[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 92 (Tuesday, May 12, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 27985-27986]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-10085]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Final Record of Decision for the Rio Grande National Forest Land 
Management Plan

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of plan approval for the Rio Grande National Forest.

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SUMMARY: Dan Dallas, the Forest Supervisor for the Rio Grande National 
Forest, Rocky Mountain Region, signed the Record of Decision (ROD) for 
the Rio Grande National Forest Land Management Plan (Forest Plan). The 
final ROD documents the rationale for approving the Forest Plan and is 
consistent with the reviewing officer's responses to objections and 
instructions.

DATES: The Forest Plan for the Rio Grande National Forest will become 
effective June 11, 2020. To view the final ROD, final environmental 
impact statement (FEIS), the Forest Plan, and other related documents, 
please visit the Rio Grande National Forest Plan Revision website at: 
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/riogrande/landmanagement/projects/?cid=stelprd3819044.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Information about the Forest Plan for 
the Rio Grande National Forest can be obtained from Judi P[eacute]rez, 
weekdays, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Mountain Time at the Rio Grande 
National Forest Supervisor's Office at 719-852-5941 or 
[email protected]. Written requests for information may be sent to 
Rio Grande National Forest, Attn: Plan Revision, 1803 W. Highway 160, 
Monte Vista, Colorado 81144.
    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: The Forest Plan describes the Rio Grande 
National Forest's distinctive roles and contributions within the 
broader landscape and details forestwide and management area desired 
conditions, objectives, standards, and guidelines. The Forest Plan 
identifies suitable uses of National Forest System lands and provides 
estimates of the planned timber sale quantity. The Forest Plan 
identifies priority watersheds for restoration and includes recommended 
wilderness areas and eligible wild and scenic rivers. The Forest Plan 
also provides for efficient and effective management of the Rio Grande 
National Forest with desired conditions for coordination, partnerships, 
and shared stewardship with State, local, and Tribal

[[Page 27986]]

governments, other federal agencies, adjacent landowners, and 
stakeholders.
    The Rio Grande National Forest initiated plan revision in December 
2014 with stakeholder and topic-based meetings. The Forest Service 
invited States, local and Tribal governments, and other federal 
agencies from around the region to participate in the process to revise 
the Forest Plan. The Forest Service received around 465 letters of 
comment on the Forest Plan. Public meetings were held throughout the 
process in a variety of locations and venues.
    The development of the Forest Plan was shaped by the best available 
science, current laws, and public input. The 60-day timeframe for the 
opportunity to object ended on October 1, 2019. The Forest Service 
received 14 eligible objections. The reviewing officer issued his 
written responses to the objection issues. The Deputy Regional 
Forester, Reviewing Official, provided the Forest Supervisor minor 
clarification instructions for most of the objection issues. The final 
ROD documents the rationale for approving the Forest Plan and is 
consistent with the reviewing officer's responses to objections and 
instructions.

Responsible Official

    The responsible official for approving the Forest Plan is Dan 
Dallas, Forest Supervisor, Rio Grande National Forest, 1803 W. Highway 
160, Monte Vista, CO 81144.

Allen Rowley,
Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest System.
[FR Doc. 2020-10085 Filed 5-11-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3411-15-P