[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 216 (Wednesday, November 8, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Pages 56349-56350]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-27583]



-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
[Colorado; CO-930-06-1020-00]


Notice of Intent To Modify Resource Management Plans and To 
Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement to Adopt Standards for 
Rangeland Health and Guidelines for Grazing Management in Colorado

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.

ACTION: Notice; Intent to modify Resource Management Plans within 
Colorado and to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Colorado intends to 
modify all existing Resource Management Plans (RMP) in the State and to 
prepare appropriate National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis 
for the adoption of Standards for Rangeland Health and Guidelines for 
Grazing Management as provided in the BLM's new grazing regulations (43 
CFR Part 4100). Two additional RMPs that are currently being developed 
will also be modified as a result of this effort. Public comment is 
sought on the issues and alternatives to be considered, and on 
suggested standards and guidelines.

DATES: Comments will be accepted throughout the process of modifying 
plans and preparation of NEPA analysis. However, comments received 
after January 2, 1996, may not be reflected in the alternatives 
considered in the draft environmental impact statement or other NEPA 
analysis.


[[Page 56350]]

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jim Sazama, Team Leader, Bureau of 
Land Management, 2505 South Townsend, Montrose, CO 81401; phone 970-
249-6047.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The BLM's new grazing administration 
regulations (43 CFR Part 4100), which became effective August 21, 1995, 
provide for the development of Standards for Rangeland Health and 
Guidelines for Grazing Administration. In Colorado, BLM intends to 
develop these standards and guidelines through the BLM's planning 
process. Incorporating standards and guidelines into existing plans 
will require some form of plan modification, ranging from simple plan 
maintenance to plan amendment. Resource Management Plans to be modified 
are: Glenwood Springs, Grand Junction, Gunnison, Kremmling, Little 
Snake, Northeast, San Juan/San Miguel, San Luis, and Uncompahgre Basin 
RMPs. Two other RMPs that are currently being completed, the Royal 
Gorge RMP and White River RMP, will also be modified, as appropriate. 
Modifying all of Colorado BLM's RMPs at the same time is intended to 
streamline efforts and to provide for a broader view of rangeland 
ecosystems.
    At this point, it is uncertain what level of plan modification will 
be needed, plan maintenance or plan amendment. Similarly, the level of 
environmental analysis appropriate under the Council on Environmental 
Quality's regulations implementing NEPA (40 CFR Part 1500) may vary. 
Should it be determined that no environmental impact statement is 
needed, NEPA analysis will be accomplished via an environmental 
assessment.
    Public input on standards and guidelines for Colorado was received 
at a series of workshops conducted in early September 1995. Input has 
also been received from Colorado BLM's Front Range, Southwest and 
Northwest Resource Advisory Councils.
    This notice invites additional public comment on the proposal to 
develop standards and guidelines and to modify the affected Resource 
Management Plans. Public comment is invited on the issues to be 
addressed and alternatives to be considered in the Environmental Impact 
Statement or other NEPA analysis.
    Issues preliminarily identified include: the effect that adoption 
of the standards will have on uses of public land, the effect that 
adoption of the proposed guidelines will have on grazing management and 
livestock operations, and the need for flexibility in standards and 
guidelines.
    Three preliminary alternatives have been identified: the 
continuation of current management as provided for in existing land use 
plans, the application of the fallback standards and guidelines 
contained in the regulations (No Action), and the adoption of standards 
and guidelines developed locally and in consultation with Colorado 
BLM's three Resource Advisory Councils.
    The NEPA analysis will be conducted using an interdisciplinary team 
that includes persons trained in archaeology, economics, plant ecology, 
hydrology, soil science, range management, and wildlife management.

    Dated: October 26, 1995.
Donald R. Glaser,
State Director, Colorado.
[FR Doc. 95-27583 Filed 11-7-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-JB-P