02-28322. Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area (SRA) Advisory Council

AGENCY:

Forest Service, USDA Forest Service.

ACTION:

Notice of meeting.

SUMMARY:

The Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area Advisory Council is scheduled to meet on Sunday, November 17, 2002 for a field visit to the Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area. The field visit will provide a general overview of the area to some of the new council members and the current situation related to recreation use for implementing the management plan, and developing transportation and monitoring plans. The tour is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m., and will conclude at approximately 3 p.m. The tour will begin at the Oregon Department of Forestry Office at 22965 North Fork Road in Mehama, Oregon.

The Opal Creek Wilderness and Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area Act of 1996 (Opal Creek Act) (Pub. L. 104-208) directed the Secretary of Agriculture to establish the Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area Advisory Council. The Advisory Council is comprised of thirteen members representing state, county and city governments, and representatives of various organizations, which include mining industry, environmental organizations, inholders in Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area, economic development, Indian tribes, adjacent landowners and recreation interests. The council provides advice to the Secretary of Agriculture on preparation of a comprehensive Opal Creek Management Plan for the SRA, and consults on a period and regular basis on the management of the area.

The public comment period will begin at 10 a.m. and the field tour will begin after the last presentation. Time allotted for individual presentations will be limited to 3 minutes. Written comments are encouraged, particularly if the material cannot be presented within the time limits of the comment period. Written comments may be submitted prior to the November 17 meeting by sending them to Designated Federal Official Stephanie Phillips at the address given below. The public is welcome to attend the tour, however individuals must provide their own transportation throughout the tour and bring a lunch.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

For more information regarding this meeting, contact Designated Federal Official Stephanie Phillips; Willamette National Forest, Detroit Ranger District, HC 73 Box 320, Mill City, OR 97360; [phone].

Dated: October 31, 2002.

Y. Robert Iwamoto,

Deputy Forest Supervisor.