[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 181 (Thursday, September 18, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 54707-54715]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-22252]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Revised Land and Resource Management Plans for the Huron-Manistee 
National Forests (Alcona, Crawford, Iosco, Lake, Manistee, Mason, 
Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Ogemaw, Oscoda and 
Wexford Counties, MI); the Hiawatha National Forest (Alger, Cheboygan, 
Chippewa, Delta, Luce, Mackinac, Marquette and Schoolcraft Counties, 
MI); and the Ottawa National Forest (Baraga, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, 
Marquette and Ontonagon Counties, MI)

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of Intent to prepare Environmental Impact Statements.

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SUMMARY: The USDA Forest Service intends to prepare three separate and 
individual Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) documents for revising 
the Huron-Manistee, Hiawatha and Ottawa National Forest Land and 
Resource Management Plans (Forest Plan) pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 1604(f) 
(5) and USDA Forest Service National Forest System Land and Resource 
Management Planning regulations. The National Forests in Michigan are 
concurrently starting the revision process for each of the three 
National Forests. The Revised Forest Plans for each Forest will 
supersede the existing Forest Plans, which were approved in

[[Page 54708]]

the mid-1980's, and any amendments associated with those individual 
Forest Plans. This Notice describes the focus areas of change, the 
estimated dates for filing the EIS, the information concerning public 
participation, the names and addresses of the responsible agency 
official and the individual who can provide additional information for 
each of the three National Forests in Michigan. In an effort to create 
efficiencies in the process, the Michigan National Forests are 
identifying areas of Plan Revision where resources, information needs, 
data assessments and public involvement can be cooperatively 
accomplished by all three Forests.

DATES: Your comments are needed on this Notice of Intent (NOI) in 
writing on or before November 17, 2003. The Draft EIS documents should 
be available for public review by March 2005. The Final EIS and Revised 
Forest Plans should be completed by March 2006. Comments should be 
addressed to the appropriate National Forest as shown below.

ADDRESSES: Send written comments to:

Huron-Manistee Nat'l Forests
    NOI-FP Revision, Huron-Manistee Nat'l Forest, 1755 S. Mitchell St., 
Cadillac, MI 49601
Hiawatha Nat'l Forest
    NOI-FP Revision, Hiawatha Nat'l Forest, 2727 No. Lincoln Rd., 
Escanaba, MI 49829
Ottawa Nat'l Forest
    NOI-FP Revision, Ottawa Nat'l Forest, E6248 U.S. Hwy. 2, Ironwood, 
MI 49938.
    Or direct electronic mail to (type: NOI-FP Revision in the subject 
line):
Huron-Manistee Nat'l Forest: [email protected].
Hiawatha Nat'l Forest: [email protected].
Ottawa Nat'l Forest: [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Huron-Manistee Nat'l Forests
    Forest Planner, 231-775-5023, Fax: 231-775-5551, TTY: 231-775-3183, 
www.fs.fed.us/r9/hmnf
Hiawatha Nat'l Forest
    Forest Planner, 906-786-4062, Fax: 906-789-3311, TTY: 906-789-3337, 
www.fs.fed.us/r9/hiawatha
Ottawa Nat'l Forest
    Forest Planner, 906-932-1330, Fax: 906-932-0122, TTY: 906-932-0301, 
www.fs.fed.us/r9/ottawa

    Responsible Official: Randy Moore, Regional Forester, Eastern 
Region, 626 East Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Regional Forester for the Eastern Region 
gives notice of the Agency's intent to prepare three separate EIS 
documents to revise the Huron-Manistee, Hiawatha and Ottawa National 
Forest Plans. The Regional Forester approved the original National 
Forest Plans in the mid-1980's. These plans guide the overall 
management of the Michigan National Forests. The six primary decisions 
in the Forest Plan are:
    1. Forest-wide multiple-use goals and objectives,
    2. Forest-wide management requirements,
    3. Management area direction,
    4. Lands suited and not suited for resource use and production 
(timber management etc.),
    5. Monitoring and evaluation requirements,
    6. Recommendations to Congress (such as wilderness), if any.
    By the requirements of the National Forest Management Act, National 
Forests must revise the Forest Plan every 10-15 years (U.S.C. 
1604(f)(5)). At this time, there are three reasons to revise the 
current Forest Plans: (1) The National Forest Management Act of 1976 
requires that such plans be revised every 10-15 years; (2) New research 
and information is available regarding management of forestlands; and 
(3) agency goals and objectives, along with other national guidance for 
strategic plans and programs, have changed. The agency Government 
Performance and Results Act Strategic Plan (2000) provides guidance to 
forest planning.
    Proposed Actions for Revising the Forest Plans: Across the state of 
Michigan, people value the opportunities public forests provide for 
enjoying recreation, solitude, nature study, and scenic beauty. People 
also expect important products from managed forests, such as wildlife 
species and habitats, recreation opportunities and events, wood 
products, and other forest products. The Michigan National Forests are 
integral to the sense of place for communities across the State, as 
well as adjoining states.
    However, each of the three Michigan National Forests also serves 
local communities with diverse needs and unique expectations. When 
making decisions in the revised plans, economic and social impacts will 
be examined. Each National Forest has proposed to focus analysis on 
topics identified as being most critically in need of change for their 
individual National Forest. These were identified through public 
comment, monitoring and evaluating implementation of the current forest 
plan.

Hiawatha National Forest Revision Topics

1. Sustainable Ecosystems, Conditions and Uses

    The Hiawatha National Forest has diverse ecosystems that provide 
habitat for numerous plants and animals, serve as a setting for 
recreational activities, and provide a mix of forest products. Since 
the implementation of the Forest Plan, new information on the 
ecological function and capability of the forest landscape has been 
developed. The Hiawatha has also completed mapping of ecological units 
using updated criteria and information, which will be used, along with 
other resource information, to:
    [sbull] Determine the most effective mix of tree species, their 
sizes and locations;
    [sbull] Determine how the vegetation composition and structure will 
provide conditions that contribute to species viability, habitat for 
game species, recreation, and forest products;
    [sbull] Determine the best locations to manage for old growth 
characteristics;
    [sbull] Determine what lands are suitable for timber harvests.
    The Hiawatha National Forest proposes the following revisions to 
the Forest Plan:
    A. Vegetation Management: Some of the Plan's vegetation composition 
and structure goals have not been met. This is due to numerous factors, 
including changed market demand, natural events (such as insect and 
disease infestations, wind events and fire), and the discovery of new 
rare plant and animal species. Species most affected were jack pine and 
the aspen group. The Hiawatha proposes to:
    1. Review and change, where necessary, the vegetation goals, 
objectives, standards, and guidelines.
    2. Use improved information about the Forest's ecosystems to better 
align management prescriptions where ecosystem capabilities favor their 
applications.
    B. Threatened, Endangered, Proposed, Sensitive and Management 
Indicator Species: The Hiawatha has many threatened, endangered or 
sensitive plant and animal species. These species require a diverse 
array of ecological conditions. Based on species viability evaluation 
and review of the current Forest Plan, the Hiawatha proposes to:
    1. Revise desired future conditions, goals, objectives and 
standards and guidelines to address rare species.
    2. Incorporate by reference designated federally threatened, 
endangered and proposed and Regional Forester Sensitive Species.

[[Page 54709]]

    3. Evaluate and change Management Indicator Species, as necessary, 
based on monitoring and new information.
    4. Assess current and projected Canada lynx habitat to determine 
the amount and distribution of suitable habitat. Develop standards and 
guidelines that incorporate the Canada Lynx Conservation Strategy, when 
appropriate.
    C. Land Suitability: The Plan classifies lands as suited and 
unsuited for timber production. Because of improved ecological 
classification information there is a need to review the Hiawatha's 
lands allocated as suited and unsuited for timber production. The 
Hiawatha proposes to review and change, as necessary, lands identified 
as suitable and not suitable for timber production incorporating new 
information on ecosystems sustainability and capability.
    D. Old Growth: The Forest Plan provides for a minimum of 51,988 
acres of lands classified as suitable for timber production to be 
designated as old growth. This implies that timber harvest could occur 
because suited lands are available to contribute the Forest's timber 
volume goals. The plan also provides guidance on the amount and species 
composition by management area. New ecological information and 
monitoring of designated old growth stands indicates some adjustments 
to the old growth system are needed. The Hiawatha proposes to:
    1. Review the old growth system design focusing on ecological 
function.
    2. Designate core old growth areas that include: wilderness, 
research natural areas, semi-primitive non-motorized areas, and Grand 
Island National Recreation Area.
    3. Maintain current plan minimum of 51,988 acres of designated old 
growth in addition to core areas; however, re-classify designated old 
growth stands from suited to unsuited for timber production.
    4. Develop forest-wide desired future conditions, goals, 
objectives, and standards and guidelines for old growth.
    E. Management Areas: The Hiawatha has 26 different management 
areas. Each area has a desired condition, prescriptions and standards 
and guidelines. The Hiawatha has mapped its ecological land types (ELT) 
to better define the inherent ecosystem capabilities that change across 
the forest. There is a need to modify management goals and objectives 
so that management is better aligned with the inherent capability of 
the land and other multiple use objectives. The Hiawatha proposes to 
review and change management areas to incorporate ecological land 
types, new information on ecosystems, sustainability and capability 
concepts and other pertinent resource information.
    F. Research Natural Areas: Research Natural Areas are examples of 
important forest, shrubland, grassland, alpine, aquatic and geologic 
types that have special or unique characteristics to complete the 
national network of research natural areas (RNAs). The Hiawatha has 3 
designated and 18 candidate RNAs. The Hiawatha proposes to review the 
existing candidate RNAs using new ecological information (ecological 
land-type mapping).
    G. Timber Output: The Hiawatha's projected timber harvest may 
change in response to changes to land suitability, management 
prescriptions, and vegetation goals. Any changes to lands identified as 
suited for timber production, as well as vegetation objectives, may 
have an affect on timber volume. The Hiawatha proposes to adjust, as 
necessary, the Plan's timber projections based on changes to land 
suitability, vegetation goals and management areas.

2. Watershed Health

    Approximately 46 percent of the Hiawatha National Forest is 
designated as wetlands. It includes nearly 1,850 miles of streams and 
28,700 acres of lakes and ponds. Based on new ecological information, 
monitoring, and review of existing Plan direction, the following areas 
need to be updated:
    A. Watershed, Riparian and Aquatic Habitat: The Hiawatha proposes 
to:
    1. Develop a desired future condition, goals, objectives, standards 
and guidelines for watershed, riparian and aquatic resources.
    2. Incorporate by reference the State of Michigan Water Quality 
Management Practices on Forest Land (BMPs).
    3. Establish watershed, riparian and aquatic monitoring protocol 
and standards.
    B. Soils: The Hiawatha proposes to:
    1. Develop a desired future condition, goals, objectives, standards 
and guidelines to insure that soil productivity and function is 
maintained in conjunction with new ecological information.
    2. Incorporate by reference regional soil standards.

3. Recreation

    A. Access: Recreation use and demands for access have changed since 
the Forest Plan was developed. Conflicts between motorized and non-
motorized recreation users have increased and demands for access to 
inland lakes and the Great Lakes continue to rise. The Hiawatha 
National Forest proposes to develop forest-wide and/or update 
management area desired condition statements, goals, objectives, 
standards and guidelines for recreation access. It will include 
direction for:
    1. Motorized and non-motorized access that provides opportunities 
for future loop and connected trails.
    2. Forest-wide direction for OHV (off highway vehicles) use.
    3. The quantity and development level for inland lakes and Great 
Lakes boat accesses.
    4. Providing access to both motorized and non-motorized recreation 
settings on inland lakes.
    B. Recreation Opportunity Spectrum. Forest plan Amendment 5 (which 
resolved the appeal(s) of the Forest Plan in 1986), allocated the areas 
of Delia's Run, Boot Lake and Buck Bay Creek to a ``semi-primitive non-
motorized (SPNM) recreation opportunity spectrum (ROS). Prior to the 
amendment, these areas were allocated to a ``roaded natural'' ROS. 
These areas do not meet the desired future condition for management for 
the SPNM recreation setting because there is a historic pattern and 
significant motorized use throughout these areas and the quality of the 
setting is not beneficial to SPNM recreation. The Hiawatha proposes to 
change the ROS classification for these areas from semi-primitive non-
motorized to semi-primitive motorized.

4. Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers

    A. Wilderness Areas: The Hiawatha National Forest has six 
wilderness areas (Rock River Canyon, Big Island Lake, Mackinac, Round 
Island, Delirium, and Horseshoe Bay) and two RARE II (Roadless Area 
Review and Evaluation) Areas (Government Island and Fibre). The Forest 
conducted an initial roadless inventory and found no areas except Fibre 
that qualified as roadless. Based on our initial inventory and 
assessment, only Fibre will be further evaluated for wilderness study.
    B. Wild and Scenic Rivers: The Forest Plan identified the Indian, 
Carp, Whitefish, Sturgeon, and East Branch Tahquamenon Rivers as 
``study rivers'' for evaluation of their potential for possible 
inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System (WSR). They 
were allocated to Management Area 8.4, with management direction that 
would not diminish their river values or free-flowing condition. As a 
result of the Michigan Scenic Rivers Act of 1991, these rivers were 
designated as Federal Wild and Scenic Rivers. Those segments

[[Page 54710]]

with primarily National Forest ownership were designated as wild and 
scenic rivers, while those segments with primarily private ownership 
were designated as study rivers. The Hiawatha completed resource 
assessments for all five rivers and amended the plan with comprehensive 
management plans for the Indian and Carp Rivers.
    The Hiawatha proposes to:
    1. Incorporate specific river management plans and establish final 
corridor boundaries for the designated sections of the East Branch 
Tahquamenon, Sturgeon and Whitefish Rivers.
    2. Incorporate new information and update management direction for 
National Forest lands within the study river segments.
    Your Comments are Important to Us: Your comments about the Hiawatha 
National Forest's proposed actions for revising the Forest Plan are 
important. It would be most helpful if you clearly indicated that you 
are referencing the Hiawatha National Forest's proposed changes and 
specific items/areas where you are in agreement with the proposal or 
wish to express a concern or alternative approach. Your rationale for 
agreeing or providing different viewpoints will assist the Forest in 
understanding your position, developing alternatives, and/or addressing 
your concern.
    The document titled ``Need for Change, Description of Proposal for 
Revising the Forest Plan of the Hiawatha National Forest'' provides 
additional details on the revision topics and is available upon 
request. You are encouraged to review this additional document before 
commenting on the Notice of Intent. You may request this additional 
information by calling the number listed above, by writing or e-mailing 
to the addresses listed in this notice, or by accessing the Forest's 
Web page.
    See the schedule of public meetings that appears in the section 
``Inviting Public Participation''.

Huron-Manistee National Forests Revision Topics

    The Huron-Manistee National Forests have completed the Forest Plan 
Revision ``Need for Change, Description of Proposal for Revising the 
Forest Plan of the Huron-Manistee National Forests.'' The following 
summarizes the proposed changes to the Forest Plan that are necessary 
to bring the 1986 Forest Plan as amended up-to-date.

1. Sustaining Ecosystems, Conditions and Uses

    A. Management Areas: The Huron-Manistee National Forest's 
management areas are based on ecological and social economic 
considerations. Each management area has unique desired conditions, 
goals and objectives. There is a need to change management areas, 
desired conditions, goals and objectives because there is new 
ecological and social information and conditions. The Huron-Manistee 
National Forests propose to:
    1. Increase ruffed grouse emphasis areas by 1,400 acres; Rural 
areas by 74,300 acres; Semiprimitive Areas by 10,500 acres; and 
candidate Research Natural Areas by 9,600 acres; and decrease the sandy 
hills and plains management area by 59,700 acres and deer and wildlife 
emphasis areas by 20,800 acres.
    2. Establish desired conditions, goals, and objectives for the 
aquatics and riparian, undesirable invasive species, fire and hazardous 
fuel management, and oil and gas resources.
    3. Update the desired conditions, goals and objectives for 
vegetation, wildlife, fish, rare plants, soils, and semiprimitive 
recreation areas.
    B. Wildlife and Rare Plants: The Huron-Manistee National Forests 
have many threatened, endangered or sensitive plant and animal species. 
These species require an array of ecological conditions. Other wildlife 
changes are proposed because areas are better suited for specific 
wildlife species, semiprimitive recreation opportunities, or candidate 
research natural areas. Based on species viability evaluation and 
review of the current Forest Plan, the Huron-Manistee National Forests 
propose to:
    1. Manage the Regional Forester Sensitive Species according to the 
Eastern Region Regional Forester's Sensitive Species Framework.
    2. Restore and maintain large-scale openings for grassland, 
prairie, savannah, and oak-pine barrens up to approximately 10 percent 
of the sandy hills and plains land type associations (approximately 
58,600 acres). The size of openings may be up to approximately 500 
acres.
    3. Restore Kirtland's warbler nesting habitat areas up to 
approximately 550 acres in size.
    4. Protect resource values by managing landforms such as coastal 
plain marshes, bogs, swales, fens, and mesic prairies consistent with 
ecological processes.
    5. Improve habitat conditions for species such as: American 
ginseng, northern goshawk, red-shouldered hawk, red headed woodpecker, 
Eastern massasauga rattlesnake, cerulean warbler, and common loon.
    6. Change the Nordhouse Dunes North Semiprimitive Area to a grouse 
emphasis area.
    7. Increase the amount of ruffed grouse emphasis areas by 
approximately 1,400 acres and reduce the deer emphasis areas by 
approximately 18,511 acres and wildlife emphasis areas by approximately 
2,326 acres in order to establish candidate research natural areas and 
semiprimitive areas.
    C. Research Natural Areas: The Huron-Manistee National Forests 
presently have three research natural areas and four candidate research 
natural areas. The Forests have inventoried potential areas for 
candidate research natural areas and propose to add 19 candidate 
research natural areas (approximately 9,600 acres) to protect unique or 
representative areas and conduct research, observation, and education 
programs.
    D. Management Indicator Species and Monitoring: The Huron-Manistee 
National Forests have management indicator species and conducts 
monitoring annually. The Forests annually prepare a monitoring and 
evaluation report. There is a need to identify management indicator 
species to improve the monitoring and evaluation of the effects of 
implementing the Forest Plan and to monitor in an efficient and 
effective manner. The Forests propose to evaluate, and revise if 
needed, management indicator species and monitoring requirements during 
the preparation of the draft environmental impact statement and Forest 
Plan.
    E. Timber Management: The Huron-Manistee National Forests Allowable 
Sale Quantity is 82.2 MMBF per year; Maximum Long Term Sustained Yield 
Capacity is 261.0 MMBF per year; and little or no timber volume was 
projected from lands classified as not suitable for timber production. 
The lands suitable for timber management have changed due to past 
decisions and proposed Forest Plan revision changes. The Forests are 
planning activities, such as stewardship contracts and timber sales, to 
restore old growth, create small and large-scale openings and create 
permanent fuel breaks on lands classified as not suitable for timber 
production. The Forests propose to:
    1. Recalculate the maximum long-term sustained yield capacity.
    2. Add an objective/outcome for timber derived from lands 
classified as not suitable for timber production (non-chargeable to the 
allowable sale quantity

[[Page 54711]]

volume) up to approximately 20 MMBF per year.

2. Watershed Health

    The Huron-Manistee National Forests updated aquatic standards and 
guidelines in 2003 through Forest Plan Amendment number 24. Based on a 
review of the Forest Plan, the Forests propose the following changes:
    1. Incorporate Aquatic Ecological Classification and Inventory 
System information into the aquatics desired condition.
    2. Categorize lakes in the desired conditions, goals and objectives 
in terms of baseline trophic status and morphological/hydrological 
sensitivity in order to better manage our lakes.
    3. Incorporate by reference the terms and conditions of applicable 
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission license orders as standards and 
guidelines.
    4. Update the guideline to manage vegetation attractive to beaver 
in riparian areas to closer mimic natural disturbance regimes.

3. Recreation

    A. Semiprimitive: The Forests reviewed existing and potential 
semiprimitive areas for suitability and propose the following changes:
    1. Add approximately 5,000 acres of semiprimitive non-motorized 
recreation areas.
    2. Add approximately 5,500 acres of semiprimitive motorized areas.
    3. Change the southern portion of the Briar Hills Semiprimitive 
Non-motorized Area to a semiprimitive motorized area.
    B. Aesthetics: Visual quality objectives have been replaced by the 
National Scenery Management System which incorporates ecological and 
socio-economic considerations in scenery management. The Forests 
propose to incorporate the Scenery Management System visual integrity 
and sensitivity principles to better integrate ecological and social 
considerations.
    C. Access: The Huron-Manistee National Forests have adequate Forest 
Plan direction for access (roads and trails). The Forest Plan did not 
consider new uses such as mountain bikes. The Forests propose to allow 
mountain bikes on trails unless posted closed. Evaluate and incorporate 
into the Forest Plan, as needed, new trail uses as they occur.

4. Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers

    A. Wilderness: The Huron-Manistee National Forests have one 
Wilderness Area, Nordhouse Dunes, and one RARE II (Roadless Area Review 
and Evaluations) area, Bear Swamp. The Forests conducted an initial 
roadless inventory and found no areas that qualified as roadless. Based 
on our initial inventory and assessment, no areas would be recommended 
for wilderness study.
    B. Wild and Scenic Rivers: The Huron-Manistee National Forests have 
five federally designated national wild and scenic rivers. River 
management plans have been developed and approved for all rivers. The 
Forests have four study rivers. Some of the wild and scenic or study 
rivers boundaries need to be established or improved. Recent changes in 
land uses have altered the values of some of the study rivers. The 
Forests propose to:
    1. Change the Au Sable River management area boundary to extend to 
roads on both sides of the River.
    2. Place the White River, Little Manistee River, and a portion of 
the Pine River up to M-55 in ``lands-in-holding'' status until river 
studies are completed.
    3. Drop the Little Muskegon and Muskegon Rivers from further Wild 
and Scenic River study because of limited federal ownership and private 
development along the rivers.

5. Wildland Fire and Fuels Management

    The Huron-Manistee National Forests' Forest Plan contains general 
guidance on fire and fuels management. The Forests are comprised of 
land type association and vegetative communities that are fire 
dependent. The Forests are also highly fragmented with private 
ownership and an increasing number of new homes and cabins. The Forest 
Service, through the National Fire Plan, is emphasizing fire and fuels 
management. The Huron-Manistee National Forests reviewed the current 
situation, new information (ecological, social and Forest Service 
direction) and propose to:
    1. Add a standard to integrate fire and fuels management with 
natural resources and programs.
    2. Include a description of the urban-rural interface (mixed 
forests and dense housing areas) and intermix (mixed forests and sparse 
housing areas) within the desired condition of Management Areas 2.4 and 
4.4 (approximately 77,500 acres).
    3. Include a description of the fire history, forest type, fuel 
loadings and risks, fire suppression strategy, and fire response in the 
desired conditions of each management area.
    4. Include a guideline to manage hazardous fuels by mimicking 
natural fire regimes in fire-dependent ecosystems and at-risk urban-
rural interface and intermix areas.
    5. Add an objective/outcome to annually initiate, create or 
maintain approximately 2,000 acres of fuel barriers and 8,000 acres of 
hazardous fuels reduction.
    6. Add a guideline to limit fuel barrier creation to be up to 
approximately 8 miles in length and temporary or permanent openings up 
to approximately 500 acres in size.
    7. Add a guideline to conduct, as needed, project-level fuels 
hazard reduction effectiveness monitoring.

6. Minerals

    The Huron-Manistee National Forests have a very modest oil and gas 
program. The Forests have identified National Forest System lands 
available for oil and gas development and have established adequate 
standards and guidelines. Regulations require the Forest Plan to 
include a reasonable foreseeable development of oil and gas resources 
and the identification of lands which may be leased. The Forest 
proposes to:
    1. Calculate the Reasonable Foreseeable Oil and Gas Development 
(our interim estimate is approximately 100 wells on National Forest 
System lands) for the next 10-15 years.
    2. Identify National Forest System lands which may be consented to 
lease for oil and gas developments.
    Your Comments are Important to Us: Your comments about the Huron-
Manistee National Forests proposed actions for revising the Forest Plan 
are important. It would be most helpful if you clearly indicated that 
you are referencing the Huron-Manistee National Forests' proposed 
changes and specific items/areas where you are in agreement with the 
proposal or wish to express a concern or alternative approach. Your 
rationale for agreeing or providing different viewpoints will assist 
the Forests in understanding your position, developing alternatives, 
and/or addressing your concern. The document titled ``Need for Change, 
Description of Proposal for Revising the Forest Plan of the Huron-
Manistee National Forests' provides additional details on the revision 
topics and is available upon request. You are encouraged to review this 
additional document before commenting on the Notice of Intent. You may 
request this additional information by calling the number listed above, 
by writing or e-mailing to the addresses listed in this notice, or by 
accessing the Forests' Web page. See the schedule of public meetings 
that appears in the section ``Inviting Public Participation''.

[[Page 54712]]

Ottawa National Forest Revision Topics

1. Sustaining Ecosystems, Conditions and Uses

    Since the implementation of the present Forest Plan began in 1986 
advancements have been made in knowledge of ecological capabilities and 
mapping of ecological units. This knowledge, along with field 
experience, will be used to reassess the suitability of lands for 
timber management, enhance the contribution to the viability of plant 
and animal species, provide for cultural, commercial and personal uses 
of special forest products, and adjust management objectives to better 
match ecosystems capabilities. Specifically, the following will be 
addressed:
    A. Invasive Species: The Forest Plan will be revised to include 
standards and guidelines outlining a Forest-wide program on non-native 
invasive plant and animal listing, inventory, mapping, treatment, and 
monitoring, as the current Plan direction is limited in this area.
    B. Management Indicator Species: The Forest will evaluate and 
change Management Indicator Species (MIS), as necessary, based on 
monitoring and new information.
    C. Vegetation Management: New information concerning: The 
suitability of lands for timber production, biological diversity, 
conditions that support the viability of species, cultural, commercial 
and personal uses of special forest products, and ecosystem capacity 
offer the Forest an opportunity to better align the management of the 
resources to ecosystem capabilities.
    Through the revision process the Forest proposes to:
    1. Review, and as needed, change forest-wide goals and management 
requirements, location and management direction for individual 
management areas including standards and guidelines to enhance the 
contribution to the viability of native and desired non-native species 
known to reside on the Forest, as well as other multiple use 
objectives, including cultural uses and values.
    2. Change Forest Plan direction as needed to contribute to a 
diversity of plant and animal communities, and tree species, consistent 
with the overall multiple-use objectives of the planning area.
    3. Change the location and number of acres of land suited and not 
suited for timber production in order to maintain soils productivity 
and high quality water conditions.
    4. Better align hardwood silviculture (management methods) with 
ecosystem units which favor its application. This will result in an 
increase in the number of acres managed uneven-aged versus even-aged.
    5. Emphasize the retention and or expansion of white pine and 
hemlock in northern hardwood stands to improve biodiversity.
    6. Increase the number of acres managed for long-lived conifers.
    7. Maintain or increase a number of acres of short rotation 
conifers as needed to further contribute to habitat for native species.
    8. Adjust the amount and location of aspen forests to better match 
ecosystems capabilities, align with new suitable lands information and 
support conservation of the Canada lynx.
    9. Change Forest Plan direction concerning the management of forest 
stands adjacent to old growth. In addition, old growth management 
direction may be changed as needed to contribute to species viability.
    10. Adjust the amount of managed forest openings to better match 
ecosystem capabilities and opportunities.
    11. Change Forest Plan direction to address the role of wildfire 
and prescribed fire in fire-prone ecosystems including management areas 
emphasizing conifer species.
    It is anticipated that these proposed actions will lead to a change 
in species composition objectives in some management areas, and change 
the location and size of some management areas. As a result, the 
ability of the Forest to maintain its current and projected levels of 
timber harvest and contribution to the regional economic market will be 
reassessed.
    D. Research Natural Areas: Research Natural Areas are examples of 
important forest, shrubland, grassland, alpine, aquatic and geologic 
types that have special or unique characteristics to complete the 
national network of research natural areas (RNAs). The Ottawa has 1 
designated and 2 candidate RNAs. The Ottawa proposes to review the 
existing candidate RNAs using new ecological information.
    E. Canada Lynx: Management direction for the Forest will provide 
habitat and management direction that supports the conservation of the 
threatened Canada lynx.

2. Watershed Health

    A. Watershed, Riparian and Aquatic Habitat: The Revised Forest Plan 
will include standards and guidelines that enhance protections and 
guide management decisions in riparian areas. These will address 
riparian function and structure which contribute to biodiversity. These 
will also address management to improve cold-water stream habitats.
    B. Management of Dams: Guidelines will be included in the Revised 
Forest Plan to be considered with projects involving existing dams , or 
additions or removals of dams on forest streams. Guidelines will 
address residual stream flow, habitat for sensitive species, trout 
fisheries, and recreational values. Guidelines for hydro-power dams on 
the Forest managed under licenses administered by the Federal Energy 
Regulatory Commission are contained within their respective licenses.
    C. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission: Incorporate by reference 
the terms and conditions of applicable Federal Energy Regulatory 
Commission license orders.

3. Recreation

    All-Terrain Vehicle/Off Road Vehicle (ATV/ORV) use on the Ottawa 
National Forest is rapidly changing. Current Forest Service policy is 
to manage ATV/ORV use. To be consistent with Forest Service policy, the 
Ottawa National Forest will consider allowing for a designated ATV/ORV 
system. Current direction on areas and roads open to use needs to be 
clarified to better manage this use. In addition to developing 
guidelines that protect natural resources in areas where these uses may 
occur, the Forest will look for opportunities to coordinate ATV/ORV use 
and access with adjoining roads, trails and lands held by private and 
public owners.

4. Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers

    A. Wilderness: A roadless inventory and potential wilderness 
evaluation will be part of the revision process. The inventory process 
will analyze areas for roadless qualities. Those areas that meet basic 
inventory criteria will be evaluated as potential wilderness study 
areas. Based on the results of this work, recommendations to Congress 
may be made for potential wilderness study areas.
    B. Wild and Scenic Rivers: The Ottawa is working to complete 
Comprehensive River Management Plans and finalize river corridor 
boundaries. Portions of six river systems were designated as part of 
the National Wild and Scenic River System with Michigan Scenic Rivers 
Act of 1991. The Forest Plan will be amended in the future, as 
necessary, based on completion of this work.
    Your Comments are Important to Us: Your comments about the Ottawa 
National Forest's proposed actions for revising the Forest Plan are 
important. It would be most helpful if you clearly

[[Page 54713]]

indicate that you are referencing the Ottawa National Forest's proposed 
changes and specific items/areas where you are in agreement with the 
proposal or wish to express a concern or alternative approach. Your 
rationale for agreeing or providing different viewpoints will assist 
the Forest's concern in understanding your position, developing 
alternatives, and/or addressing your concern. Again, please clearly 
indicate the Ottawa National Forest, your viewpoints, and your 
rationale. Additional detail on the revision topics is available on 
request, in the form of the document titled ``Need for Change, 
Description of Proposal for Revising the Forest Plan of the Ottawa 
National Forest''. You are encouraged to review this additional 
document before commenting on the Notice of Intent. You may request the 
additional information by calling the phone number listed above, by 
writing or e-mailing to the addresses listed in this notice, or by 
accessing the Forest web page listed in this notice. See the schedule 
of public meetings that appears in the section ``Inviting Public 
Participation''.
    Range of Alternatives for Revising the Forest Plans: A range of 
alternatives will be considered when revising the Forest Plan for each 
of the Michigan National Forests. The alternatives will review 
different options to resolve the revision topics. A ``no-action 
alternative'' is required, meaning that management would continue under 
the existing Forest Plan.
    Goals and standards and guides may be proposed to address portions 
of revision topics and typically will not vary between alternatives. 
Forest Plan objectives, management area direction, and other 
recommendations may vary by alternatives. Other minor changes may be 
made particularly in the guidance chapter of the Forest Plan, to 
reflect changes made when addressing the above revision topics.
    Tribal Consultation and Collaboration with Government Agencies: The 
Michigan National Forests will continue to meet trust responsibilities 
with Native American Tribes by working collaboratively through the 
consultation process as outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding 
Regarding Tribal--USDA Forest Service relations on National Forest 
System Lands and with Tribes in the Territories Ceded in Treaties of 
1836, 1837, and 1842 (Sec. VI.B). Treaty rights are exercised by tribes 
and tribal members in various ways such as hunting, fishing and 
gathering. The Forest Service recognizes treaty rights as a matter of 
national policy and consults with tribes to ensure that Agency 
decisions do not adversely affect these rights.
    In acknowledgment of the Federal Government's obligation to consult 
effectively with federally recognized Indian tribes, the three Michigan 
National Forests will conduct government-to-government consultation 
with tribal governments for all tribes located near or having rights in 
the Forests, particularly those which retain rights through treaties. 
Forest Service officials will meet with tribal governing bodies, 
representatives, and agencies to discuss tribal interests, needs and 
concerns regarding National Forest management.
    The Forest Service will also continue the ongoing relationships 
with state and federal agencies. This will be accomplished jointly 
between the three Michigan National Forests and the appropriate State 
and local agencies to provide for more consistent management and better 
service to the public.
    Inviting Public Participation: Comments and suggestions are now 
solicited from federal agencies, state and local governments, 
individuals, tribes, and organizations on the scope of the analysis to 
be included in the DEIS for the Revised Forest Plan (40 CFR 1501.7). 
Comments should focus on: (1) The proposal for revising the Forest 
Plans; (2) possible alternatives for addressing issues associated with 
the proposal; and (3) identify any possible impacts associated with the 
proposal based on an individual's civil rights (race, color, national 
origin, age, religion, gender, disability, political beliefs, sexual 
orientation, marital or family status). Public participation throughout 
the revision process is encouraged.
    With the publication of this NOI, the Forest Service will host a 
series of public meetings to (1) establish multiple opportunities for 
the public to generate ideas, concerns, and alternatives, (2) present 
and clarify proposed changes to the Forest Plan; (3) describe ways that 
individuals can respond to this NOI; and (4) accept comments from the 
public on this proposal for revising the Forest Plan.
    In the year 2004 work on alternative development and issue 
validation will be done. Many types of public involvement including 
public meetings, tribal and governmental consultation, written 
comments, website, and e-mail will be conducted.
    In the year 2005 the proposed Revised Forest Plans and DEISs will 
be released. Many types of public involvement including a 90-day formal 
comment period, public meetings, tribal and governmental consultation, 
and written comments will be conducted. During 2006 the final Revised 
Forest Plan, EIS, and Record of Decision will be released.
    Informational meetings to explain the decision on the final Forest 
Plan will be held. General notices on opportunities to participate 
through mailings, news releases, public meetings, consultations and 
website will be provided. In addition to formal opportunities for 
comment, comments will be received and considered at any time 
throughout the revision process.
    A representative from each of the three Michigan National Forests 
will be in attendance at the series of meetings listed below in the 
schedule titled ``Michigan National Forests.''

                                            MICHIGAN NATIONAL FORESTS
                                     (Huron-Manistee, Hiawatha, and Ottawa)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Date                            Time                   Comment                  Location
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10/20/2003...........................  12-6 p.m...............  Open House.............  Muskegon, Michigan--
                                                                                          Comfort Inn, 1675 E.
                                                                                          Sherman Road.
                                       6:30-9 p.m.............  Listening Session......
10/21/2003...........................  12-6 p.m...............  Open House.............  Grand Rapids, Michigan--
                                                                                          Howard Johnson's, 255
                                                                                          28th Street, SW.
                                       6:30-9 p.m.............   Listening Session.....
10/22/2003...........................  12-6 p.m...............  Open House.............  Lansing, Michigan--
                                                                                          Clarion Hotel/Conf.
                                                                                          Center, 3600 Dunckel
                                                                                          Drive.
                                       6:30-9 p.m.............  Listening Session......
10/23/2003...........................  12-6 p.m...............  Open House.............  Livonia, Michigan--
                                                                                          Embassy Suites, 19525
                                                                                          Victor Parkway.

[[Page 54714]]

 
                                       6:30-9 p.m.............  Listening Session......
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Each of the Michigan National Forests will host open house meetings 
to (1) answer specific questions relative to the NOI and (2) to provide 
information on how to comment on the NOI and to accept written comments 
from the public. Following is a schedule of the meetings:

                        HIAWATHA NATIONAL FOREST
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Date                       Time              Location
------------------------------------------------------------------------
10/20/2003......................  6:30-9 p.m........  Sault Ste. Marie,
                                                       Michigan--Lake
                                                       Superior State
                                                       University,
                                                       Cisler Center.
10/21/2003......................  6:30-9 p.m........  St. Ignace,
                                                       Michigan--Little
                                                       Bear East Arena &
                                                       Community Center,
                                                       275 Marquette
                                                       Street.
10/22/2003......................  6:30-9 p.m........  Marquette,
                                                       Michigan--Norther
                                                       n Michigan
                                                       University,
                                                       University
                                                       Center, Michigan
                                                       Room.
10/23/2003......................  6:30-9 p.m........  Escanaba,
                                                       Michigan--Bay de
                                                       Noc Community
                                                       College, M-tech
                                                       Building 2000 N
                                                       30th Street.
10/27/2003......................  6:30-9 p.m........  Munising,
                                                       Michigan--Munisin
                                                       g Community
                                                       Credit Union,
                                                       Community Center,
                                                       Main Street & M-
                                                       28.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                         HURON-MANISTEE NATIONAL FORESTS
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Date                            Time                   Comment                  Location
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10/14/2003...........................  12-6 p.m...............  Open House.............  Baldwin, Michigan--
                                                                                          Pleasant Plains
                                                                                          Township Hall, 885 8th
                                                                                          Street.
                                       6:30-9 p.m.............  Public Comment.........
10/15/2003...........................  12-6 p.m...............  Open House.............  Wellston, Michigan--
                                                                                          Chittenden
                                                                                          Environmental Ctr.,
                                                                                          The Conifers Building,
                                                                                          1070 Nursery Road.
                                       6:30-9 p.m.............   Public Comment........
10/16/2003...........................  12-6 p.m...............  Open House.............  Oscoda, Michigan--
                                                                                          Warrior's Pavillion on
                                                                                          Van Ettan Lake, 6288 F-
                                                                                          41.
                                       6:30-9 p.m.............  Public Comment.........
10/21/2003...........................  12-6 p.m...............  Open House.............  Cadillac, Michigan--
                                                                                          McGuire's Resort, 7880
                                                                                          Mackinaw Trail.
                                       6:30-9 p.m.............  Public Comment.........
10/22/2003...........................  12-6 p.m...............  Open House.............  Mio, Michigan--Mio
                                                                                          Community Center, 305
                                                                                          East Ninth St.
                                        6:30-9 p.m............  Public Comment.........
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                         OTTAWA NATIONAL FOREST
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Date                       Time              Location
------------------------------------------------------------------------
10/06/2003......................  6-8 p.m. (EST)....  Ontonagon,
                                                       Michigan--Ontonag
                                                       on Area High
                                                       School, 701
                                                       Parker Ave.
10/08/2003......................  6-8 p.m. (CST)....  Ironwood,
                                                       Michigan--Gogebic
                                                       Community
                                                       College, Room B21/
                                                       B22, E4946
                                                       Jackson Road.
10/09/2003......................  6-8 p.m. (CST)....  Iron River,
                                                       Michigan--Iron
                                                       River City Hall,
                                                       106 West Genesee
                                                       Street.
10/15/2003......................  6-8 p.m. (EST)....  Baraga, Michigan--
                                                       Best Western
                                                       Lakeside Inn, 900
                                                       South US41.
10/18/2003......................  1-3 p.m. (EST)....  Ewen, Michigan--
                                                       Ewen--Trout Creek
                                                       School, 144
                                                       Airport Road.
10/20/2003......................  6-8 p.m. (CST)....  Watersmeet,
                                                       Michigan--Watersm
                                                       eet Visitor
                                                       Center, Hwy U.S.
                                                       2 & Hwy 45.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Availability of Public Comment: Comments received in response to 
this solicitation, including names and addresses of those who comment, 
will be considered part of the public record for this proposed action 
and will be available for public inspection. Comments submitted 
anonymously will be accepted and considered. Those who submit anonymous 
comments will not have standing to appeal the subsequent decisions 
under 36 CFR part 215 or 217.
    Additionally, pursuant to 7 CFR 1.27(d), any person may request the 
agency to withhold a submission from

[[Page 54715]]

the public record by showing how the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 
permits such confidentiality. Persons requesting such confidentiality 
should be aware that under FOIA, confidentiality may be granted in only 
very limited circumstances, such as to protect trade secrets.
    The Forest Service will inform the requester of the Agency's 
decision regarding the request for confidentiality and if the requester 
is denied, the Agency will return the submission and notify the 
requester that the comments may be resubmitted with or without name and 
address within 90 days.
    Release and Review of the DEIS: The DEISs are expected to be filed 
with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and to be available for 
public comment in 2005. At that time, the EPA will publish a Notice of 
Availability in the Federal Register. The comment period on the DEIS 
will be 90 days from the date the EPA publishes the Notice of 
Availability in the Federal Register.
    The Forest Service believes it is important to give reviewers 
notice of several court rulings related to public participation in the 
environmental review process. First, reviewers of DEISs must structure 
their participation in the environmental review of the proposal so that 
it is meaningful and alerts an agency to the reviewer's position and 
contentions [Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Corp. v. NRDS, 435 U.S. 519, 
553 (1978)]. Also, environmental objections that could be raised at the 
DEIS stage but that are not raised until after completion of the final 
EIS may be waived or dismissed by the courts [City of Angoon v. Hodel, 
803 F.2d 1016, 1022 (9th cir. 1986) and Wisconsin Heritages, Inc. v. 
Harris, 490 F. Supp. 1334, 1338 (E.D. Wis. 1980)]. Because of these 
court rulings it is very important that those interested in this 
proposed action participate by the close of the 90-day comment period 
so 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 EIS.
    To assist the Forest Service in identifying and considering issues 
and concerns on the proposed action, comments on the DEIS should be as 
specific as possible. It is also helpful if comments refer to specific 
pages or chapters of the DEIS. Comments may also address the adequacy 
of the DEIS or the merits of the alternatives formulated and discussed 
in the statement. Reviewers may wish to refer to the Council of 
Environmental Quality Regulations (http://ceq.eh.doe.gov/ nepa/
nepanet.htm) for implementing the procedural provision of the National 
Environmental Policy Act at 40 CFR 1503.3 in addressing these points.

    Dated: August 22, 2003.
Randy Moore,
Regional Forester.
[FR Doc. 03-22252 Filed 9-17-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-11-P