Search Results for keywords:"U.S. Forest Service"

The Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service are proposing to withdraw over 164,000 acres of land in the Upper Pecos River Watershed in New Mexico from being used under mining and leasing laws. This plan aims to protect the area's water quality, cultural resources, wildlife habitats, and recreational values. Public comments are being accepted before a decision is made, and a public meeting will take place in February 2025. During this time, the land may still be used for temporary activities approved by the authorities.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) announced that the Southern California Edison Company has filed an application for a new major license for the Lee Vining Hydroelectric Project, located on Lee Vining and Glacier Creeks in Inyo County, California. This project includes several dams and powerhouses, affecting federal land managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Interested agencies and individuals can request additional environmental studies by March 31, 2025. The application process will follow a set procedural schedule, and public engagement is encouraged through FERC's Office of Public Participation.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced that new plats of survey for certain lands in California will be officially filed 30 days from the publication date, unless there are protests. These surveys, requested by organizations like the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, are important for managing the lands. Protests must be submitted in writing within 30 days to the BLM California State Office; any submissions received afterward won't be considered. If protests are filed before the official date, the filing will be paused until all protests are resolved.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service are proposing amendments to the consultation regulations under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. These changes pertain to land management plans by the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. The proposed revisions aim to make it clear that when new information emerges which could affect species or habitats in ways not previously considered, reinitiating consultation won't always be necessary, as long as a separate action-specific consultation is conducted for any related actions. The goal is to improve the efficiency and consistency of interagency cooperation procedures.

The Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) plans to apply for a new license for the Río Blanco Hydroelectric Project in Puerto Rico. They have filed a notice of intent and a request to use the Traditional Licensing Process, which has been approved. The project is situated near Puerto Rico's El Yunque National Forest and occupies some U.S. Forest Service land. Consultations have begun with several agencies, including those focused on wildlife and historic preservation, to ensure all environmental and historical considerations are addressed.

The Department of the Interior, through the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), is adopting six categorical exclusions (CXs) under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) from other federal agencies like the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. These CXs relate to managing public lands, including activities like habitat improvement, land acquisition, and handling rights-of-way, without needing extensive environmental evaluations. They worked with these agencies to ensure the exclusions are appropriate, and any actions taken will be considered to avoid extraordinary circumstances that could cause significant environmental impacts. The public can view documentation of this adoption online.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is working on an environmental impact statement (EIS) to explore different approaches to managing predator damage in Oregon. They are seeking public comments to help outline various alternatives, environmental issues, and other concerns to be considered in the EIS. This effort includes cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management, and aims to replace existing environmental assessments with a more comprehensive analysis. The public is encouraged to submit comments and scientific data by February 22, 2021.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released a notice detailing the availability of Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) received between January 14 and January 25, 2021. According to Section 309(a) of the Clean Air Act, the EPA is required to make public its comments on EISs issued by other federal agencies. The notice includes information on a new draft EIS for the North Alabama Utility-Scale Solar Facility, with comments open until March 15, 2021. Additionally, two previously published notices have been officially withdrawn, including a draft by the U.S. Forest Service related to locatable minerals and a final statement by the Bureau of Land Management concerning a solar project in California.