[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 16 (Thursday, January 24, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Page 4175]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 08-257]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Wasatch-Cache National Forest, UT; West Bear Landscape Management 
Project

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare a supplemental environmental impact 
statement to the West Bear Vegetation Management Project.

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SUMMARY: The USDA Forest Service announces its intent to prepare a 
Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) to the West Bear 
Vegetation Management Project Final Environment Impact Statement 
(FEIS). The West Bear Vegetation Management Project FEIS evaluated 
three alternatives using timber harvest and prescribed fire as 
management tools to treat vegetation. The treatment is intended to move 
the West Bear landscape towards properly functioning condition (PFC).

DATES: Scoping will not be conducted in accordance with 40 CFR 
1502.9(c)(4). The draft supplemental environmental impact statement is 
expected in February 2008 and the final supplemental environmental 
impact statement and a new Record of Decision are expected in April 
2008.

ADDRESSES: Send written comments to Steve Ryberg, Evanston District 
Ranger, Wasatch-Cache National Forest, P.O. Box 1880, Evanston, Wyoming 
82931.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steve Ryberg, Evanston District 
Ranger, Evanston Ranger District, Evanston, Wyoming, (307) 789-3194.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Proposed Action

    On March 5, 2007, Forest Supervisor Faye Krueger made a decision to 
implement the West Bear Vegetation Treatment Project to treat 
approximately 1,686 acres. The project consists of harvesting 1,489 
acres, prescribed burning 523 acres of aspen and mixed aspen/conifer, 
construction of 7.8 miles of temporary roads, 0.9 miles of intermittent 
service roads and minor reconstruction of 0.6 miles of existing service 
roads. The Record of Decision was appealed by two parties. On May 25, 
2007, upon review, Forest Supervisor Krueger withdrew her March 5, 2007 
decision. Her decision to withdraw was based on an error identified in 
the FEIS by an appellant and her finding that further environmental 
analysis was needed in regard to some species of the wildlife. The SEIS 
will be limited in its scope and focus on correction of the soils 
disclosure in FEIS, and additional effects disclosure for some species 
of wildlife. Clarification of goshawk territories will also be 
addressed.

Responsible Official

    Brian Ferebee, Acting Forest Supervisor, Uinta-Wasatch-Cache 
National Forest 8236 Bennett Federal Building, 125 South State Street, 
Salt Lake City, UT 84138.

    Dated: January 16, 2008.
David R. Myers,
Deputy Forest Supervisor.
[FR Doc. 08-257 Filed 1-23-08; 8:45 am]
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