00-17444. 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 July 29, 2000 for a field visit to the Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area. The field visit will provide a general overview of the area and current situation related to recreation use and other resource issues. The tour is scheduled to begin at 10 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 Mehema, 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 periodic and regular basis on the management of the area.

The public comment period will begin at 10 a.m. and the field tour will depart 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 July 29 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: July 3, 2000.

Stephanie Phillips,

Detroit District Ranger.