[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 177 (Tuesday, September 14, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Page 49760]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-23957]



[[Page 49760]]

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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Lemhi Pass Management Plan, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, 
Beaverhead County, Montana, and Salmon-Challis National Forest, Lemhi 
County, Idaho

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice; intent to prepare environmental impact statement.

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SUMMARY: The Forest Service will prepare an environmental impact 
statement on a proposal to develop recreation facilities at Lemhi Pass, 
and manage the Lemhi Pass National Historic Landmark.

DATES: Comments concerning the scope of the analysis should be received 
in writing by October 15, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Send written comments to Dillon Ranger District, Beaverhead-
Deerlodge National Forest, 420 Barrett St., Dillon, MT 59725.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Katie R. Bump, Lemhi Pass project 
coordinator, (406) 683-3900.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Lemhi Pass, on the Continental Divide 
between Idaho and Montana, is a National Historic Landmark, on the 
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. With the approaching 
bicentennial of Lewis and Clark's expedition (2003-2006), the 
Beaverhead-Deerlodge and Salmon-Challis National Forests are studying 
ways to preserve the historic, natural landscape of Lemhi Pass, and 
accommodate increased numbers of visitors. The decision to be made is 
selection of the facilities and management standards and guidelines 
appropriate to preserve the historic value of the site in the 
bicentennial years and for the long term, and accommodate visitors at 
Lemhi Pass. The general direction for management at Lemhi Pass comes 
from the two Forest Plans, and from the Comprehensive Management Plan 
for the Lewis and Clark Trail, developed by the National Park Service; 
this decision will determine specific management actions at the site.
    Scoping will include a public meeting to be held at Lemhi Pass on 
September 25, 1999, at 10:30 am. The Forests will also use a mailing 
list of interested parties, and news releases to local media to ensure 
public involvement. The Forests are working to develop and analyze the 
effects of a range of alternatives. An initial alternative has been 
prepared, and is available for public review and comment. This initial 
alternative addresses proposed facilities including parking areas, 
picnic sites, road and trail improvements, and interpretation, along 
with management standards for the site. Issues that have been 
identified include protection of the historic values associated with 
the natural landscape and scenic qualities of the area, accommodation 
for visitors including physically challenged people, concern for public 
safety, and effects on the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, 
Roadless area, recreation opportunities, livestock grazing, wildlife, 
fisheries and vegetation.
    The joint lead agencies are the Beaverhead-Deerlodge and Salmon-
Challis National Forests, USDA Forest Service. The responsible 
officials are David Fallis, Dillon District Ranger, Beaverhead-
Deerlodge National Forest, 420 Barrett St., Dillon, MT 59725, and 
Richard Ward, Leadore District Ranger, Salmon-Challis National Forest, 
P.O. Box 180, Leadore, ID 83464. Written comments and suggestions are 
invited.
    The draft EIS is tentatively planned for filing in January 2000, 
with the final EIS filed by May 2000. The comment period on the draft 
environmental impact statement will be 45 days from the date the 
Environmental Protection Agency publishes the notice of availability in 
the Federal Register.
    It is very important that those interested in this proposed action 
participate by the close of the 45-day comment period so that 
substantive comments and objections are made available to the Forest 
Service at a time when it can meaningfully consider them and respond to 
them in the final environmental impact statement.
    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 
40 CFR 1503.3 in addressing these points.).

    Dated: September 2, 1999.
David S. Fallis,
District Ranger.
[FR Doc. 99-23957 Filed 9-13-99; 8:45 am]
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