[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 231 (Monday, December 2, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Page 72060]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-28774]


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 Notices
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules 
 or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings 
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  Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 231 / Monday, December 2, 2013 / 
Notices  

[[Page 72060]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Chimney Rock National Monument Management Plan; San Juan National 
Forest; Colorado

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

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

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SUMMARY: The Forest Service intends to prepare an environmental impact 
statement (EIS) to establish management direction for the land and 
resources within Chimney Rock National Monument, designated by 
Presidential Proclamation on September 21, 2012. The Forest Service, as 
the responsible agency, proposes to amend the 2013 San Juan National 
Forest Land and Resource Management Plan to provide for the protection 
of the objects of interest identified in the Proclamation. These 
objects include significant archaeology, archaeoastronomy, visual and 
landscape characteristics, and geological and biological features.

DATES: Comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received 
by January 16, 2014.

ADDRESSES: Send written comments to Kevin Khung, Pagosa District 
Ranger, PO Box 310, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147]. Comments may also be 
sent via email to [[email protected]], 
or via facsimile to [970-264-1538].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sara Brinton, Interdisciplinary Team 
Leader at 970-264-1532, or [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: 

Estimated Dates

    The draft environmental impact statement is expected in April, 2014 
and the final environmental impact statement is expected in September, 
2014.

Purpose and Need for Action

    The Presidential Proclamation establishing Chimney Rock National 
Monument (the Monument) requires preparation of a management plan. The 
purpose and need of developing the management plan is to ensure that 
the lands and resources within the Monument are managed in accordance 
with the intent of the Presidential Proclamation that established the 
Monument. As stated in the proclamation, the plan will provide for 
protection and interpretation of the scientific and historic objects 
identified, including nationally significant archaeology, 
archaeoastronomy, visual and landscape characteristics, and geological 
and biological features, as well as objects of deep cultural and 
educational value. The plan will also provide for continued public 
access to those objects consistent with their protection, and protect 
and preserve access by tribal members for traditional cultural, 
spiritual, and food- and medicine-gathering purposes, consistent with 
the purposes of the monument, to the maximum extent permitted by law in 
order to protect the objects of interest. The management plan will 
amend the 2013 San Juan National Forest Land and Resource Management 
Plan.
    The management plan will be prepared pursuant to the requirements 
of the National Forest Management Act of 1976 (NFMA) and the 1982 U.S. 
Forest Service (USFS) planning regulations (36 CFR part 219) as allowed 
by the transition provision of the 2012 forest planning regulations. 
The 1982 planning regulations are available at http://www.fs.fed.us/emc/nfma/includes/nfmareg.html.

Proposed Action

    The San Juan National Forest proposes to develop a management plan 
that will: (1) Identify the goals (desired conditions) for the 
Monument; (2) identify suitable uses for areas within the Monument; (3) 
establish the Strategies, Objectives, and Standards and Guidelines for 
management of the Monument; (4) Evaluate and recommend Special Area 
designations; (5) Identify the Monitoring and Evaluation requirements 
for the Monument; and (6) Establish a transportation plan for the 
Monument.

Responsible Official

    San Juan Forest Supervisor.

Scoping Process

    This notice of intent initiates the scoping process, which guides 
the development of the environmental impact statement. Information 
regarding this project is available at the Pagosa Ranger District 
office in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, and on the San Juan National Forest 
Web site at www.fs.usda.gov/sanjuan. Public open houses may be 
scheduled at a later date to provide further information as needed. The 
dates of any public open houses will be announced by press releases in 
local papers, direct mailings, emails, and will be posted on the San 
Juan National Forest Web site.
    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.
    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 Agency with the ability to provide the respondent with subsequent 
environmental documents.

    Dated: November 20, 2013.
Mark W. Stiles,
Forest Supervisor.
[FR Doc. 2013-28774 Filed 11-29-13; 8:45 am]
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