[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]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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