[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 105 (Tuesday, June 2, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Page 30016]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-14555]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management
[MT-020-08-1310-00]


Notice of Intent To Plan

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Montana, Miles City Field 
Office, Interior.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: An Environmental Assessment and Resource Management Plan 
Amendment is being prepared for the proposed Makoshika Area of 
Management Concern in Big Dry Resource Area, Montana. The document will 
amend the Big Dry Resource Management Plan, approved April 22, 1996. It 
will be based on existing statutory requirements and will meet the 
requirements of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. The 
document will guide future management decisions for BLM-administered 
lands and minerals in Makoshika State Park and is scheduled for 
completion by August, 1998.

DATES: Any nominations, issues, concerns, alternatives, or comments 
should be submitted to BLM by July 2, 1998.

ADDRESSES: All submissions should be sent to the following address: 
BLM, Aden Seidlitz, Associate Field Office Manager, 111 Garryowen Road, 
Miles City, MT, 59301.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Aden Seidlitz, (406) 233-2816.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Big Dry Resource Management Plan and 
Environmental Impact Statement analyzed the impacts of managing the 
Makoshika Area of Management Concern under a Memorandum of 
Understanding (MOU) between BLM and the Montana Fish, Wildlife and 
Parks. In the Record of the Decision for the RMP, BLM approved 
Makoshika's management for surface and mineral resources. The MOU 
expires in June, 1998. BLM would like to consider applying more 
restrictions to oil and gas in the area in a new MOU between BLM, 
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, and the State of Montana. If 
approved, these new restrictions would be an amendment to the Big Dry 
Resource Area Management Plan. A preliminary environmental assessment 
and MOU is being prepared and will be available for public review.
    The public is asked to assist BLM in the identification of issues 
(problems, concerns). Alternatives developed will present a range of 
feasible management actions. The ``No Action'' alternative will be 
included in accordance with 43 CFR 1502.14(d) and will represent the 
continuation of existing management.
    Meetings for management of the area are not yet scheduled. If 
meetings are scheduled, the public will be notified through the local 
media.
    Development of this document will require involvement from 
professionals from these disciplines: archaeology, economics, forestry, 
realty, geology, petroleum engineering, recreation, soil science and 
wildlife management. The public will be provided an opportunity to 
protest BLM's proposed decision when the Environmental Analysis and RMP 
Amendment are issued. Availability of this document will be announced 
in local newspapers.
    The BLM is seeking information and comments from individuals, 
organizations and agencies who may be interested or affected by BLM's 
proposals. Specifically, we request any issues, concerns or 
alternatives that should be addressed in the plan.
    This notice meets the requirements of 43 CFR 1610.2 and 43 CFR 
1610.5-5.

    Dated: May 22, 1998.
Aden Seidlitz,
Associate Field Office Manager.
[FR Doc. 98-14555 Filed 6-1-98; 8:45 am]
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