Interim Strategies for Managing Anadromous Fish-Producing Watersheds on Federal Lands in Eastern Oregon, et al.; Notice DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

SUMMARY: The Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM)

announce the availability of an environmental assessment (EA) and

proposed finding of no significant impact (FONSI) on a proposal to

establish interim management direction for anadromous fish habitat

protection and restoration on all or part of 15 National Forests in

four Forest Service regions in four States, and seven BLM districts in

four States. For the Forest Service, this includes all or parts of the

following National Forests: Lassen and Los Padres in California (Region

5); Bitterroot, Clearwater, and Nez Perce (Region 1) and Boise,

Challis, Payette, Salmon, and Sawtooth (Region 4) in Idaho; Malheur,

Ochoco, Umatilla, and Wallowa-Whitman in Oregon (Region 6); Okanogan in

Washington (Region 6). For the BLM, this includes all or parts of:

Bakersfield and Ukiah Districts in California; Coeur d'Alene and Salmon

Districts in Idaho; Prineville and Vale Districts in Oregon; and

Spokane District in Washington. Public comments on the EA and proposed

FONSI are invited.

DATES: Comments must be received in writing, postmarked by May 9, 1994.

Send written comments to ``PACFISH EA,'' Forest Service, U.S.

Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 96090, Washington, DC 20090-6090.

ADDRESSES: The public may obtain copies of the EA and proposed FONSI

from Forest Service regional offices and national forests or the BLM

State offices in the project area, and the Washington, DC offices of

the Forest Service and the BLM. To request a copy by phone call (202)

205-0957.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cindy Deacon Williams (Forest Service)

at (202) 205-1208, or Rick Swanson (Bureau of Land Management) at (202)

452-7770.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Forest Service and Bureau of Land

Management (BLM) are developing an ecosystem-based management strategy

for Pacific anadromous fish (i.e., salmon, steelhead, and sea-run

cutthroat trout) habitat on lands they administer in eastern Oregon and

Washington, and portions of Idaho and California. This anadromous fish

habitat and watershed conservation strategy (commonly referred to as

``PACFISH'') is being developed to respond to large declines in

anadromous fish populations and widespread degradation of habitat

condition.

The Agencies are considering adopting interim management direction

to halt degradation and to ensure that actions taken during the 18

month period needed to complete geographically-specific environmental

impact statements (EISs) do not have adverse environmental effects that

could limit options for protection and management of anadromous fish

habitat. The EA is intended to guide the Agencies to decide: (1)

Whether to continue current management practices or to institute

interim direction while longer-term management options are evaluated in

the EISs; (2) what management direction should be applied during the

interim period; (3) which watersheds interim direction would apply to;

and (4) which categories of projects and activities might be affected.

The EA describes five interim management alternatives and evaluates

their effects on the physical, biological, and human environment. The

preferred alternative is intended to provide a consistent approach for

halting the degradation of aquatic and riparian ecosystems, and

maintaining and beginning restoration of aquatic and riparian habitat

conditions while the EISs are being completed. The preferred

alternative would apply to proposed activities and to ongoing projects

that are determined on a case-by-case basis to pose an unacceptable

risk to riparian and aquatic ecosystems or at risk stocks. The interim

management direction does not authorize, fund, or carry-out any project

decisions, nor does it compel any changes in the physical environment.

This interim direction includes management measures and standards and

guidelines to be incorporated into separate project decisions while the

Agencies evaluate a longer term strategy for anadromous fish

protection. The analysis shows that the environmental effects of the

interim management direction will be minimal for all alternatives

considered, but adoption of some alternatives would begin important

changes in management of habitat crucial to the survival of the

remaining anadromous fish populations.

For the Forest Service, the interim management direction is

expected to result in non-significant amendments to the forest plans of

the affected forests. The BLM would issue an instructional memorandum

to affected districts. Prior to a decision on the interim management

direction, the Agencies will complete Endangered Species Act (ESA)

consultation with the National Marine Fisheries Service and U.S. Fish

and Wildlife Service. Project decisions will be preceded by the

appropriate level of environmental analysis in compliance with the

National Environmental Policy Act and other Federal environmental laws.

Modifications of some ongoing projects or activities may be necessary

depending upon the final decision reached regarding the interim

management direction.

To assist the Agencies in considering comments on the proposed

action and the alternatives, comments should be as specific as

possible. It also is helpful if comments refer to specific pages in the

document. It is important that those interested in this proposed action

participate by the close of the comment period so that substantive

comments and objections are made available to the Agencies at a time

when they can meaningfully consider and respond to them. The officials

responsible for making the final decision on the interim management

direction will be the Secretaries or their designees.

Dated: March 17, 1994.

For the Forest Service.

Jack Ward Thomas,

Chief.

Dated: March 18, 1994.

For the Bureau of Land Management.

Mike Dombeck,

Acting Director.

[FR Doc. 94-7042 Filed 3-24-94; 8:45 am]

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