Lemhi Pass Management Plan, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Beaverhead County, Montana, and Salmon-Challis National Forest, Lemhi County, Idaho

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service

Lemhi Pass Management Plan, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest,

Beaverhead County, Montana, and Salmon-Challis National Forest, Lemhi

County, Idaho

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice; intent to prepare environmental impact statement.

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SUMMARY: The Forest Service will prepare an environmental impact

statement on a proposal to develop recreation facilities at Lemhi Pass,

and manage the Lemhi Pass National Historic Landmark.

DATES: Comments concerning the scope of the analysis should be received

in writing by October 15, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Send written comments to Dillon Ranger District, Beaverhead-

Deerlodge National Forest, 420 Barrett St., Dillon, MT 59725.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Katie R. Bump, Lemhi Pass project

coordinator, (406) 683-3900.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Lemhi Pass, on the Continental Divide

between Idaho and Montana, is a National Historic Landmark, on the

Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. With the approaching

bicentennial of Lewis and Clark's expedition (2003-2006), the

Beaverhead-Deerlodge and Salmon-Challis National Forests are studying

ways to preserve the historic, natural landscape of Lemhi Pass, and

accommodate increased numbers of visitors. The decision to be made is

selection of the facilities and management standards and guidelines

appropriate to preserve the historic value of the site in the

bicentennial years and for the long term, and accommodate visitors at

Lemhi Pass. The general direction for management at Lemhi Pass comes

from the two Forest Plans, and from the Comprehensive Management Plan

for the Lewis and Clark Trail, developed by the National Park Service;

this decision will determine specific management actions at the site.

Scoping will include a public meeting to be held at Lemhi Pass on

September 25, 1999, at 10:30 am. The Forests will also use a mailing

list of interested parties, and news releases to local media to ensure

public involvement. The Forests are working to develop and analyze the

effects of a range of alternatives. An initial alternative has been

prepared, and is available for public review and comment. This initial

alternative addresses proposed facilities including parking areas,

picnic sites, road and trail improvements, and interpretation, along

with management standards for the site. Issues that have been

identified include protection of the historic values associated with

the natural landscape and scenic qualities of the area, accommodation

for visitors including physically challenged people, concern for public

safety, and effects on the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail,

Roadless area, recreation opportunities, livestock grazing, wildlife,

fisheries and vegetation.

The joint lead agencies are the Beaverhead-Deerlodge and Salmon-

Challis National Forests, USDA Forest Service. The responsible

officials are David Fallis, Dillon District Ranger, Beaverhead-

Deerlodge National Forest, 420 Barrett St., Dillon, MT 59725, and

Richard Ward, Leadore District Ranger, Salmon-Challis National Forest,

P.O. Box 180, Leadore, ID 83464. Written comments and suggestions are

invited.

The draft EIS is tentatively planned for filing in January 2000,

with the final EIS filed by May 2000. The comment period on the draft

environmental impact statement will be 45 days from the date the

Environmental Protection Agency publishes the notice of availability in

the Federal Register.

It is very important that those interested in this proposed action

participate by the close of the 45-day comment period so that

substantive comments and objections are made available to the Forest

Service at a time when it can meaningfully consider them and respond to

them in the final environmental impact statement.

To assist the Forest Service in identifying and considering issues

and concerns on the proposed action, comments on the draft

environmental impact statement should be as specific as possible. It is

also helpful if comments refer to specific pages or chapters of the

draft statement. Comments may also address the adequacy of the draft

environmental impact statement or the merits of the alternatives

formulated and discussed in the statement. (Reviewers may wish to refer

to the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations for implementing

the procedural provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act at

40 CFR 1503.3 in addressing these points.).

Dated: September 2, 1999.

David S. Fallis,

District Ranger.

[FR Doc. 99-23957 Filed 9-13-99; 8:45 am]

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