95-27148. General Provisions, Definitions: Change in Organizational Title From Regional Director to Field Director  

  • [Federal Register Volume 60, Number 213 (Friday, November 3, 1995)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 55789-55791]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 95-27148]
    
    
    
    =======================================================================
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
    
    National Park Service
    
    36 CFR Chapter I and Parts 1, 7, 9, 14, 20 and 64
    
    RIN 1024-AC37
    
    
    General Provisions, Definitions: Change in Organizational Title 
    From Regional Director to Field Director
    
    AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior.
    
    ACTION: Final rule.
    
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    SUMMARY: The National Park Service (NPS) is amending the General 
    Provisions Definition of ``Regional Director'' to reflect a new 
    organizational structure. With the recent reorganization of the NPS 
    eliminating existing geographic regions (effective May 15, 1995), the 
    term Regional Director is no longer an agency job position. The duties 
    and responsibilities of these positions have been assumed by Field 
    Directors. This amendment to the definition will replace the term 
    Regional Director with Field Director wherever it appears in 36 CFR 
    parts 1-199, as well as eliminate all reference to the former 
    geographic regions.
        This change is necessary because the terms Region and Regional 
    Director are no longer recognized in the NPS reorganizational 
    structure. Certain responsibilities and delegations of authority 
    associated with the former Regional Directors are now assumed by the 
    positions identified by the term Field Director. Publication of this 
    change is also a requirement of the Federal Register Act (44 U.S.C. 
    Chapter 15).
    
    EFFECTIVE DATE: This rule is effective November 3, 1995.
    
    ADDRESSES: Comments should be addressed to: Dennis Burnett, National 
    Park Service, Ranger Activities Division, P.O. Box 37127, Washington, 
    D.C. 20013-7127.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dennis Burnett, Ranger Activities 
    Division, at the above address. Telephone (202) 208-4874.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    
    Background
    
        The National Park System of the United States comprises 368 areas 
    covering over 80 million acres in 49 States, the District of Columbia, 
    American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, Saipan and the Virgin Islands. These 
    areas of national significance justify special recognition and 
    protection in accordance with various acts of Congress.
        In an Act signed on August 25, 1916, Congress established in the 
    Department of the Interior the National Park Service to provide 
    cohesive administration of those federal parklands under the Department 
    of the Interior's jurisdiction. This new agency assumed the 
    responsibility for the management of 29 park units that had previously 
    been designated by Congress. An Executive Order in 1933 transferred 63 
    national monuments and military sites from the Forest Service and the 
    War Department to the NPS. With this rapid increase in the number of 
    units entering the system, the NPS determined that an expanded 
    management system was necessary to properly administer the parks.
        In August of 1937, the NPS initiated the geographical concept of 
    Regional Offices administered by Regional Directors by establishing 
    four (4) Regional Offices: Region One in Richmond, VA; Region Two in 
    Omaha, NE; Region Three in Santa Fe, NM; and Region Four in San 
    Francisco. These four original regional offices provided assistance in 
    the management and administration of the parks in their regions from 
    1937 until 1955 when Region Five was established in Philadelphia, PA. 
    National Capital Parks became Region Six on January 22, 1962. Also in 
    1962, Region One was renamed Southeast Region and on January 9, 1972, 
    the headquarters moved from Richmond to Atlanta, GA. A seventh regional 
    office, Northwest Region, was added on December 30, 1969, in Seattle, 
    WA. Region Eight, North Atlantic Region, was established on January 6, 
    1974, in Boston, MA. Region Nine, Rocky Mountain Region, was 
    established on November 30, 1973, in Denver, CO. The tenth and final 
    region, 
    
    [[Page 55790]]
    Alaska Region, was added on December 2, 1980, in Anchorage, AK.
        As a result of: (1) The NPS's own assessment of a need to change 
    how it accomplished its essential work with increasing constraints; (2) 
    the National Performance Review (NPR) which directed Federal agencies 
    to cut red tape, put customers first, empower employees to get results 
    and reduce layers in organizations; and (3) The Federal Workforce 
    Restructuring Act of 1994 (P.L. 103-226), a government-wide workforce 
    reduction, the NPS implemented a Servicewide restructuring of the 
    organization. The reorganization effort drastically reduces central 
    office staffs. The 10 NPS Regional Directors have been replaced by 7 
    Field Directors, who provide direction, oversight, budget formulation 
    and assistance in media relations for the parks and support offices in 
    their geographical field areas. With the change and revision of the 
    regional concept, all national park units are now grouped into clusters 
    to act collaboratively in sharing limited resources. A network of 16 
    system support offices provide services and support to the parks by 
    cluster.
        The President of the United States, through the Secretary of the 
    Interior and the Director of the NPS allowed the Regional Directors of 
    the ten Regional Offices certain delegated authorities in the 
    management of the park units. 36 CFR Parts 1-199 contains many of these 
    authorities. Because the term Regional Director is codified in the CFR, 
    the definition of Regional Director must be replaced to reflect the new 
    authorities now found in Field Directors as a result of the 
    reorganization. Many of these authorities have the enforcement powers 
    of law.
        The NPS is adopting this final rule pursuant to the ``agency 
    organization'' exception of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 
    553(b)(A)) from general notice and comment rulemaking. The NPS believes 
    that this exception from rulemaking procedures is warranted because it 
    is merely a change in agency organizational structure. The NPS finds 
    that notice and comment are unnecessary and contrary to the public 
    interest for this final rule.
        The NPS has also determined, in accordance with the Administrative 
    Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3)), that the publishing of this final 
    rule 30 days prior to the rule becoming effective would be 
    counterproductive and unnecessary for the reasons discussed above. A 
    30-day delay would be contrary to the public interest and the interest 
    of the agency. Therefore, under the ``good cause'' exception of the 
    Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3)), it has been 
    determined that this rulemaking is excepted from the 30-day delay in 
    the effective date and shall therefore become effective on the date 
    published in the Federal Register.
    
    Public Participation
    
        It is the policy of the Department of the Interior, whenever 
    practicable, to afford the public an opportunity to participate in the 
    rulemaking process. Accordingly, interested persons may submit written 
    comments regarding this rule to the address noted at the beginning of 
    this rulemaking.
    
        Drafting Information. The primary author of this rule is Dennis 
    Burnett of the Washington Office of Ranger Activities.
    
    Paperwork Reduction Act
    
        This rulemaking does not contain information collection 
    requirements that require approval by the Office of Management and 
    Budget under 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.
    
    Compliance With Other Laws
    
        This rule was not subject to Office of Management and Budget review 
    under Executive Order 12866. The Department of the Interior determined 
    that this document will not have a significant economic effect on a 
    substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility 
    Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq). The economic effects of this rulemaking are 
    negligible.
        The NPS has determined that this proposed rulemaking will not have 
    a significant effect on the quality of the human environment, health 
    and safety because it is not expected to:
        (a) Increase public use to the extent of compromising the nature 
    and character of the area or causing physical damage to it;
        (b) introduce incompatible uses which compromise the nature and 
    characteristics of the area or cause physical damage to it;
        (c) conflict with adjacent ownership or land uses; or
        (d) cause a nuisance to adjacent owners or occupants.
        Based on this determination, the regulation is categorically 
    excluded from the procedural requirements of the National Environmental 
    Policy Act (NEPA) and by Departmental guidelines in 516 DM 6 (49 FR 
    21438). As such, neither an Environmental Assessment nor an 
    Environmental Impact Statement has been prepared.
    
    List of Subjects
    
    36 CFR Part 1
    
        National parks, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
    
    36 CFR Part 7
    
        National parks, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
    
    36 CFR Part 9
    
        Environmental protection, Mines, National parks, Oil and gas 
    exploration, Public lands--mineral resources, Public lands--rights-of-
    way.
    
    36 CFR Part 14
    
        Electric power, Highways and roads, National parks, Public lands--
    rights-of-way.
    
    36 CFR Part 20
    
        Isle Royale National Park, Commercial fishing.
    
    36 CFR Part 64
    
        Grants and allocations for recreations and conservation use of 
    abandoned railroad--rights-of-way.
    
        In consideration of the foregoing, and under the authority at 18 
    U.S.C. 1 and 3, 36 CFR Chapter I is amended as follows:
        1. 36 CFR Chapter I is amended by removing the term ``Regional 
    Director'' and inserting the term ``Field Director'' in it place each 
    time it appears.
    
    PART 1--GENERAL PROVISIONS
    
        2. The authority citation for part 1 continues to read as follows:
    
        Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1, 3, 9a, 460 l-6a(e), 462(k); D.C. Code 8-
    137, 40-721 (1981).
    
        3. Section 1.4 is amended in paragraph (a) by removing the 
    definition of ``Regional Director'' and adding a new definition of 
    ``Field Director'', in alphabetical order, to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 1.4  Definitions.
    
    * * * * *
        (a) * * *
        Field Director means the official in charge of a geographic area of 
    the National Park Service.
    * * * * *
    
    PART 7--SPECIAL REGULATIONS, AREAS OF THE NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM
    
        4. The authority citation for part 7 continues to read as follows:
    
        Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1, 3, 9a, 460(q), 462(k); Sec. 7.96 also 
    issued under D.C. Code 80-137 (1981) and D.C. Code 40-721 (1981).
    
        5. The Alphabetical listing of the national park units in part 7 is 
    amended in the entry for Sec. 7.96 by removing the words ``Region 
    Parks'' and adding the word ``Area'' in its place. 
    
    [[Page 55791]]
    
    
    
    Sec. 7.3  [Amended]
    
        6. Section 7.3(b)(6) is amended by removing the words ``Midwest 
    Region,'' in the first sentence.
    
    
    Sec. 7.16  [Amended]
    
        7. Section 7.16(h)(5) is amended by removing the words ``Region 
    Four'' in the first sentence, and;
        8. Section 7.16(j)(4) is amended by removing the words ``Western 
    Region,'' in the second sentence.
    
    
    Sec. 7.22  [Amended]
    
        9. Section 7.22(c)(10) is amended by removing the words ``Region 
    Two'' in the first sentence.
    
    
    Sec. 7.63  [Amended]
    
        10. Section 7.63(b)(10) is amended by removing the words ``Region 
    Two'' in the first sentence.
    
    
    Sec. 7.96  [Amended]
    
        11. Section 7.96 is amended by changing the word ``Region'' in the 
    section heading to ``Area'' and removing the word ``parks'', and;
        12. Section 7.96(a) is amended by changing the word ``Region'' to 
    ``Area'' in the first sentence, and;
        13. Section 7.96(g)(1)(iii) is amended by changing the word 
    ``Region'' to ``Area'' in the first sentence, and;
        14. Section 7.96(g)(1)(viii) is amended by changing the word 
    ``Region'' to ``Area'' in the first sentence, and;
        15. Section 7.96(g)(1)(ix) is amended by changing the word 
    ``Region'' to ``Area'' in the first sentence, and;
        16. Section 7.96(g)(3) introductory text is amended by changing the 
    word ``Region'' to ``Area'' in the first sentence, and;
        17. Section 7.96(g)(5)(vi)(A) is amended by changing the word 
    ``Region'' to ``Area'' in the first sentence, and;
        18. Section 7.96(g)(5)(vi)(D) is amended by changing the word 
    ``Region'' to ``Area'' and removing the word ``areas'' in the first 
    sentence, and;
        19. Section 7.96(g)(5)(xiv) is amended by changing the word 
    ``Region'' to ``Area'' in the first sentence.
    
    PART 9--MINERALS MANAGEMENT
    
        20. The authority citation for part 9 continues to read as follows:
    
        Authority: Mining Law of 1872 (R.S. 2319; 30 U.S.C. 21 et seq.); 
    Act of August 25, 1916 (39 Stat. 535, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1 et 
    seq.); Act of September 28, 1976; 90 Stat. 1342 (16 U.S.C. 1901 et 
    seq.).
    
    
    Sec. 9.2  [Amended]
    
        21. Section 9.2(l) is amended by changing the word ``region'' to 
    ``area'' in the first sentence, and;
    
    
    Sec. 9.31  [Amended]
    
        22. Section 9.31(j) is amended by changing the word ``region'' to 
    ``area'' in the first sentence, and;
    
    
    Sec. 9.82  [Amended]
    
        23. Section 9.82(d) is amended by changing the word ``Regional'' to 
    ``Area'' in the first sentence.
    
    PART 14--RIGHTS-OF-WAY
    
        24. The authority citation for part 14 continues to read as 
    follows:
    
        Authority: 16 U.S.C. 5, 79; 23 U.S.C. 317.
    
    
    Sec. 14.2  [Amended]
    
        25. Section 14.2 is amended by removing paragraph (c) and 
    redesignating paragraphs (d) through (i) as paragraphs (c) through (h).
    
    PART 20--ISLE ROYALE NATIONAL PARK; COMMERCIAL FISHING
    
        26. The authority citation for Part 20 continues to read as 
    follows:
    
        Authority: Secs. 1-3, 39 Stat. 535, as amended, sec. 3,56 Stat. 
    133, secs 1, 2, 67 Stat. 495; 16 U.S.C. 1, 1b, 1c 2, 3, 408(k).
    
    
    Sec. 20.1  [Amended]
    
        27. Section 20.1(c) is amended by replacing the words ``Region 
    Two'' with the words ``of the area'' and adding the words ``where the 
    unit is located'' after ``National Park Service'', in the first 
    sentence.
    
    PART 64--GRANTS AND ALLOCATIONS FOR RECREATION AND CONSERVATION USE 
    OF ABANDONED RAILROAD RIGHTS-OF-WAY
    
        28. The authority citation for Part 64 continues to read as 
    follows:
    
        Authority: Sec. 809(B) (2) and (3), 90 Stat. 145, Pub. L. 94-
    210; Sec. 2 of Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1950 (34 Stat. 1262).
    
    
    Sec. 64.7  [Amended]
    
        29. Section 64.7(c) is amended by removing the words ``Bureau of 
    Outdoor Recreation'' in the first sentence.
    
        Dated: September 12, 1995.
    George T. Frampton, Jr.,
    Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.
    [FR Doc. 95-27148 Filed 11-2-95; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4310-70-P
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
11/3/1995
Published:
11/03/1995
Department:
National Park Service
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Final rule.
Document Number:
95-27148
Dates:
This rule is effective November 3, 1995.
Pages:
55789-55791 (3 pages)
RINs:
1024-AC37
PDF File:
95-27148.pdf
CFR: (12)
36 CFR 1.4
36 CFR 7.3
36 CFR 7.16
36 CFR 7.22
36 CFR 7.63
More ...