[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 175 (Tuesday, September 11, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 51775-51780]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-17834]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Sierra National Forest, California, Sierra National Forest 
Motorized Travel Management EIS

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement.

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

SUMMARY: The Sierra National Forest (Sierra NF) will prepare an 
Environmental Impact Statement to disclose the impacts associated with 
the following proposed actions: 1. The prohibition of wheeled motorized 
vehicle travel off designated NFS roads, NFS trails and areas by the 
public except as allowed by permit or other authorization. 2. The 
addition of approximately 54 miles of existing unauthorized tracks to 
the current system of National Forest System (NFS) motorized trails, 
the permanent conversion of 72 miles of NFS Roads to NFS Trails, the 
management of 61 miles of NFS Roads as NFS Trails and the addition of 
six acres for motorized use. 3. The changing of the allowable use or 
season of use on approximately 970 miles of existing NFS Roads and 
closing approximately 200 miles of existing NFS Roads to public access 
usless allowed by permit or other authorization.

DATES: The comment period on the proposed action will extend 45 days 
from the date the Notice of Intent is published in the Federal 
Register.
    Completion of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) is 
expected in November 2007 and the Final Environmental Impact Statement 
(FEIS) is expected in January 2008.

ADDRESSES: Send written comments to: Travel Management Team, Sierra NF, 
1600 Tollhouse Rd., Clovis, CA 93611.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Lowe, Sierra NF, 1600 Tollhouse 
Rd., Clovis, CA 93611; Phone: (559) 297-0706 extension 4840. E-mail: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Over the past few decades, the availability and capability of 
motorized vehicles, particularly off-highway vehicles (OHVs) and sport 
utility vehicles (SUVs) has increased tremendously. Nationally, the 
number of OHV users has climbed sevenfold in the past 30 years, from 
approximately 5 million in 1972 to 36 million in 2000. California is 
experiencing the highest level of OHV use of any state in the nation. 
There were 786,914 ATVs and OHV motorcycles registered in 2004, up 330% 
since 1980. Annual sales of ATVs and OHV motorcycles in California were 
the highest in the U.S. for the last 5 years. Four-wheel drive vehicle 
sales in California also increased by 1500% to 3,046,866 from 1989 to 
2002. (Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation in the United States, Regions and 
States: A National Report from a National Survey on Recreation and the 
Environment, USDA Forest Service, 2005).
    Unmanaged OHV use has resulted in unplanned roads and trails, 
erosion, watershed and habitat degradation, and impacts to cultural 
resource sites. Compaction and erosion are the primary effects of OHV 
use on soils. Riparian areas and aquatic dependent species are 
particularly vulnerable to OHV use. Unmanaged recreation, including 
impacts from OHVs, is one of ``Four Key Threats Facing the Nation's 
Forests and Grasslands.'' (USDA Forest Service, June 2004).
    On August 11, 2003, the Pacific Southwest Region of the Forest 
Service entered into a Memorandum of Intent (MOI) with the California 
Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission, and the Off-Highway 
Motor Vehicle Recreation Division of the California Department of Parks 
and Recreation. That MOI set in motion a region-wide effort to 
``Designate OHV roads, trails, and any specifically defined open areas 
for motorized wheeled vehicles on maps of the 19 National Forests in 
California by 2007.''
    On November 9, 2005, the Forest Service published final travel 
management regulations in the Federal Register (FR Vol. 70, No. 216-
Nov. 9, 2005, pp. 68264-68291). This final Travel Management Rule 
requires designation of those roads, trails, and areas that are open to 
motor vehicle use on National Forests. Designations will be made by 
class of vehicle and, if appropriate, by time of year. The final rule 
prohibits the use of motor vehicles off the designated system as well 
as use of motor vehicles on routes and in areas that are not 
designated.
    On some NFS lands, long managed as open to cross-country motor 
vehicle travel, repeated use has resulted in unplanned, unauthorized 
tracks. These tracks generally developed without environmental analysis 
or public involvement, and do not have the same status as NFS roads and 
NFS trails included in the forest transportation system. Nevertheless, 
some unauthorized tracks are well-sited, provide excellent 
opportunities for outdoor recreation by motorized and non-motorized 
users, and would enhance the National Forest system of designated 
roads, trails and areas. Other unauthorized tracks are poorly located 
and cause unacceptable impacts. Only NFS roads and NFS trails can be 
designated for wheeled motorized vehicle use. In order for an 
unauthorized track to be designated, it must first be added to the 
forest transportation system.
    In accordance with the MOI, the Sierra NF completed an inventory of 
unauthorized tracks on NFS lands in August of 2006, identifying 
approximately 520 miles of known unauthorized tracks. The Sierra NF 
then used an interdisciplinary process to conduct a Travel Analysis 
including working with the public to determine whether any of the 
unauthorized tracks should be proposed for addition to the Sierra NF 
transportation system. Roads, trails and areas that are currently part 
of the Sierra NF transportation system and are open to wheeled 
motorized vehicle travel will remain designated for such use except as 
described below under Proposed Action. This proposal focuses on the 
prohibition of wheeled motorized vehicle travel off designated routes 
and needed changes to the Sierra NF transportation system, including 
the addition of some unauthorized routes to the Sierra NF 
transportation system and minor changes to the existing transportation 
systems. The proposed action is being carried forward in accordance 
with the Travel Management Rule (36 CFR part 212).
    In accordance with the rule, following a decision on this proposal, 
the Sierra NF will publish a Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) identifying 
all Sierra NF roads, trails and areas that are designated for motor 
vehicle use. The MVUM shall specify the classes of vehicles and, if 
appropriate, the times of year for which use is designated.

Purpose and Need for Action

    The following needs have been identified for this proposal:
    1. There is a need for regulation of unmanaged wheeled motorized 
vehicle travel by the public. Currently, wheeled

[[Page 51776]]

motorized vehicle travel by the public is allowed off designated routes 
below 6,800 feet elevation. In their enjoyment of the Sierra NF, 
motorized vehicle users have created numerous unauthorized routes. The 
number of such routes continues to grow each year with many routes 
having environmental impacts and safety concerns that have not been 
addressed. The Travel Management Rule, 36 CFR part 212), provides 
policy for ending this trend of unauthorized route proliferation and 
managing the Forest transportation system in a sustainable manner 
through designation of motorized NFS roads, trails and areas, and the 
prohibition of cross-country travel.
    2. There is a need for limited changes and additions to the Sierra 
NF transportation system to:
    2.1. Provide wheeled motorized access to dispersed recreation 
opportunities (camping, hunting, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, 
etc.)
    2.2. Provide a diversity of wheeled motorized recreation 
opportunities (4x4 Vehicles, motorcyles, ATVs, passenger vehicles, 
etc.)
    It is Forest Service policy to provide a diversity of road and 
trail opportunities for experiencing a variety of environments and 
modes of travel consistent with the National Forest recreation role and 
land capability (FSM 2353.03(2)).
    In meeting these needs the proposed action must also achieve the 
following purposes:
    A. Avoid impacts to cultural resources.
    B. Provide for public safety.
    C. Provide for a diversity of recreational opportunities.
    D. Assure adequate access to public and private lands.
    E. Provide for adequate maintenance and administration of thr 
transportation system based on availability of resources and funding to 
do so.
    F. Minimize damage to soil, vegetation and other forest resources.
    G. Avoid harassment of wildlife and significant disruption of 
wildlife habitat.
    H. Minimize conflicts between wheeled motor vehicles and existing 
or proposed recreational uses of NFS lands.
    I. Minimize conflicts among different classes of wheeled motor 
vehicle uses of NFS lands or neighboring federal lands.
    J. Assure compatibility of wheeled motor vehicle use with existing 
conditions in populated areas, taking into account sound, emissions, 
etc.
    K. Have valid existing rights of use and access (rights-of-way).

Proposed Action

    1. Prohibition of wheeled motorized vehicle travel off the 
designated NFS roads, NFS trails and areas by the public except as 
allowed by permit or other authorization.
    2. Additions to the National Forest Transportation System--The 
Sierra NF currently manages and maintains approximately 2,530 miles of 
NFS roads and no NFS motorized trails. Based on the stated purpose and 
need for action and as a result of the recent Travel Analysis process; 
the Sierra NF proposes to add no NFS roads; add approximately 54 miles 
of new motorized trail; permanently convert 72 miles of NFS Roads to 
NFS Trails; manage 71 miles of NFS Roads as NFS Trails; and add 
approximately six acres of new motorized use areas.

                                  Proposed Additions to Motorized Trails System
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Trail name                   Proposed use          Length      Season of use           District
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Battalion.......................  Open to All Vehicles....       0.50  May 20 to Dec 01...  Bass Lake.
Chiquito South..................  Open to All Vehicles....       0.35  May 20 to Dec 01...  Bass Lake.
Lost Lake.......................  Open to All Vehicles....       0.58  Year Round.........  Bass Lake.
Deadman Miami...................  Open to Motorcycles Only       0.83  Apr 20 to Dec 01...  Bass Lake.
Footman.........................  Open to Motorcycles Only       1.62  May 20 to Dec 01...  Bass Lake.
Beasore.........................  Open to Vehicles Less          0.79  May 20 to Dec 01...  Bass Lake.
                                   Than 50.
BLT Miami.......................  Open to Vehicles Less          0.12  Apr 20 to Dec 01...  Bass Lake.
                                   Than 50.
Browns..........................  Open to Vehicles Less          0.77  Apr 20 to Dec 01...  Bass Lake.
                                   Than 50.
Cedar Loop......................  Open to Vehicles Less          1.41  Year Round.........  Bass Lake.
                                   Than 50.
Central.........................  Open to Vehicles Less          0.32  Apr 20 to Dec 01...  Bass Lake.
                                   Than 50.
Chiquito North..................  Open to Vehicles Less          0.72  May 20 to Dec 01...  Bass Lake.
                                   Than 50.
Cody E Miami....................  Open to Vehicles Less          0.79  Apr 20 to Dec 01...  Bass Lake.
                                   Than 50.
Cody W Miami....................  Open to Vehicles Less          1.62  Apr 20 to Dec 01...  Bass Lake.
                                   Than 50.
Express.........................  Open to Vehicles Less          1.01  Apr 20 to Dec 01...  Bass Lake.
                                   Than 50.
E-Zee Miami.....................  Open to Vehicles Less          0.65  May 20 to Dec 01...  Bass Lake.
                                   Than 50.
Greys...........................  Open to Vehicles Less          0.56  Year Round.........  Bass Lake.
                                   Than 50.
Hail............................  Open to Vehicles Less          0.82  Apr 20 to Dec 01...  Bass Lake.
                                   Than 50.
Halfmile Miami..................  Open to Vehicles Less          0.62  Apr 20 to Dec 01...  Bass Lake.
                                   Than 50.
Johnson.........................  Open to Vehicles Less          0.18  Year Round.........  Bass Lake.
                                   Than 50.
Martin Miami....................  Open to Vehicles Less          0.50  Apr 20 to Dec 01...  Bass Lake.
                                   Than 50.
Miami...........................  Open to Vehicles Less          1.72  May 20 to Dec 01...  Bass Lake.
                                   Than 50.
MMTB Miami......................  Open to Vehicles Less          2.27  Apr 20 to Dec 01...  Bass Lake.
                                   Than 50.
Power Loop E....................  Open to Vehicles Less          0.25  Apr 20 to Dec 01...  Bass Lake.
                                   Than 50.
Power Loop N....................  Open to Vehicles Less          0.82  Apr 20 to Dec 01...  Bass Lake.
                                   Than 50.
Powerline.......................  Open to Vehicles Less          0.70  May 20 to Dec 01...  Bass Lake.
                                   Than 50.
Quartz Mtn......................  Open to Vehicles Less          0.64  Jun 15 to Nov 01...  Bass Lake.
                                   Than 50.
Rock Creek......................  Open to Vehicles Less          0.53  Apr 20 to Dec 01...  Bass Lake.
                                   Than 50.
Rush............................  Open to Vehicles Less          1.73  May 20 to Dec 01...  Bass Lake.
                                   Than 50.
Shady E Miami...................  Open to Vehicles Less          0.35  Apr 20 to Dec 01...  Bass Lake.
                                   Than 50.
Shady Miami.....................  Open to Vehicles Less          2.38  May 20 to Dec 01...  Bass Lake.
                                   Than 50.
Soquel..........................  Open to Vehicles Less          0.68  Apr 20 to Dec 01...  Bass Lake.
                                   Than 50.
Stagecoach......................  Open to Vehicles Less          3.12  Apr 20 to Dec 01...  Bass Lake.
                                   Than 50.
Summit..........................  Open to Vehicles Less          1.05  Year Round.........  Bass Lake.
                                   Than 50.
Sunflower Miami.................  Open to Vehicles Less          0.97  Year Round.........  Bass Lake.
                                   Than 50.
Texas...........................  Open to Vehicles Less          0.64  Year Round.........  Bass Lake.
                                   Than 50.
Whiskey.........................  Open to Vehicles Less          1.58  Year Round.........  Bass Lake.
                                   Than 50.
45 Cutoff.......................  Open to All Vehicles....       0.69  May 20 to Dec 01...  High Sierra.

[[Page 51777]]

 
Basecamp........................  Open to All Vehicles....       1.07  Year Round.........  High Sierra.
Bearpaw.........................  Open to All Vehicles....       0.64  Year Round.........  High Sierra.
Boneyard........................  Open to All Vehicles....       0.48  Year Round.........  High Sierra.
Buck............................  Open to All Vehicles....       0.10  Apr 20 to Dec 01...  High Sierra.
Campfire........................  Open to All Vehicles....       0.17  Year Round.........  High Sierra.
Campout.........................  Open to All Vehicles....       0.09  Year Round.........  High Sierra.
Dayuse..........................  Open to All Vehicles....       0.16  Year Round.........  High Sierra.
Doe.............................  Open to All Vehicles....       0.29  Year Round.........  High Sierra.
Dry Camp........................  Open to All Vehicles....       0.07  Year Round.........  High Sierra.
Fawn............................  Open to All Vehicles....       0.11  Year Round.........  High Sierra.
Horseshoe.......................  Open to All Vehicles....       0.13  Year Round.........  High Sierra.
Kaiser..........................  Open to All Vehicles....       0.02  Year Round.........  High Sierra.
Lower Bald......................  Open to All Vehicles....       3.34  Year Round.........  High Sierra.
Lower Dinkey....................  Open to All Vehicles....       0.44  Year Round.........  High Sierra.
North Bald......................  Open to All Vehicles....       0.66  May 20 to Dec 01...  High Sierra.
One Mile........................  Open to All Vehicles....       0.26  Year Round.........  High Sierra.
Racoon..........................  Open to All Vehicles....       0.71  Year Round.........  High Sierra.
Ridgeline.......................  Open to All Vehicles....       0.68  Year Round.........  High Sierra.
Ridgetop........................  Open to All Vehicles....       1.08  Year Round.........  High Sierra.
Rockhopper......................  Open to All Vehicles....       1.15  Apr 20 to Dec 01...  High Sierra.
Rockslide.......................  Open to All Vehicles....       1.20  Year Round.........  High Sierra.
Sand Flats......................  Open to All Vehicles....       0.27  Year Round.........  High Sierra.
South Fort......................  Open to All Vehicles....       0.13  Year Round.........  High Sierra.
Spike...........................  Open to All Vehicles....       0.05  Year Round.........  High Sierra.
Streamside......................  Open to All Vehicles....       0.14  Year Round.........  High Sierra.
Tamarack........................  Open to All Vehicles....       0.06  Year Round.........  High Sierra.
Upper Bald......................  Open to All Vehicles....       2.14  Apr 20 to Dec 01...  High Sierra.
Upper Dinkey....................  Open to All Vehicles....       0.19  Year Round.........  High Sierra.
Creekside.......................  Open to Vehicles Less          1.91  Apr 20 to Dec 01...  High Sierra.
                                   Than 50.
Roadside........................  Open to Vehicles Less          1.37  Year Round.........  High Sierra.
                                   Than 50.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                      Convert From NFS Roads to NFS Trails
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Road/trail No.            Beg MP      End MP      Vehicle class      Season of use         District
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HITE COVE OHV ROUTE (03S002)..        1.25        4.95  Open to All        Apr 20 to Dec 01.  Bass Lake.
                                                         Vehicles.
STAR LAKES OHV ROUTE (05S026).        0.6         2.9   Open to All        Year Round.......  Bass Lake.
                                                         Vehicles.
GREEN MTN OHV ROUTE (05S030X).        0           2     Open to All        Year Round.......  Bass Lake.
                                                         Vehicles.
CATTLE MTN OHV ROUTE                  0           2     Open to All        Year Round.......  Bass Lake.
 (05S030XA).                                             Vehicles.
RED TOP OHV ROUTE (05S070A)...        0           1.2   Open to All        Year Round.......  Bass Lake.
                                                         Vehicles.
GLOBE ROCK AA SPUR (05S070AA).        0           0.66  Open to All        Year Round.......  Bass Lake.
                                                         Vehicles.
IRON LAKES OHV ROUTE (05S092A)        0           0.6   Open to All        Year Round.......  Bass Lake.
                                                         Vehicles.
DUSY-ERSHIM OHV ROUTE (07S032)        1.2        25.2   Open to All        Jul 15 to Nov 01.  High Sierra.
                                                         Vehicles.
COYOTE OHV ROUTE (08S042).....        3.2         6.1   Open to All        Jun 01 to Nov 01.  High Sierra.
                                                         Vehicles.
STRAWBERRY OHV ROUTE (08S042X)        0           2.5   Open to All        Jun 01 to Nov 01.  High Sierra.
                                                         Vehicles.
WEST LAKE OHV ROUTE (08S042XA)        0           0.3   Open to All        Jun 01 to Nov 01.  High Sierra.
                                                         Vehicles.
MIRROR LAKE OHV ROUTE                 0           0.7   Open to All        Jun 01 to Nov 01.  High Sierra.
 (08S042XB).                                             Vehicles.
BREWER LAKE OHV ROUTE (09S034)        0           2.1   Open to All        Jun 01 to Nov 01.  High Sierra.
                                                         Vehicles.
BALD MTN OHV ROUTE (09S043)...        0           4.5   Open to All        Year Round.......  High Sierra.
                                                         Vehicles.
BALD OHV B (09S043B)..........        0           1.8   Open to All        May 20 to Dec 01.  High Sierra.
                                                         Vehicles.
PEEP OHV (09S043A)............        0           0.2   Open to All        May 20 to Dec 01.  High Sierra.
                                                         Vehicles.
TRI-TIP OHV ROUTE (09S091)....        0           1.3   Open to All        May 20 to Dec 01.  High Sierra.
                                                         Vehicles.
SWAMP LAKE OHV ROUTE (10S015).        0          13.8   Open to All        Jun 15 to Nov 01.  High Sierra.
                                                         Vehicles.
SPANISH LAKE OHV ROUTE                0           5.7   Open to All        Aug 01 to Nov 01.  High Sierra.
 (11S007A).                                              Vehicles.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                      NFS Roads to be Managed as NFS Trails
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Road/Trail No.           Beg Mp     End Mp        Vehicle class        Season of use        District
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
50S009XA.....................          0        0.6   Open to Vehicles Less  Year Round......  Bass Lake.
                                                       Than 50''.
50S013G......................          0        0.4   Open to Vehicles Less  Year Round......  Bass Lake.
                                                       Than 50''.
50S020X......................          0        2.5   Open to Vehicles Less  Year Round......  Bass Lake.
                                                       Than 50''.
50S023.......................          0        0.9   Open to Vehicles Less  Year Round......  Bass Lake.
                                                       Than 50''.
50S027.......................          0        0.4   Open to Vehicles Less  Year Round......  Bass Lake.
                                                       Than 50''.
50S024C......................          0        0.6   Open to Vehicles Less  Year Round......  Bass Lake.
                                                       Than 50''.
06S027M......................          0        0.3   Open to All Vehicles.  Apr 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
06S034.......................          0        1     Open to All Vehicles.  May 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
06S034A......................          0        0.9   Open to All Vehicles.  May 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
06S037.......................          0        0.7   Open to All Vehicles.  May 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
06S037A......................          0        0.1   Open to All Vehicles.  May 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.

[[Page 51778]]

 
06S040XA.....................          0        1.2   Open to All Vehicles.  May 20 to Dec 01  Bass Lake.
06S042G......................          0        0.6   Open to Vehicles Less  Year Round......  Bass Lake.
                                                       Than 50''.
06S043A......................          0        0.5   Open to All Vehicles.  Jun 15 to Oct 01  High Sierra.
06S044XB.....................          0        1.5   Open to All Vehicles.  Jun 15 to Oct 01  High Sierra.
06S048A......................          0        0.3   Open to All Vehicles.  May 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
06S086B......................          0        0.4   Open to All Vehicles.  May 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
06S086C......................          0        0.9   Open to All Vehicles.  May 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
06S089YA.....................          0        0.6   Open to All Vehicles.  Jun 15 to Oct 01  High Sierra.
07S005SA.....................          0        0.4   Open to All Vehicles.  Apr 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
07S008A......................          0        0.7   Open to Vehicles Less  Year Round......  Bass Lake.
                                                       Than 50''.
07S008B......................          0        0.5   Open to Vehicles Less  Year Round......  Bass Lake.
                                                       Than 50''.
07S012.......................          0        1.2   Open to All Vehicles.  May 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
07S095.......................          0        0.9   Open to Vehicles Less  Year Round......  Bass Lake.
                                                       Than 50''.
07S095A......................          0        0.2   Open to Vehicles Less  Year Round......  Bass Lake.
                                                       Than 50''.
07S099.......................          0        0.2   Open to All Vehicles.  May 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
07S099A......................          0        0.2   Open to All Vehicles.  May 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
07S303A......................          0        0.3   Open to All Vehicles.  May 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
07S500.......................          0        0.5   Open to Vehicles Less  Year Round......  Bass Lake.
                                                       Than 50''.
07S520A......................          0        1.1   Open to Vehicles Less  Year Round......  Bass Lake.
                                                       Than 50''.
08S056.......................          0        1.1   Open to All Vehicles.  May 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
08S057.......................          0        0.4   Open to All Vehicles.  Apr 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
08S098G......................          0        0.7   Open to All Vehicles.  May 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
09S005E......................          0        0.5   Open to All Vehicles.  Aug 15 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
09S006A......................          0        0.5   Open to All Vehicles.  Apr 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
09S009B......................          0        1.2   Open to All Vehicles.  May 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
09S009C......................          0        0.6   Open to All Vehicles.  Apr 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
09S009K......................          0        0.1   Open to All Vehicles.  Year Round......  High Sierra.
09S014A......................          0        1     Open to All Vehicles.  Apr 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
09S015.......................          0        0.7   Open to All Vehicles.  May 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
09S034A......................          0        0.7   Open to All Vehicles.  Jun 01 to Nov 01  High Sierra.
09S034B......................          0        1     Open to All Vehicles.  Jun 01 to Nov 01  High Sierra.
09S066A......................          0        0.4   Open to All Vehicles.  May 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
09S069C......................          0        0.5   Open to All Vehicles.  Apr 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
09S072.......................        0.8        2.2   Open to All Vehicles.  Apr 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
09S072A......................          0        1.3   Open to All Vehicles.  Apr 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
09S090.......................          0        0.7   Open to All Vehicles.  Apr 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
09S090A......................          0        0.5   Open to All Vehicles.  Apr 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
09S090B......................          0        0.2   Open to All Vehicles.  Apr 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
09S404.......................        0.1        0.8   Open to All Vehicles.  Apr 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
09S404A......................          0        0.2   Open to All Vehicles.  Apr 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
09S404B......................          0        0.2   Open to All Vehicles.  Apr 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
10S013A......................          0        1     Open to All Vehicles.  Apr 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
10S013G......................          0        0.4   Open to All Vehicles.  Apr 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
10S016A......................          0        0.3   Open to All Vehicles.  Apr 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
10S016E......................          0        0.3   Open to All Vehicles.  Apr 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
10S016H......................          0        0.7   Open to All Vehicles.  Apr 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
10S016M......................          0        0.11  Open to All Vehicles.  Apr 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
10S016NA.....................          0        0.4   Open to All Vehicles.  Aug 15 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
10S018V......................          0        0.7   Open to All Vehicles.  Apr 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
10S020E......................          0        0.3   Open to All Vehicles.  Apr 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
10S036.......................        4.6        5.1   Open to All Vehicles.  Jun 15 to Oct 01  High Sierra.
10S036B......................          0        0.8   Open to All Vehicles.  Jun 15 to Oct 01  High Sierra.
10S036DA.....................          0        0.2   Open to All Vehicles.  Apr 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
10S066C......................          0        1.2   Open to All Vehicles.  Apr 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
10S066E......................          0        1.3   Open to All Vehicles.  May 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
10S066H......................          0        0.6   Open to All Vehicles.  May 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
10S066J......................          0        0.6   Open to All Vehicles.  May 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
10S066JA.....................          0        0.6   Open to All Vehicles.  May 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
10S066L......................          0        0.5   Open to All Vehicles.  May 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
10S066N......................          0        0.7   Open to All Vehicles.  May 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
10S069C......................          0        0.3   Open to All Vehicles.  Year Round......  High Sierra.
10S069D......................          0        0.4   Open to All Vehicles.  Year Round......  High Sierra.
10S070BA.....................          0        0.4   Open to All Vehicles.  Year Round......  High Sierra.
10S070T......................          0        0.3   Open to All Vehicles.  Year Round......  High Sierra.
10S075D......................          0        0.5   Open to All Vehicles.  Apr 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
10S090.......................          0        3.4   Open to All Vehicles.  Apr 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
10S098.......................          0        0.4   Open to All Vehicles.  May 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
10S099.......................          0        2.3   Open to All Vehicles.  May 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
10S099A......................          0        1.1   Open to All Vehicles.  Apr 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
10S099B......................          0        1.1   Open to All Vehicles.  Apr 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
10S407.......................          0        0.2   Open to All Vehicles.  Apr 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
10S415.......................          0        0.3   Open to All Vehicles.  Apr 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.

[[Page 51779]]

 
10S416.......................          0        0.3   Open to All Vehicles.  Apr 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
11S004C......................          0        0.4   Open to All Vehicles.  Apr 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
11S010B......................          0        0.2   Open to All Vehicles.  May 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
11S010F......................          0        0.6   Open to All Vehicles.  May 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
11S023D......................          0        0.5   Open to All Vehicles.  Apr 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
11S023F......................        0.5        1.2   Open to All Vehicles.  Apr 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
11S040G......................          0        0.5   Open to All Vehicles.  Apr 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
11S040J......................          0        0.2   Open to All Vehicles.  Apr 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
11S040N......................          0        0.7   Open to All Vehicles.  Apr 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
11S040XA.....................          0        0.2   Open to All Vehicles.  Apr 20 to Dec 01  High Sierra.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                      Proposed Motorized Use Area Additions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Name                          Area                Proposed use              Season of use
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tule Mdw Use Area..................  6 Acres...............  Open to All Vehicles..  May 20 to Dec 1.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    3. Changes of the allowable of use on the NFS Roads--It is proposed 
to restrict the type of vehicular use and/or the period of use on 
approximately 970 miles of existing NFS Roads. And to permanently close 
200 miles of existing NFS Roads to public access unless allowed by 
permit or other authorization. [See Internet, http://www.fs.us.fed/r5/sierra/projects/ohv, for complete tables.]
    Maps and tables describing in detail both the Sierra NF 
transportation system and the proposed action can found at http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/sierra/projects/ohv. In addition, maps will be 
available for viewing at:

Supervisor's Office, 1600 Tollhouse Rd., Clovis, CA.
Bass Lake Ranger District, 57003 Road 225, North Fork, CA.
High Sierra Ranger District, 29688 Auberry Road, Prather, CA.

Responsible Official

    Edward C. Cole, Forest Supervisor, 1600 Tollhouse Rd., Clovis, CA 
93611.

Nature of Decision To Be Made

    The responsible official will decide whether to adopt and implement 
the proposed action, an alternative to the proposed action, or take no 
action to make changes to the existing Sierra NF Transportation System 
and prohibit cross country wheeled motorized vehicle travel by the 
public off the designated system. Once the decision is made, the Sierra 
NF will publish a Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) identifying the roads, 
trails and areas that are designated for motor vehicle use. The MVUM 
shall specify the classes of vehicles and, if appropriate, the times of 
year for which use is designated.

Scoping Process

    Public participation will be especially important at several points 
during the analysis. The Forest Service will be seeking information, 
comments, and assistance from the federal, state, and local agencies 
and other individuals or organizations who may be interested in or 
affected by the proposed action. Public Meetings will be held from 6:30 
p.m. to 9 p.m. at the following locations:

Mariposa: Sept 24, at the Best Western Yosemite Way, 4999 State Highway 
49.
Clovis: Sept 26, at the Sierra NF Headquaters. 1600 Tollhouse Road.
Prather: Sept 27, at the High Sierra District Office, 29688 Auberry 
Road.
Oakhurst: Oct 2, at the Oakhurst Community Center, Road 425B.

    The Notice of Intent is expected to be published in the Federal 
Register on September 14, 2007. The comment period on the proposed 
action will extend 30 days from the date the Notice of Intent is 
published in the Federal Register.
    The draft environmental impact statement is expected to be filed 
with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and to be available for 
public review by November 2007. EPA will publish a notice of 
availability of the draft EIS in the Federal Register. The comment 
period on the draft EIS will extend 45 days from the date the EPA 
notice appears in the Federal Register. At that time, copies of the 
draft EIS will be distributed to interested and affected agencies, 
organizations, and members of the public for their review and comment. 
It is very important that those interested in the management of the 
Sierra NF participate at that time.
    The final EIS is scheduled to be completed in January 2008. In the 
final EIS, the Forest Service is required to respond to substantive 
comments received during the comment period that pertain to the 
environmental consequences discussed in the draft EIS and applicable 
laws, regulations, and policies considered in making the decision. 
Substantive comments are defined as ``comments within the scope of the 
proposed action, specific to the proposed action, and have a direct 
relationship to the proposed action, and include supporting reasons for 
the responsible official to consider'' (36 CFR 215.2). Submission of 
substantive comments is a prerequisite for eligibility to appeal under 
the 36 CFR part 215 regulations.

Comments Requested

    This notice of intent initiates the scoping process which guides 
the development of the environmental impact statement.

Early Notice of Importance of Public Participation in Subsequent 
Environmental Review

    A draft environmental impact statement will be prepared for 
comment. 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.
    The Forest Service believes, at this early stage, it is important 
to give reviewers notice of several court rulings related to public 
participation in the environmental review process. First, reviewers of 
draft environmental impact statements 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.

[[Page 51780]]

NRDC, 435 U.S. 519, 553 (1978). Also, environmental objections that 
could be raised at the draft environmental impact statement stage but 
that are not raised until after completion of the final environmental 
impact statement 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 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 environmental impact 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. 
Comments received, including the names and addresses of those who 
comment, will be considered part of the public record on this proposal 
and will be available for public inspection.

(Authority: 40 CFR 1501.7 and 1508.22; Forest Service Handbook 
1909.15, section 21)

    Dated: September 5, 2007.
Edward C. Cole,
Forest Supervisor.
 [FR Doc. E7-17834 Filed 9-10-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-01-P