[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 209 (Friday, October 29, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 66718-66719]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-27353]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Helena National Forest; Montana; Blackfoot Travel Plan EIS

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

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

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SUMMARY: The Helena National Forest is preparing an Environmental 
Impact Statement (EIS) to analyze the effects of proposed changes to 
the existing motorized public access routes and prohibitions within the 
Blackfoot travel planning area. Consistent with the Forest Service 
travel planning regulations, the resulting available public motorized 
access routes and areas would be designated on a Motor Vehicle Use Map 
(MVUM). Upon publishing the MVUM, public use of a motor vehicle other 
than in accordance with those designations would be prohibited.

DATES: Comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received 
by November 29, 2010. The draft environmental impact statement is 
expected July 2011 and the final environmental impact statement is 
expected January 2012.

ADDRESSES: Send written comments to the Helena National Forest Lincoln 
Ranger District, 1569 Hwy 200, Lincoln, MT 59639. Comments may also be 
sent via e-mail to [email protected], or via 
facsimile to 406-362-4253. Please indicate the name ``Blackfoot Travel 
Plan'' in the subject line of your e-mail.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jaclyn Heinert, Interdisciplinary Team 
Leader (406) 362-7000 or e-mail [email protected]. 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

    The overall objective of this proposal is to provide a manageable 
system of designated public motorized access routes and areas within 
the Blackfoot Travel area, consistent with and to achieve the purposes 
of Forest Service travel management regulations at 36 CFR 212 Subpart 
B. The existing system of available public motor vehicle routes and 
areas in the Blackfoot Travel area is the culmination of multiple 
agency decisions over recent decades. Public motor vehicle use of the 
majority of this available system continues to be manageable and 
consistent with the current travel management regulation. Exceptions 
have been identified, based on public input and the criteria listed at 
36 CFR 212.55, and in these cases changes are proposed to meet the 
overall objectives. The decisions will ensure compliance with the 
Forest Plan and Interagency requirements for grizzly bear security and 
habitat within the recovery zone.

Proposed Action

    The Helena National Forest proposes the following changes to the 
existing motorized public access routes and prohibitions within the 
Blackfoot travel planning area. Consistent with the travel planning 
regulations at 36 CFR 212 Subpart B, the resulting available public 
motorized access routes and areas would be designated on a Motor 
Vehicle Use Map and the prohibition at 36 CFR 261.13 would take effect. 
36 CFR 261.13 would prohibit public use of a motor vehicle other than 
in accordance with those designations.
    The proposed action would:
     Change 1.8 miles of currently closed yearlong routes or 
user-created routes to open with seasonal restrictions.
     Change 5.1 miles of seasonally restricted routes to having 
a different seasonal restriction.
     Change 6.7 miles of currently closed yearlong or user-
created routes to being open yearlong.
     Change 9.4 miles of seasonally restricted routes to become 
open yearlong.
     Put 82.1 miles of currently open routes into storage 
(where routes are self-maintaining in non-use status for up to 20 years 
by re-contouring access points, and removing culverts).
     Change 2.5 miles of open seasonally or open yearlong 
routes to closed yearlong.
     Close 7.9 miles (estimated) of user-created routes.
     Create 41.4 miles of new motorized trails from currently 
seasonally restricted, open yearlong, user-created, and previously 
decommissioned routes.
     Create 1.5 miles of single-track motorized trail from 
currently double-track motorized trail.
     Construct 1.6 miles of new road.
     Place 65.5 miles of currently closed routes into storage.
     Place 82.1 miles of currently open routes into storage.
     Obliterate 8.1 miles of closed yearlong, open yearlong, or 
user-created routes.
     Create 5.5 miles of non-motorized trails from currently 
closed or user-created routes.
     Create 1.5 miles of non-motorized trails from currently 
open or seasonally restricted routes.
     Create 13.7 miles of non-motorized trails from currently 
single or double-track motorized routes.
     Create 33 miles of mountain bike trails on Forest Service 
land (may also include non-motorized or motorized uses).

[[Page 66719]]

Responsible Official

    The Responsible Official is Kevin Riordan, Helena National Forest 
Supervisor.

Nature of Decision To Be Made

    The decision to be made is whether to implement the proposed action 
or meet the purpose and need for action through some other alternative. 
He will consider the comments, disclosures of environmental 
consequences, and applicable laws, regulations, and policies in making 
the decision and stating the rationale in the Record of Decision.

Preliminary Issues

    Public input from previous scoping processes, and through input 
gathered from collaboration identified several areas of particular 
interest to the public. Many comments spoke specifically to the 
Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, the Helmville-Gould trail, 
grizzly bear, elk, and bull trout habitat and conflicts with motorized 
and non-motorized uses. These topics generated the most public interest 
regarding motorized and non-motorized uses.

Scoping Process

    This notice of intent initiates the scoping process, which guides 
the development of the environmental impact statement. 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, anonymous comments will not provide 
the respondent with standing to participate in subsequent 
administrative review or judicial review.
    Two opportunities to provide public comments in person will be 
provided. Staff members will be available on November 18 and November 
30, 2010 from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. MDT at the Lincoln Ranger District, 1569 
Hwy 200 Lincoln, Montana to visit with the public and discuss site-
specific comments. If an individual, group or organization has any 
questions or would like to set up a meeting or field trip please 
contact Jaclyn Heinert at the Lincoln Ranger District of the Helena 
National Forest (406) 362-7000.

     Dated: October 21, 2010.
Kevin Riordan,
Forest Supervisor.
[FR Doc. 2010-27353 Filed 10-28-10; 8:45 am]
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