[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 167 (Thursday, August 28, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 45676]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-22898]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for
Issuance of an Incidental Take Permit to the Louisiana-Pacific
Corporation
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior and National Marine
Fisheries Service, NOAA, Commerce.
ACTION: Notice of Intent.
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SUMMARY: The Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine
Fisheries Service (collectively ``the Services'') intend to prepare an
Environmental Impact Statement addressing approval and implementation
of a Habitat Conservation Plan (Plan) submitted by the Louisiana-
Pacific Corporation as part of an application for an incidental take
permit, pursuant to section 10(a) of the Endangered Species Act of
1973, as amended. The Plan will cover forest management activities on
Louisiana-Pacific's lands within Mendocino, Sonoma, and Humboldt
counties in northern California. Louisiana-Pacific intends to request
an incidental take permit for the northern spotted owl (Strix
occidentalis caurina), coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch), American
peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum), and marbled murrelet
(Brachyramphus marmoratus marmoratus). It is anticipated the applicant
may also seek coverage for approximately 50-60 unlisted species of
concern (anadromous and resident fish, wildlife, and plants) under
specific provisions of the permit, should these species be listed in
the future.
Public Involvement
This notice is being furnished pursuant to the Council on
Environmental Quality Regulations for implementing the Procedural
Provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act Regulations (40 CFR
sections 1501.7 and 1508.22) to obtain suggestions and information from
other agencies and the public on the scope of issues and alternatives
to be considered in preparation of the Environmental Impact Statement.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before September 30, 1997.
Public scoping meetings, at which oral and written comments can be
submitted, are scheduled for Tuesday, September 9, 1997, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
& 6:30-9:30 p.m., at Ukiah Valley Conference Center, 200 South School
Street, Ukiah, California 95482, and on Thursday, September 11, 1997,
6:30-9:30 p.m., at Samoa Fire Hall, Samoa, California 95564.
ADDRESSES: Comments regarding the scope of the Environmental Impact
Statement should be addressed to Mr. Bruce Halstead, Project Leader,
Coastal California Fish and Wildlife Office, Fish and Wildlife Service,
1125 16th Street, Room 209, Arcata, California 95521-5582. Written
comments may also be sent by facsimile to (707) 822-8411. Comments
received will be available for public inspection, by appointment,
during normal business hours (Monday through Friday; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00
p.m.) at the above address. All comments received, including names and
addresses, will become part of the official administrative record and
may be made available to the public.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Amedee Brickey, at the above
address.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Louisiana-Pacific Corporation, a forest
products company, owns and manages approximately 305,000 acres of
commercial forest lands in northern California that will be considered
for inclusion in a Plan. Approximately 230,000 acres of the land is
located in coastal Mendocino and Sonoma counties, and approximately
75,000 acres in coastal Humboldt County. The Plan will evaluate various
forest management alternatives for the planning area, including an
alternative similar to Louisiana-Pacific's Sustained Yield Plan for
Coastal Mendocino County. This Sustained Yield Plan is currently under
review by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
Louisiana-Pacific's multi-species planning approach is anticipated
to include the northern spotted owl, coho salmon, marbled murrelet,
American peregrine falcon, and other threatened/endangered species. In
addition, about 50-60 unlisted species of concern (anadromous and
resident fish, wildlife, and plants) are being considered for inclusion
in the Plan.
Once completed, it is expected that Louisiana-Pacific Corporation
will submit the Plan as part of the incidental take permit application
process, as required under the provisions of section 10(a)(2)(A) of the
Endangered Species Act. The Services will evaluate the incidental take
permit application and associated Plan in accordance with section 10(a)
of the Endangered Species Act and its implementing regulations. The
environmental review of the permit application and the Plan will be
conducted in accordance with the requirements of the National
Environmental Policy Act and its implementing regulations. A No Action
alternative will be considered consistent with the requirements of the
National Environmental Policy Act.
Several streams in watersheds in which the Louisiana-Pacific
Corporation owns land are listed as water quality limited under Section
303(d) of the Clean Water Act. If feasible, the Environmental
Protection Agency will work with the Louisiana-Pacific Corporation,
other Federal agencies, the State of California, and the public to
address water quality issues associated with these waterbodies at the
same time the Plan is developed. It is expected that a water quality
planning and management framework will be developed to establish total
maximum daily loads for streams listed under section 303(d) of the
Clean Water Act.
Dated: August 21, 1997.
Don Weathers,
Acting Regional Director, Region 1, Portland, Oregon.
[FR Doc. 97-22898 Filed 8-27-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P