[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 152 (Monday, August 9, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Page 43141]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-20438]


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

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Forestwide Noxious Weed Control, EIS, Beaverhead-Deerlodge 
National Forest, Beaverhead, Madison, Jefferson, Silver Bow, Granite, 
and Powell Counties, MT

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice; intent to prepare environmental impact statement.

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

SUMMARY: The Forest Service will prepare an environmental impact 
statement to document the analysis and disclose the environmental 
impacts of mechanical, manual, biological, ground-based chemical, and 
aerial chemical noxious weed control methods across the Beaverhead-
Deerlodge National Forest.
    The proposed action authorizes treatment of 37,762 acres; 15,082 
acres by aerial application of chemicals, 22,640 acres by ground-based 
application of chemicals, 34 acres by biological methods, and 6.6 acres 
by mechanical methods. The objectives of the proposal are to: Protect 
the biodiversity of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest by 
preventing or limiting the spread of noxious weeds; eliminate new 
invaders before they become established; reduce known and potential 
weed seed sources; prevent or limit the spread of established weeds 
into areas containing little or no infestation; and protect sensitive 
and unique habitats.

DATES: Initial comments concerning the scope of the analysis should be 
received in writing no later than September 15, 1999.

ADDRESSES: The responsible official is Mike Paterni, acting Forest 
Supervisor, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, 420 Barrett Street, 
Dillon, MT 59725. Send written comments to the responsible official.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Diane Petroni, Interdisciplinary Team Leader, also at the Supervisor's 
Office in Dillon, or phone: (406) 683-3900.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Aerial application of herbicides would be 
authorized to treat about 40% of the identified infestations. An 
integration approach would be used to treat all infestations, including 
biological, mechanical, and ground-based chemical control methods. New 
infestations would be evaluated to determine if the site fits within 
the scope of the EIS and then prioritized for treatment. Sites selected 
for control would be treated using the parameters established and the 
analysis conducted in this EIS. Treatment of additional sites would be 
based on a site type stratification process which defined each site by 
landscape position, soil type and depth, habitat type or community, 
slope, and aspect. Pretreatment surveys would be conducted to determine 
management objectives for the site, special considerations (sensitive 
plants, presence of live water, threatened and sensitive fish, etc.), 
recommended treatment methods, and other site-specific information.
    The project areas are located throughout the Beaverhead-Deerlodge 
National Forest. The scope of this proposal is limited to noxious weed 
control measures on known infestations and new infestations as they are 
identified, and related mitigation requirements within the Beaverhead-
Deerlodge National Forest.
    Public participation is important to this analysis. Part of the 
goal of public involvement is to identify additional issues and to 
refine the general, tentative issues. A scoping notice describing the 
project was mailed to those who requested information about noxious 
weed control on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. Coordination 
with Montana Department of Environmental Quality/Water Quality Division 
will occur regarding effects to water quality. The United States Fish 
and Wildlife Service will be consulted concerning effects to threatened 
and endangered species.
    Preliminary issues identified by Forest Service specialists include 
effects to soils, water quality, and potential public concerns about 
aerial application of herbicides. The analysis will consider all 
reasonably foreseeable activities, including actions on lands adjacent 
to the National Forest.
    People may visit with Forest Service officials at any time during 
the analysis and prior to the decision. Two periods are specifically 
designated for comments on the analysis: (1) During the scoping process 
and (2) during the draft EIS period.
    During the scoping process, the Forest Service is seeking 
additional information and comments from Federal, State and local 
agencies and other individuals or organizations who may be interested 
in or affected by the proposed action. The agency invites written 
comments and suggestions on this action, particularly in terms of 
identification of issues and alternative development.
    The draft EIS should be available for review in May, 2000. The 
final EIS is scheduled for completion in September, 2000.
    The comment period on the draft EIS will be 45 days from the date 
the Environmental Protection Agency publishes the notice of 
availability in the Federal Register.
    To assist the Forest Service in identifying and considering issues 
and concerns on the proposed action, comments on the draft 
environmental impact statement should be as specific as possible. It is 
also helpful if comments refer to specific pages or chapters of the 
draft statement. Comments may also address the adequacy of the draft 
environmental impact statement or the merits of the alternatives 
formulated and discussed in the statement. Reviewers may wish to refer 
to the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations for implementing 
the procedural provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act at 
CFR 1503.3 in addressing these points.
    The responsible official will make the decision on this proposal 
after considering comments and responses, environmental consequences 
discussed in the final EIS, and applicable laws, regulations, and 
policies. The decision and reasons for the decision will be document in 
a Record of Decision.

    Dated: July 30, 1999.
Mike Paterni,
Acting Forest Supervisor.
[FR Doc. 99-20438 Filed 8-6-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-11-M