Supplemental Decision Notice
and
Finding of No Significant Impact
for
Walker Basin Cattle Allotment Management Plan

USDA Forest Service, Southwestern Region, Coconino National Forest, Beaver Creek Ranger District, Yavapai County, Arizona

An Environmental Assessment (EA) dealing with the development of a revised allotment management plan for the Walker Basin Allotment on the Coconino National Forest was approved on 11/13/90 by the Acting Forest Supervisor. At that time, a decision was made to adopt Alternative B, a deferred rotation system with some rest provided and additional pasture divisions.

The decision that was made did not specifically identify a change in permitted numbers that reflected a previous Forest Service land exchange with Southwest Forest Industries. In the exchange, the Forest Service acquired Aztec Sections that were situated within the boundaries of the Walker Basin Allotment. A private land grazing permit that was in existence at the time of the exchange allowed the holder to graze 48 cattle and 7 horses on those private lands.

It is my decision to add the 48 cattle and 7 horses to the permit that currently exists for the Walker Basin Allotment. Permitted numbers would rise from 495 cattle and no horses to 543 cattle and 7 horses. Livestock use that existed on the Aztec Sections prior to ownership by the Federal Government will continue under permit and be subject to the regulations governing Term Grazing Permits.

This decision is consistent with the Environmental Analysis prepared for the Allotment and is based upon the decision criteria described in the Environmental Assessment.

I have determined that this action is not a major federal action, individually or cumulatively, and will not significantly affect the quality of the human environment. Therefore, an environmental impact statement is not needed. This determination is based on the following factors:

• This action will not adversely affect threatened, endangered, sensitive species or their habitats determined under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.
• There are no farmlands, wetlands, or ecologically critical areas located on the allotment. Cultural resources will be protected.
• The physical and biological effects are limited to this immediate geographical area, which has no special uniqueness such as park land and the action does not set a precedent for other projects that may have significant effects.
• There are no known effects on the human environment that are highly uncertain or involve unique or unknown risks, and based on scoping, effects of this action are not likely to be controversial.
• There are no known significant irretrievable or irreversible commitment of resources, and the action does not threaten violation of Federal, local law or requirements imposed for protection of the environment.

This decision is subject to administrative review pursuant to 36 CFR 217. Any appeal of this decision must be fully consistent with 36 CFR 217.9, Content of Notice of Appeal, including the reasons for appeal. The appeal must be filed with David F. Jolly, Regional Forester, Southwestern Region, 517 Gold Avenue SW Albuquerque, NM 87102-0084, within 45 days of the date of legal notice of this decision in the Arizona Daily Sun newspaper. For additional information concerning this decision or the Forest Service appeal process, contact Daryl Herman, Acting Range Staff Officer, Coconino National Forest, at 2323 E. Greenlaw Lane, Flagstaff, Arizona 86004, or phone (602) 527-7400.

Fred L. Trevey
Date: 3/21/91

Last Revised: 26 April 2000