[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 244 (Wednesday, December 19, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 65463-65470]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-31200]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Withdrawal of the Regional Guide for the Southwestern Region

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The intended effect of this action is to comply with 36 CFR 
part 219 section 219.35(e) which directs that within 1 year of November 
9, 2000, the Regional Forester must withdraw the Regional Guide. When a 
Regional Guide is withdrawn, the Regional Forester must identify any 
decisions in the Regional Guide that are to be transferred to a 
regional supplement of the Forest Service directive system (36 CFR 
200.4) or to one or more plans and give notice in the Federal Register 
of these actions.

DATES: This action will be effective November 9, 2001.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Arthur Briggs, Director of Planning; 
Southwestern Region; 333 Broadway SE, Albuquerque, NM. Phone: (505) 
842-3292.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This action accomplishes the withdrawal of 
the Regional Guide for the Southwestern Region. An analysis of the 
direction contained in the Regional Guide shows that all its applicable 
direction is either: (1) Already incorporated into Forest Plans, Forest 
Service directives, statutes or regulations; or (2) contains guidance 
that does not need to be brought forward as direction to facilitate 
forest planning. No further action is needed to complete the withdrawal 
of the Regional Guide for the Southwestern Region.

    Dated: December 10, 2001.
James T. Gladen,
Deputy Regional Forester, For Natural Resources.

                    Management Direction From the Regional Guide for the Southwestern Region
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                     Standards/Guidelines From Regional Guide                               Addressed in
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                                              Watershed Management
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Use the watershed condition index to rate ecosystems and watersheds as being    Forest Plans. Direction is
 in optimum, satisfactory, or unsatisfactory condition.                             obsolete, and will be
                                                                                    updated in revised Forest
                                                                                    Plans. Replaced by FSM
                                                                                    2510.42 and 2510.43 (R3
                                                                                    Suppl). Also see FSM
                                                                                    1922.15(20).
2. Manage terrestrial ecosystem and watersheds to maintain satisfactory            Forest Plans, and FSM
 conditions for the productivity and protection of watersheds. Improve those        2522.11.
 watersheds where conditions are unsatisfactory.

[[Page 65464]]

 
3. Design and maintain all water developments that are needed to provide water     Forest Plans, and FSM
 for National Forest System uses for water use efficiency. When selecting the       2541.04.
 preferred means of developing or redeveloping a water source for National Forest
 System use, consider water use efficiency as an analysis criterion. Encourage
 all users to use water efficiently. Design and maintain National Forest System
 water developments to minimize water losses. Because of their relative
 inefficiency, use stockponds only when no other economic means of providing
 water for livestock and wildlife is available.
4. During the Forest planning process, recognize potential water resource          Forest Plans, and FSM 2535.03
 development sites, including sites that are inventoried by State and Federal       (R3 Suppl).
 water resource management agencies.
5. Manage and use the range resource in a manner that maintains or improves        Forest Plans, and FSM 2211.1
 watershed to a satisfactory or optimum condition. (Definitions of satisfactory     (R3 Suppl).
 and optimum watershed conditions are in the Glossary of the EIS.)
6. In the Forest planning process, apply the following prescriptions for each      Forest Plans. Direction is
 watershed condition class:                                                         obsolete, and will be
(a) Optimum--maintain these conditions.                                             updated in revised Forest
(b) Satisfactory--improve where cost effective.                                     Plans. Replaced by FSM
(c) Unsatisfactory--emphasize improvement.                                          2510.42 and 2510.43 (R3
                                                                                    Suppl).
7. Assign no forage capacity to areas in unsatisfactory watershed condition where  FSM 2211.1 (R3 Suppl).
 reforestation measures are not cost effective. Through management, restrict
 livestock use in these areas.
8. Improve all terrestrial ecosystems and watersheds to satisfactory or better     FSM 2522.02 (R3 Suppl).
 condition by 2020.
9. Complete watershed restoration action plans by 1990 to improve all              FSM 2510.43 (R3 Suppl), and
 unsatisfactory terrestrial ecosystems and watersheds. (These action plans cover    FSM 2532.4 (R3 Suppl).
 all activities and uses and are supplemental to the Forest Plans).
10. Integrate soil and water conservation measures with management activities to   Forest Plans, using Best Mgt
 ensure maintenance and improvement of watershed conditions. Temporary variances    Practices, in FSH 2509.22
 for apparent unsatisfactory watershed condition ratings will be given if soil      (R3 Suppl), and FSM 2530.44
 and water conservation measures are successfully implemented.                      (R3 Suppl) and FSM 2532.03
                                                                                    (R3 Suppl).
11. After the second growing season following a wildfire, evaluate changes in      Forest Plans.
 watershed condition.
12. Maintain viable populations of all existing native and desired nonnative       Forest Plans, and 36 CFR
 vertebrate species in the planning area. Provide a diversity of plant and animal   219.19 and 219.27(g), FSM
 communities to meet multiple-use objectives.                                       2634, FSM 2670.12.
13. When compatible with multiple-use objectives and when cost effective,          FSM 2522.12 (R3 Suppl).
 schedule water yield improvement projects in State-identified basins where
 recoverable increases exceed 0.5 inch per year. Consider water yield designs in
 all management prescriptions. Emphasize water yield increases in multiple-use
 prescriptions for chaparral.
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                                               Fuelwood Management
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Permits will be required for all fuelwood on all Forests by July 1, 1983.       36 CFR 223.5-223.13, and some
                                                                                    Forest Plans.
2. Free fuelwood will be available only under the following circumstances:         36 CFR 223.5-223.13, and some
(a) Dead and down timber--when supply exceeds demand, access is limited or          Forest Plans.
 difficult, or special environmental, or economic considerations preclude
 effective management under the charge permit system
(b) Live timber--when sufficient amounts of dead and down material are not
 available and there is a need to meet multiple-use objectives, such as
 harvesting green trees to improve the growth rate of residual trees or for
 insect and disease control
3. Stumpage charges will be assessed in all circumstances not covered in 2 above.  FSM 2431.
 A minimum charge of $10.00 per permit will be collected. The rates per unit will
 be based on a Regional minimum price, standard rates, developed by Forests, and
 appraised rates (in the case of offered sales), or joint policies established
 with the Bureau of Land Management. (The above direction does not apply to the
 use of small quantities of fuelwood used onsite according to 36 CFR 223.1(e)(3),
 such as when camping on the Forest.)
4. Coordinate uniform sales policies among the Forest Service, States, other       Forest Plans. Also, in 36
 Federal agencies, and private landowners to increase the availability and supply   219.7, 219.14, 219.16, &
 of fuelwood.                                                                       221.3, and FSM 2460, and FSH
                                                                                    2409.13(42).
5. Manage unsuitable lands to emphasize resource variety based on potential
 natural vegetation. Modify pinyon-juniper overstory to meet multiple-use
 objectives for the site consistent with Forest Plans.
6. Previously cleared land areas will be managed to achieve multiple-use
 objectives, including increased fuelwood supplies.
7. Emphasize fuelwood as a resource in the management of unsuitable lands.
 Initiate periodic fuelwood inventories on both suitable and unsuitable lands to
 determine potential source and availability. Estimate sustained harvest levels,
 track inventory reduction, and establish control procedures to maintain a
 sustained yield.
8. Where the potential natural vegetation is pinyon-juniper, management priority   Forest Plans--management area
 will be fuelwood production and wildlife habitat. Snag policy (FSM 5151.13, R-3    direction for woodland
 Supplement 123-7/77) applies in the woodland type. The purpose is to provide       areas. Snag policy in Forest
 adequate habitat to maintain self-sustaining populations of snag-dependent         Plans and FSH 2409.
 wildlife species on forested lands, including the woodland type. In areas where
 demand for fuelwood is light and is expected to continue to be so, modification
 of pinyon-juniper overstory may be justified. Personal or commercial harvest of
 fuelwood will be considered in all overstory modification projects.
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[[Page 65465]]

 
                                  Transportation Systems and Travel Management
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Accomplish transportation planning, management, development, and maintenance    FSH 7709.55, FSM 1920.15(17).
 to meet targets and user needs, while minimizing environmental degradation and
 road densities. Transportation management and planning includes all modes of
 access.
2. Recognize and evaluate the tangible and intangible benefits and costs of each   Forest Plans and FSM 7731.02,
 project to ensure that the objectives of management are fulfilled with minimum     7731.03.
 adverse effects on the human environment, and in the most cost-effective manner.
3. Coordinate transportation facilities according to the following guidelines:     Forest Plan--Transportation
(a) Develop and evaluate transportation facility construction and maintenance       Plans, + Forest Plan goals,
 alternatives and select an alternative that meets management objectives with the   + FSH 7709.55, and 36 CFR
 least adverse effect on the human environment, and at the least cost.              212.4, also addressed by:
(b) Apply all resource coordination for the protection of National Forest System    Item (b) FSM 2732.6; Item
 lands, resources, and ecosystems to the planning, development, and operation of    (c) 36 CFR 212.6; FSH
 transportation facilities by private parties under permit or easement, or          7731.02; Item (d) FSM
 Federal, State and local governments under Memorandums of Understanding.           2601.1; Item (e) FSH
(c) Provide access in a manner consistent with management objectives and            7709.11; Item (f) Forest
 environmental policies and standards.                                              Plan standards, 36 CFR
(d) Protect threatened and endangered species in planning, development, and         219.24; Item (g) FSH
 operation of transportation facilities (FSM 2601.1).                               7709.58, 7709.59, and
(e) Apply standards for transportation network analysis, as described in Regional   Highway Safety Act.
 supplements 2, 8, and 10 to Chapter 7709.11 of the Forest Service Handbook, to
 Forest Plans. Forests will integrate transportation planning with land
 management planning.
(f) Protect archaeological sites in planning, development, and operation of
 transportation facilities.
(g) Provide reasonable user safety through design, maintenance, and operation.
 All new and reconstructed facilities will conform to the Highway Safety Act.
4. Emphasize long-run needs and demands.                                           Forest Plans, 36 CFR 212, and
                                                                                    FSH 7709.
5. Allow motorized travel on all National Forest System roads and trails, except   Forest Plan--Transportation
 where specifically closed or regulated by order. All roads or trails open to       Plans, FSM 2353.04 (R3
 motorized travel shall be identified by a route number or assurance arrow. New     Suppl), FSH 7709.59 (25), 36
 road construction will be minimized. Certain system roads may be closed during     CFR 212.5, and some Forest
 periods of planned activity to reduce maintenance liabilities, minimize            Plan standards.
 conflicts of use, and contribute toward user safety. Local system roads, where
 needed to accommodate fuelwood gathering, will remain open as long as this
 purpose can be served.
6. Forest Plans shall, by applying planning criteria in FSM 2355, delineate        Forest Plan Transportation
 management areas that are open, restricted, and closed to cross-country            Plans and maps, FSM 2353.04
 motorized travel.                                                                  (R3 Suppl), 36 CFR 212.5 and
                                                                                    219.21(g), FSH 7709.55 (34),
                                                                                    and some Forest Plan
                                                                                    standards.
7. Motorized travel may not depart from Forest roads and trails and proceed cross-
 country in those management areas closed or restricted to such use, except as
 authorized by special permit.
8. Post closed or restricted areas at entrances to these areas, and visibly mark   FSH 7709.59 (25), 7731.04b,
 open system roads and trails within the area with a route number of assurance      FSM 2353.04 (R3 Suppl).
 arrow.
9. Permit unrestricted cross-country travel in management areas that the Forest    Forest Plan Transportation
 Plan shows as open.                                                                Plans and maps, FSH 7709.55
                                                                                    (34).
10. Regardless of the signing technique chosen, favor humanistic, positive         FSH 7709.55 (30).
 signing techniques over regulatory, negative directions. Emphasis will be placed
 on giving users information about where their particular activity may be pursued
 instead of where they are restricted or prohibited.
11. Eliminate an estimated 10,000 miles of existing unneeded primitive roads by    Forest Plans.
 the year 2030.
12. Protect wetland and floodplain values and identify hazards in accordance with  Forest Plans, FSM and Exec
 Executive Orders 11990 and 11988 (see also FSM 2527 and FSM 2528). Avoid the       Orders., and 36 CFR
 development of transportation facilities or protect existing facilities in         219.27(a)(4).
 wetlands or areas subject to inundation by 100-year floods (1 percent chance of
 occurring in any year). Remove existing facilities from riparian areas where
 impacts are unacceptable.
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                                            Riparian Area Management
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Manage riparian areas in accordance with legal requirements regarding           Forest Plans, + numerous
 floodplains, wetlands, wild and scenic rivers, and cultural and other resources.   statutes & regulations.
 Recognize the importance and distinct values of riparian areas in Forest Plans.
2. Manage riparian areas to protect the productivity and diversity of riparian-    Forest Plans, FSM 2526, and
 dependent resources by requiring actions within or affecting riparian areas to     36 CFR 219.27e; FSM 2526.
 protect and, where applicable, improve dependent resources (FSM 2526). Emphasize
 protection of soil, water, vegetation, and wildlife and fish resources prior to
 implementing projects (FSM 2526).
3. Give preferential consideration to resources dependent on riparian areas over   In some Forest Plans, and FSM
 other resources. Other resources uses and activities may occur to the extent       2526.
 that they support or do not adversely affect riparian-dependent resources.
4. By 1990, complete classifications and inventories of all riparian areas, and    FSM 2526.05, 2526.1, and 2605
 complete action plans to improve all unsatisfactory riparian areas. Improve all    (R3 Suppl). Also in some
 riparian areas to satisfactory or better condition by 2030. Such satisfactory      Forest Plans. Items (a) and
 conditions are specified below, expressed as percentage of ``natural''             (b) are obsolete, and will
 conditions (that is, what each site can produce if not further disturbed by        be updated in Forest Plan
 man). Twenty-five percent of all riparian areas must be in satisfactory            revisions.
 condition by 2000.

[[Page 65466]]

 
    (a) Aquatic resource:
        (1) Maintain at least 80 percent of natural shade over water surfaces.
        (2) Maintain at least 80 percent of natural bank protection.
        (3) Maintain the composition of sand, silt, and clay within 20 percent of
         natural levels.
    (b) Vegetation resource (where the site is capable of supporting woody
     plants):
        (1) Maintain at least 60 percent of the woody plant composition in three
         or more riparian species.
        (2) Maintain at least three age classes of riparian woody plants, with at
         least 10 percent of the woody plant cover in sprouts, seedlings, and
         saplings of riparian species.
        (3) Maintain at least 60 percent of natural shrub and tree crown cover.
    (c) Wildlife resources: Maintain at least 60 percent of natural shade over
     land surfaces.
5. On a site-specific basis, identify riparian-dependent resources and develop     FSM 2526.05, 2526.1, and 2605
 action plans and programs to bring about conditions essential to supporting        (R3 Suppl).
 those dependent resources.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Research Natural Areas
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Identify, study, and designate sufficient areas to meet the representation      Forest Plans, and FSM 4063.
 requirements for terrestrial ecosystems in the Southwest by 1985. (See Table 3-
 1). Strengthen the representation of New Mexico ecosystems in the research
 natural area system.
2. The size of a research natural area will normally not be less than 300 acres    FSM 4063.1.
 and not be greater than 1,200 acres. Establish smaller areas to protect special
 ecosystems and smaller or larger areas to ensure logical boundaries.
3. Establish areas on National Forest System lands that include appropriate        Forest Plans (mgt area
 opportunities in wilderness. Emphasize establishment of areas where resources      designations), and 36 CFR
 use is restricted by other designations, such as municipal watersheds and the      219.18, 219.25.
 Langmuir Research Area. Review new land acquisitions and lands released from
 other Federal agencies for research natural area designation. Examples are the
 Los Alamos Restricted Area and the Manzano Base Security Area in New Mexico.
4. Research natural areas on National Forest System lands of the Southwestern      Forest Plans--RNAs, FSM
 Region will be recognized, screened, and established in the following order of     4063.2, and 36 CFR 219.25.
 priority (listed in descending order).
    (a) Priority will be given to candidate research natural areas where
     ecosystem representations:
        (1) Include typical, extensive, and important flora or fauna.
        (2) Exhibit modal (typical representative) features of biota, soils,
         climate commonly found on National Forest System lands.
        (3) Include biotic populations of special interest or concern.
        (4) Exist in mosaics that represent more than one ecological component of
         a research natural area.
        (5) Have an apparent level of scientific interest or management
         importance use of even-aged management where perpetuation of this
         species is desired.
        (6) Have a low degree of potential conflict with other uses, and are
         located where protection and access can be readily provided.
Table 3-1 Representation Needs for Research Natural Areas in the Southwestern      Table is no longer needed.
 Region (includes Biotic Community Classification, Forest Cover Types and/or        Representation needs for R3
 Potential Natural Vegetation, Terrestrial Ecosystem Classification, Comments and   were met. RNAs may be
 Possible Sites).                                                                   changed through Forest Plan
                                                                                    amendment or revision.
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                                     Harvest Cutting Methods by Forest Type
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harvest cutting methods are defined in the NFMA regulations and described in       FSH 2409.17--Silv Practices
 Appendix D of the EIS. Both even-aged and uneven-aged harvest cutting methods      Handbook, Cutting Methods
 are appropriate for use in the Southwestern Region. Even-aged management, with     Guide for R3 (currently
 its many variations of cutting methods, is the most appropriate for managing the   being updated). Direction is
 suitable lands where timber production is a primary objective. Uneven-aged         outdated. Some Forest Plans
 management is most appropriate for use in certain special management areas where   include harvest method
 timber production is subordinate to other resource management objectives. In all   guidelines; will be updated
 cases, the harvest cutting method applied will be selected to best fit the         in revisions. Also see FSM
 particular abiotic, biotic, economic, and management objectives that apply to      1922.15(3).
 that stand. These objectives, as well as the areas where there systems will be
 used, will be identified in Forest Plans.
Table 3-2 displays the appropriate silvicultural system and cutting methods to be  FSH 2409.17, which is
 used for each forest type. (See also Appendix D of the EIS.) However, these        currently being revised.
 guidelines do not preclude the modification of silvicultural systems when
 applied to special areas or situations. Modifications may be determined on a
 case-by-case basis in Forest Plans according to the following criteria:
1. The system must develop conditions required to meet resource management
 objectives.
2. The system must permit control of competing vegetation sufficient to allow
 establishment of desirable reproduction.
3. The system must promote stand structures, composition, and conditions that
 minimize damage from pest organisms, animals, wind, and fire.
4. The system must be compatible with acceptable logging methods so that future
 stands can be cultured and harvested.
Table 3-2 Silvicultural Systems and Cutting Methods by Forest Type, and            Outdated. Will be replaced in
 ``principal cutting methods'' (even-age harvest methods) recommended for aspen,    revised FSH 2409.17, and
 mixed conifer, ponderosa pine, and spruce-fir; mix of even- and uneven age         revised Forest Plans.
 methods recommended for woodlands.
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[[Page 65467]]

 
                    Maximum Size, Dispersal, Size Variation, and Duration of Created Openings
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A natural opening is an area with less than 10 percent crown cover that has never  Referenced in Forest Plans
 supported a higher tree density--for example, a meadow, rock slide, or swamp. A    and FSH 2409.17--
 created opening is a contiguous area greater than two acres in size that was       Silvicultural Practices
 created by vegetative manipulation and that does not meet tree height and          Handbook. Outdated, and is
 stocking requirements. When an opening results from a natural occurrence, such     currently being revised.
 as wildfire or windstorm, the opening will be treated as a created opening.        Will also be addressed in
                                                                                    Forest Plan revisions.
1. A created opening will no longer be considered an opening when the conditions
 in Table 3-3 are met.
2. Clearcuts may not be larger than 40 acres without Regional Forester approval.   Referenced in Forest Plans
 The standards shown in Table 3-4 also apply, except in the following situations:   and FSH 2409.17--
(a) In the harvest of salvageable wood in areas subjected to catastrophic           Silvicultural Practices
 conditions, such as fire, insect and disease attack, or windstorm.                 Handbook. Outdated,
(b) In the harvest of dwarf-mistletoe-infested overstory trees that threaten the    currently being revised.
 established regeneration. A biological evaluation of Regional forest pest          Will also be addressed in
 management experts is required.                                                    Forest Plan revisions.
3. For nontimber species, such as the pinyon-juniper and chaparral types,          Referenced in Forest Plans
 standards and guidelines are established for the maximum size, dispersal, and      and FSH 2409.17--
 duration of created openings. These standards and guidelines are designed to       Silvicultural Practices
 address concerns for wildlife and plant species.                                   Handbook. Outdated,
(a) In the woodland type, created openings in areas that have been identified as    currently being revised.
 historic big-game winter range will be designed so that an animal will be no       Will be addressed in Forest
 more than 600 feet from hiding cover at any location within the opening (25).      plan revisions.
(b) Limitations in Tables 3-3 and 3-4 apply to newly created openings in the
 pinyon-juniper type. Improve the interspersion of vegetated areas in existing
 openings.
(c) Limitations in Tables 3-3 and 3-4 apply to permanent openings in the
 chaparral type. A permanent opening is an area that is maintained with no more
 than 50 percent of the potential natural crown cover. Fuelbreaks are excepted
 because they are less than 330 feet wide.
(d) An area is no longer considered an opening in the pinyon-juniper type if one
 of the following conditions is met:
(1) There are at least 35 trees per acre that are 10 feet or taller.
(2) There are at least 80 trees per acre that are 6 feet or taller.
(e) The minimum distance between openings is 660 feet.
Table 3-3 When an Area Would No Longer Be Classified as an Opening.                Referenced in Forest Plans
Table 3-4 Limitations on Created Openings (based on forest type and slope).         and FSH 2409.17--
                                                                                    Silvicultural Practices
                                                                                    Handbook. Outdated,
                                                                                    currently being revised.
                                                                                    Will be addressed in Forest
                                                                                    Plan revisions. Also in 36
                                                                                    CFR 219.27(d).
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                                 Management Intensity and Utilization Standards
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Intensity: Intensity may vary depending on the management objectives, the tree     FSH 2409.17, chapters 6 and
 species involved, site productivity, market supply or demand, and available        8, and 36 CFR 219.15.
 funding. The following timber management practices may be used in the Region and
 will have an influence on both the total number of stand entries, frequency of
 stand entries, and the culmination of mean annual increment of growth:
    1. Site preparation--chemical, mechanical, or burning.
    2. Genetic improvement of tree stock (genetics).
    3. Reforestation by planting, seeding, or natural means.
    4. Protection of growing stock from animals, insects, diseases, and wildlife.
    5. Release by the use of chemicals or mechanical methods.
    6. Precommercial thinning.
    7. Commercial thinning.
    8. Salvage.
    9. Regeneration harvest.
The number of entries into a stand depends on the species type and site quality,
 as well as on the volume needed to make an entry economically feasible.
Utilization: Utilization standards shown in Table 3-5 will be used in determining  FSH 2409.12, chap. 10 (R3
 harvest levels.                                                                    Suppl); also in some Forest
                                                                                    Plans.
Table 3-5 Utilization Standards for the Determination of Harvest Levels.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Corridors
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. All corridors will provide for joint use (FSM 2778, FLPMA). Corridors include   FSM 2778, and FLPMA. Also see
 all linear rights-of-way, except those highways covered under the National         FSM 1920.15(19).
 Forest Roads and Trails Act of October 1964.
2. Corridor designation will be addressed in Forest Plans. Joint use of corridors  Forest Plans--Utility
 will be determined on a case-by-case basis contingent upon individual use and      Corridor Plans and maps; FSH
 these compatibility guidelines. Requests for corridors not in the Regional Guide   7709.55(11.3); and FSH
 or in Forest Plans will be evaluated using the environmental analysis process.     1909.15.

[[Page 65468]]

 
3. The following alternatives will be evaluated prior to designation of new        Forest Plans--Utility
 corridors:                                                                         Corridor Plans and maps; FSH
(a) Use existing rights-of-way (retaining currently authorized width), but          7709.55(11.3).
 upgrade capacity. For example, upgrade 230 kV transmission line to 345 kV or
 replace a 10-inch pipeline with a 12-inch pipeline.
(b) Expand the existing rights-of-way limits to include additional facilities
 where compatible. For example, authorized a pipeline right-of-way adjacent to an
 existing highway or railroad right-of-way.
4. Guidelines for Joint Use of Corridors will be developed at a later date.        Direction in FSH 7709.55
 Summarized guidance may be adopted from a study done by the Aerospace              (11.3) that guide utility
 Corporation for the Bureau of Land Management.                                     corridor planning, along
(a) Table 3-6, entitled ``System Interactions in Joint Use of Rights-of-Way,''      with Forest Plan direction,
 contains factors that influence the joint use of corridors and is offered as a     is an adequate substitute
 guide that should be considered when evaluating such proposals.                    for this Reg. Guide
(b) The standard right-of-way width requirements listed in Table 3-7 are average    direction. Also, FSH 1909.15
 widths that may apply nationwide. In actual practice, rights-of-way must be        (NEPA) will cover evaluation
 tailored to allow for flexibility and reliability as dictated by the topography.   criteria regarding ROW
 The feasibility of joint use of corridors will be dictated frequently by the       proposals (item c, 1-8).
 physical environment through which the right-of-way passes.                        Also see FSM 2730--special
(c) The following evaluation criteria will be used to determine if right-of-way     uses roads and easements;
 proposals can be accommodated through the joint use of designated corridors.       and FSM 2732.42--MOUs for
(1) Technical compatibility with other utility or transportation uses already       State Hwys on NFS lands.
 existing in a corridor
(2) System reliability, considering safety, natural disasters or catastrophic
 events, national security.
(3) Economics, including alternative routes, mitigation costs.
(4) Physical capability of the land, such as width of a mountain pass;
(5) Compatibility with adjacent land uses, such as prime or unique farmlands,
 recreation areas, classified wilderness, mineral development or exploration
 areas, prime timber-producing lands, or known geothermal resources areas.
(6) Landownership, including impact on other landowners.
(7) State and local land-use plans and policies.
(8) Environmental sensitivity.
5. New corridor designation will be pursued only after critical windows and
 avoidance areas are identified. A window is a confined area of land through
 which a right-of-way could pass.
Windows will be identified on proposed corridors when:                             Forest Plans identified
(a) Users express a need for rights-of-way in a constrained area.                   critical windows and
(b) A systems analysis indicates a proposed location is needed through a            avoidance areas. New
 constrained (restricted) area.                                                     corridor designations will
                                                                                    be guided by FSH 7709.55,
                                                                                    1909.15, and 1920.
A window will be considered to be present where:
(a) Constraints on Federal lands occur near proposed rights-of-way.
(b) Land uses and values adjacent to proposed rights-of-way prevent the
 establishment of the right-of-way.
(c) Any blocks or tracts of public land are proposed corridors between source and
 market.
(d) Blocks or tracts of Federal lands are in alignment with other windows,
 avoidance areas, or existing corridors.
Table 3-6 Systems Interactions in Joint Use of Rights-of-Way (Source: USDI Bureau  This table is unnecessary.
 of Land Management. 1975. The Need for a National System of Transportation and     FSH 2709.12 provides
 Utility Corridors. Page IV-22)                                                     adequate direction for
                                                                                    forest planning purposes.
Table 3-7 Right-of-Way Width Requirements (Feet). Source--Aerospace Corporation,   This table is unnecessary.
 1975.                                                                              FSH 2709.12 provides
                                                                                    adequate direction for
                                                                                    forest planning purposes.
Technical Compatibility Factors for Joint-Use of Rights-of-Way.
Federal Railroad Right-of-Way Act of 1875 set right-of-way width at 200 feet.
Industry practice is normally to retain entire construction right-of-way width on
 non-Federal lands.
Avoidance areas--land areas that have particular land uses or environmental        Forest Plans classified
 characteristics that would be difficult or impossible to mitigate--include the     avoidance areas. Future
 following:                                                                         planning for corridors will
(a) Areas where establishment and use of corridors will conflict with land-use/     follow guidance in FSH
 land management objectives.                                                        7709.55, 1909.15 and 1920.
Examples: Specially managed areas, environmentally sensitive areas,
 archaeological and historical sites, visually sensitive areas, active coal
 mining units, high site timber lands when low site lands are available.
(b) Areas that through the NEPA scoping process have been identified by Federal
 agencies or by local governmental bodies (within their areas of jurisdiction) as
 not suitable for the placement of linear facilities. Identification of such
 areas will influence the location of corridor entry and exit points on National
 Forest System lands.
Examples: Urban-suburban residential areas, parks and recreation areas, prime
 forest or agricultural areas.
6. A transportation-utility corridor can be designated in the following ways:      FSH 7709.55 (11) and FSM
                                                                                    2731.42 (R3 Suppl)
    (a) Pending approval of a Forest Plan, delineation in a special-use permit.    .............................
     Designation by this means will be incorporated into the Forest Plan as
     required by section 6(i) of NFMA.
    (b) Approval of a Forest Plan, or revision or amendment thereof, that assigns  .............................
     lands to a linear corridor, including designation of windows and existing
     corridors.

[[Page 65469]]

 
    (c) Approval, without further review, of any existing corridor that includes   .............................
     or is capable of accommodating additional compatible rights-of-way. This
     form of designation will occur only in extraordinary circumstances.
     Normally, designations will be made as in 6(b), above.
Public notice of a corridor designation made in the Forest Plan (item 6(b),        Completed in development of
 above) will be given through publication and circulation of the Forest Plan, its   Forest Plans. Future
 Environmental Impact Statement, and the associated Record of Decision. Public      planning for corridors will
 notice of designations made as in items 6(a) and 6(c), above, will be given        follow guidance in FSH
 through publication in local newspapers or the circulation of a Decision Notice    7709.55, 1909.15 and 1920.
 on an Environmental Assessment.
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                                             Air-Quality Management
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Forest Plans will provide direction for the planning and management of air-     Forest Plans, FSM 2580,
 pollution-generating activities on National Forest System lands so that air        2580.43, and FSM 5130 and
 quality will be equal to or better than that required by the applicable Federal,   5150 (smoke)
 State, and local standards or regulations.
2. Forest Plans will identify air-quality-related values, including visibility,    Forest Plans (and FEISs), and
 for all National Forest System Class I areas, as defined by the Clean Air Act.     FSM 2580.3, 2580.5 Exhibit
 Forest Plans will not identify integral vistas, but will identify existing         01-AQRVs in R3 Class I
 visibility impairment in National Forest System Class I areas.                     wilderness, and 2580.5
                                                                                    Exhibit 02-R3 Airsheds
3. Forest Plans will document baseline quantities of total suspended particulates  This data is not yet
 from wildfires and prescribed fires on National Forest System land. Estimates of   available. Air quality
 quantities that will result from Forest Plan alternatives will be calculated.      monitors are currently being
                                                                                    established. Direction in
                                                                                    FSM 2580 is adequate to
                                                                                    guide planning in meeting
                                                                                    applicable air quality laws
                                                                                    and regulations.
4. The Regional Office Director of Aviation and Fire Management is the primary     Not applicable; not a
 Forest Service contact with the State air-quality control agencies to provide      standard or guideline.
 interagency coordination.                                                          Covered in FSM 2580.43 (R3
                                                                                    Suppl).
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                                                    Minerals
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Locatable Minerals: Forest Service regulations (36 CFR 228) apply to locatable     36 CFR 228, subpart A,
 mineral operations conducted under the authority of the General Mining Law.        including 228.4 and .5-plan
 These regulations seek to minimize surface resource disturbance without            of operations requirements.
 infringing on rights granted by law. A plan of operation is required from anyone   Also covered in FSM 2810 and
 proposing operations that might cause significant surface resource disturbance.    2802, 2803.
 The operating plan must contain information about the type of operation, how it
 is to be conducted, the route and means of access, measures for environmental
 protection, and reclamation. The plan of operation is required to comply with
 applicable Federal and State provisions for maintenance of air quality, water
 quality, and solid waste disposal. Scenic values, fisheries, and wildlife
 habitat are to be given such protection as is practicable. Road construction and
 maintenance are designed to minimize and prevent, if practicable, damage to
 soil, water, and other values.
Approval of the plan is required before operations commence. A bond to ensure      36 CFR 228, subpart A,
 reclamation may be required as a condition of approval. In analysis of the plan,   including 228.4 and .5-plan
 economics of the operation are considered in determining the reasonableness of     of operations requirements,
 the provisions for surface resource protection. Approval indicates that the        and 228.13-bond reqts. Also
 operation, conducted according to the plan, will minimize surface resource         covered in FSM 2810, and
 disturbance. Approval may be withheld or delayed only for limited reasons          2802, 2803.
 specified in the regulations. A plan that describes an operation conducted in a
 reasonable and necessary manner is entitled to approval, even through surface
 resource damage may result. Approval of a plan does not signify consent to
 operate. Consent is granted by law.
The Forest Service regulations (36 CFR 228) also apply to wilderness. Although     36 CFR 228.15.
 prospecting and mining are authorized in these areas, they must be conducted as
 compatibly with the preservation of wilderness character as is practicable. The
 regulations are applied more strictly in wilderness than on other lands.
Salable Minerals: When need for salable mineral materials is indicated by          36 CFR 228, Subpart C, and
 government and/or private application, an environmental analysis will be           FSM 2850, and FSH 1909.15
 conducted. If it is determined from this analysis that the site should be          and 1920.
 operated, appropriate conditions of operation are specified. Mineral materials
 are free for Federal, State, and local government units for use in road
 building. Competitive or negotiated sale is appropriate for personal and
 commercial use. The Wilderness Act of 1964 does not prohibit mineral material
 sales, but policy, expressed in regulations (36 CFR 293.14(c)), does.
Leasable Minerals: National Forest System land is available for mineral            Forest Plans, +36 CFR 228,
 exploration, development, and production unless withdrawn from operation of the    Subpart B, and Subpart E on
 leasing laws, or unless withdrawal can be demonstrated as appropriate. Proposals   oil and gas leasing. FSM
 for leases under the various leasing laws are considered in a speedy, simple       2820. Also see 36 CFR
 process that does not sacrifice protection of surface resources. The process       219.22.
 emphasizes the use of existing controls, minimizes special stipulations, and
 standardizes the wording of those special stipulations commonly needed. It also
 recognizes that a lease does not authorize surface-disturbing activity, but that
 operations are subject to an additional permit, issuance of which is preceded by
 an environmental analysis.

[[Page 65470]]

 
1. During the Forest planning process, land will be categorized for consideration  Forest Plans. 36 CFR 219.22,
 of proposals for prospecting permits or leases under the various mineral leasing   and 36 CFR 228.
 laws. Where applicable, management prescriptions will identify the following
 mineral leasing categories of an area for leasing and the operating constraints
 necessary to manage and protect surface resources: (1) Unavailable, (2)
 standard, (3) special, and (4) reserved. (See Appendix A for definitions of
 categories.) In a programmatic environmental analysis completed March 18, 1981,
 it was shown that little or no effect normally would result from a lease issued
 in areas in the standard category and all subcategories of the special category,
 except wilderness, wilderness study areas designated by Congress, and
 Administration-endorsed wilderness proposals, which are a special group within
 the limited surface use subcategory.
2. For oil and gas leasing, the following special stipulation forms will be used   FSM 2822.41, and 36 CFR 228
 in appropriate circumstances as supplements to the Bureau of Land Management       Subpart E.
 Form 3109-3 (Stipulation for Lands Under the Jurisdiction of the Department of
 Agriculture): Endangered Species, Cultural and Paleontological Resources;
 Limited Surface Use; Further Planning; Wild and Scenic River Study; and Painting
 (See Appendix A).
3. For geothermal leasing, fewer and different special stipulations are needed     FSM 2170 (energy mgt).
 than for oil and gas because the base lease, regulations, and Operational Orders
 give more comprehensive protection. Standard special stipulations are being
 developed for geothermal leases that will be used nationwide.
4. Approval of the Regional Forester and Bureau of Land Management is required     FSM 2822 and 2170; 36 FR
 for inclusion of additional oil and gas or geothermal stipulations.                228.101, 102.
5. Prospecting for and production of other (solid) leasable minerals involves      36 CFR 228, Subparts B and E.
 highly varied operations, and in recognition of this, conditions in base leases    FSM 2820. Also see 36 CFR
 and regulations are less specific than those for oil and gas or for geothermal     219.22, and 36 CFR 228.108--
 leases. There are no operating instructions. The special stipulations applicable   surface use requirements.
 to oil and gas will be used in appropriate circumstances; any needed additional
 ones require Regional Forester and Bureau of Land Management approval.
6. Changes in base lease, regulations, and operating instructions, and             This is a statement, not a
 development of nationwide special stipulations may require accommodating changes   standard.
 in wording and use of those herein.
7. Wilderness areas, wilderness study areas designated by Congress, and RARE II    36 CFR 228.15--operations in
 wilderness recommendations are in a subcategory of the special category, for       Wilderness; and FSH 1909.15.
 which an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement is mandated.
 The report to the Bureau of Land Management is derived from this document. In
 circumstances defined by the Chief of the Forest Service, the contingent right
 stipulation may be used in addressing leasing proposals as an alternative to the
 above. (See Appendix A.)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Goals for the Southwestern Region
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Provide for the preservation of scenic beauty and the opportunity to enjoy it.  These goals are already
2. Provide a moderate increase in water yield, while maintaining water quality.     contained in Forest Plans,
3. Provide high-quality wilderness in the Southwestern ecosystems and the           along with statutes,
 opportunity to enjoy them.                                                         regulations and Forest
4. Provide recreation opportunities in a natural setting.                           Service directives.
5. Provide productive habitat for a diverse population of wildlife and fish
 species.
6. Provide for the sustained moderate production of timber and forage.
7. Recognize local traditional values and take opportunities to emphasize
 community stability and job opportunities through management programs,
 especially in areas where local people rely on the land for a social and
 economic base.
8. Provide opportunities for mineral development with emphasis on energy-related
 resources.
9. Encourage the protection and management of non-Federal range, forest, and
 watershed lands by providing assistance and research information to landowners
 through State agencies.
10. Strive for optimally effective public and employee health and safety
 programs.
11. Seek viewpoints and assistance in developing these health and safety programs
 and keep the public informed about Forest Service activities.
12. Provide an opportunity for human resource development through employment
 programs.
13. Stimulate, cooperate in, and implement relevant research.
14. Develop, motivate, and maintain an effective organization to support and
 accomplish all Regional programs, while providing equal employment
 opportunities, challenging career ladders, and the full use of all available
 employee skills.
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[FR Doc. 01-31200 Filed 12-18-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-11-M