[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 113 (Monday, June 13, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 34250-34251]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-14496]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management

[LLNML00000 L16100000.DU0000]


Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Assessment for the 
Proposed Gila Lower Box Area of Critical Environmental Concern, Hidalgo 
and Grant Counties, New Mexico and Possible Land Use Plan Amendment

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of Intent.

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SUMMARY: In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 
1969, as amended (NEPA), and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act 
of 1976, as amended, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Las Cruces 
District Office, Las Cruces, New Mexico, intends to prepare an 
Environmental Assessment (EA) and a possible amendment to the 1993 
Mimbres Resource Management Plan (RMP), and by this notice is 
announcing the beginning of the scoping process to solicit public 
comments and identify issues and planning criteria.

DATES: This notice initiates the public scoping process for the EA. 
Comments on issues may be submitted in writing until July 13, 2011. The 
date(s) and location(s) of any scoping meetings will be announced at 
least 15 days in advance through local media, newspapers, and the BLM 
Web site at: http://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/fo/Las_Cruces_District_Office.html. To be included in the EA, all comments must be received 
prior to the close of the scoping period. We will provide additional 
opportunities for public participation upon publication of the Draft 
EA.

[[Page 34251]]


ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on issues and planning criteria 
related to the EA by any of the following methods:
     Web site: http://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/fo/Las_Cruces_District_Office/LCDO_Planning.html.
     E-mail: [email protected].
     Fax: 575-525-4412.
     Mail: 1800 Marquess Street, Las Cruces, New Mexico 88005.

    Documents pertinent to this proposal may be examined at the Las 
Cruces District Office.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information and/or to have 
your name added to our mailing list, contact Jennifer Montoya, 
telephone 575-525-4316; address 1800 Marquess Street, Las Cruces, New 
Mexico 88005; e-mail [email protected]. Persons who use a 
telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal 
Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 to contact the above 
individual during normal business hours. The FIRS is available 24 hours 
a day, 7 days a week, to leave a message or question with the above 
individual. You will receive a reply during normal business hours.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This document provides notice that the BLM 
Las Cruces District Office intends to prepare an EA and possible land 
use plan amendment for the Mimbres Planning Area, announces the 
beginning of the scoping process, and seeks public input on issues and 
planning criteria.
    The BLM is currently considering expanding the boundary of the Gila 
Lower Box Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC), which would 
allow the BLM to provide special management to an area with significant 
scenic, cultural, and biological resources.
    The public land proposed for management as an ACEC is currently not 
part of the ACEC and is managed in accordance with the 1993 Mimbres 
RMP. Therefore, the RMP may need to be amended to identify the public 
land as suitable for ACEC designation. The public land is a portion of 
and within the following areas:

New Mexico Principal Meridian

T. 19 S, R. 19 W.

T. 19 S, R. 20 W.

    The purpose of the public scoping process is to determine relevant 
issues that will influence the scope of the environmental analysis, 
including alternatives, and guide the process for developing the EA. At 
present, the BLM has identified the following preliminary issues:
    1. How should the BLM design management to enhance the watershed?
    2. What management is needed to address the significant cultural 
resources that occur in the watershed?
    3. How should the BLM address land tenure in the area considering 
the RMP directs the Las Cruces District Office to acquire all State 
trust and private land in-holdings through exchange or purchase from 
willing sellers?
    4. How should the BLM address increased interest in renewable 
energy development in the area?
    5. How should the BLM address the eligibility of the Gila Lower Box 
as a Wild and Scenic River?
    6. Which lands would be appropriate for ACEC designation and what 
management prescriptions should apply?
    7. What potential impacts would this proposed action have on 
neighboring private landowners?
    8. What effects would this proposed action have on recreation and 
tourism in the area?
    9. What effects would this proposed action have on agricultural 
activities in the area?
    10. Which species will benefit from an expanded ACEC?

    Authorization of this proposal requires amendment of the 1993 
Mimbres RMP. By this notice, the BLM is complying with requirements in 
43 CFR 1610.2(c) to notify the public of potential amendments to land 
use plans, predicated on the findings of the EA. If a land use plan 
amendment is necessary, the BLM will integrate the land use planning 
process with the NEPA process for this project.
    The BLM will utilize and coordinate the NEPA commenting process to 
satisfy the public involvement process for Section 106 of the National 
Historic Preservation Act, 16 U.S.C. 470f, as provided for in 36 CFR 
800.2(d)(3). Native American tribal consultations will be conducted in 
accordance with policy, and tribal concerns will be given due 
consideration, including impacts on Indian trust assets. Federal, 
State, and local agencies, along with other stakeholders that may be 
interested or affected by the BLM's decision on this project are 
invited to participate in the scoping process and, if eligible, may 
request or be requested by the BLM to participate as a cooperating 
agency.
    Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or 
other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be 
aware that your entire comment--including your personal identifying 
information--may be made publicly available at any time. While you can 
ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying 
information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be 
able to do so.

     Authority:  40 CFR 1501.7; 43 CFR 1610.2.

William Childress,
District Manager, Las Cruces.
[FR Doc. 2011-14496 Filed 6-10-11; 8:45 am]
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