[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 195 (Friday, October 9, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 52174-52175]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-24344]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Helena National Forest, MT, Warm Springs Habitat Enhancement 
Project

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement.

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SUMMARY: The Helena National Forest is going to prepare an 
environmental impact statement for vegetation management actions in the 
Warm Springs area of the Elkhorn Mountains. The purpose and need for 
action is to restore and promote a fire-dependent ecosystem that is 
resilient to high intensity wildfire. There is a need to restore 
ponderosa pine and aspen habitats.

DATES: Comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received 
by

[[Page 52175]]

November 9, 2009. The draft environmental impact statement is expected 
February 2010 and the final environmental impact statement is expected 
June 2010.

ADDRESSES: Send written comments to Liz VanGenderen, Helena National 
Forest, 2880 Skyway Drive, Helena, MT 59602. Comments may also be sent 
via e-mail to [email protected], or via facsimile to 
406-449-5436.
    It is important that reviewers provide their comments at such times 
and in such a way that they are useful to the Agency's preparation of 
the EIS. Therefore, comments should be provided prior to the close of 
the comment period and should clearly articulate the reviewer's 
concerns and contentions.
    Comments received in response to this solicitation, including names 
and addresses of those who comment, will be part of the public record 
for this proposed action. Comments submitted anonymously will be 
accepted and considered, however.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Liz VanGenderen at 406-449-5201.
    Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) 
may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 
between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Purpose and Need for Action

    A variety of factors have influenced the need for treatment in this 
area. The project area represents the only place in the Elkhorn 
Mountains with a substantial component of ponderosa pine and aspen 
groves. Due to wildfire suppression and the lack of frequent, low-
intensity fires, the ponderosa pine forests have filled in with younger 
conifers and are currently experiencing high levels of mortality 
associated with mountain pine beetles. The fuels available for 
supporting a large wildfire are extensive and becoming more continuous.
    Aspen stands have declined due to the lack of natural fire which 
aspen clones need to survive and thrive. Fire suppression has also 
allowed the growth of conifers in areas which compete with aspen.
    The project is also part of the Birds and Burns Network, a research 
study led by the Rocky Mountain Research Station to examine fire 
effects on populations and habitats of wildlife in ponderosa pine 
forests in eight states across the western United States. The goal of 
this research in the project area has now expanded to include 
consequences of mountain pine beetle for wildlife in ponderosa pine.

Proposed Action

    The types of treatments being proposed include intermediate 
harvest, regeneration harvest, and prescribed fire. Approximately 3,770 
acres of ponderosa pine would be enhanced by a combination of 
regeneration and intermediate harvests, and prescribed fire. Aspen that 
occur in these acres would also be enhanced. Approximately 170 acres of 
aspen and grassland would also be enhanced by using prescribed fire 
following the use of a masticator or chainsaw. Approximately 260 acres 
of Douglas-fir enhancement would be achieved by a combination of 
regeneration and intermediate harvest, and prescribed fire. Aspen 
occurring in these acres would also be enhanced. Up to 11.4 miles of 
new temporary road construction and reconstruction of approximately 
10.2 miles would be necessary to implement the proposed action. The 
temporary roads would be fully recontoured following the project.

Responsible Official

    Helena National Forest Supervisor.

Nature of Decision To Be Made

    The decision to be made includes: whether to implement the proposed 
action or an alternative to the proposed action, what monitoring 
requirements would be appropriate to evaluate the implementation of 
this project, and whether a forest plan amendment would be necessary as 
a result of the decision for this project.

Scoping Process

    This notice of intent initiates the scoping process, which guides 
the development of the environmental impact statement. In October 2009, 
a scoping package will be mailed, an open house will be scheduled, and 
Web site information will be posted.
    It is important that reviewers provide their comments at such times 
and in such manner that they are useful to the agency's preparation of 
the environmental impact statement. Therefore, comments should be 
provided prior to the close of the comment period and should clearly 
articulate the reviewer's concerns and contentions. The submission of 
timely and specific comments can affect a reviewer's ability to 
participate in subsequent administrative appeal or judicial review.

    Dated: October 2, 2009.
Kevin T. Riordan,
Forest Supervisor.
[FR Doc. E9-24344 Filed 10-8-09; 8:45 am]
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