[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 177 (Tuesday, September 14, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 55736-55737]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-22820]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service
Mark Twain National Forest; Missouri; Integrated Non-Native
Invasive Plant Project
AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement.
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SUMMARY: The Mark Twain National Forest (MTNF) proposes to implement an
integrated Forest-wide management strategy to control the spread of
non-native invasive plants (NNIP) within the National Forest over the
next 10 years, or until circumstances change to the point that the
analysis is no longer valid. The proposal utilizes several management
tools, including registered herbicides, bio-agents, and manual/
mechanical methods.
DATES: Comments concerning the scope of the analysis must be received
by October 4, 2010. The draft environmental impact statement is
expected November 2010 and the final environmental impact statement is
expected March 2011.
ADDRESSES: Send written comments to Integrated NNIP Project, 401
Fairgrounds Road, Rolla, MO 65401. Comments may also be sent via e-mail
to [email protected], or via facsimile to (573) 364-
6844.
It is important that reviewers provide their comments at such times
and in such a way that they are useful to the Agency's preparation of
the EIS. Therefore, comments should be provided prior to the close of
the comment period and should clearly articulate the reviewer's
concerns and contentions.
Comments received in response to this solicitation, including names
and addresses of those who comment, will be part of the public record
for this proposed action. Comments submitted anonymously will be
accepted and considered, however.
[[Page 55737]]
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brian K Davidson, 401 Fairgrounds
Road, Rolla, MO 65401.
Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD)
may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339
between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Purpose and Need for Action
The purpose of this project is to protect and restore naturally-
functioning native ecosystems on the MTNF by controlling current and
future threats of NNIP infestations. Control means, as appropriate,
eradicating, suppressing, reducing, or managing NNIP populations,
preventing the spread of NNIP, and taking steps such as restoration of
native species and habitats to reduce the effects of invasive species
and to prevent further invasions (Executive Order 13112 invasive
species). Resiliency, integrity, and sustainability of a variety of
ecosystems on the MTNF could be compromised if NNIP infestations
continue to spread. This proposal is needed because existing
populations of NNIP currently occur on the MTNF and are degrading
natural communities. Inventoried and new or unknown infestations
continue to spread unchecked. Past projects to control invasive plants
on the MTNF have been authorized as small portions of larger vegetation
management projects. Those limited actions have not been able to keep
pace with the extent in which several NNIP species spread and encroach
into new areas. Species such as garlic mustard, spotted knapweed, and
Sericea lespedeza are too wide-spread and aggressive to address
individually or at a smaller project level in order to be successful.
Proposed Action
The MTNF proposes to implement an integrated program for the
prevention, eradication, suppression, and reduction of existing and
future NNIP infestations on the forest. The integrated approach
considers the best available scientific information, most current NNIP
inventories, and the effectiveness of control methods designed to meet
desired treatment objectives to control NNIP infestations on National
Forest System lands with the MTNF boundaries. These control methods
would include various combinations of manual, mechanical, chemical,
cultural, and biological treatments.
Cooperating Agencies
Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is a cooperating agency
with the MTNF, the lead agency, on this proposal.
Responsible Official
The forest supervisor of the Mark Twian National Forest is the
responsible official.
Nature of Decision To Be Made
The forest supervisor will make a decision on whether to implement
the Integrated NNIP strategy on National Forest System land as
proposed, an alternative, or no action.
Preliminary Issues
The interdisciplinary team has identified preliminary issues.
Unintended detrimental environmental effects to non-target species
could result from the application of herbicide or release of bio-
agents. The application of herbicide could result in an increase of
toxic chemicals in groundwater.
Scoping Process
Typically, this notice of intent initiates the scoping process,
which guides the development of the environmental impact statement.
Scoping for this project began in November 2009 with a letter to the
public and posting of information to MTNF world wide Web site. Four
comment letters were received in response to that solicitation. Those
comments will be incorporated into the analysis for this EIS.
It is important that reviewers provide their comments at such times
and in such manner that they are useful to the agency's preparation of
the environmental impact statement. Therefore, comments should be
provided prior to the close of the comment period and should clearly
articulate the reviewer's concerns and contentions.
Dated: August 23, 2010.
David C. Whittekiend,
Forest Supervisor.
[FR Doc. 2010-22820 Filed 9-13-10; 8:45 am]
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