97-22898. Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for Issuance of an Incidental Take Permit to the Louisiana-Pacific Corporation  

  • [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
    
    
    

Document Information

Published:
08/28/1997
Department:
Fish and Wildlife Service
Entry Type:
Notice
Action:
Notice of Intent.
Document Number:
97-22898
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.
Pages:
45676-45676 (1 pages)
PDF File:
97-22898.pdf