[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 81 (Thursday, April 28, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page ]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-9823]


[Federal Register: April 28, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
[NM-070-4350-1]


Intent To Prepare Resource Management Plan Amendment; Farmington 
District, NM

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of intent and invitation to participate in a plan 
amendment/environmental assessment to address the impacts of 
implementing restrictions on off highway vehicle travel in the BLM's 
Farmington District, New Mexico.

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SUMMARY: The BLM will prepare a RMP plan amendment/environmental 
assessment for the purpose of addressing the impacts related to 
imposing travel restrictions on off highway vehicle travel in the 
Farmington District. The travel restrictions will apply to the entire 
Farmington District which occupies approximately three million acres of 
mixed land status in the northwest quadrant of New Mexico. Within this 
area there are about 1.5 million acres of public land with significant 
amounts of private, indian allotted, Navajo Tribal trust, state of New 
Mexico and lands withdrawn for the exclusive use of Navajo Indians 
under Public Land Order 2198 and 1483.

DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before June 1, 1994. Two 
methods will be employed to obtain public input into the planning 
process. The first method will be to receive written comments from the 
public in response to this Notice of Intent. The second method will be 
to hold two public meetings.

ADDRESSES: Comments should be sent to the RMP Amendment/EA Team Leader, 
BLM, Farmington District Office, 1235 Laplata Highway, Farmington, New 
Mexico 87401.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:John Hansen at the address above or at 
(505) 599-6325.

PUBLIC MEETINGS: An additional opportunity will be provided to the 
public to comment through two public meetings that will be held at the 
following times and locations.

Date: May 11, 1994.
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Farmington Civic Center, 200 W. Arrington, Farmington, New 
Mexico.

Date: May 17, 1994.
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: Crownpoint Institute of Technology, Crownpoint, New 
Mexico.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Description of Proposed Planning Action: the 
proposed action is to amend the existing Farmington Resource Management 
Plan for the purpose of implementing off highway vehicle travel 
restrictions on public lands within the Farmington District.

Type of Issues Anticipated

    1. The ability of industry personnel to conveniently and cost 
effectively access oil and gas wells may be impacted due to the 
obliteration of some duplicate roads.
    2. Enforcement of area limitations and road closures through 
installation of signs may be very difficult.
    3. If benefits are expected to accrue to big game animals couldn't 
this be accomplished through means other than limiting vehicle travel.
    4. Visual resources have already been significantly altered in the 
Farmington District as a result of energy development. Is it reasonable 
to assume that additional, similar development will have any more of a 
negative impact?
    5. Off road vehicle enthusiasts may object to increasing the 
limited designation acreage.
    6. How many miles of road will need to be closed by ripping and 
seeding, signing or gating?
    7. Some people may object to the limited designation due to its 
impact on their ability to travel off road by vehicle in search of 
firewood, pinyon nuts and livestock.
    Criteria to Guide Development of the Planning Action: The planning 
criteria were identified to help guide the resolution of the issues.

Non-Discretionary Criteria

    1. The proposed action must comply with laws, executive orders and 
regulations.
    2. The proposed action must be reasonable and achievable with 
available technology.

Discretionary Criteria

    1. Evaluate and consider long term benefits to the public in 
relation to short term benefits.
    As new information becomes available during the planning process or 
through public participation, additional criteria may be developed for 
future guidance of this planning effort.
    The Disciplines to be Represented on the Interdisciplinary Team: 
The planning amendment/environmental assessment will be prepared by an 
interdisciplinary team consisting of a wildlife biologist, rangeland 
management specialist, geologist, recreation planner, surface 
protection specialist and an environmental coordinator. A habitat 
management specialist and a conservation officer with the New Mexico 
Department of Game & Fish will also be on the team to provide 
additional wildlife input.

The Kind and Extent of Public Participation Activities To Be Provided

    A press release will be sent to the local newspapers informing them 
of the proposed planning action.
    Two public meetings will also be held to inform the public of the 
proposed action and solicit comments.

The Location and Availability of Documents Relevant to the Planning 
Process

    Pertinent information is available at the BLM Office at 1235 
Laplata Highway, Farmington, New Mexico 87401 and is subject to public 
review on weekdays from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

    Dated: April 18, 1994.
Patricia E. McLean,
Acting Associate State Director.
[FR Doc. 94-9823 Filed 4-26-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-FB-M