[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 244 (Thursday, December 18, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 77054-77055]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-30074]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management

[CA-320-1610-DR; CA-350-1610-DR; CA-370-1610-DR]


Notice of Availability of Record of Decision for the Sage Steppe 
Ecosystem Restoration Strategy for the Alturas, Eagle Lake, and 
Surprise Field Offices

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act 
(NEPA), the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA), and the 
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) policies, the BLM announces the 
availability of the Records of Decision (RODs) for the Sage Steppe 
Ecosystem Restoration Strategy for the Alturas, Eagle Lake, and 
Surprise Field Offices. The RODs constitute the final decisions of the 
BLM and make the Sage Steppe Ecosystem Restoration Strategy effective 
immediately.

ADDRESSES: Copies of the RODs are available at the following locations: 
Alturas Field Office, Bureau of Land Management, 708 West 12th Street, 
Alturas, CA 96101; Eagle Lake Field Office 2950 Riverside Drive, 
Susanville, CA 96130; and Surprise Field Office, 602 Cressler Street, 
Cedarville, CA 96104. The RODs are also available on the internet at 
http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/prog/planning.html.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information contact Jeff 
Fontana, Public Affairs Officer, Bureau of Land Management, 2950 
Riverside Dr., Susanville, CA 96130, telephone (530) 257-0456.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: One of the most significant factors 
affecting the health, diversity and productivity of public lands in the 
region is the rapid expansion and encroachment of western juniper into 
the sagebrush steppe ecosystem. Western juniper has significantly 
increased in density and distribution since the late 1800's and if left 
unchecked can have significant impacts on soil resources, plant 
community structure and composition, water and nutrient cycles, and 
wildlife habitat. In order to address this ecosystem management issue 
across jurisdictional boundaries, the BLM joined forces with the United 
States Forest Service (USFS) and county governments to develop a 
comprehensive vegetation management strategy across a planning area 
that encompasses 6.5 million acres of public

[[Page 77055]]

and private land. The strategy broadly identifies restoration methods 
and provides guidelines for implementing site specific treatments over 
a 50-year timeframe. The Modoc National Forest is issuing a companion 
Record of Decision (ROD) and both agencies will work closely with 
county governments to implement the strategy in a cooperative and 
coordinated manner. BLM officially initiated the planning process for 
the Draft Sage Steppe EIS with the publishing of the Notice of Intent 
(NOI) to prepare an EIS in the Federal Register on July 18, 2005. A 
Public Scoping Notice was distributed following the NOI and a public 
notice was published in the Modoc Record on July 28, 2005. The Notice 
of Availability of the DEIS was published in the Federal Register on 
August 31, 2007. During the comment period nine public meetings, 
presentations and field trips were offered and 23 comment letters were 
received. Based upon public comments on the DEIS an additional 
alternative was added to the FEIS. This new alternative was identified 
by the agencies as the Preferred Alternative, as it best meets the 
purpose and need for the project. The Notice of Availability of the 
Final EIS was published in the Federal Register on May 9, 2008.
    Any party adversely affected by the BLM's decision(s) to implement 
the Sage Steppe Ecosystem Restoration Strategy may appeal within 30 
days of publication of this Notice of Availability. The appeal must be 
filed with the field office manager whose decision is being appealed at 
the above listed addresses. Please consult 43 CFR, part 4 for further 
information on the IBLA appeal process.

Dayne Barron,
Field Manager.
[FR Doc. E8-30074 Filed 12-17-08; 8:45 am]
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