[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 225 (Friday, November 21, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 62336-62337]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-30609]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for 
Issuance of an Incidental Take Permit to the Rellim Redwood Company, 
Del Norte County, CA

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior; National Marine Fisheries 
Service, NOAA, Commerce; California Department of Forestry and Fire 
Protection.

ACTION: Notice of intent.

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SUMMARY: The Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries 
Service (collectively ``the Services''), and the California Department 
of Forestry and Fire Protection intend to prepare a joint National 
Environmental Policy Act Environmental Impact Statement addressing 
approval and implementation of a Multi-Species Habitat Conservation 
Plan (Plan) submitted by the Rellim Redwood Company (Rellim) as part of 
an application for an incidental take permit, pursuant to section 10(a) 
of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The Plan will 
cover forest management activities on Rellim's forestlands in Del Norte 
County, California. Rellim intends to request an incidental take permit 
for the northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina), marbled 
murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus marmoratus) and coho salmon 
(Oncorhynchus kisutch); these species listed as threatened or 
endangered under the Act. Rellim is also seeking coverage under 
specific provisions of the permit for approximately 40 currently 
unlisted species (including those with State, proposed Federal or 
State, or other special status) should these species be listed under 
the Act in the future. The Fish and Wildlife Service, the National 
Marine Fisheries Service, and the California Department of Forestry and 
Fire Protection are acting as joint lead agencies on the project. Under 
the California Environmental Quality Act and the state Z'Berg Nejedly 
Forest Practice Act, the California Department of Forestry and Fire 
Protection must conduct its own environmental assessment, and has 
determined that a Program Timberland Environmental Impact Report will 
be prepared. In accordance with Federal and State regulations, a joint 
Environmental Impact Statement/Program Timberland Environmental Impact 
Report will be prepared.

Public Involvement

    This notice is being furnished pursuant to the Council on 
Environmental Quality Regulations for implementing the Procedural 
Provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (40 CFR sections 
1501.7 and 1508.22) to obtain suggestions and information from other 
agencies and the public on the scope of issues and alternatives to be 
considered in preparation of the Environmental Impact Statement.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before December 24, 1997. Public 
scoping meetings, at which oral and written comments can be submitted, 
are scheduled for Monday, November 24, 1997, 2:00-4:00 p.m., at the 
Cultural Center Atrium, 1001 Front Street, Crescent City, California, 
and from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the Eagles Hall, 1005 J Street, Arcata, 
California.

ADDRESSES: Comments regarding the scope of the Environmental Impact 
Statement should be addressed to Mr. Ken Hoffman, Coastal California 
Fish and Wildlife Office, 1125 16th Street, Room 209, Arcata, 
California 95521. Written comments may also be sent by facsimile to 
(707) 822-8411. Comments received will be available for public 
inspection, by appointment, during normal business hours (Monday 
through Friday; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) at the above address. All 
comments received, including names and addresses, will become part of 
the official administrative record and may be made available to the 
public.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Ken Hoffman, at the address above, 
or telephone (707) 822-7201.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Rellim manages approximately 30,000 acres in 
Del Norte County, California, as commercial forestlands that will be 
considered for inclusion in the Plan. Rellim is developing a 
comprehensive 50-year multi-species Plan, covering both listed and 
certain unlisted species. Rellim's Plan is expected to combine several 
mitigation strategies to ensure species protection.
    Rellim's multi-species planning approach is anticipated to include 
the northern spotted owl, marbled murrelet, and coho salmon, which are 
listed as threatened or endangered under the Act. In addition, about 40 
currently unlisted species (including those with State, proposed 
Federal or State, or other special status) are being considered for 
inclusion in the Plan.
    Once completed, it is expected that Rellim will submit the Plan as 
part of the incidental take permit application

[[Page 62337]]

process, as required under the provisions of section 10(a) of the Act. 
The Services will evaluate the incidental take permit application and 
associated Plan in accordance with section 10(a) of the Act and its 
implementing regulations. The environmental review of the permit 
application and the Plan will be conducted in accordance with the 
requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act and its 
implementing regulations. A No Action alternative will be considered 
consistent with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy 
Act. Another possible alternative is a ``Listed Species Only'' 
alternative. A revised Plan under this alternative would only address 
the habitat needs of the northern spotted owl, marbled murrelet, and 
coho salmon; there would be no permit coverage for species currently 
not listed under the Act. Further consideration of a reasonable range 
of project alternatives will be given during and subsequent to this 
scoping process.

    Dated: November 14, 1997.
Thomas Dwyer,
Acting Regional Director, Region 1, Portland, Oregon.
[FR Doc. 97-30609 Filed 11-20-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P