[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 207 (Friday, October 29, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 59979-59980]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-23607]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Final Record of Decision for the Helena-Lewis and Clark National 
Forest Land Management Plan

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of plan approval for the Helena-Lewis and Clark National 
Forest.

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SUMMARY: William Avey, the Forest Supervisor for the Helena-Lewis and 
Clark National Forest (referred to as the Forest), Northern Region, 
signed the record of decision (ROD) for the Helena-Lewis and Clark 
National Forest Land Management Plan (Forest Plan). The final ROD 
documents the rationale for approving the Land Management Plan and is 
consistent with the reviewing officer's responses to objections and 
instructions.

DATES: The revised Land Management Plan for the Helena-Lewis and Clark 
National Forest will become effective 30 days after the publication of 
this notice of approval in the Federal Register.

ADDRESSES: To view the final ROD, final environmental impact statement 
(FEIS), Land Management Plan, and other related documents, please visit 
the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest Plan Revision website at: 
www.fs.usda.gov/goto/hlc/forestplanrevision. A legal notice of approval 
is also being published in the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest's 
newspaper of record, Helena Independent Record. A copy of this legal 
notice will be posted on the website listed above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Deborah Entwistle, weekdays, 8:30 a.m. 
to 3:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time, at 406-449-5201. Written requests 
for information may be sent to Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, 
Attn: Plan Revision, 2880 Skyway Drive, Helena, MT 59601.
    Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the hearing-
impaired (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 
1-800-877-8339 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, Monday 
through Friday.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Land Management Plan describes the 
Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest's distinctive roles and 
contributions within the broader landscape and details forest wide and 
geographic area desired conditions, objectives, standards, and 
guidelines. It identifies suitable uses of National Forest System lands 
and provides estimates of the planned timber sale quantity. The Land 
Management Plan identifies priority watersheds for restoration and 
includes recommended wilderness areas and eligible wild and scenic 
rivers. This Land Management Plan provides for efficient and effective 
management of the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest with desired 
conditions for coordination, partnerships, and shared stewardship with 
State, local, and Tribal governments, other federal agencies, adjacent 
landowners, and stakeholders. The development of the Land Management 
Plan was shaped by the best available scientific information, current 
laws, and public input.
    The Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest initiated plan revision 
in spring 2014 with open houses held at multiple locations across the 
planning area. The Forest invited State, local and Tribal governments, 
and other federal agencies from around the region to participate in the 
process to revise the Land Management Plan. An interagency working 
group met regularly throughout the plan revision effort. After two 
years of public engagement, the Forest

[[Page 59980]]

released the Proposed Action in December 2016. Comments received on the 
Proposed Action were used in development of the draft Land Management 
Plan and draft EIS which were released in June 2018. The Forest 
received over 1,000 public comments on the draft Land Management Plan. 
The Land Management Plan, final EIS, and draft Record of Decision were 
released in May 2020, initiating a 60-day opportunity to object. The 
Forest Service received 88 eligible objections. The Regional Forester, 
Reviewing Official, issued a written response to the objection issues 
on February 19, 2021. The final ROD documents the rationale for 
approving the Land Management Plan and is consistent with the Reviewing 
Officer's response to objections and instructions.

Responsible Official

    The Responsible Official for approving the Land Management Plan is 
William Avey, Forest Supervisor, Helena-Lewis and Clark National 
Forest.

    Dated: June 7, 2021.
Barnie Gyant,
Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest System.

    Editorial note: This document was received for publication by 
the Office of the Federal Register on October 26, 2021.

[FR Doc. 2021-23607 Filed 10-28-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3411-15-P