98-1200. Notice of Intent to Initiate Plan Amendments and Associated Environmental Assessment for the Grand Resource Management Plan (RMP) and the San Juan RMP

[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 12 (Tuesday, January 20, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Page 2998]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-1200]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management

[UT-060-08-1610-00]


Notice of Intent to Initiate Plan Amendments and Associated 
Environmental Assessment for the Grand Resource Management Plan (RMP) 
and the San Juan RMP

SUMMARY: Since the completion of the Grand and San Juan RMPs in 
southeastern Utah, changes in the scope of land uses, public 
expectations, and new data has resulted in the need to re-examine 
certain current decisions in the RMP that may no longer provide for 
appropriate resource use or protection in the Lockhart Basin area.

ADDRESSES: Moab Field Office, 82 East Dogwood, Moab, Utah 84532.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Since the completion of the Grand RMP in 
1985 and the San Juan RMP in 1991, extensive changes have occurred in 
the Lockhart Basin. Increased public awareness, sensitivity and 
expectations regarding resource use and protection has been evolving. 
The scope of activities and interest in certain types of resource use, 
such as recreation uses, and oil and gas industry interest including 
exploration and possible production has exceeded considerations and 
projections that were made in the associated Environmental Impact 
Statements of the above mentioned RMPs. Therefore, in accordance with 
43 CFR 1610.5-5-Amendments, the field offices would like to request 
public involvement in the possible amendment of the subject RMPs. 
Currently, three preliminary issues have been identified that are 
proposed to be addressed during the plan(s) amendment process.
    Issue One is the need to review current oil and gas categories to 
determine if changes are necessary to protect sensitive resources. 
Issue Two includes the need to determine if current management 
decisions can continue to provide necessary protection to important 
wildlife populations also located in the Lockhart Basin. Issue Three 
includes the need to review current management decisions regarding the 
protection of sensitive visual resources in light of the increased 
potential land uses also in the Lockhart Basin Area.
    No additional planning criteria beyond those previously stated in 
the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the above RMPs are planned 
at this time.
    A complete inter-disciplinary team will be utilized for the 
completion of the proposed amendments and associated environmental 
assessment.
    The Field Offices would like to take this opportunity to invite the 
public to comment on the above preliminary issues or any others that 
may need to be addressed for the Lockhart Basin Area. Public comments 
should be submitted by February 19, 1998 in order that they may be 
appropriately considered in the plan amendment process. All comments or 
concerns should be sent to Daryl Trotter, Environmental Protection 
Specialist at the address listed below.
    Additional opportunities to facilitate public input will be offered 
by holding open public meetings at the following locations:

Moab Field Office; Moab, Utah on February 4,1998 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 
pm and;
Monticello Field Office, Monticello, Utah on February 5, 1998 to 6:00 
pm to 8:00 pm.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Daryl Trotter, Environmental 
Protection Specialist for the Moab Field Office, 82 East Dogwood, Moab, 
Utah 84532 at the following telephone number: (435) 259-61111 or fax 
[phone].

    Dated: January 13, 1998.
G. William Lamb,
Utah State Director.
[FR Doc. 98-1200 Filed 1-16-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-08-P