[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 71 (Monday, April 14, 1997)] [Notices] [Pages 18143-18144] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 97-9457] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [NV-040-1510-00] Ely District Proposed Fire and Vegetative Resource Management Plan and Environmental Documentation AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of Intent to Modify Fire Management Plan and Other Planning Documents As Necessary, Ely District, Nevada. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land Management, Ely District, Nevada intends to modify its current Fire Management Plan and, if necessary, existing land use plans, including a Resource Management Plans (RMP), and two Management Framework Plans (MFPs) and to prepare appropriate National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis for the adoption of a Fire Management Plan (FMP). The purpose of the FMP is to provide the framework for the reintroduction of fire into the ecosystem while maintaining first priority on protection of human life, and secondary priority on protection of property and natural and cultural resources. Public comment is sought on identification of issues, alternatives that should be considered, and the level of analysis which would be appropriate under the NEPA. DATES: Comments will be accepted throughout the process of modifying plans and preparation of NEPA analysis. However, comments received after May 28, 1997 may not be reflected in the alternatives considered in any preliminary NEPA analysis. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bill Dunn, Fire Management Officer, Bureau of Land Management, Ely District Office, HC 33 Box 33500, Ely, NV 89301; Telephone (702) 289-1920. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Federal Wildland Fire Policy and Program Review was completed to address issues of firefighter safety, as well as costs, inefficiencies, and inconsistencies between federal agencies involved in wildland fire suppression. Among the results of that review is a standardization of policies and procedures among Federal agencies, including the determination that wildland fire, as a critical natural process, must be reintroduced into the ecosystem. The Bureau of Land Management, Ely District intends to develop objectives through a Technical Review Team, and supported by resource professionals, which will integrate fire into resource management; including fire suppression, prescribed fire, fuels management and public education (including fire prevention) without regard to administrative boundaries. Because the Technical Review Team will include private property owners, all of the affected land managing agencies (County, State and Federal), and interested land users, the preliminary fire management objectives will be developed through consensus to apply to all lands without regard to administrative jurisdiction to permit a comprehensive and realistic approach to fire and vegetative resource management. At this point, it is uncertain what level of plan modification will be needed, if any. Land use plans affected by actions within the Ely District include the Egan Resource Management Plan, Schell Management Framework Plan, and Caliente Management Framework Plan. The level of environmental analysis appropriate under the Council on Environmental Quality's regulations implementing NEPA (40 CFR part 1500) is undetermined pending the outcome of the Technical Review Team's recommendations. Should it be determined that no environmental [[Page 18144]] impact statement is needed, NEPA analysis will be accomplished through an environmental assessment or an administrative determination. Public input on issues and alternatives for the fire and vegetative resource management plan will be forthcoming through the Technical Review Team's efforts. This notice invites additional public comment on the proposal to modify the Fire Management Plan, and affected land use plans, if applicable. Preliminary issues identified include: human health and safety; protection of property; protection of natural and cultural resources; use of fire to enhance biodiversity, stabilize soils, and promote ecological health; maintenance or improvement of rangeland health in accordance with established standards; and the proper role of fire in areas managed for wilderness values. No preliminary alternatives have been identified. Dated: April 2, 1997. Gene A. Kolkman, District Manager. [FR Doc. 97-9457 Filed 4-11-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-HC-P