[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 197 (Thursday, October 10, 2002)] [Notices] [Page 63073] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 02-25748] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Ponderosa Pine Restoration Project, Coeur d'Alene River Ranger District, Idaho Panhandle National Forests, Kootenai and Shoshone Counties, ID AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA. ACTION: Cancellation notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: On March 12, 2002, a Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare an environmental impact statement for the Ponderosa Pine Restoration Area Project was published in the Federal Register (Volume 67, Number 48, pages 11089-11090). The initial proposal encompassed two analysis areas; however, proposed activities in one of the areas have been deferred. Subsequent reviews have determined there will not likely be significant effects as a result of implementing proposed activities in the remaining analysis area, therefore preparation of an environmental impact statement is not warranted. Since an environmental assessment will be prepared instead of an environmental impact statement, the NOI is hereby rescinded. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sarah Jerome, Project Team Leader, Coeur d'Alene River Ranger District, (208) 664-2318. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The public was first notified of this proposal and the intention to prepare an environmental impact statement in February 2002. On March 12, 2002, a Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare an environmental impact statement for the Ponderosa Pine Restoration Area Project was published in the Federal Register (Volume 67, Number 48, pages 11089-11090). Initially, two areas were under consideration. The Coeur d'Alene River Ranger District of the Panhandle National Forest proposed vegetation rehabilitation in the Deerfoot Ridge and Two Mile watersheds, identified as the Ponderosa Pine Restoration Area. The Deerfoot Ridge watershed area is located east of Hayden Lake, Idaho in Kootenai County, and Two-Mile watershed area is located north of Silverton, Idaho in Shoshone County. Based on additional information gathered, it was determined that these areas are sufficiently different to warrant separate analyses. The Deerfoot Ridge area was selected as the first priority; opportunities to restore ponderosa pine stands in the Two-Mile area will be evaluated under a separate assessment later in the year. The original NOI was rescinded on April 5, 2002 (FR Volume 67, Number 66, page 16365), and on May 31, 2002, a new NOI was published in the Federal Register (Volume 67, Number 105, pages 38063-38064). Further review of the Deerfoot Ridge area and the proposed activities has led the project team to the conclusion that there will not likely be significant effects associated with the proposal, and therefore preparation of an environmental impact statement is not warranted. An environmental assessment will be prepared to document the proposed action, alternatives to the proposed action, and environmental consequences of implementing each of the alternatives. Since an environmental assessment will be prepared instead of an environmental impact statement, the NOI is hereby rescinded. Dated: October 4, 2002. Ranotta K. McNair, Forest Supervisor. [FR Doc. 02-25748 Filed 10-9-02; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-11-M