2012-5892. Notice of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Advisory Committee Meeting

AGENCY:

Bureau of Land Management, Interior.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

In accordance with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) and the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972 (FACA), the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Advisory Committee (GSENMAC) will meet as indicated below.

DATES:

The GSENMAC will meet Tuesday, April 17, 2012, (1 p.m.-6 p.m.); Wednesday, April 18, 2012, (8 a.m.-5 p.m.); and Thursday, April 19, 2012, (8 a.m.-12 p.m.) in Escalante, Utah.

ADDRESSES:

The Committee will meet at the Escalante Interagency Visitor Center, 755 West Main, Escalante, Utah.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Larry Crutchfield, Public Affairs Officer, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Bureau of Land Management, 669 South Highway 89A, Kanab, Utah, 84741; phone [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The 15-member GSENMAC was appointed by the Secretary of Interior on August 2, 2011, pursuant to the Monument Management Plan, the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA), and the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972 (FACA). As specified in the Monument Management Plan, the GSENMAC will have several primary tasks (1) Review evaluation reports produced by the Management Science Team and make recommendations on protocols and projects to meet overall objectives. (2) Review appropriate research proposals and make recommendations on project necessity and validity. (3) Make recommendations regarding allocation of research funds through review of research and project proposals as well as needs identified through the evaluation process above. (4) Could be consulted on issues such as protocols for specific projects.

Topics to be discussed by the GSENMAC during this meeting include approval of committee by-laws, review of the draft GSENM Science Plan, MAC participation in development of a Hole-In-The-Rock corridor management strategy, future meeting dates and other matters as may reasonably come before the GSENMAC. A field trip is planned for the morning of April 18 to familiarize GSENMAC members with the Hole-In-The-Rock corridor.

The entire meeting is open to the public. Members of the public are welcome to address the committee at 5 p.m., local time on April 17, 2012. Depending on the number of persons wishing to speak, a time limit could be established. Interested persons may make oral statements to the GSENMAC during this time or written statements may be submitted for the GSENMAC's consideration. Written statements can be sent to: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Attn: Larry Crutchfield, 669 South Highway 89A, Kanab, Utah, 84741. Information to be distributed to the GSENMAC is requested 10 days prior to the start of the GSENMAC meeting.

All meetings are open to the public; however, transportation, lodging, and meals are the responsibility of the participating public.

Rene C. Berkhoudt,

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Manager.