[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 184 (Friday, September 22, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Pages 49247-49248]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-23501]



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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Natural Resources Conservation Service


Omak Creek Watershed Project, Colville Indian Reservation, 
Washington

AGENCY: Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of Finding of No Significant Impact.

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SUMMARY: Pursuant to section 102(2) of the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969; the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations 
(40 CFR Part 1500); and the Natural Resources Conservation Service 
Regulations (7 CFR Part 650); the Natural Resources Conservation 
Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, gives notice that an 
environmental impact statement is not being prepared for the Omak Creek 
Watershed Project, Colville Indian Reservation, Washington.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Lynn A. Brown, State Conservationist, natural Resources conservation 
Service, Rock Pointe Tower West 416 Boone Avenue, Suite 450, Spokane, 
Washington 99201, telephone (509) 353-2337.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The environmental assessment of this 

[[Page 49248]]
federally assisted action indicates that the project will not cause 
significant local, regional, tribal or national impacts to the human 
environment. As a result of these findings, Lynn A. Brown, State 
Conservationist, has determined that the preparation of an 
environmental impact statement is not needed for this project.
    The project purposes are watershed protection, fish and wildlife 
enhancement, and to improve the water quality. The planned works of 
improvement include developing resource management system plans with 
the Colville Confederated Tribe and individual land operators. 
Conservation practices include grazing management, riparian planting, 
creating fish passage, water developments, fencing, cultural resource 
plots, bioengineered streambank stabilization, critical area planting, 
range seeding, troughs and other land treatment practices.
    With the adoption of this plan, Omak Creek could support the only 
anadromous fish run within the boundaries of the Colville Confederated 
Tribe's sovereign nation. Nearly 40 miles of Omak Creek and its 
tributaries may once again be available for summer steelhead and, 
potentially, chinook salmon. Treatment measures are proposed to 
additionally address habitat components necessary to restore salmonid 
habitat and to protect the watershed. Two major fish passage structures 
are proposed to provide access for salmonids to Omak Creek. Some 
treatment measures are planned to enhance and protect cultural 
resources. Both the physical and human environments were considered 
while developing the strategy for total watershed treatment.
    The Notice of a Finding Of No Significant Impact (FONSI) has been 
forwarded to the Environmental Protection Agency and to various 
Federal, State, and local agencies and interested parties. A limited 
number of copies of the FONSI are available to fill single copy 
requests at the above address. Basic data developed during the 
environmental assessment are on file and may be reviewed by contacting 
Frank R. Easter, Assistant State Conservationist (Programs).
    No administrative action on implementation of the proposal will be 
taken until 30 days after the date of this publication in the Federal 
Register.

(This activity is listed in the Catalog of Federal Domestic 
Assistance under No. 10.904, Watershed Protection and Flood 
Prevention, and is subject to the provisions of Executive Order 
12372, which requires intergovernmental consultation with State and 
local officials.)

    Dated: September 13, 1995.
Lynn A. Brown,
State Conservationist.
[FR Doc. 95-23501 Filed 9-21-95; 8:45 am]
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