Lassen Volcanic National Park Determines No Significant Impacts Will Result from Proposed Weed Management Plan Environmental Assessment

Date: July 15, 2008

Lassen Volcanic National Park has completed a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Weed Management Plan (WMP). A FONSI is an explanation of why the selected actions will have no significant effects on the human environment. It is based on both the Environmental Assessment (EA) and the comments of agencies and the public. The FONSI was signed by the National Park Service Regional Director, Pacific West Region on June 16, 2008. With the signing of this document, the Park has met the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act and is clear to implement the plan.

During the public review of the EA for this plan, the park received three comment letters. The comment letters were received from two Rancherias and one air quality board.

The purposes of this plan are to:

- Decrease weed plant cover and increase native plant cover;

- Document and standardize best management practices to more effectively meet goals and objectives;

- Provide options or tools to managers in reducing the threat to natural and cultural resources;

- Use monitoring to more effectively implement and adapt management practices;

- Determine the minimum tool/treatment or combinations of treatments that support Wilderness Values to restore functioning native plant communities;

- Develop a document that will meet required federal and state environmental compliance;

- Develop a document that will provide future direction for weed-related projects that fall under its scope;

- Restore native plant communities and wildlife habitat to reduce the park resources dedicated to weed removal.

After careful consideration of the two alternatives, the park accepted a preferred alternative-Alternative 2-Integrated Pest Management Plan. This alternative appears to have the most potential to accomplish the purpose and needs of the plan, and is also the environmentally preferred alternative. This alternative proposes to continue the use of the current management strategies for preventing, surveying, treating, and monitoring weeds and in addition it proposes to use four new strategies. The four new proposed strategies include: 1) limited use of chemical treatments; 2) wilting (a brief application of heat from a propane torch); 3) providing a set process for determining the strategies, treatments, and prioritization of species in the future if new exotic species are discovered; and 4) implementing Best Management Practices.

The complete FONSI as well as an Errata to the EA (which spells out all of the specific changes made to the plan as a result of public comment) are available at www.nps.gov/lavo or to request a written copy, please contact the Superintendent, Lassen Volcanic National Park, P.O. Box 100, Mineral, California 96063, or call [phone], ext. 5101, Monday through Friday, except holidays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

-NPS-