[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 189 (Monday, October 1, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 55738-55741]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 07-4774]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


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

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

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

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SUMMARY: The Inyo National Forest (INF) 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 National Forest System (NFS) roads, NFS trails 
and areas by the public except as allowed by permit or other 
authorization. 2. Changes in the INF Transportation System, including

[[Page 55739]]

the addition of approximately 925 miles of existing unauthorized (non-
system) routes to the current system of National Forest System (NFS) 
roads and motorized trails and minor changes to existing motor vehicle 
restrictions.

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 March 2008 and the Final Environmental Impact Statement 
(FEIS) is expected in October 2008.

ADDRESSES: Send written comments to: Travel Management Team, Inyo 
National Forest, 351 Pacu Lane, Suite 200, Bishop, CA, 93514. Comments 
may also be mailed electronically to: [email protected]. Please ensure that ``Route Designation'' occurs 
somewhere in the subject line.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Marty Hornick, Inyo National Forest, 
351 Pacu Lane, Suite 200, Bishop, CA, 93514. Phone: (760) 873-2400. 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 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.
    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, os 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, 
roads and trails. These routes 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 routes 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 
routes 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 route to be designated, it must first 
be added to the forest transportation system.
    In accordance with the MOI, the INF recently completed an inventory 
of unauthorized routes on NFS lands and identified approximately 1830 
miles of unauthorized routes. The INF then used an interdisciplinary 
process to conduct travel analysis that included working with the 
public to determine whether any of the unauthorized routes should be 
proposed for addition to the INF transportation system. Roads, trails 
and areas that are currently part of the INF 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 only on the prohibition of wheeled motorized vehicle travel off 
designated routes and needed changes to the INF transportation system. 
These changes include minor changes to existing motor vehicle 
restrictions and the addition to the INF transportation system of some 
existing unauthorized routes that provide access to dispersed 
recreation opportunities and a diversity of motorized recreation 
opportunities. 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 Inyo National Forest will publish a Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) 
identifying all INF 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. In their enjoyment of the National 
Forest, 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. Currently, motor vehicle use is restricted by a 2007 
Temporary Forest Order which limits the use of wheeled motorized 
vehicles by the public to existing routes shown on the forest order 
exhibit map. This includes routes that are currently on the INF 
transportation system, as well as others which have not yet been 
evaluated for suitability for continued motorized use.
    The Travel Management Rule, 36 CFR Part 212, provides policy for 
ending the 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 INF 
transportation system to:

2.1. Provide wheeled motorized access to dispersed recreation 
opportunities, such as camping, hunting, fishing, hiking, horseback 
riding and others
2.2. Provide a diversity of wheeled motorized recreational 
opportunities, such as travel in 4X4 vehicles, motorcycles, 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

[[Page 55740]]

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 
designations 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 classses 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, emisions, 
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 Inyo 
National Forest curerntly manages and maintains approximately 1240 
miles of NFS roads within Inyo National Forest boundaries. Based on the 
stated purpose and need for action, and as a result of the recent 
travel analysis process, the INF proposes the addition of approximately 
870 miles of unauthorized routes to its NFS roads, which will be open 
to all vehicles types, and 53 miles to its NFS motorized trails, of 
which approximately 16 miles will be open to motorcycle only, and 37 
miles will be open to motorcycles and ATVs (<50'' width). Approximately 
3 miles of the unauthorized routes proposed will be available for 
public motorized use only after mitigation measures have been 
completed, such as stabilization or reroutes away from areas of 
resource concern.
    3. Limited Changes to the National Forest Transportation System--
The INF proposes the conversion of 11 miles of NFS roads to NFS 
motorized trails. Approximately 4 miles will be limited to motorcycle 
use only; and 7 miles will be open only to motorcycles and ATVs less 
than 50'' in width.
    Maps and tables describing the proposed action can found at: http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/inyo/projects/ohvroute5.shtml.
    In addition, maps will be available for viewing at:

Inyo National Forest Supervisor's Office, 351 Pacu Lane, Bishop, CA
Eastern Sierra Interagency Visitor Center, Junction Hwy 395 & SR 136 (1 
mile south of Lone Pine, CA)
Mammoth Welcome Center, Hwy 203 east of the Town of Mammoth Lakes, CA
Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center, Hwy 395, Lee Vining, CA

Responsible Official

Marlene Finley, Acting Forest Supervisor, 351 Pacu Lane, Suite 200, 
Bishop, CA 93514

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 Inyo National Forest 
Transportation System and prohibit cross country wheeled motorized 
vehicle travel by the public off the designated system. Once the 
decision is made, the Inyo National Forest 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.
    The Notice of Intent is expected to be published in the Federal 
Register on October 1, 2007. The common period on the proposed action 
will extend 45 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 in March 2008. 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 Inyo National 
Forest participate at that time.
    The final EIS is scheduled to be completed in October 2008. In the 
final EIS, the Forest Service will respond to comments received during 
the 45-day comment period that pertain to the environmental 
consequences discussed in the draft EIS and applicable laws, 
regulations, and policies considered in making the decision. Submission 
of comments in response to the draft EIS is a prerequisite for 
eligibility to appeal under the 36 CFR part 215 regulations.

Comment 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. 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 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

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and respond to them in the final environmental impact statement.
    To assist the Forest Service in identifying and considering issues 
and concerns on the
    To assist 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 helpful if 
the comments refer to specific pages or chapters of the draft 
environmental impact statement. Comments may also address the adequacy 
for 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 24, 2007.
Marlene Finley,
Acting Forest Supervisor, Inyo National Forest.
[FR Doc. 07-4774 Filed 9-28-07; 8:45 am]
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