pounds Hollow Kitchen Creal Springs k Inspiration Stonefort e Giant Lake a t t l e e Point Trail B f o r High r d C City D Lake R Garden of the Gods Exit 44 A - B O e Knob Panther Den l d To w n l Rim of g 1 H l 45 a u 1 Wilderness 145 Clear tc State ne E Rock h 5 n O in Egypt u Burden S s C T ali d Springs r e Park Wilderness n ee Alto t e a k Camp Cadiz R u Falls iv o Wilderness O a k Pass o R D e Karbers r H R S R Wilderness D M k R Ridge u e Delwood Herod d d y y 51 R D
    [Show full text]
  • 2017 State of Illinois Department of Natural Resources Illinois Fishing Information Effective: April 1, 2017 Through March 31, 2018
    2017 State of Illinois Department of Natural Resources Illinois Fishing Information Effective: April 1, 2017 through March 31, 2018 Wayne Herndon, veteran IDNR Fisheries Biologist, 45 years of service to the anglers of Illinois IDNR Division of Fisheries Division of Fisheries www.dnr.illinois.gov www.ifishillinois.org Building the Future of Fishing in Illinois FC1 Message from the Director Thank you for picking up a copy of the 2017 Illinois Fishing Information guide. The booklet is packed with useful information on places to fish and rules to follow when fishing in Illinois. In the pages that follow, those who enjoy fishing will find an updated summary of statewide fishing regulations in Illinois, as well as details on site-specific regulations that are organized by the body of water or water area at which those regulations apply. Once again for 2017, Illinois Free Fishing Days will be during the Father’s Day weekend in June – with the dates of Friday, June 16 through Monday, June 19. Free Fishing Days provide an opportunity for novice anglers and families to go fishing even if they have not yet purchased a fishing license. While we update the Illinois Fishing Information guide each year, some site-specific regulations may be changed in emergency situations through the administrative rule process. In those cases, the emergency changes to regulations will be posted at the location where the rules apply. We also post changes in rules online at www.ifishillinois.org. Illinois anglers are guardians of our state’s aquatic resources. The money you spend on fishing licenses and equipment helps fund our fishery programs, and helps ensure the future of fishing in Illinois.
    [Show full text]
  • ED462250.Pdf
    DOCUMENT RESUME ED 462 250 SE 057 017 TITLE Conservation Education Today & Tomorrow: Resource Conservation. INSTITUTION Illinois State Dept. of Conservation, Springfield. SPONS AGENCY Forest Service (USDA), Washington, DC. PUB DATE 1994-09-00 NOTE 234p.; Some pages printed with colored background design may not reproduce adequately. Videotape and full-color posters not available from ERIC. PUB TYPE Guides Classroom Teacher (052) EDRS PRICE MF01/PC10 Plus Postage. DESCRIPTORS *Conservation (Environment); Elementary Secondary Education; Environmental Education; *Natural Resources; Science Activities; Science Curriculum ABSTRACT This kit was developed by the Illinois Department of Conservation's Education Program with assistance from the State Board of Education, as a teaching tool which can be used to promote conservation awareness of young people. It is designed to enable educators to help students in grades 7-10 learn about Illinois' renewable natural resources through a variety of approaches including student lessons, a videotape, full-color posters, stand-alone activities, and a supplemental learning unit. Materials can correlate with current activities and assist in meeting State goals for Learning in several of the fundamental learning areas. Topics covered in the lesson plans include: natural resources; ecosystems; management of natural resources; values and principles; conflicts, resolutions, and planning; legislation and enforcement; species management; habitat management; and taking action. Activities include: construction of an aquarium or terrarium, censuses and estimates, resolving problems, values and principles, environmental assessment, turkey trouble, a prairie web of life, topographic maps, taking a survey, and American conservationists. Student and teachers' guides to an educational simulation game are included.(JRH) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document.
    [Show full text]