[Federal Register: April 16, 2001 (Volume 66, Number 73)]
[Notices]               
[Page 19421-19422]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr16ap01-18]                         

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service

 
Availability of the Old Growth Settlement Agreement Environmental 
Assessment for an Amendment to the Huron-Manistee National Forests' 
Land and Resource Management Plan; Alcona, Crawford, Iosco, Lake, 
Manistee, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Ogemaw, 
Oscoda, and Wexford Counties, Michigan

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of Availability of the Huron-Manistee National Forests' 
Old Growth Settlement Agreement Environmental Assessment.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: On February 28, 2001, the Huron-Manistee National Forests 
completed the Old Growth Settlement Agreement Environmental Assessment 
Amendment to the 1986 Huron-Manistee National Forests' Land and 
Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan). Copies of the Environmental 
Assessment are available upon request. This amendment proposes to: 
designate approximately 173,000 acres of old growth; manage old growth 
primarily by natural processes and where necessary perform old growth 
restoration activities; establish forest-wide aquatic and riparian 
standards and guidelines;

[[Page 19422]]

and designate approximately 10,500 acres of semiprimitive areas in Loda 
Lake, Condon Lakes East, and Condon Lakes West. This notice is provided 
pursuant to National Forest System Land and Resource Management 
Planning regulations (36 CFR 219.35, 65 FR 67579, November 9, 2000).

DATES: On February 28, 2001, the Huron-Manistee National Forests 
completed the Old Growth Settlement Agreement Environmental Assessment 
Amendment to the 1986 Huron-Manistee National Forests' Land and 
Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan). A legal notice will be 
published in the Cadillac News, Michigan newspaper, in accordance with 
36 CFR 215.9.

ADDRESSES: Send requests for documents to: Old Growth Initiative, 
Huron-Manistee National Forests, 1755 S. Mitchell St., Cadillac, 
Michigan 49601, Alternatively, direct electronic mail to: 
r9huronmanistee@fs.fed.us ATTN: Old Growth or visit the Huron-Manistee 
National Forests' web site (www.fs.fed.us/r9/hmnf).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James DiMaio, Forest Planner, at 231-
775-5023 (8759); TDD 231-745-7701; or direct electronic mail to: 
r9huronmanistee@fs.fed.us.

RESPONSIBLE OFFICIAL: James L. Schuler, Forest Supervisor, 1755 S. 
Mitchell St., Cadillac, Michigan 49601

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Huron-Manistee National Forests' Old 
Growth Settlement Agreement Environmental Assessment Amendment proposes 
to: designate approximately 173,000 acres of old growth; manage old 
growth primarily by natural processes and where necessary perform old 
growth restoration activities; establish forest-wide aquatic and 
riparian standards and guidelines; and designate approximately 10,500 
acres of semiprimitive areas in Loda Lake, Condon Lakes East, and 
Condon Lakes West. This proposal is a minor amendment to the Huron-
Manistee National Forests' Land and Resource Management Plan. This is a 
non-significant amendment.
    Public involvement was an important part of the decision-making 
process for this proposal. On June 10, 1999, the Forests started 
scoping with the mailing of letters to interested parties and a news 
release to the local newspapers. A public old growth meeting was held 
on August 17, 1999. An old growth update was mailed to interested 
publics on November 20, 2000. The Forests are notifying interested 
publics of the availability of the environmental assessment. The Forest 
Service is an equal opportunity organization.

    Dated: February 28, 2001.
James L. Schuler,
Forest Supervisor.
[FR Doc. 01-9285 Filed 4-13-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-11-M