Notices. Notice
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BILLING CODE 4140-01-M DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT [Docket No. FR-5117-62] Notice of Proposed Information; Collection: Comment Request; Grant Application Program Specific Logic Model AGENCY: Office of Administration, HUD. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The proposed information collection requirement described below will be submitted to the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB)for review, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act. The Department is soliciting public comments on the subject proposal. DATES: *Comments due:* October 9, 2007. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments regarding this proposal. Comments should refer to the proposal by name and/or OMB Control Number and should be sent to: Lillian L. Deitzer, Departmental Reports Management Officer, QDAM, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street, SW., Room 4176, Washington, DC 20410; telephone: 202-708-2374 (this is not a toll-free number) or e-mail Ms. Deitzer at *Lillian_L._Deitzer@HUD.gov* for a copy of the proposed form and other available information. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rita Yorkshire, AJT, Office of Departmental Grants Management and Oversight, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20410; telephone 202-708-0667 (this is not a toll-free number). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Department will submit the proposed information collection to OMB for review, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35, as amended). This Notice is soliciting comments from members of the public and affecting agencies concerning the proposed collection of information to:
(1)Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;
(2)Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information;
(3)Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and
(4)Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond; including through the use of appropriate automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses. This Notice also lists the following information: *Title of Proposal:* Grant Application Program Specific Logic Model. *OMB Control Number, if applicable:* 2535-0114. *Description of the need for the information and proposed use:* Applicants of HUD Federal Financial Assistance are required to indicate intended results and impacts. Grant recipients report against their baseline performance standards. This process standardizes grants progress reporting requirements and promotes greater emphasis on performance and results in grant programs. *Agency form numbers, if applicable:* HUD 96010 HSIAC, HUD 96010 Housing Counseling, HUD 96010 Early Doctorial Research, HUD 96010 TA, HUD 96010 Fair Housing PEI, HUD 96010 Fair Housing EOI, HUD 96010 ICDBG, HUD 96010 BEDI, HUD 96010 AN/NHIAC, HUD 96010 TCUP, HUD 96010 ROSS Family/Homeownership, HUD 96010 ROSS Elderly Disabled, HUD 96010 ALCP, HUD 96010 Service Coordinators, HUD 96010 SHOP, HUD 96010 RHED, HUD 96010 Lead TS, HUD 96010 HH TS, HUD 96010 Lead Hazard, Lead Reduction Demo and LEAP, HUD 96010 LOP, HUD 96010 HH Demo, HUD 96010 HOPE VI Main Street, HUD 96010 FHIP, HUD 96010 HBCU, HUD 96010 Section 202, HUD 96010 Section 811, HUD 96010 Youthbuild, HUD 96010 COC, HUD 96010 HOPWA, HUD 96010 Combined Lead, HUD 96010 HCVFSS *Members of Affected Public:* Individuals, not-for-profit institutions, State, Local or Tribal Government, Business or other for-profit. *Estimation of the total number of hours needed to prepare the information collection including number of respondents, frequency of response, and hours of response:* *Frequency of Submission:* On occasion. Number of respondents Annual responses × Hours per response = Burden hours Reporting burden 11,000 2.2 4.51 109,175 *Total Estimated Burden Hours:* 109,175. *Status of the proposed information collection:* Extension of a currently approved collection. Authority: Section 3506 of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. Chapter 35, as amended. Date: August 1, 2007. Lillian L. Deitzer, Departmental Paperwork Reduction Act Officer, Office of the Chief Information Officer. [FR Doc. E7-15359 Filed 8-6-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4210-67-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan for Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Sheridan, Roosevelt, Daniels, Wibaux Counties, MT AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability. SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces that the draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan
(CCP)and Environmental Assessment
(EA)for the Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge Complex (Complex) is available. This draft CCP/EA describes how the Service intends to manage Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), the Northeast Montana Wetland Management District (WMD), and Lamesteer NWR for the next 15 years. DATES: We must receive written comments on the draft CCP/EA by September 6, 2007. Submit comments by one of the methods under ADDRESSES . ADDRESSES: Please provide written comments to Laurie Shannon, Planning Team Leader, Division of Refuge Planning, Mountain-Prairie Region, P.O. Box 25486, Denver Federal Center, Denver, Colorado 80225-0486, or electronically to *Laurie_Shannon@fws.gov.* A copy of the CCP can be obtained by writing to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Refuge Planning, at the address above; or by download from *http://mountain-prairie.fws.gov/planning* . FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Laurie Shannon, 303-236-4317 (phone); 303-236-4792 (fax); or *Laurie_Shannon@fws.gov* (e-mail). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Medicine Lake Complex is located within the highly productive prairie pothole region of the Northern Great Plains, along the western edge of the Missouri Coteau, in Northeastern Montana. It is composed of three individual units—the Medicine Lake NWR, the Northeast Montana WMD, and the Lamesteer NWR. These refuges are managed as one complex, and together they are dispersed across four counties and require management of more than 29,757 hectares (73,532 acres) of Service-owned lands and wetland and/or grassland easements or leases on privately-owned land. Medicine Lake NWR encompasses about 12,761 hectares (31,534 acres) including 4,597 hectares (11,360 acres) of designated wilderness and was established in 1935 as “* * * a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife” (Executive Order 7148, dated August 29, 1935). The Northeast Montana WMD was established in 1968 and consists of Waterfowl Production Areas and wetland and grassland easements. The purpose of these acquired Waterfowl Production Areas and easements is to function as “waterfowl production areas subject to * * * all of the provisions of the Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp Act * * * except the inviolate sanctuary provisions” (16 U.S.C. Section 718). Lamesteer NWR, established in 1942 as an easement refuge, was described as “800 acres in Wibaux County, Montana * * * as refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife” (Executive Order 9166, dated May 19, 1942). The refuge complex is home to more than 270 species of birds, 38 species of mammals, and 17 species of reptiles and amphibians. Each unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS), including the Medicine Lake Complex, has specific purposes for which it was established and for which legislation was enacted. Those purposes are used to develop and prioritize management goals and objectives within the NWRS mission, and to guide which public uses will occur on these refuges. The planning process is a way for the Service and the public to evaluate management goals and objectives for the best possible conservation efforts of this important wildlife habitat, while providing for wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities that are compatible with the refuges' establishing purposes and the mission of the NWRS. This draft CCP/EA identifies and evaluates three alternatives for managing the Medicine Lake NWR and Northeast WMD and two alternatives for management of Lamesteer NWR for the next 15 years. For Medicine Lake NWR and the Northeast Montana WMD, under Alternative A, the no action alternative, the Service would manage habitats, wildlife, programs, and facilities at current levels as time, staff, and funds allow. The Service would not develop any new management, restoration, or education programs at the refuge. Improvements of native prairie or mixed-native and nonnative grasslands and tame grasslands would be undertaken when and where feasible. Current wildlife-dependent uses (hunting, fishing, observation, photography, environmental education, and interpretation) would continue at existing levels (about 16,000 visitors annually). Alternative B, the Service's proposed action would conserve the natural resources of Northeast Montana by restoring or protecting the native and mixed-grass prairie grasslands and maintaining high-quality nesting habitats within the refuge complex. The refuge would reduce populations of selected species of invasive plants, and control of crested wheatgrass would be the management priority. The approved refuge administrative boundary would be expanded through willing sellers or buyers by about 722 hectares (1,784 acres) based on three priority areas. This alternative would focus visitor-use resources on developing access and improving opportunities for wildlife-dependent uses while also encouraging a greater understanding and appreciation for the mixed grass prairie ecosystem. Alternative C would maximize the conservation of natural resources by restoring or protecting native or mixed-grass prairie and maintaining high-quality nesting habitats within the refuge complex. Reducing the populations of invasive and nonnative plants would be the management priority. The approved refuge administration boundary would be expanded to allow purchase of 3,399 hectares (8,400 acres) primarily in the Big Muddy Creek floodplain corridor between the Medicine Lake and Homestead Units. Visitor services would focus on encouraging a greater understanding and appreciation for the mixed-grass prairie while maintaining access and opportunities for wildlife-dependent uses. The proposed action was selected because it best meets the purposes and goals of the refuge and wetland management district, as well as the goals of the NWRS. The proposed action also will benefit federally listed species, waterfowl, shorebirds, wading birds, grassland birds, and songbirds. Environmental education and partnerships will result in improved wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities. Cultural and historical resources, as well as federally listed species, will be protected. For Lamesteer NWR, under Alternative A, the no action alternative, the Service would continue to manage the site as an easement refuge superimposed on privately owned lands to serve as a resting place for migratory birds while on migration. The Service would maintain the dam and spillway, including the funding of all maintenance costs. The landowner would continue to control access to the site, including all hunting access and other public uses. Alternative B, the Service's proposed action, would relinquish the easement at Lamesteer NWR to the current landowners. The Service would divest its interest in the refuge. Opportunities for public input also will be provided at a public meeting. Exact dates and times for these public meetings are yet to be determined, but will be announced via local media and a planning update. All information provided voluntarily by mail, phone, or at public meetings (e.g., names, addresses, letters of comment, input recorded during meetings) becomes part of the official public record. If requested under the Freedom of Information Act by a private citizen or organization, the Service may provide copies of such information. The environmental review of this project will be conducted in accordance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA)of 1969, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 *et seq.* ); NEPA Regulations (40 CFR parts 1500-1508); other appropriate Federal laws and regulations; Executive Order 12996; the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997; and Service policies and procedures for compliance with those laws and regulations. Dated: June 28, 2007. J. Mitch King, Regional Director, Region 6, Denver, CO. [FR Doc. E7-15291 Filed 8-6-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-55-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [F-19155-16; AK-964-1410-HY-P] Alaska Native Claims Selection AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of decision approving lands for conveyance. SUMMARY: As required by 43 CFR 2650.7(d), notice is hereby given that an appealable decision approving the surface and subsurface estates in certain lands for conveyance pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act will be issued to Doyon, Limited. The lands are in the vicinity of Kaltag, Alaska, and are located in: Kateel River Meridian, Alaska T. 13 S., R. 1 W., Secs. 4 and 33. Containing 1,280.00 acres. T. 15 S., R. 1 W., Sec. 1; Secs. 5 to 8, inclusive; Secs. 12 and 13; Secs. 17 and 18. Containing 5,489.33 acres. T. 12 S., R. 2 W., Secs. 1 and 12. Containing 1,280.00 acres. T. 14 S., R. 2 W., Secs, 25, 26, and 36. Containing 1,920.00 acres. Aggregating 9,969.33 acres. Notice of the decision will also be published four times in the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. DATES: The time limits for filing an appeal are: 1. Any party claiming a property interest which is adversely affected by the decision shall have until September 6, 2007, to file an appeal. 2. Parties receiving service of the decision by certified mail shall have 30 days from the date of receipt to file an appeal. Parties who do not file an appeal in accordance with the requirements of 43 CFR part 4, subpart E, shall be deemed to have waived their rights. ADDRESSES: A copy of the decision may be obtained from: Bureau of Land Management, Alaska State Office, 222 West Seventh Avenue, #13, Anchorage, Alaska 99513-7504. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT: The Bureau of Land Management by phone at 907-271-5960, or by e-mail at *ak.blm.conveyance@ak.blm.gov* . Persons who use a telecommunication device
(TTD)may call the Federal Information Relay Service
(FIRS)at 1-800-877-8330, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to contact the Bureau of Land Management. Jenny M. Anderson, Land Law Examiner, Branch of Adjudication II. [FR Doc. E7-15292 Filed 8-6-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-$$-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [OR-027-1020-PI-020H; HAG-07-0143] Notice of Call for Nominations for the Steens Mountain Advisory Council AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice: Solicitation of applications. SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land Management
(BLM)is requesting public nominations to fill two unexpired terms on the Steens Mountain Advisory Council (SMAC). Nominations will be accepted for a person who is a recreational permit holder or is a representative of a commercial recreation operation in the Steens Mountain Cooperative Management and Protection Area (CMPA); and a person with expertise and interest in wild horse management on Steens Mountain. DATES: Send all nominations to the address listed below no later than September 6, 2007. ADDRESSES: Applicants can obtain nomination forms from Rhonda Karges, Environmental Protection Specialist, Burns District Office, 28910 Highway 20 West, Hines, Oregon 97738,
(541)573-4433, or *Rhonda_Karges@blm.gov.* Send all nomination materials to this address prior to the closing date listed above. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The SMAC advises the BLM on the management of the Steens Mountain CMPA as described in Public Law 106-399. Each member will be a person who, as a result of training and experience, has knowledge or special expertise that qualifies him or her to provide advice from the categories of interest identified above. The SMAC members are normally appointed to 3-year terms. The wild horse management and the recreational permit holder positions are currently vacant; therefore, newly-appointed members will complete the unexpired portion of these terms. The wild horse management position expires in October 2008, and the recreational permit holder position expires in October 2009. The SMAC members serve without monetary compensation, but are reimbursed for travel and per diem expenses at current rates for government employees. The SMAC meets only at the call of the Designated Federal Official, but not less than once per year. The following must accompany all nominations: A completed background information nomination form; letters of reference from the constituency to be represented; and any other information that details the nominee's qualifications. The letter of nomination should specify the category the nominee would like to represent. Nomination forms and letters of reference will be reviewed by the County Court of Harney County and the BLM. The BLM will then forward recommended nominations to the Secretary of the Interior, who has responsibility for making the appointments. Dana R. Shuford, Burns District Manager, Oregon/Washington BLM. [FR Doc. E7-15360 Filed 8-6-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-33-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [CO-922-06-1310-FI; COC59157] Notice of Proposed Reinstatement of Terminated Oil and Gas Lease AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of proposed reinstatement of terminated oil and gas lease. SUMMARY: Under the provisions of 30 U.S.C. 188(d) and (e), and 43 CFR 3108.2-3(a) and (b)(1), the Bureau of Land Management
(BLM)received a petition for reinstatement of oil and gas lease COC59157 from Pioneer Natural Resources USA, Inc. for lands in Garfield County, Colorado. The petition was filed on time and was accompanied by all the rentals due since the date the lease terminated under the law. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bureau of Land Management, Milada Krasilinec, Land Law Examiner, Branch of Fluid Minerals Adjudication, at 303-239-3767. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The lessee has agreed to the amended lease terms for rentals and royalties at rates of $10 per acre or fraction thereof, per year and 16 2/3 percent, respectively. The lessee has paid the required $500 administrative fee and $163 to reimburse the Department for the cost of this **Federal Register** notice. The lessee has met all the requirements for reinstatement of the lease as set out in section 31(d) and
(e)of the Mineral Lands Leasing Act of 1920 (30 U.S.C. 188), and the Bureau of Land Management is proposing to reinstate lease COC59157 effective June 1, 2007, under the original terms and conditions of the lease and the increased rental and royalty rates cited above. Dated: July 30, 2007. Milada Krasilinec, Land Law Examiner. [FR Doc. E7-15277 Filed 8-6-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-JB-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [UT-062-07-1220-EB] Notice of Intent To Collect Fees on Public Land in Grand County, Utah, Moab Field Office Under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act
(REA)AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of Intent. SUMMARY: Pursuant to applicable provisions of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (REA), 16 U.S.C. 6801 *et seq.,* the Moab Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management
(BLM)is proposing to begin collecting fees in 2008 for five camping areas: Lower Onion Creek (T. 24 S., R. 23 E., Sec. 10, within, SLM), Rock Castle (T. 25 S., R. 24 E., Sec. 29, within, SLM), Ledge (T. 27 S., R. 21 E., Sections 3 and 10, within, SLM), Cowboy Camp (T. 26 S., R. 19 E., Sec. 11, within, SLM), and Lone Mesa (T. 25 S., R. 19 E., Sec. 10, within, SLM). These proposed sites are located in Grand County, Utah. DATES: *Effective Date:* The public is encouraged to participate during the public comment period that will expire 30 days after publication of this notice. Effective six months after the publication of this notice, the BLM, Moab Field Office will initiate fee collection at the Lower Onion Creek, Rock Castle, Ledge, Cowboy Camp, and Lone Mesa camping areas, as construction work is completed, unless the BLM publishes a **Federal Register** notice to the contrary. The Utah Resource Advisory Council (RAC), functioning as a Recreation Resource Advisory Committee
(RRAC)has reviewed the proposal to charge fees at the sites mentioned above. The RAC unanimously approved the proposal at its May 2, 2007 meeting. Future adjustments in the fee amount will be made in accordance with the Moab Field Office's recreation fee business plan covering the sites. Fee increases will be made after consultation with the RAC and other appropriate advance public notice. ADDRESSES: Mail: Field Manager, Moab Field Office, Bureau of Land Management, 82 East Dogwood, Moab, UT 84532 or *momail@ut.blm.gov.* For Further Information, or to Provide Comment, Contact: Russell von Koch, Recreation Branch Chief, Moab Field Office, Bureau of Land Management, 82 East Dogwood, Moab, UT 84532
(435)259-2100. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under Section 3(g) of the REA, the Lower Onion Creek, Rock Castle, Ledge, Cowboy Camp, and Lone Mesa camping areas the “camping areas” will qualify, upon completion, as sites wherein visitors can be charged an “Expanded Amenity Recreation Fee.” Visitors wishing to use the expanded amenities the BLM is developing at the five camping areas would purchase a recreation use permit as described at 43 CFR part 2930. Pursuant to REA and implementing regulations at 43 CFR subpart 2933, fees may be charged for overnight camping and group use reservations. Specific visitor fees will be identified and posted at the site. Fees must be paid at the self-service pay station located at the site. People holding the America The Beautiful—The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands—Senior Pass (i.e., Interagency Senior Pass), a Golden Age Passport, the America the Beautiful—The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands—Access Pass (i.e. Interagency Access Pass), or a Golden Access Passport will be entitled to a 50 percent fee reduction on all fees except those associated with group reservations. Fees charged for use of the group sites would include a non-refundable site reservation fee and a per person use fee. The Lower Onion Creek and Rock Castle camping areas are within and adjacent to the Colorado Riverway Recreation Area which includes ten existing similar fee sites. The Lower Onion Creek site would include both group site facilities and individual campsites. The Rock Castle site has individual camp sites only. The Ledge area, which would have individual sites, is located in Kane Creek Canyon just upstream from the Colorado Riverway Recreation area near the junction of the Kane Creek and Hurrah Pass roads. The Lone Mesa site, located along the Dead Horse Mesa Scenic Byway, would include both group sites and individual campsites. The Cowboy Camp Camping Area is also located along the Dead Horse Mesa Scenic Byway and would have individual sites only. The BLM is committed to provide, and receive fair value for the use of developed recreation facilities and services in a manner that meets public use demands, provides quality experiences and protects important resources. The BLM's policy is to collect fees at all specialized recreation sites, or where the BLM provides facilities, equipment or services, at Federal expense, in connection with outdoor use as authorized by the REA. In an effort to meet increasing demands for services and maintenance of developed facilities, the BLM would implement a fee program for the camping areas. Implementing a fee program for the camping areas will help ensure that funding is available to maintain facilities and recreational opportunities, to provide for law enforcement presence, to develop additional services, and to protect resources. This entails communication with those who will be most directly affected by the camping areas, for example recreationists, other recreation providers, partners, neighbors, and those who will have a stake in solving concerns that may arise throughout the life of the camping areas, including elected officials, and other agencies. Development of the camping areas is consistent with the 1985 Grand Resource Management Plan and was analyzed in the following environmental documents: Kokopelli's Trail Improvements, UT-068-90-55, DR/FONSI signed 2/15/1990; Colorado Riverway Recreation Area Management Plan, UT-062-151, DR/FONSI signed 7/9/2001; Big Mesa and Cowboy Camp Camping Areas, UT-060-2006-115, DR/FONSI signed 7/10/2006, and Kane Creek Camping Areas, UT-060-2007-026, DR/FONSI forthcoming in June 2007. Fees would be consistent with other established fee sites in the area including other BLM administered sites in the area and those managed by the USDA Forest Service, USDI National Park Service, and Utah State Parks and Recreation. Future adjustments in the fee amount will be made following the Moab Field Office's recreation fee business plan covering the sites, consultation with the RAC and other public notice prior to a fee increase. In December 2004, the REA was signed into law. The REA provides authority for 10 years for the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to establish, modify, charge, and collect recreation fees for use of some Federal recreation lands and waters, and contains specific provisions addressing public involvement in the establishment of recreation fees, including a requirement that Recreation Resource Advisory Committees or Councils have the opportunity to make recommendations regarding establishment of such fees. REA also directed the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to publish advance notice in the **Federal Register** whenever new recreation fee areas are established under their respective jurisdictions. In accordance with the BLM recreation fee program policy, the Moab Field Office's recreation fee business plan both explains the fee collection process and how the fees will be used at the camping areas. BLM will notify and involve the public at each stage of the planning process, including the proposal to collect fees. The RAC has reviewed the fee proposal as well. Fee amounts will be posted on-site, and at the Moab Field Office, and copies of the business plan will be available at the Moab Field Office and the BLM Utah State Office. The BLM welcomes public comments on this proposal. Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, be advised 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 from public review your personal identifying information, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 6803(b). Maggie Wyatt, Field Manager, Moab Field Office. [FR Doc. E7-15363 Filed 8-6-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-$$-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [CA-660-07-1610-DO-097B] Notice of Intent To Prepare a Resource Management Plan Revision and Associated Environmental Impact Statement for the South Coast Planning Area, California AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of Intent. SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land Management
(BLM)Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office, California, intends to revise its 1994 South Coast Resource Management Plan
(RMP)and prepare an associated Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The revised RMP will replace the current RMP. This notice initiates the scoping process, invites public participation, and announces public scoping meetings. DATES: Written comments and resource information should be submitted within 30 calendar days of the last scheduled public scoping meeting. Public scoping meetings will be held in San Diego County, Riverside County, and Los Angeles County in order to ensure local community participation and input. All public meetings will be announced through the local news media, newsletters, and the BLM Web site ( *http://www.blm.gov/ca* ) at least 15 days prior to the event. ADDRESSES: Written comments may be submitted by any of the following methods: • *Mail:* Field Manager, South Coast Resource Management Plan and EIS, Bureau of Land Management, Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office, P.O. Box 581260, North Palm Springs, CA 92258. • *Fax:*
(760)251-4899. • *E-mail: gchill@ca.blm.gov.* Before including your address, phone number, e-mail 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. Documents pertinent to this proposal, including comments with the names and addresses of respondents, will be available for public review at the BLM Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office located at 690 W. Garnet Avenue, North Palm Springs, California, or the San Diego Project Office located at 10845 Rancho Bernardo Road, Suite 200, San Diego, California, during regular business hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays, and may be published as part of the EIS. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information and/or to have your name added to our mailing list contact Greg Hill at
(760)251-4840, or by e-mail to *gchill@ca.blm.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The South Coast Resource Management Plan
(RMP)provides guidance for the management of approximately 300,000 acres of BLM administered public lands in portions of five highly urbanized Southern California counties: San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange, and Los Angeles. These public lands include over 130,000 acres of BLM administered surface lands and 167,000 acres of Federal mineral ownership where the surface is privately owned. The existing South Coast RMP was completed and signed in 1994. Since that time there have been significant changes in the patterns of urban growth, increased demands on the resources of the public lands, changing policies and emphasis on the management of public lands and local land use planning, and new data that has led to the listing of additional threatened or endangered species. Under BLM planning regulations (43 CFR 1610.5-6) RMP revisions are necessary if monitoring and evaluation findings, new data, new or revised policy, or changes in circumstances indicate that decisions for an entire plan or a major portion of the plan no longer serve as a useful guide for resource management. Plan revisions are prepared using the same procedures and documentation as for new plans. The purpose of the public scoping process is to determine relevant issues that will influence the scope of the environmental analysis and EIS alternatives. These issues will also guide the planning process. You may submit comments on issues and planning criteria in writing to the BLM at any public scoping meeting, or you may submit them to the BLM using one of the methods listed under ADDRESSES above. Preliminary issues identified for consideration in the RMP include: Impacts posed by rapid population and urban growth; the need to make resource decisions that are scientifically sound, in accordance with authorities applicable to management by BLM of the public lands, and sustainable; the need to maximize the use of public lands in species recovery and to support collaborative efforts with local governments in land use planning for habitat conservation; the need to provide access to significant energy and mineral resources, communication sites, and utility corridors; impacts and benefits from the continuation of grazing; Native American concerns and traditional uses; cultural resources; suitability for wild and scenic rivers; wilderness characteristics of acquired lands; visual resources; wildland fire and fuels management; and the need to provide adequate access, open space, and facilities for safe recreation and visitation on public lands. Existing Areas of Critical Environmental Concern will be evaluated for continued relevance and importance, and new ACEC designations will be considered. In addition to these major issues, a number of management questions and concerns will be addressed in the plan. The public is encouraged to help identify these questions and concerns during the scoping phase. An interdisciplinary approach will be used to develop the plan in order to consider the variety of resource issues and concerns identified. Disciplines involved in the planning process will include specialists with expertise in rangeland management, minerals and geology, wildland fire and fuels management, outdoor recreation, archaeology, paleontology, wildlife, fisheries, lands and realty, soils, water and air, wild horses, environmental justice, and sociology and economics. The following planning criteria have been proposed to guide development of the plan, avoid unnecessary data collection and analyses, and to ensure the plan is tailored to the issues. Other criteria may be identified during the public scoping process. After gathering comments on planning criteria, the BLM will finalize the criteria and provide feedback to the public on the criteria to be used throughout the planning process. Some of the planning criteria that are under consideration include: • The plan will be completed in compliance with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (43 U.S.C. 1701 *et seq.* ) and the National Environmental Policy Act; • The plan will recognize valid existing rights; • Public participation will be encouraged throughout the process by collaborating and building relationships with tribes, state and local governments, Federal agencies, local stakeholders, and others with interest in the plan. Collaborators are regularly informed and offered timely and meaningful opportunities to participate in the planning process. Authority: 43 CFR 1610.2(c). John Kalish, Field Manager. [FR Doc. E7-15365 Filed 8-6-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-40-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [MT-072-1430-ET; MTM-95280] Notice of Proposed Legislative Withdrawal and Opportunity for Public Meeting; Montana AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers, has filed an application requesting the Secretary of the Interior to process, in accordance with the Engle Act (43 U.S.C. 155-158), a proposed legislative withdrawal from surface entry and mining of approximately 18,760 acres of public land located in Broadwater County, Montana. The withdrawal would also reserve the use of the land for military training exercises and public safety. This notice temporarily segregates the land from surface entry and mining for up to two years while the legislative withdrawal application is being processed. The land will remain open to mineral leasing. DATES: Comments must be received on or before November 5, 2007. ADDRESSES: Comments should be sent to the State Director, Montana State Office, Bureau of Land Management, 5001 Southgate Drive, Billings, Montana 59101. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Richard Hotaling, BLM Butte Field Office, 406-533-7600. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Acting on behalf of the Department of the Army and the Montana Army National Guard Bureau, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, has filed an application requesting the Secretary of the Interior to process a legislative withdrawal pursuant to the Engle Act (43 U.S.C. 155-158). The withdrawal would withdraw and reserve the following-described public land located in Broadwater County, Montana, from settlement, sale, location or entry under the general land laws, including the mining laws, subject to valid existing rights, for use as a military training range: Principal Meridian, Montana T. 6 N., R. 1 E., Sec. 2, lots 1 to 4, inclusive, S 1/2 N 1/2 , N 1/2 SW 1/4 , SE 1/4 SW 1/4 , and SE 1/4 ; Sec. 3, lots 1 to 4, inclusive, S 1/2 N 1/4 , and S 1/2 ; Sec. 4, lots 1 to 4, inclusive, S 1/2 N 1/4 , and S 1/2 ; Sec. 5, lots 1 and 2, S 1/2 NE 1/4 , and SE 1/4 ; Sec. 8, E 1/2 and E 1/2 SW 1/4 ; Secs. 9 and 10; Sec. 11, E 1/2 , E 1/2 W 1/2 , and SW 1/4 SW 1/4 ; Sec. 12, lots 1 to 4, inclusive, W 1/2 E 1/2 and W 1/2 ; Sec. 13, lots 1 to 4, inclusive, W 1/2 E 1/2 and W 1/2 ; Secs. 14 and 15; Sec. 17, E 1/2 and E 1/2 W 1/2 ; Sec. 20, E 1/2 and E 1/2 W 1/2 ; Sec. 21; Sec. 22, lots 3 and 4, W 1/2 NW 1/4 , and S 1/2 SW 1/4 ; Sec. 23; Sec. 24, lots 1 to 4, inclusive, W 1/2 E 1/2 and W 1/2 ; Sec. 25, lots 1 to 4, inclusive, W 1/2 E 1/2 and W 1/2 ; Sec. 26; Sec. 27, lots 1 to 9, inclusive, NE 1/4 NE 1/4 , S 1/2 NE 1/4 , and SE 1/4 ; Sec. 28, lots 1 to 4, inclusive, N 1/2 NE 1/4 , W 1/2 , and W 1/2 SE 1/4 ; Sec. 29, NE 1/4 , E 1/2 NW 1/4 , NE 1/4 SW 1/4 , N 1/2 SE 1/4 , and SW 1/4 SE 1/4 ; Sec. 33, E 1/2 ; Sec. 34, lots 1 to 8, inclusive, NE 1/4 , N 1/2 NW 1/4 , and N 1/2 SE 1/4 ; Sec. 35, lots 1 to 4, inclusive, N 1/2 and N 1/2 S 1/2 . T. 6 N., R. 2 E., Sec. 17, S 1/2 SW 1/4 ; Sec. 18, lot 4, SE 1/4 SW 1/4 , and S 1/2 SE 1/4 ; Sec. 19, lots 1, 2, and 3; Sec. 20, W 1/2 ; Sec. 30, lots 2, 3, and 4, NE 1/4 NE 1/4 , S 1/2 NE 1/4 , SE 1/4 NW 1/4 , E 1/2 SW 1/4 , and SE 1/4 . T. 7 N., R. 1 E., Sec. 26, S 1/2 ; Sec. 27, lots 5 to 8, inclusive, and S 1/2 S 1/2 ; Sec. 28, S 1/2 SE 1/4 ; Sec. 32, E 1/2 except patented lands; Secs. 33, 34 and 35. The area described contains 18,760.63 acres in Broadwater County. The purpose of the proposed legislative withdrawal is to withdraw and reserve the land for use as a military training range, involving live-fire exercises, necessary for national security. Public safety will be taken into account. The withdrawal would be established by an act of Congress, approved by the President. The duration of the withdrawal would be determined by Congress. The use of a right-of-way or cooperative agreement would not provide adequate authorization for the use of this area due to the broad scope of military training exercises as well as the non-discretionary nature of the general mining laws. There are no suitable alternative sites. The land hereinabove described is unique in having been used previously as a military training range. The use of a different site would needlessly degrade a Second site. Potable water from two wells would be used during day-use training exercises. The application and the records relating to the application can be examined by interested persons at the BLM Butte Field Office, 106 North Parkmont, Butte, Montana 59701, or Montana Army National Guard Fort Harrison, 900 Williams Street, Helena, Montana 59604. On or before November 5, 2007 all persons who wish to submit comments, suggestions, or objections in connection with the proposed legislative withdrawal may present their views in writing to the BLM, Montana State Director at the address indicated above. Comments, including names and street addresses of respondents, will be available for public review at the BLM Montana State Office at the address above during regular business hours. Before including your address, phone number, e-mail 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 from public review your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. The proposed legislative withdrawal was discussed at five public meetings, as part of the scoping process for the legislative withdrawal environmental impact statement. Additional public meetings will be scheduled following the release of the draft legislative withdrawal environmental impact statement. This withdrawal proposal will be processed in accordance with the regulations set forth in 43 CFR part 2300. For a period of two years from the date of publication of this notice in the **Federal Register** , the land will be segregated as specified above unless the application is denied or canceled or the withdrawal is approved prior to that date. Land uses currently permitted under the existing right-of-way agreement may continue during the segregative period. If the proposed legislative withdrawal has been submitted to Congress but not enacted into law by the end of the two-year segregation period, consideration will be given to entertaining an application for a temporary withdrawal in aid of pending legislation. (Authority: 43 CFR 2310.3-1(b)(1)) Howard A. Lemm, Acting State Director. [FR Doc. E7-15366 Filed 8-6-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-$$-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [UT-020-1430-ET; UTU-79765] Notice of Proposed Withdrawal and Opportunity for Public Meeting; Utah AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The Secretary of the Interior proposes to withdraw on behalf of the Bureau of Land Management
(BLM)approximately 79.43 acres of public land and approximately 30 acres of non-Federal land, if acquired, to protect the Manning Canyon Tailings Repository while the BLM completes land use planning for the area. This notice temporarily segregates the land for up to 2 years from location and entry under the United States mining laws while the withdrawal application is being processed. DATES: Comments should be received on or before November 5, 2007. ADDRESS: Comments and meeting requests should be sent to the BLM Salt Lake Field Office Manager, 2370 South 2300 West, Salt Lake City, Utah 84119. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mike Nelson, BLM Salt Lake Field Office, 801-977-4355. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The applicant for the above withdrawal is the BLM at the address stated above. The petition/application requests the Secretary of the Interior to withdraw, for a period of 5 years, the following described public land from location and entry under the United States mining laws, subject to valid existing rights: Salt Lake Meridian T. 6 S., R. 3 W., Sec. 15, lots 12, 13, 14 and 17, W 1/2 NE 1/4 SE 1/4 , NE 1/4 SW 1/4 SE 1/4 , and NW 1/4 SE 1/4 SE 1/4 . The areas described aggregate 79.43 acres in Utah County. Approximately 30 acres of the following described private land will be acquired by the United States and included in the withdrawal: Salt Lake Meridian T. 6 S., R. 3 W., Sec. 15, that portion of Mineral Patent Nos. 27720, 28065, and 35708 located within SW 1/4 NE 1/4 , E 1/2 SE 1/4 NW 1/4 , NE 1/4 NE 1/4 SW 1/4 , and NW 1/4 SE 1/4 . The total areas described aggregate approximately 109.43 acres in Utah County. The BLM petition/application has been approved by the Assistant Secretary of the Interior. Therefore, it constitutes a withdrawal proposal of the Secretary of the Interior (43 CFR 2310.1-3(e)). The purpose of the proposed withdrawal would be to protect the Federal investment in the Manning Canyon Tailings Repository until the BLM completes land use planning for the area. The use of a right-of-way, an interagency agreement, or a cooperative agreement would not adequately constrain non-discretionary uses and would not provide adequate protection of the Federal investment in the facilities constructed on the land. There are no suitable alternative sites since the repository is located on the above described land. No water rights would be needed to fulfill the purpose of the requested withdrawal. The preliminary mineral potential evaluation found the above described land to have a low potential for locatable minerals. Records relating to the proposed withdrawal can be examined by interested parties by contacting Mike Nelson at the above address and or phone number. For a period of 90 days from the date of publication of this notice, all persons who wish to submit comments, suggestions, or objections in connection with the proposed withdrawal may present their views in writing to the BLM Salt Lake Field Manager at the address noted above. Comments, including names and street addresses of respondents, will be available for public review at the BLM Salt Lake Field Office at the address noted above during regular business hours, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. Individual respondents may request confidentiality. Before including your address, phone number, e-mail 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 comments to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Notice is hereby given that an opportunity for a public meeting is afforded in connection with the proposed withdrawal. All interested persons who desire a public meeting for the purpose of being heard on the proposed withdrawal must submit a written request to the BLM Salt Lake Field Manager at the address noted above within 90 days from the date of publication of this notice. If the authorized officer determines a public meeting will be held, a notice of the time and place will be published in the **Federal Register** and a local newspaper at least 30 days before the scheduled date of the meeting. This withdrawal proposal will be processed in accordance with the regulations set forth in 43 CFR part 2300. For a period of 2 years from the date of publication of this notice in the **Federal Register** , the land will be segregated as specified above unless the application is denied or canceled or the withdrawal is approved prior to that date. The temporary land uses which may be permitted during this segregative period include licenses, permits, rights-of-way, and disposal of vegetative resources other than under the mining laws. (Authority: 43 CFR part 2310.3-1) Dated: July 16, 2007. Kent Hoffman, Deputy State Director, Lands and Minerals. [FR Doc. E7-15275 Filed 8-6-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-$$-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR National Park Service Notice of Boundary Amendment—Harpers Ferry National Historical Park AGENCY: Department of the Interior, National Park Service. ACTION: Notice of boundary amendment—Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the National Park Service
(NPS)is amending the boundary of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park to include one additional tract of land containing 0.749 of an acre. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Chief, Land Resources Program Center, National Capital Region, National Park Service, 1100 Ohio Drive, SW., Washington, DC 20242. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Act of June 30, 1944, c. 328, 58 Stat. 645 (codified as amended and supplemented, 16 U.S.C. 450bb-450bb-6), which established Harpers Ferry National Historical Park (the Park), provides the Secretary of the Interior with authority to make minor amendments in the boundary of the Park. Such boundary amendments may be made, when necessary, after advising the appropriate Congressional committees, and following publication of a revised boundary map, drawing, or other boundary description in the **Federal Register** . In order to properly interpret the historic events that occurred at Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, during the Civil War, and preserve the scenic character of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, it is necessary to revise the existing boundary to include one additional tract of land comprising approximately 0.749 of an acre. The inclusion of this tract within the boundary will increase the acreage of the Park to approximately 3,646.57 acres. The existing acreage ceiling for the Park is 3,745 acres, as set forth by Public Law 108-307, approved September 24, 2004. It is the intent of the National Park Service to purchase certain conservation easement interests in the property. Notice is hereby given that the exterior boundary of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is amended to include the following tract of land described as follows: Tract Number P102-35 • “Those certain lots or parcel of real estate, situated on what is known as Bolivar Heights, and described on a plat of the subdivision made by S. Howell Brown, Surveyor of Jefferson County, with a deed from Brackett and wife and Lightner and wife to Mary G. Moore of date August 22, 1895, as follows: Lots numbered 42, 44 and 46, in Block C and containing 0.749 acres, as shown on the plat of said lots prepared by Appalachian Surveys, Inc., dated November 14, 1988. Being part of the same property conveyed to Scot M. Faulkner by Laurel de Aguilar, formerly known as Laurel B. Faulkner, by a deed dated June 16, 1994, and recorded among the Land Records of Jefferson County, West Virginia in Deed Book 790, Page 295.” The above described parcel of land is subject to all restrictive covenants, conditions, easements, rights-of-way, and limitations of record. The above described parcel of land is depicted on Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Land Status Map numbered 385/92002, Segment 102, dated January 6, 2005. All maps and drawings referenced are on file and available for inspection in the offices of the Land Resources Program Center, National Capital Region, National Park Service, Department of the Interior, 1100 Ohio Drive, SW., Washington, DC 20242. Dated: May 31, 2007. Joseph M. Lawler, Regional Director, National Capital Region. [FR Doc. E7-15308 Filed 8-6-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4312-JT-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR National Park Service Cape Cod National Seashore Hunting Program, Final Environmental Impact Statement, Cape Cod National Seashore, MA AGENCY: National Park Service, Department of Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability of the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Cape Cod National Seashore Hunting Program, Cape Cod National Seashore. SUMMARY: Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, 42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C), the National Park Services
(NPS)announces the availability of a Final Environmental Impact Statement
(FEIS)for the Cape Cod National Seashore Hunting Program, Cape Cod National Seashore (CCNS), Massachusetts. The purpose of the FEIS is to finalize the documentation of the environmental consequences of alternative strategies for managing hunting at CCNS. The FEIS evaluates three
(3)alternatives for managing hunting: Alternative A—No Action describes the effects of continuing the hunting program as it was prior to a court decision to enjoin the pheasant stocking and hunting program. Hunting would continue in accordance with the seasons and regulations established by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MDFW), and in accordance with the existing rules established by Cape Cod National Seashore pertaining to the time of year hunting is allowed, the species that can be hunted, and no-hunting zones. Under this alternative, the pheasant hunting and stocking program would be re-established. Alternative B—Develop a Modified Hunting Program (the preferred alternative) describes the effects of modifying the hunting program in a manner that would retain hunting as part of CCNS's cultural heritage while addressing concerns raised by non-hunting visitors. The modifications were derived from input received during public scoping, and subsequently refined based on comments on the Draft EIS. Element 1: This element would increase traditional hunting opportunities for native upland game bird species. Specifically, the park's rules would be revised to allow the State's spring eastern turkey hunt to occur within the park. Additionally, this element would include developing and implementing cultural landscape restoration activities that are expected to improve habitat quality for upland game birds, particularly northern bobwhite quail. Element 2: An adaptive management approach would be used to phase out the pheasant stocking and hunting program as opportunities to hunt native upland game birds increase. The success of heathland and grassland management, called for by the cultural restoration plan, will be used as an indicator of native species hunting opportunity. This element would result in the end of pheasant stocking and hunting at CCNS within 14 to 17 years. In no case will pheasant stocking continue beyond 17 years. Element 3: This element would simplify the scope of hunting areas, and would designate hunting-permitted areas versus the current policy which allows hunting in all areas except where specifically prohibited. The hunting-permitted areas would be delineated based on the existing 500-foot no-hunting buffers around paved roads and buildings, expanding the no-hunting buffers around bicycle paths from 150 feet to 500 feet, and eliminating the small patches and thin slivers of area that cannot practicably be hunted. This element would provide an added safety precaution protective of visitors using the bike paths; should result in more predictable areas where hunting is likely to be encountered and where it will not; would provide consistent buffers for hunting set-backs from roads, buildings, and bike paths; would facilitate more efficient monitoring by law enforcement staff; and would result in little reduction in hunting opportunities. Element 4: Hunting-related outreach to hunting and non-hunting users would be expanded. Outreach to non-hunting visitors would focus on where and when hunting occurs in the park, where visitors can go to avoid hunting, safety precautions when in or adjacent to hunting areas, how to report any unlawful behavior or safety concerns, and the importance of courteous and respectful behavior to all users. Outreach to hunters would also focus on where and when hunting is permitted in the park, hunting regulations, how to report any unlawful behavior or safety concerns, and the importance of courteous and respectful behavior to all users. Element 5: This element provides for cooperative and expanded game species monitoring by Cape Cod National Seashore and the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. The Seashore and the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife would integrate monitoring efforts, and seek additional resources as needed, to expand monitoring of the abundance and harvest of deer, eastern cottontail rabbits, eastern wild turkeys, and northern bobwhite quail. These agencies would also coordinate with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to review emerging information on the status and distribution of New England cottontail rabbits on outer Cape Cod, and determine if action is necessary to protect this sensitive species within the Seashore. Alternative C—Eliminate Hunting describes the effects of eliminating hunting at Cape Cod National Seashore. A sub-element of Alternative C would eliminate only the pheasant program while retaining the other aspects of the hunting program. In April of 2006, the NPS issued a Draft EIS for agency and public review and comment. The comment period opened on April 21, 2006 with the Environmental Protection Agency's
(EPA)publication of a Notice of Availability in the **Federal Register** , and closed on June 19, 2006, 60 days later. During that review period the NPS held two public meetings to provide agencies and the public the opportunity to provide oral comment on the draft document. Comments were received in the form of letters and e-mails, and at the two public meetings. All substantive comments have been addressed in the “Consultation and Coordination” chapter of the FEIS. DATES: The National Park Service will execute a Record of Decision
(ROD)no sooner than 30 days following publication in the **Federal Register** by EPA of availability of the Final Environmental Impact Statement. Availability of the ROD will be noticed in the **Federal Register** by the NPS and implementation of the selected alternative will subsequently move forward. ADDRESSES: The FEIS may be viewed online at *http://www.nps.gov/caco/parkmgmt/planning.htm* through the “Planning” link under “Management”. The FEIS will be available in hard copy at outer cape libraries, the Salt Pond and Province Lands Visitors Centers, and Cape Cod National Seashore's Marconi headquarters building for onsite review. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Superintendent, Cape Cod National Seashore, 99 Marconi Site Road, Wellfleet, Massachusetts 02667. Telephone:
(508)349-3785, Fax:
(508)349-9052. Dated: July 18, 2007. John A. Latschar, Acting Regional Director, Northeast Region, National Park Service. [FR Doc. E7-15295 Filed 8-6-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-WV-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR National Park Service Notice of Intent To Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement
(DEIS)for an Off-Road Vehicle Management Plan (ORV Management Plan) for Cape Lookout National Seashore (Seashore), NC SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
(NEPA)(42 U.S.C. 4332) and Council on Environmental Quality regulations (40 CFR 1506.6), the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
(NPS)will prepare an ORV Management Plan/DEIS. The ORV Management Plan/DEIS will be used to guide the management and control of ORVs at the Seashore for approximately the next 15 to 20 years. It will also form the basis for a special regulation that will regulate ORV use at the Seashore. The ORV Management Plan/DEIS will assess potential environmental impacts associated with a range of reasonable alternatives for managing ORV impacts on park resources such as threatened and endangered species, soils, wetlands, wildlife, and cultural resources. Socioeconomic impacts and effects on visitor experience and public safety will also be analyzed. In addition, the plan will focus on issues that have a direct bearing on ORV management, including management of threatened and endangered species and species of special concern, as well as predator management. DATES: To determine the scope of issues to be addressed in the ORV Management Plan/DEIS and to identify significant issues related to the ORV management at the Seashore, NPS anticipates conducting public scoping meetings in September 2007. The NPS is tentatively planning to conduct one meeting in Charlotte, Raleigh and Morehead City or Beaufort, North Carolina, respectively. Representatives of the NPS will be available to discuss issues, resource concerns, and the planning process at each of the public meetings. Once public meetings have been scheduled, their locations, dates, and times will be published in local newspapers and posted on the NPS Planning, Environment, and Public Comment
(PEPC)Web site at *http://parkplanning.nps.gov/CALO.* ADDRESSES AND FURTHER INFORMATION: Written comments or requests for information should be addressed to Wouter Ketel, Management Assistant, Cape Lookout National Seashore, 131 Charles St., Harkers Island, North Carolina 28531. Comments may also be hand-delivered to the attention of Wouter Ketel. In addition, comments may be entered online in the NPS PEPC Web site at *http://parkplanning.nps.gov/CALO.* To comment using PEPC, select the “Cape Lookout National Seashore ORV Management Plan/EIS project,” select “documents,” select this “Notice of Intent,” and then select “comment” and enter your comments. Further information about this project may also be found on the PEPC Web site listed above, including links to information about the NEPA planning process. Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, please be aware that our practice is to make comments, including names, home addresses, home phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of respondents, available for public review. Individual respondents may request that we withhold their names and/or home addresses, etc., but if you wish us to consider withholding this information you must state this prominently at the beginning of your comments. We will always make submissions from organizations or businesses, and from individuals identifying themselves as representatives of or officials of organizations or businesses, available for public inspection in their entirety. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The ORV use on the Seashore predates establishment of the park in 1966. The State of North Carolina turned over the lands of Core Banks to the NPS in 1976. Shackleford Banks was acquired from 1984 to 1986. Beginning in the 1940s, vehicles were transported to the banks by shallow draft ferries, and were used to provide access to productive commercial and recreational fishing spots as well as for camping and sightseeing. Today ORVs are used to provide vehicular access onto the Seashore beaches for recreational purposes, including surf-fishing, surfing, sunbathing, swimming, bird-watching, scenic driving, camping, etc. It is estimated that up to 5500 ORVs are transported by ferry to the Seashore each year. Executive Order 11644, issued in 1972 and amended by Executive Order 11989 in 1977, states that Federal agencies allowing ORV use must designate the specific areas and trails on public lands on which the use of ORVs may be permitted, and areas in which the use of ORVs may not be permitted. Agency regulations to authorize ORV use provide that designation of such areas and trails will be based upon the protection of the resources of the public lands, promotion of the safety of all users of those lands, and minimization of conflicts among the various uses of those lands. Executive Order 11644 was issued in response to the widespread and rapidly increasing use of ORVs on the public lands—“often for legitimate purposes but also in frequent conflict with wise land and resource management practices, environmental values, and other types of recreational activity.” 36 CFR 4.10(b) requires that “routes and areas designated for off-road motor vehicle use shall be promulgated as special regulations.” In addition, such routes and areas may only be designated in national recreation areas, national seashores, national lakeshores and national preserves. Therefore, in accordance with the Executive Order, the purpose of this Plan/DEIS is to manage ORV use in compliance with the Seashore's enabling legislation, NPS management policies, and other laws and regulations to ensure protection of the natural, cultural, and recreational values of the Seashore's dynamic coastal barrier island environment for present and future generations. An ORV Management Plan is needed because lack of an approved plan over time has led to inconsistent management of ORV use. Related to the need to provide consistency in ORV management is the need to provide consistency in resource protection in areas of ORV use, particularly as required under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Compounding these issues, the Seashore is also subject to dynamic weather-related events that continually change the beach, and sometimes limit the area that can be accessed safely by ORVs. Therefore, an ORV Management Plan is needed to:
(1)Comply with Executive Orders 11644 and 11989 respecting ORV use, and with NPS laws, regulations (36 CFR 4.10), and policies to minimize impacts to Seashore resources and values;
(2)Establish an approved plan incorporating public input that reduces the potential for inconsistent management of ORV use, user conflicts, and safety concerns;
(3)Provide for sustainable recreational use;
(4)Protect natural and cultural resources from potential effects of ORV use; and
(5)Provide for protected species management in relation to ORV and other uses that replaces the Cape Lookout National Seashore Interim Protected Species Management Plan/EA and associated Biological Opinion. The ORV Management Plan/DEIS will cover lands administered by the NPS on North Core Banks, South Core Banks, Middle Core Banks, Ophelia Banks, and Shackleford Banks. Of the 56-mile long Seashore, about 47 miles spanning North and South Core Banks were identified by the Seashore General Management Plan (December 1982) as appropriate for controlled ORV use; the remaining 9 miles on Shackleford Banks is a proposed wilderness and is closed to vehicle use. However, other potential aspects of the ORV Management Plan, such as species and predator management, will also be addressed for Shackleford Banks, where ORVs are not allowed. During initial internal scoping the NPS interdisciplinary team identified a number of draft objectives for the ORV Management Plan/DEIS, including: Management Methodology • Identify criteria to designate ORV use areas and routes. • Establish ORV management practices and procedures that have the ability to adapt in response to changes in the Seashore's dynamic physical and biological environment. • Continue an ongoing and meaningful dialogue with the multiple public groups interested in/affected by ORV management. • Establish procedures for prompt and efficient public notification of beach access status including any temporary ORV use restrictions for such things as resource and public safety closures, storm events, etc. • Build stewardship through public awareness and understanding of NPS resource management and visitor use policies and responsibilities as they pertain to the Seashore and ORV management. Natural Physical Resources • Minimize adverse impacts from ORV use to soils and topographic features, e.g., dunes, ocean beach, wetlands, tidal flats, etc. Threatened, Endangered, and Other Protected Species • Provide protection for threatened, endangered, and other protected species (e.g., State-listed species) and their habitats, minimize adverse impacts related to ORV and other uses as required by laws and policies, such as the Endangered Species Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and NPS laws and management policies. Other Vegetation and Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat • Minimize adverse impacts to native plant and animal species and their habitats related to ORV and other uses. Cultural Resources • Protect cultural resources such as shipwrecks, archeological sites, and cultural landscapes from adverse impacts related to ORV use. Visitor Use and Experience • Manage ORV use to allow for a variety of appropriate visitor use experiences. • Minimize conflicts between ORV use and other uses. • Ensure that ORV operators are informed about the rules and regulations regarding ORV use at the park. Visitor Safety • Ensure that ORV management promotes the safety of all visitors. Park Operations • Identify operational needs and costs to fully implement an ORV management plan. The draft and final ORV Management Plan/DEIS will be made available to all known interested parties and appropriate agencies. Full public participation by Federal, State, and local agencies as well as other concerned organizations and private citizens is invited throughout the preparation process of this document. Authority: The authority for publishing this notice is 40 CFR 1506.6. The responsible official for this ORV Management Plan/DEIS is Patricia A. Hooks, Regional Director, Southeast Region, National Park Service, 100 Alabama Street, SW., 1924 Building, Atlanta, Georgia 30303. Dated: July 13, 2007. Patricia A. Hooks, Regional Director, Southeast Region. [FR Doc. 07-3837 Filed 8-6-07; 8:45 am]
Connections6 cite this · traces to 12
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U.S. Code
- Repealed. Pub. L. 109–266, § 10(h), Aug. 3, 2006, 120 Stat. 677§ 718
- Congressional declaration of purpose§ 4321
- Failure to comply with provisions of lease§ 188
- Definitions§ 6801
- Public participation§ 6803
- Congressional declaration of policy§ 1701
- Cooperation of agencies; reports; availability of information; recommendations; international and national coordination of efforts§ 4332
statutes-at-large
15 references not yet in our index
- 43 CFR 2650.7(d)
- 43 CFR 4
- Pub. L. 106-399
- 43 CFR 3108.2-3(a)
- 43 CFR 2930
- 43 CFR 1610.5-6
- 43 CFR 1610.2(c)
- 43 USC 155-158
- 43 CFR 2300
- 43 CFR 2310.3-1(b)(1)
- 43 CFR 2310.1-3(e)
- 43 CFR 2310.3-1
- 16 USC 450bb-450bb
- Pub. L. 108-307
- 40 CFR 1506.6
Citation graph
cites case law
Notices
Notice
Fed. Reg.×6
Cite43 CFR 2650.7(d)
Cite43 CFR 4
Pub. L.Pub. L. 106-399
Cites 27 · showing 12Cited by 6 across 1 source