[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 92 (Tuesday, May 12, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 27985-27986]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-10085]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service
Final Record of Decision for the Rio Grande National Forest Land
Management Plan
AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice of plan approval for the Rio Grande National Forest.
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SUMMARY: Dan Dallas, the Forest Supervisor for the Rio Grande National
Forest, Rocky Mountain Region, signed the Record of Decision (ROD) for
the Rio Grande National Forest Land Management Plan (Forest Plan). The
final ROD documents the rationale for approving the Forest Plan and is
consistent with the reviewing officer's responses to objections and
instructions.
DATES: The Forest Plan for the Rio Grande National Forest will become
effective June 11, 2020. To view the final ROD, final environmental
impact statement (FEIS), the Forest Plan, and other related documents,
please visit the Rio Grande National Forest Plan Revision website at:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/riogrande/landmanagement/projects/?cid=stelprd3819044.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Information about the Forest Plan for
the Rio Grande National Forest can be obtained from Judi P[eacute]rez,
weekdays, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Mountain Time at the Rio Grande
National Forest Supervisor's Office at 719-852-5941 or
[email protected]. Written requests for information may be sent to
Rio Grande National Forest, Attn: Plan Revision, 1803 W. Highway 160,
Monte Vista, Colorado 81144.
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: The Forest Plan describes the Rio Grande
National Forest's distinctive roles and contributions within the
broader landscape and details forestwide and management area desired
conditions, objectives, standards, and guidelines. The Forest Plan
identifies suitable uses of National Forest System lands and provides
estimates of the planned timber sale quantity. The Forest Plan
identifies priority watersheds for restoration and includes recommended
wilderness areas and eligible wild and scenic rivers. The Forest Plan
also provides for efficient and effective management of the Rio Grande
National Forest with desired conditions for coordination, partnerships,
and shared stewardship with State, local, and Tribal
[[Page 27986]]
governments, other federal agencies, adjacent landowners, and
stakeholders.
The Rio Grande National Forest initiated plan revision in December
2014 with stakeholder and topic-based meetings. The Forest Service
invited States, local and Tribal governments, and other federal
agencies from around the region to participate in the process to revise
the Forest Plan. The Forest Service received around 465 letters of
comment on the Forest Plan. Public meetings were held throughout the
process in a variety of locations and venues.
The development of the Forest Plan was shaped by the best available
science, current laws, and public input. The 60-day timeframe for the
opportunity to object ended on October 1, 2019. The Forest Service
received 14 eligible objections. The reviewing officer issued his
written responses to the objection issues. The Deputy Regional
Forester, Reviewing Official, provided the Forest Supervisor minor
clarification instructions for most of the objection issues. The final
ROD documents the rationale for approving the Forest Plan and is
consistent with the reviewing officer's responses to objections and
instructions.
Responsible Official
The responsible official for approving the Forest Plan is Dan
Dallas, Forest Supervisor, Rio Grande National Forest, 1803 W. Highway
160, Monte Vista, CO 81144.
Allen Rowley,
Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest System.
[FR Doc. 2020-10085 Filed 5-11-20; 8:45 am]
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