[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 2 (Thursday, January 3, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 444-448]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 07-6259]


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 Notices
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  Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 2 / Thursday, January 3, 2008 / 
Notices  

[[Page 444]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Plumas National Forest, CA, Plumas National Forest Public Wheeled 
Motorized Travel Management EIS

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

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

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

SUMMARY: The Plumas National Forest (PNF) will prepare an Environmental 
Impact Statement to disclose the impacts associated with the following 
proposed actions: 1. The prohibition of wheeled motorized vehicle 
travel by the public off designated National Forest System (NFS) roads 
and NFS motorized trails and open areas except as allowed by permit or 
other authorization. 2. The addition of approximately 375 miles of 
existing unauthorized routes (including 2 miles in vehicle restricted 
areas) to the current system of NFS motorized trails. 3. The addition 
of 36 acres in 1 open area where use of wheeled motorized vehicles by 
the public would be allowed anywhere within that area.

DATES: The comment period on the proposed action will extend 60 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 September 2008 and the Final Environmental Impact Statement 
(FEIS) is expected in December 2008.

ADDRESSES: Send written comments to: Travel Management Team, c/o Plumas 
National Forest, PO Box 11500 Quincy California 95971.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Peter Hochrein, Plumas National 
Forest, PO Box 11500 Quincy California 95971. Phone: 530-283-7718. E-
mai1: [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. Nationally, the number of OHV 
users has increased 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.
    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. 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, roads and 
trails. These routes were 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 open 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 be added to the 
forest transportation system.
    In accordance with the MOI, the PNF completed an inventory of 
unauthorized routes on NFS lands and identified approximately 1,073 
miles of unauthorized routes. The PNF then used an interdisciplinary 
process to conduct travel analysis that included working with 
interested members of the public to determine whether any of the 
unauthorized routes should be proposed for addition to the PNF 
transportation system. Roads, trails and open areas that are currently 
part of the PNF transportation system and are open to wheeled motorized 
vehicle travel will remain designated for such use. This proposal 
focuses on the prohibition of wheeled motorized vehicle travel off 
designated routes and the addition of unauthorized routes and open 
areas to the PNF transportation system. 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 Plumas National Forest will publish a Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) 
identifying all PNF roads, trails and open areas that are designated 
for motor vehicle use. The MVUM shall specify the classes of vehicles 
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 reglation of unmanaged wheeled motorized 
vehicle travel by the public. Currently, wheeled motorized vehicle 
travel by the public is not prohibited off designated routes. In

[[Page 445]]

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. 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 open areas, and the prohibition of 
cross-country travel.
    2. There is a need for limited changes and additions to the PNF 
transportation system to:
    2.1. Provide a diversity of wheeled motorized recreation 
opportunities (4X4 vehicles, motorcycles, ATVs, passenger vehicles, 
etc.)
    2.2. Provide wheeled motorized access for recreational 
opportunities.
    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 will 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 road, 
trail and area 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 other 
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. Insure 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 open areas by the public except as 
allowed by permit or other authorization.
    2. Additions to the National Forest Transportation System--The PNF 
currently manages and maintains approximately 4,150 miles of NFS roads 
and 102 miles of NFS motorized trails. Based on the stated purpose and 
need for action, and as a result of the recent travel analysis process, 
the PNF proposes to add approximately 375 miles of existing 
unauthorized routes. These additions would bring the total NFS 
motorized trails to 477 miles. The additional NFS motorized trails are 
listed below along with the permitted vehicle class.

 NFS Motorized Trail Additions From Unclassified Routes for Yearlong Use
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               Length
          Route ID             (miles)       Permitted vehicle class
------------------------------------------------------------------------
4M01........................      1.55  Motorcycle Only.
4M02........................      0.76  Motorcycle Only.
5M01........................      2.16  Motorcycle Only.
5M02........................      2.41  Motorcycle Only.
5M03........................      0.25  Motorcycle Only.
5M04........................      2.02  Motorcycle Only.
5M05........................      0.79  Motorcycle Only.
5M06........................      0.47  Motorcycle Only.
5M07........................      0.29  Motorcycle Only.
5M08........................      0.45  Motorcycle Only.
5M08A.......................      0.12  Motorcycle Only.
5M09........................      0.65  Motorcycle Only.
5M10........................      0.28  Motorcycle Only.
5M11........................      0.65  Motorcycle Only.
5M12........................      1.92  Motorcycle Only.
5M13........................      1.11  Motorcycle Only.
5M14........................      0.55  Motorcycle Only.
5M15........................      1.05  Motorcycle Only.
5M16........................      0.84  50 or less in width.
5M17........................      0.90  Motorcycle Only.
5M18........................      1.00  Motorcycle Only.
5M19........................      0.60  Motorcycle Only.
5M20........................      0.80  Motorcycle Only.
5M21........................      1.32  Motorcycle Only.
5M22........................      1.60  Motorcycle Only.
5M23........................      1.69  Motorcycle Only.
5M24........................      1.17  Motorcycle Only.
5M25........................      0.76  Motorcycle Only.
5M25A.......................      0.34  Motorcycle Only.
5M26........................      0.49  Motorcycle Only.
5M27........................      1.22  Motorcycle Only.
5M28........................      1.19  Motorcycle Only.
5M29........................      2.34  All.
5M30........................      1.42  Motorcycle Only.
6M02........................      0.87  Motorcycle Only.
6M03........................      1.15  Motorcycle Only.
6M03A.......................      0.08  Motorcycle Only.
6M04........................      1.39  Motorcycle Only.
6M05........................      0.41  Motorcycle Only.
6M06........................      0.88  All.
6M08........................      1.74  Motorcycle Only.
6M09........................      0.48  Motorcycle Only.
6M10........................      3.62  Motorcycle Only.
6M11........................      0.98  Motorcycle Only.
6M12........................      0.85  All.
6M13........................      1.41  Motorcycle Only.
6M14........................      2.62  Motorcycle Only.
6M14A.......................      0.17  Motorcycle Only.
6M15........................      0.49  Motorcycle Only.
6M16........................      2.26  Motorcycle Only.
6M16A.......................      0.29  Motorcycle Only.
6M16B.......................      0.11  Motorcycle Only.
6M17........................      1.00  Motorcycle Only.
6M17A.......................      0.12  Motorcycle Only.
6M19........................      2.90  Motorcycle Only.
6M20........................      1.72  Motorcycle Only.
6M21........................      0.77  All.
6M22........................      2.98  Motorcycle Only.
6M22A.......................      0.64  Motorcycle Only.
6M23........................      1.11  Motorcycle Only.
6M23A.......................      0.19  Motorcycle Only.
6M24........................      0.23  Motorcycle Only.
6M25........................      0.20  All.
6M26........................      1.36  Motorcycle Only.
6M27........................      0.83  Motorcycle Only.
6M28........................      0.09  Motorcycle Only.
6M29........................      3.91  Motorcycle Only.
6M29A.......................      0.20  Motorcycle Only.
6M29B.......................      0.47  Motorcycle Only.
6M29C.......................      0.76  Motorcycle Only.
6M30........................      0.50  Motorcycle Only.
6M30A.......................      0.06  Motorcycle Only.
6M31........................      0.32  Motorcycle Only.
6M32........................      0.36  Motorcycle Only.
6M33........................      0.65  Motorcycle Only.
6M34........................      0.52  All.
6M34A.......................      0.37  Motorcycle Only.
6M35........................      0.47  Motorcycle Only.
6M36........................      0.86  Motorcycle Only.
6M37........................      1.42  All.
6M38........................      0.38  All.
6M39........................      0.66  All.
6M44........................      0.95  Motorcycle Only.
7M01........................      0.59  All.
7M02........................      1.12  Motorcycle Only.
7M03........................      0.36  Motorcycle Only.
7M04........................      0.31  Motorcycle Only.
7M05........................      0.54  Motorcycle Only.
7M06........................      0.40  Motorcycle Only.
7M07........................      0.39  Motorcycle Only.
7M08........................      0.86  Motorcycle Only.
7M09........................      0.26  Motorcycle Only.
7M10........................      0.54  Motorcycle Only.
7M11........................      0.48  50 or less in width.
7M12........................      0.94  50 or less in width.
7M14........................      0.25  All.
7M15........................      1.20  All.
7M16........................      0.94  All.
7M17........................      1.73  All.
7M18........................      0.66  All.
7M22........................      0.53  50 or less in width.
8M01........................      0.50  Motorcycle Only.
8M02........................      0.78  All.
8M03........................      1.46  All.
8M04........................      0.69  50 or less in width.
8M10........................      0.67  50 or less in width.
8M11........................      0.84  All.
8M11........................      0.00
8M11A.......................      0.12  All.
8M13........................      0.96  50 or less in width.
8M14........................      0.27  50 or less in width.
8M15........................      0.32  50 or less in width.
8M16........................      0.77  50 or less in width.
8M17........................      1.28  50 or less in width.
8M18........................      0.41  50 or less in width.
 8M19.......................      1.27  50 or less in width.
8M21........................      0.72  All.
8M22........................      0.48  All.

[[Page 446]]

 
8M23........................      0.49  All.
8M24........................      2.71  50 or less in width.
8M25........................      1.03  All.
8M26........................      1.01  All.
8M27........................      2.26  All.
8M27A.......................      0.33  All.
8M28........................      1.08  50 or less in width.
8M28A.......................      0.10  50 or less in width.
8M29........................      0.66  50 or less in width.
8M30........................      0.49  50 or less in width.
8M31........................      1.11  50 or less in width.
8M32........................      0.64  All.
8M33........................      0.96  All.
8M34........................      0.06  All.
8M35........................      1.57  All.
8M36........................      0.96  All.
8M37........................      0.82  All.
8M37A.......................      0.08  All.
8M37B.......................      0.15  All.
8M38........................      0.54  All.
8M39........................      0.71  All.
8M39A.......................      0.32  All.
8M40........................      0.34  All.
8M41........................      0.33  All.
8M42........................      0.98  50 or less in width.
8M43........................      0.36  All.
8M44........................      0.30  All.
8M45........................      0.46  All.
8M46........................      0.61  All.
8M47........................      1.46  All.
8M47A.......................      0.35  All.
8M48........................      0.49  All.
8M49........................      0.32  All.
8M50........................      0.83  All.
8M51........................      0.84  All.
8M52........................      1.39  All.
8M53........................      0.66  All.
8M54........................      0.82  All.
9M01........................      0.91  50 or less in width.
9M02........................      0.39  Motorcycle Only.
9M03........................      0.56  50 or less in width.
9M04........................      0.18  Motorcycle Only.
9M05........................      1.40  50 or less in width.
9M06........................      0.39  50 or less in width.
9M07........................      0.08  Motorcycle Only.
9M08........................      2.11  50 or less in width.
9M08A.......................      0.13  50 or less in width.
9M09........................      0.84  50 or less in width.
9M10........................      1.65  50 or less in width.
9M11........................      0.65  Motorcycle Only.
9M12........................      0.38  Motorcycle Only.
9M13........................      0.48  All.
9M14........................      1.50  All.
9M14A.......................      0.58  All.
9M15........................      0.81  Motorcycle Only.
9M16........................      1.22  50 or less in width.
9M16A.......................      0.57  50 or less in width.
9M17........................      1.38  All.
9M18........................      0.05  All.
9M19........................      0.67  All.
9M20........................      1.39  All.
9M21........................      1.63  All.
9M22........................      0.76  All.
9M23........................      0.69  All.
9M24........................      0.85  All.
9M25........................      1.72  50 or less in width.
9M25A.......................      0.14  50 or less in width.
9M26........................      0.90  50 or less in width.
9M27........................      0.24  50 or less in width.
9M32........................      0.60  All.
9M32A.......................      0.37  All.
9M33........................      2.66  Motorcycle Only.
9M34........................      0.55  Motorcycle Only.
9M35........................      0.69  Motorcycle Only.
9M36........................      1.33  All.
9M37........................      1.68  All.
9M37A.......................      0.43  All.
9M37B.......................      0.25  All.
9M38........................      1.61  50 or less in width.
9M39........................      1.13  All.
9M39A.......................      0.69  All.
9M40........................      1.01  50 or less in width.
9M41........................      0.67  Motorcycle Only.
9M41A.......................      0.19  Motorcycle Only.
9M42........................      0.84  All.
9M42A.......................      0.17  All.
9M42B.......................      0.52  All.
9M43........................      0.26  All.
9M44........................      0.49  All.
9M45........................      0.61  Motorcycle Only.
9M46........................      0.95  All.
9M46A.......................      0.49  All.
9M47........................      1.40  All.
9M47A.......................      0.47  All.
9M48........................      1.26  All.
9M49........................      1.46  All.
9M50........................      0.30  All.
9M50A.......................      0.17  All.
9M51........................      1.27  All.
9M52........................      0.63  All.
9M53........................      0.59  All.
9M53A.......................      0.46  All.
9M54........................      0.45  All.
9M55........................      0.53  All.
9M56........................      0.73  All.
9M56A.......................      0.38  All.
9M57........................      0.82  All.
9M57A.......................      0.17  All.
9M58........................      0.34  All.
9M58A.......................      0.63  All.
9M59........................      0.66  All.
9M59A.......................      0.47  All.
9M59B.......................      0.56  All.
9M59C.......................      0.24  All.
9M59D.......................      0.18  All.
9M59E.......................      0.43  All.
9M60........................      0.42  All.
9M62........................      0.51  All.
10M01.......................      0.45  Motorcycle Only.
10M02.......................      1.25  50 or less in width.
10M03.......................      0.97  50 or less in width.
10M04.......................      1.70  50 or less in width.
10M04A......................      0.27  50 or less in width.
10M06.......................      3.31  50 or less in width.
10M07.......................      2.24  50 or less in width.
10M09.......................      0.84  All.
10M11.......................      1.36  All.
10M12.......................      0.95  All.
10M13.......................      0.20  All.
10M14.......................      0.12  All.
10M15.......................      0.54  All.
10M16.......................      1.09  All.
10M19.......................      1.26  All.
10M20.......................      1.31  All.
10M20A......................      0.48  All.
10M20B......................      0.13  All.
10M21.......................      1.24  All.
10M21A......................      0.28  All.
10M21B......................      0.91  All.
10M21C......................      0.13  All.
10M22.......................      0.50  All.
10M23.......................      2.06  All.
10M24.......................      1.28  All.
10M25.......................      1.78  All.
10M26.......................      1.92  Motorcycle Only.
10M27.......................      0.51  All.
10M28.......................      1.38  All.
10M28A......................      1.01  All.
10M29.......................      1.56  All.
10M30.......................      0.83  All.
10M30A......................      0.24  All.
10M30B......................      0.27  All.
10M30C......................      0.09  All.
10M30D......................      0.18  All.
10M31.......................      0.24  All.
10M32.......................      1.26  50 or less in width.
10M33.......................      0.70  All.
10M34.......................      1.51  All.
10M35.......................      0.68  All.
10M36.......................      1.15  All.
10M36A......................      0.17  All.
10M38.......................      2.47  50 or less in width.
10M39.......................      0.17  All.
10M40.......................      1.35  50 or less in width.
10M42.......................      1.44  All.
10M43.......................      1.15  All.
10M44.......................      0.45  All.
10M45.......................      0.67  All.
10M46.......................      0.71  All.
10M47.......................      1.50  All.
11M02.......................      1.72  All.
11M03.......................      0.52  All.
11M04.......................      0.76  All.
11M05.......................      0.96  All.
11M06.......................      0.42  All.
11M07.......................      0.16  All.
11M08.......................      1.16  Motorcycle Only.
11M08A......................      0.27  Motorcycle Only.
11M08B......................      0.09  Motorcycle Only.
11M09.......................      1.07  All.
11M10.......................      1.97  Motorcycle Only.
11M11.......................      1.03  Motorcycle Only.
11M13.......................      1.03  Motorcycle Only.
11M13A......................      0.35  Motorcycle Only.
11M13B......................      0.53  Motorcycle Only.
11M13C......................      0.06  Motorcycle Only.
11M13D......................      0.08  Motorcycle Only.
11M14.......................      0.42  Motorcycle Only.
11M15.......................      0.38  Motorcycle Only.
11M15A......................      0.25  Motorcycle Only.
11M16.......................      0.65  Motorcycle Only.
11M17.......................      0.96  Motorcycle Only.
11M18.......................      0.23  Motorcycle Only.
11M18A......................      0.54  Motorcycle Only.
11M19.......................      0.66  All.
11M20.......................      1.37  All.
11M21.......................      1.76  All.
11M21A......................      0.10  All.
11M21B......................      0.06  All.
11M22.......................      0.40  50 or less in width.
11M23.......................      0.67  50 or less in width.
11M24.......................      0.39  All.
11M25.......................      0.43  All.
11M30.......................      0.58  All.
11M34.......................      0.73  All.
11M35.......................      0.71  All.
11M36.......................      1.36  All.

[[Page 447]]

 
11M37.......................      2.15  All.
11M38.......................      0.53  All.
11M39.......................      0.55  All.
11M40.......................      0.64  All.
11M41.......................      1.29  All.
11M41A......................      0.35  All.
11M42.......................      0.16  All.
12M02.......................      1.23  All.
12M03.......................      0.76  All.
12M04.......................      0.41  All.
12M06.......................      0.85  All.
12M07.......................      0.44  All.
12M08.......................      0.72  All.
12M09.......................      3.08  All.
12M09A......................      0.84  All.
12M10.......................      1.77  All.
12M11.......................      1.77  All.
12M12.......................      0.67  All.
12M13.......................      0.40  All.
12M14.......................      0.58  All.
12M15.......................      0.23  All.
12M16.......................      1.21  All.
12M17.......................      0.16  All.
12M18.......................      0.14  All.
12M19.......................      0.68  All.
12M20.......................      0.11  All.
12M21.......................      0.23  All.
12M21A......................      0.05  All.
12M22.......................      0.15  All.
12M23.......................      0.91  All.
12M24.......................      0.28  All.
12M25.......................      1.44  50 or less in width.
12M26.......................      1.55  50 or less in width.
12M27.......................      0.91  50 or less in width.
12M30.......................      0.04  All.
13M01.......................      1.07  All.
13M03.......................      0.45  All.
13M04.......................      0.49  All.
13M04A......................      0.16  All.
13M04B......................      0.11  All.
13M05.......................      0.58  All.
13M06.......................      1.41  All.
13M07.......................      1.24  All.
13M08.......................      1.39  All.
13M09.......................      0.50  All.
13M09A......................      0.06  All.
13M10.......................     12.04  All.
13M10A......................      0.04  All.
13M10B......................      0.13  All.
13M11.......................      1.97  50 or less in width.
13M11A......................      1.56  50 or less in width.
13M12.......................      1.50  All.
13M12A......................      0.25  All.
13M13.......................      1.07  All.
13M14.......................      1.33  All.
13M15.......................      0.81  All.
13M16.......................      0.54  All.
13M17.......................      1.02  All.
13M18.......................      0.65  All.
13M19.......................      1.19  All.
13M20.......................      0.22  All.
13M21.......................      1.15  All.
13M21A......................      0.22  All.
13M21B......................      0.16  All.
13M22.......................      1.12  All.
13M23.......................      0.60  All.
13M24.......................      0.64  All.
13M25.......................      0.70  All.
13M26.......................      0.59  All.
13M27.......................      0.93  All.
13M28.......................      0.45  All.
13M29.......................      2.24  All.
13M30.......................      0.43  Motorcycle Only.
13M31.......................      2.33  All.
14M01.......................      1.76  All.
14M01A......................      0.22  All.
14M01B......................      0.17  All.
14M01C......................      0.24  All.
14M02.......................      1.24  All.
14M04.......................      0.70  All.
14M05.......................      0.72  All.
14M06.......................      0.37  All.
14M07.......................      0.49  All.
14M08.......................      0.48  All.
14M09.......................      1.41  All.
14M10.......................      0.57  All.
14M11.......................      2.28  All.
14M12.......................      1.52  All.
15M01.......................      1.46  50 or less in width.
15M01A......................      0.16  50 or less in width.
15M02.......................      1.46  All.
15M02A......................      0.09  All.
15M02B......................      0.72  All.
15M02C......................      0.36  All.
15M03.......................      0.29  All.
15M04.......................      0.32  All.
15M05.......................      2.18  All.
16M01.......................      1.78  All.
16M03.......................      0.77  All.
16M03A......................      0.12  All.
16M03B......................      0.27  All.
16M04.......................      2.08  All.
16M04A......................      0.54  All.
17M01.......................      0.28  50 or less in width.
17M02.......................      0.66  All.
17M03.......................      0.51  All.
17M04.......................      0.88  All.
17M05.......................      3.87  All.
17M06.......................      0.72  All.
17M06A......................      0.69  All.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


 NFS Motorized Trail Additions in Vehicle Restricted Areas for Yearlong
                                   Use
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                               Length
          Route ID             (miles)       Permitted vehicle class
------------------------------------------------------------------------
7M13........................      0.70  All.
8M20........................      0.19  All.
12M29.......................      0.96  All.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    3. Motorized Open Area Addition--The Plumas National Forest 
currently has 1 area designated open to wheeled motorized vehicle use. 
The Plumas National Forest proposes to designate 1 additional open area 
(36 acres).

             Motorized Open Area Additions for Yearlong Use
------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Area name            Acreage        Permitted vehicle class
------------------------------------------------------------------------
8PA2.......................         36  50[sec] or less in width.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The proposed action includes a Forest Plan Amendment to add 3 
existing routes to the NFS motorized trails system in vehicle 
restricted areas.
    Maps and tables describing in detail both the PNF transportation 
system and the proposed action can found at: http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/plumas/proj ects--and--plans/ ohv --route--designation/. In addition, 
maps will be available for viewing at: Supervisor's Office, PO Box 
11500, Quincy, California 95971. Beckwourth Ranger District, PO Box 7, 
Blairsden, California 96103. Mount Hough Ranger District, 39696 Highway 
70, Quincy, California 95971. Feather River Ranger District, 875 
Mitchell Avenue, Oroville, California 95965-4699.

Responsible Official

    Alice B. Carlton, Forest Supervisor, PO Box 11500, Quincy, 
California 95971.

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 Plumas 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 Plumas National Forest will publish a Motor 
Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) identifying the roads, trails and open areas 
that are designated for motor vehicle use by vehicle class.

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 comment period on the proposed action will extend 60 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 September, 2008. EPA will publish a notice of 
availability of the draft EIS in the Federal Register. The

[[Page 448]]

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 
Plumas National Forest participate at that time.
    The final EIS is scheduled to be completed in December, 2008. In 
the final EIS, the Forest Service is required to respond to 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. Submission 
of comments 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 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 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: December 18, 2007.
Alice B. Carlton,
Forest Supervisor.
[FR Doc. 07-6259 Filed 1-02-08; 8:45 am]
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