Federal Lands Update For the Arizona Game and Fish Commission August 2018

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1 U.S. FOREST SERVICE Federal Lands Update For the Arizona Game and Fish Commission August 2018 Four Forest Restoration Initiative (Apache-Sitgreaves, Coconino, Kaibab, and Tonto National Forests) The Department continues to participate as a Cooperating Agency and has provided requested wildlife/habitat data for the 2nd EIS analysis ( Rim Country ). The EIS is expected in early The Department is also active in the stakeholder component of 4FRI. The Forest Service, Salt River Project, Arizona Commerce Authority, and Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management are working on a Memorandum of Understanding intended to develop industry capacity and address ongoing shortfalls implementing mechanical thinning on the 1st EIS area. Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest (A-S) Travel Management Planning (TMP) The Department continues to participate as a Cooperating Agency. The Department has requested the A-S provide an opportunity for the public to comment on significant changes incorporated within the revised EIS. The A-S will provide the public with an opportunity to comment upon the release of the revised draft EIS. The EIS is expected late Coconino National Forest Land and Resource Management Planning (LRMP) The revised Final LRMP was released May 25, 2018, and is open for a 90 day appeal process. The Department has reviewed the Final LRMP/EIS with particular attention given to the outstanding issues presented by the Department in formal comments/recommendations. The 90 day appeal period concluded on August 22, The Department issued an appeal letter to the Forest on August 22, Coronado National Forest Land and Resource Management Planning (LRMP) The Coronado National Forest released the LRMP June 22, The plan went into effect July 21. Appeals must be filed with the Chief of the Forest Service by September 20, The revised plan recommends three wilderness areas - Ku Chish, Mt Graham, and Whetstone - as well as one addition to the designated wilderness area -the Chiricahua Addition North. The Department is analyzing the LRMP.

2 Arizona Game and Fish Commission Federal Lands Update, August 2018 Travel Management Planning (TMP) The Santa Catalina Ranger District released the final draft of Changes to the Motorized Travel System on June 8. The 45 day objection period ended July 23, The Department submitted an objection letter on the EA. The Sierra Vista Ranger District released the final draft of Changes to the Motorized Travel System on June 15. The 45 day objection period ends July 30. The Department submitted an objection letter on the EA. Prescott National Forest Chino Landscape Restoration Project (EA) The Chino Valley Ranger District has prepared an EA, Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) and draft Decision Notice (DN) for the Chino Landscape Restoration Project. The project proposed a series of actions to restore and maintain soil and watershed function, vegetation conditions, riparian and groundwater dependent systems, and natural fire regime. The 45 day objection period notice was published on July 23, The Department will be submitting an objection letter on the road designation actions taken within the EA. A final record of decision is expected in October Tonto National Forest Land and Resource Management Planning (LRMP) The Department is a Cooperating Agency on the plan revision and continues to meet with the Tonto National Forest (TNF) Planning and ID Team. The LRMP/DEIS is anticipated late summer of Travel Management Planning (TMP) The Supplemental EIS (SEIS) and draft record of decision for travel management on the TNF should be out by fall Until the SEIS and a Final Record of Decision is made, the existing system of roads and travel areas on the Payson and Pleasant Valley Ranger Districts will remain in effect. Resolution Copper Project and Land Exchange EIS The Department continues to participate as a Cooperating Agency for the Resolution Copper Project and Land Exchange EIS. The Department continues to work to prepare mitigation recommendations for the EIS. 2

3 Arizona Game and Fish Commission Federal Lands Update, August 2018 BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT Arizona Strip Field Office Resource Management Plan On June 22nd, BLM sent a Notice of Intent to amend a portion of the RMP related to the 900 acre Kanab Creek Area of Critical Environmental Concern related to the Lake Powell water pipeline delivery project and asked the Department if they wanted to join as a cooperating agency. The Department initially accepted Cooperating agency status for this RMP revision. The Department attended public scoping meetings on this topic throughout July Upon further review, the Department feels it can address any potential issues swiftly through the NEPA process instead of providing a Department employee to assist in the development of the project EA. In August, the Department initiated rescinding cooperating agency status, but will continue to track this project. Hassayampa Field Office Travel Management Planning The Department is a Cooperating Agency on the Black Canyon Corridor Travel Management Plan. The Department submitted comments on the 30-day Review of the Black Canyon Corridor Draft TMP EA and Draft Travel Management Implementation Plan on May 22, The Field Office plans to complete all Travel Management Plans by the end of federal FY 19. Skull Valley Pozzolan Mine, Kirkland Mining The BLM Hassayampa Field Office released an updated Kirkland High Quality Pozzolan Mining and Reclamation Plan of Operations and Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) on July 7, The Kirkland Mining Company, Skull Valley operation is a proposal to mine approximately 76 acres in Yavapai County for pozzolan. The Department submitted comments concerning watershed protection and reclamation actions within the proposed Draft EA. Havasu Field Office Travel Management Planning (TMP) Bouse and Cactus Plain TMP and EA released May 31, The original 30-day comment period was extended to August 13, The TMP designated all routes in Lands with Wilderness Characteristics as closed or limited to non-motorized/mechanized. The Department sent a comment letter strongly objecting to these designations. Kingman Field Office Travel Management Planning (TMP) The BLM Kingman Field Office initiated planning efforts for TMP in August The Department accepted participation as a cooperative agency. The Draft TMP and EA 3

4 Arizona Game and Fish Commission Federal Lands Update, August 2018 was released, and the public comment and review period are now open through September 18, The Department attended public meetings held August to assist with public comments and concerns for the proposed actions. The TMP EA analyzes the inventory, evaluation and scoping comments received, and proposes four different alternatives for route designations on 5,502 miles of routes. The Department will be attending a BLM workshop regarding the NEPA and preliminary TMP process on September 06, Lower Sonoran Field Office Travel Management Planning (TMP) The Department continues to participate as a Cooperating Agency on the Buckeye Hills TMP and Environmental Assessment (EA). The Field Office plans to complete all Travel Management Plans by the end of federal FY 19, and the target date for a decision is September Sonoran Desert National Monument Recreational Shooting Record of Decision was signed August 20, 2018; SDNM will be opened to shooting. Safford Field Office Gila-San Simon Travel Management The Draft Gila Travel Management Plan (TMP) was completed about 10 years ago but never finalized. BLM decided to combine the Gila with the San Simon planning area. The Draft EA is in progress awaiting finalization of the preferred alternative. The Department is awaiting for the release of the Draft EA/TMP to become available for comment. The target date of completion is March Tucson Field Office San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area The Department is a Cooperating Agency on the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area (SPRNCA) RMP/EIS process. The Department provided comments on the Administrative Draft. BLM was in agreement with the majority of the Department s comments. The Draft RMP/EIS was published June 29, 2018 with a comment period closing date of September 27, The Department met with BLM on August 21 to discuss RMP alternatives related to hunting, trapping, and livestock grazing. The BLM s preferred alternative (Alt. C) would expand the use of firearms for hunting across the entire SPRNCA exclusive of ¼-mile restriction. Alternative B would expand livestock grazing across the entire SPRNCA, including riparian and wetland areas. The preferred alternative would expand livestock grazing only to upland areas of the NCA (this would nearly quadruple the acreage available to grazing on the SPRNCA). 4

5 Arizona Game and Fish Commission Federal Lands Update, August 2018 Yuma Field Office Travel Management Planning The Department continues to be involved in the Travel Management Plan process for the Lower Colorado River Travel Management Area. The public Draft EA for Imperial Hills TMP was released on August 22, 2018 with the public comment period closing on September 21, North Gila - Imperial Valley #2 500 kv Transmission Line The North Gila Imperial Valley 500 kv Transmission Line (NG-IV#2) project has been re-submitted to BLM. All north route alternatives cross the Mittry Lake Wildlife Area. The Department will participate as a cooperating agency. Ten West Transmission Line Public Draft of the EIS is scheduled to be released on August 31st; there will be a 90 day comment period. Three public meetings are scheduled to be held the week of October 11, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Interstate 11 Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) ADOT is preparing Tier I DEIS for I-11 (Wickenburg to Nogales). The Department has reviewed and commented on the Administrative Draft EIS, which was submitted to Cooperating Agencies for review on July 3, The Draft Tier 1 EIS for public review is expected to be released late December 2018; final Tier 1 EIS expected late FHWA will be choosing a single 2000-ft corridor from Wickenburg to Nogales. As funding becomes available, individual municipalities will evaluate sections under Tier 2 NEPA analyses to identify the final 400-foot wide corridor to be constructed. Sonoran Corridor Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) ADOT/FHWA preparing Tier I DEIS for the Sonoran Corridor, a proposed 4-lane interstate freeway south of the Tucson International Airport, linking I-19 and I-10. The study area is bounded on the north by I-10, on the west by I-19, the east by SR 83, and the south by a line running due east from I-19/Duval Mine Road to SR 83. The Department is a Cooperating Agency and provides feedback on alternatives, and in-depth analyses of resource concerns and mitigation opportunities as the Tier I DEIS process progresses. The Department is currently reviewing the Final Corridor Evaluation Methodology Report. FHWA will be choosing a single 2000-ft corridor between I-10 and I-19. As with other transportation Tier 1 EISs, as funding becomes available, individual municipalities will evaluate sections under Tier 2 NEPA analyses to identify the final 400-foot wide corridor to be constructed. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS Proposed Alamo Dam Water Control Plan Update The Army Corps of Engineers has published a Notice of Intent to prepare of Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed Alamo Dam Water Control Plan 5

6 Arizona Game and Fish Commission Federal Lands Update, August 2018 Update, Alamo Lake. The Department and the Corps are developing a cooperating agency status MOU. The Department provided scoping comments to the Corps identifying issues and concerns with the proposed Update. 6

7 US Forest Service (USFS) Status of USFS Land and Resource Management Plans (LRMP) and Travel Management Planning (TMP) in Arizona August 2018 USFS Forest Plan Status Issues and Next Steps Projected Completion and Implementation Apache-Sit greaves Apache-Sit greaves LRMP TMP June 30, 2016: Department sends decline to withdraw appeal letter to Appeal Reviewing Officer. Oct. 2, 2017: NOI published for preparation of revised draft EIS. Nov. 29, 2017: Department commented and requested an opportunity for public/partners to comment on updated information/draft (last opportunity was 2010). Coconino LRMP Final Draft released May Nov. 6, 2017: Dept. met with Forest Service leadership Feb. 7, 2018: Forest responded to the Department s February 2017 formal comment letter. May 25, 2018: CNF publicly released Final LRMP/EIS August 22, 2018: Department submitted letter of Appeal to the Forest. Coconino TMP Final 2011 (forest wide), MVUMs available; Department appealed plan on MBGR and Majority of appeal points resolved. Recommended Wilderness unresolved. Next opportunity for public comment will occur once the revised draft EIS is made available by the FS. FS is preparing revised draft EIS. Many issues/concerns were resolved in final draft. Outstanding lingering issues include: Recommended Wilderness and/or wild and scenic river areas, and semi-primitive, non-motorized area designations. Potential for long term impacts to wildlife management and public recreation/access. Department submitted appeal and is awaiting response from the Forest. Dispersed camping 300ft from specifically identified roads only, 30ft from all other roads. MBGR for elk LRMP completed. Revised draft EIS expected summer Final EIS expected winter Final LRMP was released May and is in a 90 day appeal process. The 90 day appeal period ended August 22, TMP revision process ongoing. 1

8 dispersed camping decisions; appeal denied. Coronado LRMP Draft released in 2013, Department submitted comments; Plan submitted to Washington, DC office. Feb. 2018: Meeting with FS to discuss Dept. comments June 22, 2018: FEIS NOA published in Fed Register. Coronado TMP Changes to Motorized Travel System EA's are all final. Two await final objection hearings: Sierra Vista- objection filed 7/23. Santa Catalina: objection filed 6/23. Kaibab LRMP Finalized 2014 Kaibab TMP Department accepted final revision. The Department completed dispersed camping inventory to inform future revisions. Feb. 2017: KNF released new MVUM's for the Williams, Tusayan, and North Kaibab ranger districts; MVUMs only, 1 mile from roads except GMUs 5A & 5B. Department continues to work with the forest to identify and recommend needed changes. Ex. Region collected ~95% of CNF dispersed camping locations. This data was instrumental in latest TMP revisions. Outstanding issues include state vs. federal authority over wildlife issues and recommended wilderness; 90 day appeal deadline is September 20, Region addressing district-specific road closures and access issues; 300' corridor closure in some areas. Objection hearing not yet scheduled. Objection hearing not yet scheduled. Department engagement resulted in: motorized dispersed camping along 276 miles of roads (currently 100 ft. from roads, with Forest looking to expand to 300 ft); 14 camping spur roads added; and 24 miles of roads re-opened. MBGR limited to elk/bison 1 mile from open roads. Department looking to remedy Plan goes into effect July 21, 2018 Nogales: Completed, 3/17 Safford: Completed, 11/17 Douglas: Completed, 12/17 Sierra Vista: Objection filed; objection hearing not yet scheduled. Catalina: Objection filed; objection hearing not yet scheduled. Revision released Jan

9 anticipated to be updated annually. Department continues to work with KNF on adaptive management for MVUM's and TMP revisions. Prescott LRMP Final signed 2015; Department Appeal declined. Prescott TMP No new TMP, amending 2005 plan for travel management. Tonto LRMP The Department participates as a Cooperating Agency in plan and EIS process; draft plan/eis is anticipated late Summer Tonto TMP A supplemental to the EIS is being developed and is anticipated in fall. insufficient designated dispersed camping opportunities in lower elevations. Recommended wilderness areas. Potential for long term impacts to wildlife management and public recreation/access based on land use/management changes. Wilderness areas, wild and scenic river additions, special management areas, lakes and streams management areas all have be identified and are on the record as having the potential for long term impacts to wildlife management and public recreation/access. Currently undergoing development of a supplement to the EIS, due to the need for further analysis. Plan approved Fall

10 Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Status of BLM Resource Management Plans (RMP) and Travel Management Plans (TMP) in Arizona August 2018 BLM Plan Status Issues and Next Steps Projected Completion and Implementation Field Office/District AZ Strip RMP June 22, 2018: NOI to amend portion of the RMP related to the Kanab Creek Area of Critical Environmental Concern. AZ Strip TMP February 15, 2018: FONSI/ROD signed for transportation network for St. George Basin, Colorado City and Littlefield. Hassayampa RMP ROD for Bradshaw-Harquahala RMP and Agua Fria National Monument signed February Black Canyon Corridor TMP May 2017: EA Planning reinitiated and Department engaged as Cooperating Agency. September 2017: Route evaluations for ~524 miles of The Department is currently rescinding its cooperating agency status; the Department is confident it can address any potential issues through the NEPA process. Although the Department is withdrawing as a cooperating agency, we will continue to track this project. We have faced very few issues with respect to maintaining appropriate motorized access. Where they have occurred, BLM has afforded opportunities to negotiate and successfully resolve. There are 4 alternatives to the No Action; a range of scenarios from maximum conservation to maximum access; a hybrid of access for February 2018: FONSI/ROD for St. George Basin, Colorado City and Littlefield. The Target date for a decision is September Field Office plans to complete all TMP s by the end of federal FY19 4

11 existing routes completed. March 7, 2018: The Department submitted comments on the Administrative Draft TMP/EA and Alternatives maps May 22, 2018: Department submitted comments on Draft EA and Implementation Plan. Box Canyon TMP Decision on Wickenburg Travel Management Plan issued. Town of Wickenburg appealed decision Box Canyon area. BLM agreed to re-evaluate the Box Canyon area (judge remanded only that portion of the decision) and is working with Wickenburg to re-evaluate with a more focused approach. Havasu RMP ROD signed July Havasu TMP March 2009: FONSI signed for Bullhead Unit September 2013: Route Evaluations begun for Bouse Unit. May 31, 2018: Bouse and Cactus Plain TMP and EA released. July 23, 2018: Comment letter sent. August 7, 2018: Additional comments sent. Kingman RMP ROD Signed 1993; plan life 20 years, with amendments as needed. Dec. 2016: Department reviewed and provided comment for new plan. motorized and non-motorized with designations that separate users; unique to this TMP are technical vehicle sites (TVSs) which are existing user created routes. Looking to develop an MOU with Wickenburg to formalize partnership, and give Wickenburg status for future planning. The TMP designated all routes in Lands with Wilderness Characteristics as closed or limited to non-motorized/mechanized; the Department objected to these designations. Unknown All Plans to be completed by end of FY19 5

12 Kingman TMP Route Evaluation completed in 2014/2015/2016. August 2017: BLM initiated planning efforts for TMP for the entirety of the Kingman Field Office. March 2018: Department accepted Cooperating Agency Status. August 2018: Draft TMP EA Released Lower Sonoran RMP September 2012: ROD signed for Lower Sonoran Field Office and Sonoran Desert National Monument Buckeye Hills TMP May 2017: Scoping for the TMP and associated EA; The Department accepted Cooperating Agency Status. June 22, 2017: Department submitted scoping comments. Oct 2017: Route evaluations completed. March 1, 2018: Department submitted comments on administrative Draft TMP and EA and Alternatives maps. April 2018: Public release of draft EA. May 8, 2018: Department submitted comment on TMP EA and Implementation Plan. SDNM Recreational Shooting October 20, 2017: Final EIS and Proposed Amendment Draft TMP EA is open for public comment and review through September 18, Public meetings were held August 21, 22, 23, 2018 in Kingman, Bullhead and Wikieup. The Department. will be meeting with BLM KFO on September 06, 2018 to go over the NEPA process and Draft TMP EA. There are 4 alternatives to the No Action; a range of scenarios from maximum conservation to maximum access; a hybrid of access for motorized and non-motorized with designations that separate users; The biggest issue with this includes the PLO1015 lands and the management authorities associated with those lands. The Target date for a decision is September ROD signed 8/20/18 6

13 SDNM Juan Bautista De Anza Area Safford/ Gila-San Simon Tucson/ Ironwood Forest NM Tucson / Ironwood Forest NM Tucson/ San Pedro Riparian NCA Tucson/San Pedro Riparian NCA Tucson/ Las Cienegas NCA Recreation Plan TMP RMP TMP RMP TMP RMP Reviewing Draft Plan. Provided Comments Nov 3, 2017: Department provided scoping comments Dec 2017, Feb and March 2018: Route-by-route analysis. Ironwood Forest NM RMP completed Ironwood Forest NM TMP finalized 7/2014 June 29, 2018: Draft RMP/EIS published for public comment; Department is preparing comments. Sept. 2013: scoping comments submitted. Las Cienegas TMP/RMP completed Yuma RMP RMP ROD signed January Lower Colorado River TMP Feb. 2018: NOI issued March 23, 2018: Dept Commented La Posa TMP La Posa Plan Final EA and FONSI signed. Imperial Hills TMP Public Draft EA released on August 22nd; comment period closes September 21, Plan Implemented. Awaiting draft EA/TMP available for public comment. Department met with BLM on August 21, 2018 to discuss RMP alternatives. Draft RMP/EIS comment period ends Sept. 27, 2018 TMP on hold until RMP completed and ROD issued Begin implementation Reviewing Draft EA FONSI signed, implementation not begun awaiting funding March 2019 target for completed TMP Approved RMP and ROD predicted for public release June SPRNCA Draft TMP/unknown 7

14 National Park Service (NPS) Status of NPS planning in Arizona August 2018 NPS Office/Park Plan Status Issues and Next Steps Projected Completion and Implementation Grand Canyon-Para shant National Park Wupatki National Monument Initial Bison Herd Reduction EA Completing Wilderness Study and General Management Plan Amendment 2013: The Department became a Cooperating agency March 2017: Department submitted comments Draft EA. May 2017: Department participated in public workshops. June 2017: Department commented Initiating a wilderness study that can set the stage for designating 34,194 acres (97%) of their existing lands as wilderness. In January 2018, the Dept. formally withdrew as a cooperator in this effort due to fundamental conflicts between AZGFD and NPS on how herd reduction activities will occur. In May 2018, the Department issued a comment letter to the Monument highlighting concerns with the proposal. The Department will stay engaged with the Monument as the study progresses. FONSI was finalized and signed in Septemb Current schedule has a bulk of the implementation activities starting in fall 20 On-going 8

15 Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Status of major transportation planning in Arizona August 2018 FHWA-ADOT Project Plan Status Issues and Next Steps Projected Completion and Implementation I-11 Tier 1 Draft EIS- Wickenbur g to Nogales FHWA will be choosing a single 2000-ft corridor from Wickenburg to Nogales. As funding becomes available, individual municipalities will evaluate sections under Tier 2 NEPA analyses to identify the final 400-foot wide corridor to be constructed. July 3, 2018: Department reviewed and commented on the Administrative Draft EIS. The Draft EIS is expected to be available for public review in late December Draft Tier 1 EIS expected December Final Tier 1 EIS expected late Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) Status of major planning projects in Arizona - August 2018 ACOE Project Plan Status Issues and Next Steps Projected Completion and Implementation Alamo Dam Water Control Manual Update Update Water Control Manual and EIS Completed Scoping Process. Department attended agency meeting and two public meetings. Currently developing Cooperating Agency status MOU. Has potential to negatively impact Alamo Lake fishery and recreational fishing, riparian habitats in Alamo Lake Wildlife Area (leased to Commission) and downstream on Planet Ranch Wildlife Area (Commission owned). Next Step is Cooperating agency meetings. Draft Tier 1 EIS expected January Final Tier 1 EIS expected late