[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 220 (Wednesday, November 16, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-28236]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: November 16, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
 

Hells Canyon National Recreation Area Comprehensive Management 
Plan Amendment, Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, Baker and Wallowa 
Countries in Oregon and Adams, Idaho, and Nez Perce Counties in Idaho

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement.

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SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the USDA, Forest Service will 
prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) to amend the Land and 
Resource Management Plan to incorporate new and modified management 
direction in the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area (HCNRA) 
Comprehensive Management Plan (CMP). The EIS will tier to the Wallowa-
Whitman Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan) & Final EIS for 
the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. The HCNRA CMP is incorporated into 
the Forest Plan.
    The need for action is based on: Forest Service monitoring and 
evaluation reports indicating a need for change in programmatic 
direction to ensure resource protection pursuant to the HCNRA Act; 
alignment of programmatic direction with new private and public land 
use regulations (36 CFR part 292); revised Forest Service directives; 
changed social values; and agency emphasis on ecosystem sustainability.
    The purpose of the action is to amend existing programmatic 
direction within the Forest Plan and CMP to align management goals, 
objectives, standards and guidelines, management area direction, and 
monitoring and evaluation with the intent of the Act establishing the 
Hells Canyon NRA (Pub. L. 94-199).
    The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest invites written comments and 
suggestions on the scope of the analysis in addition to comments 
already received as a result of local and regional public participation 
activities (meetings, newsletters, surveys) in the past.
    The agency also gives notice of the full environmental analysis and 
decision-making process that will occur on the proposal so that 
interested and affected people are aware of how they may participate 
and contribute to the final decision.

DATES: Comments concerning the scope and implementation of this 
proposal must be received by December 16, 1994.

ADDRESSES: Submit written comments and suggestions concerning this 
proposal to Kurt Wiedenmann, Planning Team Leader, Wallowa-Whitman 
National Forest, P.O. Box 907, Baker City, Oregon 97814.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Direct questions about the proposed action and EIS to Kurt Wiedenmann, 
Planning Team Leader, telephone (503)-523-1296.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest proposes 
to amend the Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan) to 
modify management direction for the Hells Canyon National Recreation 
Area (HCNRA) and affirm continuation of other existing management 
direction. The planning process will be guided by the National 
Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) with implementation scheduled for 
January 1, 1996.
    This modified or affirmed management direction will provide 
programmatic management direction for the next 10 to 15 years. The 
changes will reflect the intent of the Hells Canyon National Recreation 
Area Act (HCNRA Act) (Pub. L. 94-199), public and private land use 
regulations (LUR) (36 CFR part 292), Forest Service directives, 
changing social values, agency emphasis on ecosystem sustainability, 
new information and research findings, and results from the monitoring 
and evaluation process.
    The Eastside Ecosystem Management Project, (EEMP) headquartered in 
Walla Walla, Washington, is expected to produce management direction on 
a large landscape scale based upon ecosystem management concepts. The 
Wallowa-Whitman National Forest expects to coordinate with the EEMP 
project managers to ensure that those concepts are brought forward for 
analysis in this NEPA process.
    The scope of the proposed action focuses on only those specific 
items identified for needing change through the monitoring and 
evaluation process. Reviewers are encouraged to review the CMP 
Monitoring and Evaluating Report (on file at the Forest Supervisors 
Headquarters) for a complete understanding of the existing CMP 
management direction that is affirmed or proposed for change or 
deletion.
    The proposed action recognizes the resolution of issues through 
recent NEPA decisions for the Wild and Scenic Snake River Recreation 
Management Plan, Imnaha Wild and Scenic River Management Plan, Noxious 
Weed Management, Prescribed Natural Fire Program, and Outfitting and 
Guiding for Cougar and Bear that provide improved management direction 
for the HCNRA. The issues surrounding these previous decision will not 
be considered in this EIS unless specifically addressed in the proposed 
action or the scoping or analysis process identifies new issues not 
resolved in those previous NEPA analyses.
    The proposed action would integrate management direction for the 
HCNRA within the framework of Forest Plan decisions and would 
establish:

Management Goals

    Goals are a concise statement that describe a desired condition to 
be achieved sometime in the future (36 CFR 219.3). Goal statements form 
the principal basis from which objectives are developed. Goal 
statements are intended to implement and perpetuate the intent of the 
HCNRA Act and LUR.

Management Objectives

    HCNRA management objectives would be established to describe the 
incremental progress that is expected to be made over a ten-year period 
toward the management goals/desired conditions listed above. These 
objectives would provide a basis to estimate quantities of services and 
accomplished acres that are expected during the Forest and Rangeland 
Renewable Resources Planning Act (RPA) ten-year planning periods (36 
CFR 219.11 (b)) to achieve the desired conditions.

Standards and Guidelines

    Standards and guidelines (S&Gs) are principles that specify desired 
conditions or levels of environmental quality that facilitate the 
achievement of management goals and objectives of the HCNRA Act and 
LUR.
    Specific management goals, management objectives, and standards and 
guidelines are presented as follows in relationship to the objectives 
set forth in Section 7 of the HCNRA Act:
    HCNRA Act Section 7. *  *  * the Secretary shall administer the 
recreation area in accordance with the laws, rules and regulations 
applicable to the national forests for public outdoor recreation in a 
manner compatible with the objectives set forth in Section 7 of the 
HCNRA Act.

Recreation

Goals

    Manage for a broad range of high-quality recreation settings and 
opportunities in a manner compatible with the primary objectives set 
forth in the HCNRA Act.
    Manage outdoor recreation to ensure that recreational and 
ecological values and public enjoyment of the area are enhanced and 
compatible with the objectives of the HCNRA Act.
    Provide for a broad range of education and resource interpretation 
opportunities for visitors to learn about HCNRA resources, protection, 
and management.

Objectives

    Develop a recreation-related capital investment project schedule 
which includes campground rehabilitation, and compliance with health 
and safety requirements and the American with Disabilities Act.

Standards and Guidelines

    Modify S&Gs to refine recreation opportunity spectrum (ROS) 
classifications that emphasize maintaining the level of available 
recreation opportunities and focus on more refined standards for:

--Motorized/non-motorized use,
--Limits of acceptable change for recreational capacities within the 
HCNRA,
--And administrative and recreation facilities development and 
maintenance, including site furniture, information boards, and 
interpretation.

    Develop S&Gs that establish a minimum and maximum number of special 
use permits for outfitting and guiding (including, but not limited to: 
aviation, horsepacking, backpacking, auto tours, hunting, and fishing), 
within the HCNRA that are compatible with the limits of acceptable 
change listed under Recreation and the primary objectives of the HCNRA 
Act.
    Develop S&Gs to evaluate new recreation activities to ensure 
compatibility with the primary objectives of the HCNRA Act.

Access and Facilities

Goals

    Manage the transportation system (roads, trails, airstrips, and 
waterways) to meet the primary objectives for which the HCNRA was 
established and to provide a wide range of experiences.
    Manage the transportation system to provide safe and efficient 
access for the movement of people and materials involved in the use and 
protection of the HCNRA. Right-of-way acquisition will continue to be 
actively pursued.
    Provide and manage facilities that permit access to a variety of 
HCNRA settings, opportunities, and experiences, regardless of visitor's 
physical abilities.
    Manage recreation facilities so they are in compliance with health 
and safety regulations and meet regional ROS standards.
    Manage water developments and water rights in compliance with 
applicable laws to meet resource objectives of the HCNRA.

Objectives

    Develop a right-of-way acquisition plan.
    Develop a road-related capital investment schedule.
    Develop a trail-related capital investment needs.
    Develop a water use/water rights plan.
    Develop a facilities capital investment schedule.

Standards and Guidelines

    Develop S&Gs that emphasize maintaining the level of available 
access/transportation opportunities, including over-snow travel, and 
provide for the long-term management of the transportation system 
(roads, trails, air-strips, airspace, and waterways) to meet management 
goals and objectives.
    Develop S&Gs that implement the LURs prohibiting motorized and 
mechanical equipment from using designated roads, trails and airstrips.
    Modify S&Gs to establish construction and maintenance standards for 
the transportation system.
    Develop S&Gs for selection, placement, and management of electronic 
transmission sites.
    HCNRA Act Section 7(1) the maintenance and protection of the free-
flowing nature of the rivers within the recreation area.

Wild and Scenic Rivers

Goals

    Manage wild and scenic rivers within the HCNRA in a manner 
compatible with protecting and enhancing the values for which the river 
was designated.
    Manage use of motorized and mechanical equipment to be compatible 
with the outstandingly remarkable values of each river designated 
recreation, scenic, and wild.
    Manage use of motorized and non-motorized rivercraft on the Wild 
and Scenic Snake River in a manner compatible with the protection and 
enhancement of the river's outstanding remarkable values.
    Perpetuate forested stands within wild and scenic rivers in 
``scenic'' and ``recreational'' designations to protect and enhance the 
river's outstandingly remarkable values and compatibility with the 
primary objectives of the HCNRA Act. Forested areas within ``wild'' 
designations would only be treated to provide for recreational 
facilities, such as trails, to reduce the risk of hazard trees, or to 
provide for the desired ecosystem function as a result of natural 
events provided the activity is consistent with the Wild and Scenic 
Rivers Act.
    Manage recreation and administrative facilities in a manner 
compatible with protecting and enhancing the values for which the river 
was designated.

Objectives

    No proposed changes.

Standards and Guidelines

    No proposed changes.
    HCNRA Act Section 7(2) conservation of scenic, wilderness, 
cultural, scientific, and other values contributing to the public 
benefit.

Scenery

Goals

    Manage the scenery resources for which the HCNRA was created to 
ensure their conservation and preservation.

Objectives

    Develop a scenery management plan.

Standards and Guidelines

    Develop S&Gs for sight sensory objectives and acceptable management 
techniques based on the new scenery management system (Agriculture 
Handbook 701).

Wilderness

Goals

    Preserve the Hells Canyon Wilderness for the use and enjoyment of 
the American people in such a manner as will leave it unimpaired for 
future use and enjoyment as a wilderness, and so as to provide for its 
protection and preservation of its natural conditions and unique 
character.
    Manage those historic sites that typify the economic and social 
history of the region and the American West for preservation and/or 
restoration.

Objectives

    Development a wilderness management plan.

Standards and Guidelines

    Reference proposed changes under Management Area Direction.

Heritage Resources

Goals

    Manage heritage resources on the HCNRA for their protection from 
damage or destruction. Manager heritage resources for scientific 
research, public education, and enjoyment to the extent consistent with 
protection.
    Consult with the Nez Perce Tribe of Idaho to ensure tribal concerns 
are addressed and treaty rights are protected.

Objectives

    Establish management direction for the various categories of 
heritage resources, i.e. pre-historic and historic.

Standards and Guidelines

    Develop S&Gs to establish heritage resource limits of acceptable 
change for facilities development and management.
    Develop S&Gs to establish limits of acceptable change for 
recreational impacts, defining when impacting activity must be 
mitigated and/or be curtailed.

Scientific

Goals

    Provide research opportunities designed to optimize the discovery 
of useful information for management and for the advancement of 
scientific knowledge.
    Manage research natural areas (RNA) to preserve the significant 
natural ecosystems for comparison with those influenced by man; for 
provision of ecological and environmental studies; and preservation of 
gene pools for threatened and endangered plants and animals.

Objectives

    Develop a schedule for research natural area establishment reports.

Standards and Guidelines

    Refine existing S&Gs for scientific research to meet HCNRA-wide 
management goals and objectives.
    HCRNA Act Section 7 (3) preservation, especially in the area 
generally known as Hells Canyon, of all features and peculiarities 
believed to be biologically unique including, but not limited to rare 
and endemic plant species, rare combinations of aquatic, terrestrial, 
and atmospheric habitats, and the rare combinations of outstanding and 
diverse ecosystems and parts of ecosystems associated therewith.
    On a landscape scale ensure the sustainability of ecosystem 
function. Manage the HCNRA ecosystem to ensure that: (1) Living 
organisms interacting with each other and their physical environment 
are well represented: (2) population viability is maintained; (3) 
ecosystem processes are sustained; and (4) the system displays 
resilience to short and long term disturbance effects.

Vegetation

Goals

    Manage forest and rangeland vegetation to maintain viable and 
healthy ecosystems that: Ensure the protection and enhancement of fish 
and wildlife habitats; conservation of scenic, wilderness, and 
scientific values; preservation of biologically unique habitats and 
rare combinations of outstanding ecosystems; protection and enhancement 
of a wild and scenic river's outstandingly remarkable values; and 
compatible public outdoor recreation.
    Provide for restoration of ecosystem function in a manner 
compatible with the primary objectives of the HCNRA Act.
    Manage insects and diseases to function in a natural healthy 
ecosystem. Maintain insect and disease levels within a range of 
historic variability, consistent with the Section 7 objectives of the 
HCNRA Act.

Objectives

    Identify vegetation patterns, fish and wildlife habitat and 
function outside the natural range of variability.
    Develop vegetation restoration/improvement needs.
    Develop an allotment management planning schedule.
    Adjust allotment boundaries in corporating vacant allotments.

Standards and Guidelines

    Develop S&Gs that define vegetation desired conditions (rangeland 
and forested) and appropriate vegetation management techniques for the 
use of forested stand manipulation by commercial or non-commercial 
practices, grazing (domestic and big game), and fire (prescribed fire 
and prescribed natural fire) to maintain a viable and healthy 
ecosystem.
    Develop S&Gs to protect the integrity of the natural processes and 
function inherent in old-growth associated stands and other unique 
habitat areas.
    Develop S&Gs to ensure vegetation management proposals would be 
designed to maintain components of late-successional conditions (i.e., 
snags, downed large woody material, large trees, canopy gaps, multiple 
tree layers, and diverse species composition). Silvicultural tools 
available to achieve these desired conditions include: prescribed fire 
and selection timber harvest methods. Stand density management options 
would be limited to the application of uneven-aged management 
principles (single tree and group selection), sanitation, intermediate 
and salvage prescriptions.
    Develop S&Gs for vegetation management proposals designed to 
improve the health and vigor of sapling to pole-sized stands, to 
eliminate the ``regimented spacing'' concerns and ensure compatibility 
with the primary objectives of the HGNRA Act.
    Develop S&Gs for vegetation management proposals to ensure 
consistency with PACFISH interim strategies for managing anadromous 
fisheries (anticipated to be finalized during this planning process) 
and the Wallowa County Salmon Recovery Plan.
    Develop S&Gs that establish an acceptable range of variability for 
insects and diseases to ensure sustainability of ecosystem process, 
function, and health.
    Refine S&Gs to define compatibility for the biological and social 
thresholds of domestic livestock and wild ungulate grazing.
    Develop S&Gs that allow for adjustment of domestic grazing 
allotment boundaries to incorporate and/or delete current vacant 
allotments.
    Develop S&Gs for managing plant resources of cultural significance 
to the Nez Perce Tribe of Idaho within the overall objectives of 
ecosystem management.

Biologically Unique Habitat

Goals

    Within the HCNRA lands ensure the preservation of rare and endemic 
plant species, rare combinations of aquatic, terrestrial, and 
atmospheric habitats, and the rare combinations of outstanding and 
diverse ecosystems and parts of ecosystems. Protect and manage habitat 
for the perpetuation and recovery of plants which are listed as 
threatened or endangered, and prevent sensitive species from reaching a 
point where they will become listed.

Objectives

    Develop an action plan for threatened, endangered, and sensitive 
plant species.
    Develop an action plan to identify biologically unique species and 
habitat.

Standards and Guidelines

    Develop S&Gs to provide for the identification and protection of 
biologically unique species and habitat.
    Develop and/or refine S&Gs for threatened and endangered species to 
meet recovery plan objectives and assist in recovering classified 
species to a point where they can be delisted.
    Develop S&Gs for sensitive, rare and endemic species to meet 
conservation agreement goals and objectives of the HCNRA Act and/or 
prevent sensitive species from reaching a point where they will become 
listed.

Soil

Goals

    Manage soil resources in a manner compatible with the conservation, 
preservation, and protection of those values for which the HCNRA was 
established.

Objectives

    No proposed changes.

Standards and Guidelines

    Modify S&Gs to establish allowable detrimental soil disturbance 
(now at 20%) and distribution for recreation and vegetation management 
activities to ensure accordance with HCNRA goals and objectives.
    Develop S&Gs for the long-term management of down woody material to 
meet soil productivity objectives.

Air

Goals

    Preserve the atmospheric habitats in a manner compatible with the 
preservation of rare combinations of outstanding and diverse ecosystems 
and parts of ecosystems associated within the HCNRA. Manage the Hells 
Canyon Wilderness Class I airshed to meet the requirements of the Clean 
Air Act.

Objectives

    No proposed changes.

Standards and Guidelines

    Establish as S&Gs, limits of acceptable change for the following 
Hells Canyon Wilderness air quality related values (AQRV): scenery, 
water quality, fauna, flora, and heritage resources.

Fire

Goals

    Within the Hells Canyon Wilderness, as nearly as possible, ensure 
that fire plays its natural role. In other parts of the HCNRA, manage 
natural and prescribed fire to emulate historic function of fire, where 
compatible with the Section 7 objectives of the HCNRA Act. Provide 
basic protection to human life and property.

Objectives

    Develop a fire-related improvement project schedule.

Standards and Guidelines

    Modify S&Gs to implement the prescribed natural fire program across 
the entire HCNRA in a manner compatible with the objectives of the 
HCNRA Act.
    HCNRA Act Section 7 (4) protection and maintenance of fish and 
wildlife habitat.

Fish Habitat

Goals

    Protect and maintain watersheds to be dynamic, resilient, and 
consistent with local climate, geology, land-forming processes, and 
potential natural vegetation. To ensure quality fish habitat, maintain 
excellent water quality and physical attributes which are complex, well 
distributed, and similar to those in healthy, unimpacted watershed 
ecosystems. Manage subwatersheds as interconnecting units, providing a 
diverse network of riparian and aquatic habitats throughout the overall 
watershed.
    Protect and manage fish habitat for the perpetuation and recovery 
of fish which are listed as threatened, endangered, or sensitive. 
Manage aquatic and riparian habitats so that fisheries may naturally 
produce at levels reflecting the potential productive capability.

Objectives

    Develop fisheries habitat restoration/improvement needs.
    Develop an action plan for threatened, endangered, and sensitive 
fish species.

Standards and Guidelines

    Modify S&Gs to provide higher levels of protection to reflect new 
management emphasis/direction, and to ensure consistency with the 
interim management direction establishing riparian, ecosystem, and 
wildlife standards for timber sales (Regional Forester's Forest Plan 
Amendment 1), and PACFISH Interim Strategies for Managing Anadromous 
Fisheries (anticipated to be finalized during this planning process).
    Develop and/or modify S&Gs for threatened and endangered species 
and their habitat to meet additional direction for listed anadromous 
species that may be a part of PACFISH and/or to meet recovery plan 
objectives and assist in recovering classified species to a point where 
they can be delisted.
    Develop S&Gs for sensitive, rare, and endemic species to meet 
conservation agreement goals and objectives of the HCNRA Act and/or to 
prevent sensitive species from reaching a point where they will become 
listed.

Wildlife Habitat

Goals

    Ensure the protection and maintenance of wildlife habitat in a 
manner compatible with the other primary objectives for which the HCNRA 
was established.
    Provide habitat for viable and functioning populations of all 
existing native and desired non-native vertebrate wildlife species and 
invertebrate organisms to maintain or enhance the overall quality of 
wildlife habitat.
    Protect and manage wildlife habitat for the perpetuation and 
recovery of animals and invertebrates which are listed as threatened, 
endangered, or sensitive.

Objectives

    Develop wildlife habitat restoration/improvement needs.
    Develop an action plan for threatened, endangered, and sensitive 
wildlife species.

Standards and Guidelines

    Develop and/or modify S&Gs that provide refined management 
direction to incorporate new information and research concerning late 
and old forest structure, snag habitat, and the species associated with 
that habitat.
    Modify S&Gs to reflect new management emphasis/direction to 
incorporate ecosystem management concepts and to allow for functioning 
levels of wildlife and other living organisms.
    Develop and/or refine S&Gs for threatened and endangered species 
and their habitat to meet recovery plan objectives and assist in 
recovering classified species to a point where they can be delisted.
    Develop S&Gs for sensitive, rare, and endemic species to meet 
conservation agreement goals and objectives of the HCNRA Act and/or to 
prevent sensitive species from reaching a point where they will become 
listed.
    HCNRA Act Section 7 (5) protection of archeological and 
paleontologic sites and interpretation of these sites for the public 
benefit and knowledge insofar as it is compatible with protection.

Heritage Resources/Pre-Historic Sites

Goals

    Provide for the protection of the pre-historic sites from damage or 
destruction. Manage pre-historic sites for scientific research, public 
interpretation, education, and enjoyment to the extent consistent with 
protection.

Objectives

    Reference Heritage Resources in this section.

Standards and Guidelines

    Reference Heritage Resources in this section.

Geologic

Goals

    Provide for the protection of paleontological and unique geologic 
resources from damage or destruction. Manage paleontological resources 
for scientific research to the extent consistent with protection. 
Provide for interpretation and education of unique geologic events.

Objectives

    Develop a paleontological/geologic management plan that stresses 
protection of those sites with greatest sensitivity and scientific 
value.

Standards and Guidelines

    Develop S&Gs for scientific research consistent with their 
protection.
    Develop S&Gs for the management and interpretation that ensure the 
protection of paleontological and unique geologic resources.
    HCNRA Act Section 7 (6) preservation and restoration of historic 
sites associated with and typifying the economic and social history of 
the region and the American West.

Heritage Resources/Historic-Sites

Goals

    Evaluate historic sites for preservation and restoration that 
typify the economic and social history of the region and the American 
West. Preserve and restore selected sites which typify the economic and 
social history of the region and the American West.

Objectives

    Reference Heritage Resources in this section.

Standards and Guidelines

    Reference Heritage Resources in this section.
    HCNRA Act Section 7 (7) such management, utilization, and disposal 
of natural resources on federally owned lands, including, but not 
limited to, timber harvesting by selective cutting, mining, and grazing 
and the continuation of such existing uses and developments as are 
compatible with the provisions of the Act.

Minerals

Goals

    Prohibit all mining activities with the exception of valid existing 
mineral rights as of December 31, 1975. Mining and its associated 
activities of valid existing mineral rights will emphasize meeting the 
objectives for which the HCNRA was established.
    Manage common mineral materials for the sole purpose of 
construction and maintenance of facilities, emphasizing common mineral 
material sources outside of the HCNRA.

Objectives

    No proposed changes.

Standards and Guidelines

    Develop S&Gs for the use of common variety mineral materials in the 
construction and maintenance of facilities, pursuant to the LURs.
    Develop S&Gs for site reclamation upon termination of the 
extraction of common variety mineral materials.

Landownership

Goals

    Manage landownership patterns to best meet the objectives for which 
the HCNRA was established and by implementing the standards established 
for the use and development of private lands within the HCNRA.
    Coordinate with affected county governments in the implementation 
of private LURs.

Objectives

    Modify the land and scenic easement acquisition plan.

Standards and Guidelines

    There would be no changes in S&Gs for landownership. Implementation 
would be based on the land and scenic easement acquisition plan 
addressed in Objectives.

Management Area Direction

    Management area descriptions provide the multiple-use direction for 
managing specific areas to facilitate achieving management goals and 
objectives. Each existing management area would be described in terms 
of (1) a description which defines specific managment area goals, 
objectives and resources priorities, and (2) direction.
    The following are proposed changes to management areas within the 
HCNRA:

Management Area 4--Wilderness

    Develop S&Gs that establish specific management requirements for 
the Hells Canyon Wilderness, pursuant to Forest Service Manual 2320.
    Modify S&Gs for interface areas between the Hells Canyon Wilderness 
and the Wild and Scenic Snake River.
    Modify S&Gs for management and maintenance of administrative 
facilities and range improvements.
    Modify vegetation S&Gs for forage allocation and utilization 
standards to ensure achievement of the wilderness goals and objectives.

Management Area 7--Wild and Scenic Rivers

    Modify vegetation S&Gs for forage allocation and utilization 
standards to ensure the protection and enhancement of the outstandingly 
remarkable values for which the river was designated.
    Modify vegetation S&Gs to reflect the scenic and recreational 
portions of these management areas would no longer be a component of 
the Forest allowable timber sale quantity.

Management Area 8--Wild and Scenic Snake River

    No proposed changes to recreational based activities. Management 
direction would follow the record of decision and recreation management 
plan, issued in November 1994.
    Modify vegetation S&Gs for forage allocation and utilization 
standards to ensure the proection and enhancement of the outstandingly 
remarkable values for which the river was designated.

Management Area 9--Dispersed Recreation/Native Vegetation

    Modify the title of this management area to ``Dispersed Recreation/
Primitive/Semi-Primitive.''
    Modify vegetation S&Gs for forage allocation and utilization 
standards to ensure achievement of the HCNRA-wide goals and objectives.
    Modify access S&Gs for over-snow travel to ensure achievement of 
the HCNRA-wide goals and objectives.

Management Area 10--Dispersed Recreation/Forage

    Modify the title and management area description to reflect the 
changes embodied in the public LURs. The title of this management area 
would be changed to ``Dispensed Recreation/Semi-Primitive.''
    Modify vegetation S&Gs for forage allocation and utilization 
standards to ensure achievement of the HCNRA-wide goals and objectives.
    Modify access S&Gs to establish road densities to ensure 
achievement of the HCNRA-wide goals and objectives.

Management Area 11--Dispersed Recreation/Timber Management

    Modify the title and management area description to reflect the 
changes embodied in the public LURs. The title of this management area 
would be changed to ``Dispersed Recreation/Roaded Natural-Roaded.''
    Modify the management area description to reflect the intent of the 
public LURs.
    Modify vegetation S&Gs for forage allocation and utilization 
standards to ensure achievement of the HCNRA-wide goals and objectives.
    Modify access S&Gs to establish road densities to ensure 
achievement of the HCNRA-wide goals and objectives.

Management Area 12--Research Natural Areas

    Modify vegetation S&Gs for forage allocation and utilization 
standards to ensure achievement of the HCNRA-wide goals and objectives.
    Develop S&Gs for scientific research consistent with the objectives 
for these areas.

Management Area 16--Administrative and Recreation Site Retention

    Identify sites for allocation to administrative and recreation site 
retention compatible primary objectives of the HCNRA Act and compatible 
with management area objectives.
    Develop S&Gs for management, development, and maintenance of 
administrative and recreation sites, including ROS classes.
Monitoring and Evaluation
    The monitoring and evaluation program for the HCNRA would be 
refined to be compatible with the above changes in management direction 
to ensure that the goals and objectives for the HCNRA are achieved; 
assess the effectiveness of achieving desired conditions and results; 
ensure quality consistency and cost effectiveness of monitoring data 
and information in order to support maintenance of changes in 
management direction; and maintain viable Forest Plans.
    The existing Forest Plan Monitoring and Implementation Plan and CMP 
Monitoring Plan would serve as the foundation in which to develop a 
refined monitoring plan that would best monitor the implemented 
management plan. The format for each monitoring element, whether it is 
implementation, effectiveness, or validation monitoring would address 
the following:

--Monitoring Goal
--Purpose of Monitoring
--Unit of Measure
--Threshold of Variability
--Frequency of Monitoring
--Costs
--Responsibilities

    This EIS will tier to the Final EIS and Forest Plan. The CMP is 
incorporated into the Forest Plan. The CMP provides the programmatic 
management direction for the HCNRA. The Forest Plan provides goals and 
objectives, standards and guidelines, management area direction, and 
monitoring and evaluation for the various lands on the Forest and 
HCNRA. Both the Forest Plan and CMP provide programmatic management 
direction for site-specific management practices that will be utilized 
during the implementation of the Forest Plan and CMP.
    The HCNRA consists of an estimated 652,488 acres. The HCNRA is 
comprised of the following management areas: wilderness, wild and 
scenic rivers, dispersed recreation/native vegetation, forage, 
dispersed recreation/timber management, research natural areas, and 
developed recreation and administrative facilities.
    The analysis will consider a range of alternatives, including no-
action.
    Public participation will be especially important at several points 
during the analysis, beginning with the scoping process (40 CFR 
1501.7). The Forest Service will be seeking information, comments, and 
assistance from Federal, State, local agencies and other individuals, 
organizations, or governments who may be interested in or affected by 
the proposed project. This input will be used in preparation of the 
draft EIS. The scoping process includes:
    1. Identifying potential issues.
    2. Identifying major issues to be analyzed in depth.
    3. Identifying issues which have been covered by a relevant 
previous environmental analysis.
    4. Exploring additional alternatives based on themes which will be 
derived from issues recognized during scoping activities.
    5. Identifying potential environmental effects of this project and 
alternatives (i.e., direct, indirect, and cumulative effects and 
connected actions).
    6. Determining potential cooperating agencies and task assignments.
    7. Notifying interested publics of opportunities to participate 
through meetings, personal contacts, or written comment. Keeping the 
public informed through the media and/or written material (i.e., 
newsletters, correspondence, etc.).
    The draft EIS will be filed with the Environmental Protection 
Agency (EPA) and is expected to be available for public review by 
April, 1995. The comment period on the draft EIS will be 45 days from 
the date the EPA publishes the notice of availability in the Federal 
Register. The final EIS is expected to be available for public review 
by September, 1995.
    The Forest Service believes, at this early stage, it is important 
to give reviewers notice of several court rulings related to public 
participation in the environmental review process.
    First, reviewers of draft environmental impact statements must 
structure their participation in the environmental review of the 
proposal so that it is meaningful and alerts an agency to the 
reviewer's position and contentions. Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Corp. 
v. NRDC, 435 U.S. 519, 553 (1978). Also, environmental objections that 
could have been raised at the draft stage may be waived or dismissed by 
the court if not raised until after completion of the final EIS. City 
of Angoon v. Hodel, 803 F.2d. 1016, 1022 (9th Cir. 1986) and Wisconsin 
Heritages, Inc. v. Harris, 490 F. Supp. 1334, 1338 (E.D. Wis. 1980). 
Because of these court rulings, it is very important that those 
interested in this proposed action participate by the close of the 30-
day comment period so that substantive comments and objections are made 
available to the Forest Service at a time when it can meaningfully be 
considered and responded to in the final EIS.
    To be most helpful, comments on the draft EIS should be as specific 
as possible and may address the adequacy of the statement or the merit 
of the alternatives discussed. Reviewers may wish to refer to the 
Council on Environmental Quality Regulations for implementing the 
procedural provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act at 40 
CFR 1503.3 in addressing these points.
    Public workshops are scheduled in Boise and Grangeville, Idaho and 
Enterprise and Portland, Oregon on November 28 through December 1. 
Please contact Kurt Wiedenmann, Planning Team Leader, at (503) 523-1296 
for additional information.
    The final EIS is scheduled to be completed by September, 1995. In 
the final EIS, the Forest Service is required to respond to comments 
and responses received during the comment period that pertain to the 
environmental consequences discussed in the draft EIS and applicable 
laws, regulations, and policies considered in making the decision 
regarding the proposal. R.M. Richmond, Forest Supervisor, is the 
Responsible Official. As the Responsible Official, he will decide 
whether to implement the proposal or a different alternative. The 
Responsible Official will document the decision and reasons for the 
decision in the Record of Decision. That decision will be subject to 
Forest Service Appeal Regulations (36 CFR part 217).

    Dated: November 7, 1994.
R.M. Richmond,
Forest Supervisor.
[FR Doc. 94-28236 Filed 11-15-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-11-M