[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 232 (Wednesday, December 2, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 77426-77427]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-26563]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National 
Grassland; Wyoming; 2020 Thunder Basin National Grassland Plan 
Amendment

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of Grassland Plan amendment approval.

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SUMMARY: Russell M. Bacon, Forest Supervisor for the Medicine Bow-Routt 
National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland, Rocky Mountain 
Region, signed the final Record of Decision (ROD) for the 2020 Thunder 
Basin National Grassland Land and Resource Management Plan Amendment 
(Grassland Plan amendment). The Final ROD documents the rationale for 
approving the Grassland Plan amendment and is consistent with the 
Reviewing Officer's response to objections and instructions.

DATES: The effective date of the Grassland Plan amendment is 30 days 
after publication of notice of Grassland Plan amendment approval in the 
newspaper of record, the Laramie Boomerang.

ADDRESSES: To view the final ROD, final environmental impact statement 
(FEIS), FEIS errata, objection responses, and other related documents, 
visit the 2020 Thunder Basin National Grassland Plan Amendment website 
at https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=55479.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Monique Nelson, plan amendment team 
leader, by email at [email protected] or by telephone at 307-275-
0956.
    Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) 
may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339

[[Page 77427]]

between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Grassland Plan amendment addresses 
management of black-tailed prairie dog colonies on National Forest 
System land within the administrative boundary of the Thunder Basin 
National Grassland. New and amended plan components remove a 56,000-
acre ``Black-footed Ferret Reintroduction Habitat'' management area and 
designate a new 42,000-acre ``Short-Stature Vegetation Emphasis'' 
management area; set an objective of 10,000 acres of prairie dog 
colonies for conservation of wildlife habitat; establish prairie dog 
management zones along boundaries between National Forest System land 
and private or state properties; allow broader application of tools for 
prairie dog colony control; and increase emphasis on management of 
sylvatic plague. The Grassland Plan amendment was informed by the best 
available scientific information, current laws and regulations, and 
collaborative relationships with cooperating agencies and stakeholder 
groups.

Cooperating Agencies

    U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wyoming Field Office; Natural 
Resources Conservation Service, Wyoming State Office; Wyoming 
Department of Agriculture; Wyoming Game and Fish Department; Wyoming 
State Office of Lands and Investments; Wyoming Weed and Pest Council; 
Campbell County, WY; Converse County, WY; Crook County, WY; Niobrara 
County, WY; Weston County, WY.

Responsible Official

    Russell M. Bacon, Forest Supervisor, Medicine Bow Routt National 
Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland.

Christine Dawe,
Acting Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest System.
[FR Doc. 2020-26563 Filed 12-1-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3411-15-P