[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 189 (Thursday, September 29, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Page 60451]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-25011]



[[Page 60451]]

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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Questa Ranger District, Carson National Forest; Taos County, NM; 
Taos Ski Valley's 2010 Master Development Plan--Phase 1 Projects; 
Additional Filings

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice; correction.

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SUMMARY: The USDA Forest Service published in the Federal Register a 
Notice of Intent (75 FR 71414-71415, November 23, 2010) to prepare an 
environmental impact statement for a proposal to authorize several 
(Phase 1) projects included in the Taos Ski Valley (TSV) 2010 Master 
Development Plan (MDP). The proposed projects include: Adding new lifts 
to serve terrain that is currently only accessible by hiking; replacing 
old lifts; creating new gladed terrain; improving traffic circulation 
throughout the day parking lots and a new drop-off area; constructing 
the Taos Adventure Center (snowtubing and snowshoeing trails); and 
developing a lift-served mountain biking trail. All proposed projects 
are within the existing special use permit (SUP) area.
    Modification of the Proposed Action: The original proposed action 
submitted for public review included a proposal to develop the Taos 
Adventure Center, in the northwest portion of the SUP area. The center 
would have included snowtubing and snowshoeing trails and associated 
facilities. Upon further analysis, the Forest Service has modified the 
proposed action and proposes to develop the snowtubing trails where 
Chair 3 (Beginner Lift) and Strawberry Hill are currently located. The 
modified proposed action would: (1) Reduce the potential impacts to 
wildlife habitat and wetlands; (2) eliminate impacts to approximately 
3.7 acres of a previously undisturbed area; (3) decrease the distance 
of the facility from the base area, which is the hub of activities; and 
(4) eliminate the need to construct a warming hut (yurt), restroom 
facilities, a foot bridge across the Rio Hondo, and snowmaking lines. 
The proposed snowtubing area would be located on both National Forest 
System lands and private land owned by TSV. The snowshoeing trails 
remain as originally proposed.
    In addition, the Forest Service proposes to authorize under a 
separate SUP to John Cottam, the relocation of the Alpine Village 
pedestrian bridge. If the decision is to authorize a new skier drop-off 
area under TSV's SUP, the bridge would be simultaneously relocated and 
the Cottam SUP would be amended.
    Corrected Dates: After publication of the original Notice of 
Intent, a letter soliciting comments on the proposed action and purpose 
and need was issued to the public in December 2010. Comments concerning 
the scope of the analysis were received in January and February 2011. 
The draft environmental impact statement (draft EIS) is expected to be 
available for public review in December 2011 and the final 
environmental impact statement (final EIS) and record of decision (ROD) 
are expected in May 2012.

ADDRESSES: Send written comments to Carson National Forest, Taos Ski 
Valley MDP--Phase 1 Projects, 208 Cruz Alta Road, Taos, NM 87571. 
Comments may also be sent via e-mail to [email protected] or facsimile to (575) 758-6213.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Additional information related to the 
proposed project can be obtained from the Forest's Web page at: http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/carson/. The Forest Service contact is Audrey 
Kuykendall, who can be reached at 575-758-6200.

    Dated: September 22, 2011.
Kendall Clark,
Carson National Forest Supervisor.
[FR Doc. 2011-25011 Filed 9-28-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-11-P