Notices. Notice of document availability for review and comment
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BILLING CODE 4210-67-M DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Draft Recovery Plan for Columbia Basin Distinct Population Segment of the Pygmy Rabbit ( Brachylagus idahoensis ) AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of document availability for review and comment. SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of a draft recovery plan for the Columbia Basin distinct population segment of the pygmy rabbit for public review and comment.
DATES: We must receive any comments on the draft recovery plan on or before November 6, 2007. ADDRESSES: The draft recovery plan and reference materials are available for inspection, by appointment, during normal business hours at the following location: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Upper Columbia Fish and Wildlife Office, 11103 East Montgomery Drive, Spokane, Washington 99206 (Telephone: 509-891-6839). Submitted comments regarding the draft recovery plan will also be available for public inspection, by appointment, during normal business hours following the public review and comment period.
Requests for copies of the draft recovery plan and submission of written comments or materials regarding the plan should be addressed to the Field Supervisor at the above address. An electronic copy of the draft recovery plan is also available at: *http://endangered.fws.gov/recovery/index.html#plans.* FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Chris Warren, Fish and Wildlife Biologist, by writing to the above address, by calling 509-893-8020, or by electronic mail at: *chris_warren@fws.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background Recovery of endangered or threatened animals and plants is a primary goal of the Endangered Species Act
(Act)(16 U.S.C. 1531 *et seq.* ) and our endangered species program. Recovery means improvement of the status of listed species to the point at which listing is no longer required under the criteria set out in section 4(a)(1) of the Act. Recovery plans describe actions considered necessary for the conservation of the species, establish criteria for downlisting or delisting listed species, and estimate time and cost for implementing the measures needed for recovery. Section 4(f) of the Act directs the Secretaries of Interior and Commerce to develop and implement recovery plans for species listed as endangered or threatened, unless such plans will not promote the conservation of the species. We and the National Marine Fisheries Service, as appropriate, have been delegated responsibility for administering the Act. Section 4(f) of the Act requires that public notice, and an opportunity for public review and comment, be provided during development of recovery plans. We will consider all information presented during the public comment period on each new or revised recovery plan. Substantive comments may or may not result in changes to a recovery plan. However, any substantive comments regarding recovery plan implementation will be forwarded to appropriate Federal agencies or other interested entities so that they can take these comments into account during the implementation of their respective management programs. Individual responses to submitted comments will not be provided. The pygmy rabbit is the smallest rabbit species in North America, with adult lengths of under 1 foot and weights of less than 1 pound. The pygmy rabbit is distinguishable from other rabbit species by its small size, short ears, small hind legs, and lack of white on the tail. Historically, pygmy rabbits were found throughout the semi-arid sagebrush steppe biome of the Great Basin and adjacent intermountain regions of the western United States, including portions of Oregon, California, Nevada, Utah, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and Washington. Within this broad biome, pygmy rabbits are typically found in habitat types that include tall, dense stands of sagebrush ( *Artemesia* spp.), on which they are highly dependent for both food and shelter throughout the year. The pygmy rabbit is one of only two rabbit species in North America that digs its own burrows and, therefore, is most often found in areas that also include relatively deep, loose soils that allow burrowing. The pygmy rabbit has been present within the Columbia Basin, a geographic area that extends from northern Oregon through central Washington, for over 100,000 years. This distinct population segment of the pygmy rabbit, which is referred to as the Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit and is the subject of this draft recovery plan, is believed to have been disjunct from the remainder of the species' range for at least 10,000 years, as suggested by the fossil record, and possibly as long as 40,000 to 115,000 years, as suggested by population genetic analyses. Museum specimens and sighting records indicate that during the first half of the 20th century, the Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit likely occurred in portions of six Washington counties, including Douglas, Grant, Lincoln, Adams, Franklin, and Benton. Columbia Basin pygmy rabbits were thought to be extirpated from Washington during the mid-1900s, however, they were again located in the State in 1979. Intensive surveys in 1987 and 1988 discovered five small subpopulations in southern Douglas County; three occurred on State lands and two on private lands. The number of Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit subpopulations and active burrows in Washington has declined dramatically over the past decade. In addition, surveys of the last known subpopulation conducted from 2004 through 2006 did not detect any animals, indicating that the Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit may have been extirpated from the wild. We listed this distinct population segment under emergency provisions of the Act in 2001, and fully listed it as endangered in 2003, without critical habitat. Large-scale loss and fragmentation of native shrub-steppe habitats, primarily for agricultural development, likely played a primary role in the long-term decline of the Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit. Imminent threats related to small population size include chance environmental events (e.g., extreme weather), catastrophic habitat loss or resource failure (e.g., from wildfire), predation, disease, demographic limitations, loss of genetic diversity, and inbreeding. In 2001, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife began a captive breeding program for the Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit. Ultimately, the goal of the captive breeding program is to facilitate future releases of captive-bred animals at suitable sites within the population's historical distribution to begin the process of its recovery in the wild. However, the captive purebred Columbia Basin pygmy rabbits did not produce enough offspring to accommodate reintroduction efforts, and only a minimal number of purebred animals have been available since the program's first breeding season in 2002. In addition, the available information indicates that the Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit has experienced a loss of genetic diversity as a result of inbreeding and genetic drift. Due to poor demographic, behavioral, physiological, and genetic indicators for pure Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit breeding efforts, intercross matings between Columbia Basin pygmy rabbits and pygmy rabbits of the same taxonomic classification from a discrete population in Idaho were initiated during the 2003 breeding season. In March, 2007, 20 captive-bred pygmy rabbits were reintroduced to habitats historically occupied by the species within the Columbia Basin of central Washington. These captive-bred animals experienced a high level of predation over the first several weeks following their release. As of May 15, 2007, five of these animals remained alive and they will continue to be monitored throughout the 2007 breeding season. Just prior to the initial release effort, there were 86 individuals included in the captive breeding program, 3 of which were purebred Columbia Basin animals. At least one wild-born, and likely captive bred kit (approximately 1-month old) has been documented at the release site. The remaining captive-bred female was also observed displaying nesting behavior. The balance of the captive population and those recently released to the wild consist of intercross pygmy rabbits. Intercross breeding has helped facilitate genetic restoration of the Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit and is considered essential for recovery efforts. Currently, proposed measures to recover the Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit in the wild include additional releases of captive-bred animals with at least 75 percent Columbia Basin ancestry. The draft recovery plan proposes a phased approach to recovery implementation: first, removal or abatement of imminent threats to prevent the extinction of the Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit; second, reestablishment of an appropriate number and distribution of free-ranging subpopulations over the near-term; and third, establishment and protection of a resilient, free-ranging population that could withstand foreseeable long-term threats. A key near-term objective of Federal recovery efforts is to reintroduce Columbia Basin pygmy rabbits to the wild and sufficiently reduce threats to the population to ensure a high probability of its persistence over the foreseeable future. The long-term recovery goal is to increase the number, distribution, and security of free-ranging Columbia Basin pygmy rabbits so that the population may be reclassified as threatened and, ultimately, be removed from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants under the Act. The draft recovery plan identifies the following main actions as necessary to initiate recovery of the Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit:
(1)Manage the captive breeding program;
(2)manage genetic characteristics;
(3)survey for and monitor free-ranging individuals;
(4)reestablish free-ranging subpopulations within their historical distribution;
(5)protect free-ranging individuals;
(6)manage habitats at recovery emphasis areas to support stable, self-sustaining subpopulations;
(7)pursue cooperative agreements with land owners and managers of intervening properties within the population's historical distribution;
(8)exchange information with stakeholders and the general public to address concerns and increase support for recovery efforts;
(9)secure funding for recovery efforts; and
(10)revise the recovery plan as necessary to achieve the phased recovery strategy. Public Comments Solicited We solicit written comments on the draft recovery plan described in this notice. All comments received by the date specified above will be considered in development of a final recovery plan for the Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit. Authority The authority for this action is section 4(f) of the Endangered Species Act, 16 U.S.C. 1533 (f). Dated: July 26, 2007. David Wesley, Acting Regional Director, Region 1, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. [FR Doc. E7-17679 Filed 9-6-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-55-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Indian Affairs Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Desert Rock Energy Project and the Navajo Mine Extension Project, San Juan County, NM: Reopening of Comment Period AGENCY: Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This notice advises the public that the Bureau of Indian Affairs
(BIA)and the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA)are reopening the comment period on the draft Environmental Impact Statement
(DEIS)for the Proposed Desert Rock Energy Project and the Navajo Mine Extension Project, San Juan County, New Mexico, for an additional 30 days. The Notice of Availability of the DEIS, published by in the **Federal Register** by the BIA on June 20, 2007 (72 FR 34035), and by the EPA on June 22, 2007 (72 FR 34463), announced a closing date for comments of August 20, 2007. DATES: Written comments for the reopened comment period must arrive by 4 p.m. Mountain Standard Time (MST), October 9, 2007. ADDRESSES: You may mail written comments on the DEIS via U.S. Postal Service first class or priority to Harrilene Yazzie, Regional NEPA Coordinator, Navajo Regional Office, Bureau of Indian Affairs, P.O. Box 1060, Gallup, New Mexico 87305. You may also hand carry, or have written comments delivered by U.S. Postal Service Express Mail or by courier service to Harrilene Yazzie at the Navajo Regional Office, Bureau of Indian Affairs, 301 W. Hill Street, Gallup, New Mexico 87305. In addition, you may send comments by e-mail to the project Web site, *www.desertrockenergy.com* , or to the BIA contractor's e-mail account for this project, *desertrockEIS@urscorp.com* . Please include the caption, “Desert Rock Energy Project DEIS Comments,” at the top of your letter or in the subject line of your e-mail message; be specific in your comments and cite the chapter, page, paragraph, and sentence to which they pertain; and include your name and return address in your letter or message. The DEIS is available for review at the BIA Office, 301 West Hill Street, Gallup, New Mexico. It is also available for review on the project Web site *www.desertrockenergy.com* . A limited number of compact disk
(CD)and paper copies have been prepared for distribution and are available upon request. For your convenience, however, the BIA recommends using the Internet or other publicly available copies for reviews where possible. You may obtain a CD or paper copy by contacting Harrilene Yazzie at the BIA mailing address provided in the ADDRESSES section, at her telephone number shown below, or by fax at
(505)863-8324. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Harrilene Yazzie,
(505)863-8286. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Reopening of the Comment Period On June 20 and 22, 2007, the BIA and the EPA, respectively, published notices in the **Federal Register** announcing the availability of the DEIS, a comment period closing on August 20, 2007, and the dates, times and locations of 10 public hearings on the DEIS. These public hearings were held between July 17 and July 25, 2007. Subsequent to the publishing of the notices, the BIA received requests to extend the comment period. We are reopening the comment period in consideration of these requests. Background on the Desert Rock Energy Project EIS The DEIS analyzes and discloses probable environmental effects of the proposed Desert Rock Energy Project (or referred to herein as Desert Rock Energy Project or proposed project/action) and the Navajo Mine Extension Project (or referred to herein as the Navajo Mine Extension Project or Area IV North, Area IV South and Area V of the BHP Navajo Coal Company [BNCC] Lease Area). Together, Sithe Global Power, LLC, by and through the Desert Rock Energy Company, LLC, and Dino Power Authority (DPA), a Navajo Nation enterprise, are proposing to develop and construct the Desert Rock Energy Project. Desert Rock Energy Company, LLC, entered into a development agreement with DPA to develop and construct a coal-fired power plant on the Navajo Reservation. Desert Rock Energy Company, LLC, is a privately held, independent power company and a limited liability corporation formed under the laws of the State of Delaware. DPA was established by the Navajo Nation Council to develop utility-scale energy projects on behalf of the Navajo Nation for the economic benefit of the Navajo people. The proposed project involves the construction and operation of a coal-fired electrical power plant that would generate up to 1,500 megawatts
(MW)of power; the extension of existing surface coal mining operations at the Navajo Mine to provide fuel for the power plant; disposal of coal combustion by-products (CCBs); and mine reclamation operations along with associated mine support facilities and activities. The proposed project also includes a water well field and supply pipeline to the power plant, transmission lines, a receiving electrical station, other upgrades and ancillary facilities required in the production and transmission of electricity, and new access roads. The proposed project is located approximately 30 miles southwest of Farmington in San Juan County, New Mexico, and is entirely on trust lands within the exterior boundaries of the Navajo Nation. The power plant would be constructed on a 592-acre parcel immediately adjacent to, and west of Area IV North of the BNCC Lease Area. The coal fuel supply would be produced from Areas IV South and V of the BNCC Lease Area and transported by conveyor to a proposed coal preparation facility located in Area IV North of the BNCC lease area, near the power plant. The proposed project requires a long-term business site lease between the Navajo Nation and DPA, and a sublease between DPA and Desert Rock Energy Company, LLC. Because the power plant and associated facilities would be located on land held in trust by the federal government for the Navajo Nation within the Navajo reservation, the lease must be approved by BIA, an agency of the United States Department of the Interior. The DEIS is intended to satisfy the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act for each federal agency's decision related to the siting, construction, operation, and maintenance of the proposed facility; and to aid federal, Navajo Nation, state, and local permitting authorities with their permitting responsibilities, including surface coal mining, CCB disposal and reclamation activities on the BNCC Lease Area under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA). Availability of Your Comments for Public Review Comments, including names and addresses of respondents, will be available for public review at the street address shown in the ADDRESSES section, during regular business hours, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. 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. Authority This notice is published in accordance with section 1503.1 of the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations (40 CFR, Parts 1500 through 1508) implementing the procedural requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et. Seq.), and the Department of the Interior Manual (516 DM 1-6), and is in the exercise of authority delegated to the Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs by 209 DM 8. Willie R. Taylor, Director, Office of Environmental Policy and Compliance. [FR Doc. E7-17356 Filed 9-6-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-W7-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [NM-110-1610-DR] Notice of Availability of Record of Decision for the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument Resource Management Plan
(RMP)AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of Availability. SUMMARY: In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA), the Bureau of Land Management
(BLM)management policies and Presidential Proclamation 7394 signed on January 17, 2001, the BLM announces the availability of the Record of Decision (ROD)/Approved Resource Management Plan
(RMP)for the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument located in Sandoval County, New Mexico. The New Mexico State Director will sign the ROD approving the RMP which becomes effective immediately. The RMP provides for recreational use and facility development. The public has been provided opportunities to observe, study and experience the geologic processes that shape natural landscapes, as well as other cultural and biological objects of interest. The BLM has considered American Indian Uses and Traditional Cultural Practices, siting access and transportation to minimize intrusion on American Indian Use. Ecological and biological resource protection and enhancement have been provided. ADDRESSES: Copies of the ROD/Approved RMP are available upon request from the Field Manager, Rio Puerco Field Office, Bureau of Land Management, 435 Montano NE., Albuquerque, NM 87107 or via the internet at ( *http://www.nm.blm.gov* ). Reference copies are available for review during regular business hours at BLM's Rio Puerco Field Office at the address above or at BLM's New Mexico State Office, 1474 Rodeo Road, Santa Fe, NM. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information visit the Web site at *http://www.nm.blm.gov* or contact: Danny Randall *danny_randall@blm.gov* or 505-761-8953), Manager, Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument, BLM Rio Puerco Field Office, 435 Montano NE., Albuquerque NM 87107. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The RMP ROD was developed with broad public and stakeholder participation through a 3-year collaborative planning process. The RMP ROD addresses management on approximately 15,635 acres. BLM currently manages 5,089 of these acres and has identified the other 10,546 acres as being desirable for acquisition, to be managed in conjunction with the Monument. The RMP ROD contains both land use planning decisions and implementation decisions to provide planning structure to facilitate the management of the Monument. Major resources and activities addressed in the RMP ROD include: American Indian Use and Traditional Cultural Practices; recreation; cultural resources; interpretation; facilities; lands and realty; access and transportation; vegetation management; and wildlife management. The ROD selected Alternative B as the approved RMP. Except for editorial clarification and format, Alternative B was approved as it appeared when published as Alternative B (The Preferred Alternative) in the Proposed RMP/Final EIS in October 2006, with the NOA published in the **Federal Register** on November 24, 2006. BLM received one letter during the protest period on the Proposed RMP/FEIS; however, after careful consideration of all points raised in this letter, it was concluded that the letter did not constitute a valid protest. The BLM Director concluded that the responsible planning team and decision-makers followed all applicable laws, regulations, policies, and pertinent resource considerations in developing the proposed plan. No inconsistencies with State or local plans, policies or programs were identified during the Governor's consistency review of the Proposed RMP/Final EIS. RMP implementation decisions are identified in Chapter 4 of the ROD RMP. As listed here: Access and Transportation pg. 2-5; American Indian Uses and Traditional Cultural Practices pg. 2-9; Cultural Resources pg. 2-11; Fire Management pg. 22-15; Lands and Realty pg. 2-18; Livestock Grazing pg. 2-21; Noxious Weed Management pg. 2-23; Public Land Health pg. 2-26; Recreational Use pg. 2-30; Riparian Areas pg. 2-33; Social and Economic Conditions pg. 2-35; Soil and Water Resources pg. 2-37; Special Geologic Features pg. 2-38; Special Status Species pg. 2-39; Vegetation and Woodlands Management pg. 2-42; Visual Resources pg. 2-43. Pursuant to 43 CFR 4.400 *et seq.* , any party adversely affected by these decisions may appeal within 30 days of publication of this notice of availability per 43 CFR Part 4, Subpart E. The appeal should state the specific decisions as identified by resource or activity under the subheading `Implementation Decisions' in Chapter 4 of the approved RMP. The appeal must be filed with the Rio Puerco Field Manager at the above listed address. Linda S.C. Rundell, State Director, New Mexico. [FR Doc. E7-17492 Filed 9-6-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-22-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [ID 100 1220MA 241A: DBG071010] Notice of Public Meeting: Resource Advisory Council to the Boise District, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Department of the Interior AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Department of the Interior. ACTION: Notice of Public Meeting. SUMMARY: In accordance with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) and the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972 (FACA), the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management
(BLM)Boise District Resource Advisory Council (RAC), will hold a meeting as indicated below. DATES: The meeting will be held October 3, 2007, beginning at 9 a.m. and adjourning at 3 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Boise District Office located at 3948 S. Development Avenue, Boise, Idaho. Public comment periods will be held at intervals throughout the meeting. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: MJ Byrne, Public Affairs Officer and RAC Coordinator, BLM Boise District, 3948 Development Ave., Boise, ID 83705, Telephone
(208)384-3393. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The 15-member Council advises the Secretary of the Interior, through the BLM, on a variety of planning and management issues associated with public land management in southwestern Idaho. The Board will receive a briefing on the wildland fires that have occurred within the District, and planned rehabilitation efforts. The RAC will be given a brief status report on the Bruneau Resource Management Plan (RMP). A presentation will be given about a wind energy project located in the Owyhee Field Office by Ridgeline Energy, Inc. Hot Topics will be discussed by the District Manager and Field Office managers will provide highlights on activities in their offices. Agenda items and location may change due to changing circumstances, including wildfire emergencies. All meetings are open to the public. The public may present written comments to the Council. Each formal Council meeting will also have time allocated for hearing public comments. Depending on the number of persons wishing to comment and time available, the time for individual oral comments may be limited. Individuals who plan to attend and need special assistance, such as sign language interpretation, or other reasonable accommodations, should contact the BLM Coordinator as provided above. Dated: August 31, 2007. David Wolf, Associate, District Manager. [FR Doc. E7-17684 Filed 9-6-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-GG-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [AK-050-1610-DR-085L] Notice of Availability of the Record of Decision for the East Alaska Resource Management Plan (RMP)/Environmental Impact Statement
(EIS)AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management (BLM). ACTION: Notice of availability of Record of Decision (ROD). SUMMARY: In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA), and BLM management policies, the BLM announces the availability of the RMP/ROD for the East Alaska planning area. ADDRESSES: Copies of the East Alaska ROD/RMP are available upon request from the Field Manager, Glennallen Field Office (GFO), Bureau of Land Management, ATTN: RMP, P.O. Box 147, Glennallen, AK 99588, or via the Internet at *http://www.blm.gov/ak/gdo.* FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Bruce Rogers, Planning and Environmental Coordinator, BLM-GFO, P.O. Box 147, Glennallen, AK 99588
(907)822-3217, or via e-mail to *Bruce_E_Rogers@blm.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The East Alaska RMP was developed with broad public participation through a 4-year planning process. This RMP/ROD addresses management on approximately 7.1 million acres of public land in the planning area. The East Alaska RMP is designed to meet goals, objectives, and desired conditions developed through the planning process. It includes a series of management actions to meet these goals, objectives, and desired conditions for upland and riparian vegetation; wildlife habitats; cultural and visual resources; recreation; and subsistence. The approved East Alaska RMP is essentially the same as Alternative D in the Proposed RMP/Final EIS (FEIS), published in June 2006. The BLM received three protests to the PRMP/FEIS, which the BLM Director resolved without requiring significant changes to decisions in the PRMP/FEIS. The Alaska Governor's Consistency Review found the PRMP/FEIS to be inconsistent with Alaska State plans, policies, or programs. This finding was based on BLM's decision to maintain most of Public Land Order 5150, which withdrew lands for a route for the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and which now provides a pipeline/utility corridor, high recreation and mineral values, and important subsistence resources. The State of Alaska requested revocation of the withdrawal to allow state top-filings to fall into place, resulting in eventual conveyance of these lands to the state. The PRMP/FEIS partially modified the withdrawal to allow for eventual conveyance to the State of 82,500 acres. The inconsistencies have been resolved through wording in the ROD that allows for future negotiation with the State on this issue. The RMP/ROD includes decisions identifying routes of travel for motorized vehicles, which are implementation level decisions appealable to the Interior Board of Land Appeals
(IBLA)under 43 CFR part 4. These decisions (route identifications) are displayed on travel management maps in the ROD/RMP. Any party adversely affected by these route identifications may appeal within 30 days of publication of this Notice of Availability by filing a notice of appeal in the office of the BLM Glennallen Field Manager at the above listed address. The notice of appeal should identify the specific route identifications by township, range, and section which are being appealed. Thomas P. Lonnie, State Director, Alaska. [FR Doc. E7-17491 Filed 9-6-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-JA-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [CA-190-07-1610] Notice of Availability of Record of Decision for the Hollister Resource Management Plan for the Southern Diablo Mountain Range and Central Coast of California AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management. ACTION: Notice of Availability of Record of Decision (ROD). SUMMARY: In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA), and the Bureau of Land Management
(BLM)policies, the BLM announces the availability of the Record of Decision (ROD)/Approved Resource Management Plan
(RMP)for the Southern Diablo Mountain Range and Central Coast of California BLM public lands administered by the Hollister Field Office. The California State Director has signed the ROD, which constitutes the final decision of the BLM and makes the Approved RMP effective immediately. ADDRESSES: Copies of the ROD and RMP are available upon request from the Field Manager, Hollister Field Office, Bureau of Land Management, 20 Hamilton Court, Hollister, California 95023 or via the internet at *http://www.ca.blm.gov/hollister* . FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sky Murphy, Hollister Field Office 20 Hamilton Court, Hollister, California 95023; Tel:
(831)630-5039; E-mail: *Sky_Murphy@blm.gov* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Hollister RMP for the Southern Diablo Mountain Range and Central Coast of California provides direction for managing approximately 274,000 acres of BLM-managed surface acres and 443,806 additional subsurface acres (mineral estate) in central California. The geographic area includes all BLM-managed public lands within the counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Monterey, San Benito, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and portions of Fresno, Merced, Stanislaus, and San Joaquin counties. Planning for the Hollister RMP officially began with a Notice of Intent published in the **Federal Register** on March 30, 2004 initiating scoping. BLM sought participation from the public, tribes, and local state, and federal agencies in the development of this RMP and will continue to pursue partnerships in the management of the public lands. The RMP describes the actions to meet desired resource conditions for vegetation communities, wildlife habitats, and cultural and visual resources. It also outlines actions for recreation, protection of sensitive natural and cultural resources, livestock grazing, guidance for energy and mineral development, land tenure adjustments, and other planning issues raised during the scoping process. The BLM's Draft RMP/Draft Environmental Impact Statement
(EIS)for the Southern Diablo Mountain Range and Central Coast of California (October 2005) presented alternatives to help the BLM and interested parties understand the various ways of addressing issues in the region. Upon evaluation of the alternatives and associated impacts described in the Draft RMP/EIS and based on public and agency comments on that document, the BLM prepared the Proposed RMP and Final EIS for the Southern Diablo Mountain Range and Central Coast of California, which was released on July 14, 2006. The Proposed RMP includes the preferred alternative identified in the Draft RMP/EIS with minor changes as a result of comments received. Eleven protest letters on the Proposed RMP were received and resolved by the BLM Director. The BLM determined that the Preferred Alternative, as described in the Proposed RMP and Final EIS, best meets the purpose and need for the plan; however, two
(2)minor changes will be made to the ROD/Approved RMP. First, a mapping error will be corrected to show that BLM public lands in the Clear Creek Management Area administrative boundary, which were mistakenly included in Appendix A on Figures 25-27 of the Proposed RMP and Final EIS, will not be made available for disposal under this Record of Decision. Second, if and when BLM acquires certain property, described as approximately 5,514 acres at Coast Dairies in Santa Cruz County, management decisions for this property will be outlined in a separate Record of Decision (ROD). The Approved RMP expands the existing 43,357 acre Panoche-Coalinga Area of Critical Environmental Concern
(ACEC)to include an additional 12,772 acres, and designates two new ACECs (21,980 acres) and one Research Natural Area
(RNA)for a total of 78,109 acres of special designations, which is approximately 3 percent of the planning area. The new ACECs include all BLM public lands at the former Fort Ord and 7,327 acres of BLM public lands surrounding Joaquin Rocks. The Monvero Dunes RNA (1,173 acres) is contained within the Panoche-Coalinga ACEC expansion. The following types of resource use limitations would generally apply to these ACECs:
(1)Motorized travel would be limited to designated routes;
(2)limits on land disposal; and
(3)limits on new mineral development (mineral leasing, locatable minerals and wind energy) to protect unique cultural values and special status plants and animals. For detailed information, see Chapter 3 and Appendix D of the ROD for the Hollister RMP for the Southern Diablo Mountain Range and Central Coast of California. The Governor of the State of California in his letter dated September 15, 2006 stated, “Pursuant to 43 CFR 1603-2, and after consulting with affected State and Local agencies, the Governor's Office of Planning and Research
(OPR)has not found any inconsistencies with any state or local plans, policies, or programs with regards to this [Proposed] Resource Management Plan.” The decisions identifying designated routes of travel for motorized vehicles are implementation decisions and are appealable under 43 CFR Part 4. These decisions are contained on Figures 17-21 in Appendix A of the RMP. Any party adversely affected by the decisions identifying designated routes may appeal within 30 days of publication of this Notice of Availability. The appeal should state the specific route(s), as identified in Appendix A of the RMP, on which the decision is being appealed. The appeal must be filed with the Hollister Field Manager at the above listed address. Please consult the appropriate regulations (43 CFR Part 4, Subpart E) for further appeal requirements. Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your appeal, you should be aware that your entire appeal—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your appeal to withhold your personal information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Dated: July 26, 2007. Rick Cooper, Hollister Field Office Manager. [FR Doc. E7-17718 Filed 9-6-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-40-P DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Notice of Lodging of Consent Decree Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act Pursuant to 28 CFR 507 notice is hereby given that on August 16, 2007, a proposed Consent Decree in the Case *United States* v. *Gwen Campbell Trust 1995 et al.* , Civil Action No. 07-05350 GHK (FFMx), was lodged with the United States District Court for the Central District of California. In this action, under Sections 106 and 107 of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. 9606 and 9607, the United States sought injunctive relief and recovery of response costs to remedy conditions in connection with the release or threatened release of hazardous substances into the environment at the Waste Disposal, Inc. Superfund Site in Santa Fe Springs, California (hereinafter referred to as the “Site” or “WDI Site.” The defendants in this action own a portion of the WDI Site, and the purpose of the settlement is to provide to the United States the access and institutional controls or environmental restriction covenants which are required to perform the remedial action at the Site. The Department of Justice will receive for a period of thirty
(30)days from the date of this publication comments relating to the proposed Consent Decree. Comments should be addressed to the Assistant Attorney General, Environment and Natural Resources Division, U.S. Department of Justice, P.O. Box 7611, Washington, DC 20044-7611, and should refer to *United States* v. *Gwen Campbell Trust 1995 et al.* , D.J. Ref. 90-11-2-1000/4. The proposed Consent Decree may be examined at U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IX, 75 Hawthorne Street, San Francisco, CA 94107. During the public comment period, the Consent Decree, may also be examined on the following Department of Justice Web site, *http://www.usdoj.gov/enrd/open.html.* A copy of the proposed Consent Decree may also be obtained by mail from the Consent Decree Library, P.O. Box 7611, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC 20044-7611, or by faxing Tonia Fleetwood at fax no.
(202)514-0097 (phone confirmation number
(202)514-1547) or by e-mailing Tonia Fleetwood at *tonia.fleetwood@usdoj.gov.* In requesting a copy of the Consent Decree from the Consent Decree Library, please enclose a check in the amount $69.50 (25 cents per page reproduction cost × 278 pages) payable to the U.S. Treasury. In requesting a copy of the Consent Decree, exclusive of exhibits, please enclose a check in the amount of $15.25 (25 cents per page reproduction cost × 61 pages) payable to the U.S. Treasury. Henry S. Friedman Assistant Section Chief, Environmental Enforcement Section. [FR Doc. 07-4359 Filed 9-6-07; 8:45 am]
Connectionstraces to 4
4 references not yet in our index
- 43 CFR 4.400
- 43 CFR 4
- 43 CFR 1603
- 28 CFR 507
Citation graph
cites case law
Notices
Notice of document availability for review and comment
Cite43 CFR 4.400
Cite43 CFR 4
Cite43 CFR 1603
Cite28 CFR 507
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