USDA

DECISION MEMO

APS BUILDING REPLACEMENT AND INSTALLATION OF A SECURITY FENCE WITHIN THE NORTHMINGUS COMMUNICATION SITE.

U.S. FOREST SERVICE

NORTH MINGUS COMMUNICATION SITE, AZ

VERDE RANGER DISTRICT, PRESCOTT NATIONAL FOREST

YAVAPAI COUNTY, ARIZONA

BACKGROUND

APS has proposed to replace their aging shelter with a new 16ft x 20ft prefabricated equipment shelter,and add a 35ft x 54ft security fence within the boundaries of the existing North Mingus CommunicationsSite. Existing structures at the APS site include one 120ft self supporting tower, one generator, and one500 gallon propane tank. The project was scoped with the site users for 30 days in accordance with theMingus Mountain Improvement Association Constitution and Bylaws dated 7/15/1998. A site visit wasconducted on 8/23/2011, with all adjacent site owners. The Mingus Mountain communication site islocated within T15N, R2E, Section 2, and has been under development since 1951.

DECISION

I have decided to amend the APS Communications Use Lease VER401907, to allow for installation of the16ft x 20ft equipment shelter, and a 35ft x 54ft security fence.

This action is categorically excluded from documentation in an environmental impact statement (EIS) oran environmental assessment (EA). The applicable category of actions is identified in agency proceduresas "Approval, modification, or continuation of minor specials uses of NFS lands that require less than fivecontiguous acres of land" FSH 1909.15_30; 32.2(3) and 36 CFR 220.6(e)(3). This category of action(s) isapplicable because this action constitutes routine communication site management activities.

I find that there are no extraordinary circumstances that would warrant further analysis anddocumentation in an EA or EIS. I took into account resource conditions identified in agency proceduresthat should be considered in determining whether extraordinary circumstances might exist:

Federally listed threatened or endangered species or designated critical habitat, species proposed forFederal listing or proposed critical habitat, or Forest Service sensitive species - PNF biologistshave determined that installation of new communication site improvements and infrastructure hasno effect on TES or their critical habitat, or their proposed critical habitat. See BA&E dated5/1/2007.

Flood plains, wetlands, or municipal watersheds - There are no flood plains, wetlands, or municipalwatersheds located within the Mingus Mountain Communication Site.

Congressionally designated areas such as wilderness, wilderness study areas, or national recreationareas -The Mingus Mountain Communication Site is not within a Congressionally designatedarea such as wilderness, wilderness study areas, or national recreation areas.

Inventoried roadless areas or potential wilderness areas - The Mingus Mountain Communication Siteis not within a roadless or potential wilderness area.

Research natural areas - There are no research natural areas within the Mingus Mountain

— Decision Memo —Page 1 of 2

USDA

Communication Site.

• American Indians and Alaska Native religious or cultural sites - 18 acres of the communicationsite were surveyed and no sites were found. See archaeological clearance AR-03-009.

• Archaeological sites, or historic properties or areas - 18 acres of the communication site weresurveyed and no sites were found. See archaeological clearance AR-03-009.

Public Involvement

This action was advertized to the Mingus Mountain Improvement Association, and the Prescott NationalForest Telecommunications Specialist on 7/20/2011, and no conflicts or concerns were noted. Thisproject was entered onto the Schedule of Proposed Actions on 10/1/2011. In addition, APS coordinatedwith Yavapai County to secure a building permit.

FINDINGS REQUIRED BY OTHER LAWS AND REGULATIONS

This decision is consistent with the Prescott National Forest Land Management Plan. The project wasdesigned in conformance with the Prescott National Forest Plan, page 42; Title V of FLMPA; and theTelecommunications Act of 1996.

ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW (APPEAL) OPPORTUNITIES

This decision can be implemented immediately and is not subject to appeal under 36 CFR 215.12(f) andis not subject to the notice and comment procedures pursuant to 36 CFR 215.4(a).

Implementation Date

Expected implementation date is 09/13/2011.

CONTACT

For additional information concerning this decision, contact: Sheila Sandusky, Realty Specialist, PrescottNational Forest, Verde Ranger District, 928-567-1120.

BETTY MfTHEWS I Date

Forest Supervisor

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on thebasis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status,parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or partof an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to allprograms.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information(Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice andTDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 IndependenceAvenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA isan equal opportunity provider and employer.

— Decision Memo —Page 2 of 2