96-26941. Draft Lake Crescent Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement, Olympic National Park, WA

[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 204 (Monday, October 21, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Page 54676]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-26941]



[[Page 54676]]

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
National Park Service


Draft Lake Crescent Management Plan/Environmental Impact 
Statement, Olympic National Park, WA

ACTION: Notice of availability of draft environmental impact statement.

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SUMMARY: This Notice announces the availability of a draft management 
plan and environmental impact statement for the Lake Crescent watershed 
in Olympic National Park. This Notice also announces public meetings 
for the purpose of receiving comments on the draft document. All 
comments received will become part of the public record and copies of 
comments, including any names, addresses and telephone numbers provided 
by respondents, may be released for public inspection.

DATES: Comments on the draft Plan/EIS should be received no later than 
December 18, 1996. Public meetings will be held as follows:
    Wednesday, November 20, 1996, from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. at the 
Mountaineers Building, 300 3rd Ave. West, Seattle, WA.
    Thursday, November 21, 1996, from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. at the Port 
Angeles Senior Center, 328 E. 7th St., Port Angeles, WA.

ADDRESSES: Comments on the draft Management Plan/EIS should be sent to 
Superintendent, Olympic National Park, 600 East Park Avenue, Port 
Angeles, WA 98362. Public reading copies of the draft Management Plan/
EIS will be available for review at the following locations, as well as 
other local libraries around the Olympic Peninsula and Puget Sound 
area: Office of Public Affairs, National Park Service, Department of 
the Interior, 18th and C Streets, NW, Washington, DC 20240. Telephone: 
[phone]; Columbia/Cascades System Support Office, National Park 
Service, Rm. 650, 909 First Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98104-1060. Telephone: 
[phone]; Olympic National Park, National Park Service, 600 East 
Park Avenue, Port Angeles, WA 98362. Telephone: [phone], 
extension 207; North Olympic Library System, Port Angeles Branch, 207 
S. Lincoln Street, Port Angeles, WA 98362. Telephone: [phone]; 
Seattle Public Library, 1000 4th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104-1193. 
Telephone: [phone].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Olympic National Park, 600 East Park 
Avenue, Port Angeles, WA 98362, Telephone [phone] ext. 207. A 
limited number of copies of the document are available upon request.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This draft management plan/EIS describes and 
analyzes the environmental consequences of a proposed action and three 
alternatives for the management and use of the Lake Crescent watershed 
in Olympic National Park. Alternative A (the proposed action and 
preferred alternative) is based on the need to protect the watershed's 
natural environment while supporting recreational pursuits that 
complement and capitalize on the lake's history. As part of the overall 
goal of protecting Lake Crescent's peaceful ambience, extensive 
consideration was given to motorized recreation, including the use of 
personal watercraft (PWCs). This alternative calls for zoning the use 
of PWCs. Four possible zoning options are presented for public review 
and comment. Alternative B (No Action) continues the Park's existing 
management activities, including those for water recreation. Existing 
roads, trails, and visitor facilities would be maintained to support 
current levels of activity, with limited improvements made only on an 
as-needed basis and as funding becomes available. Alternative C 
emphasizes increased recreational opportunities for visitors, while 
continuing to protect natural and cultural resources. Visitors would 
have a broader range of options for recreation. Alternative D 
emphasizes the protection of the watershed's natural resources while 
continuing to support the recreational use of the area. This 
alternative establishes a greater limitation for motorized water 
recreation. Development of new facilities would be somewhat limited 
compared to other alternatives, and some existing uses would be 
eliminated. The restoration of natural areas that have been degraded 
through overuse is emphasized.
    Impacts are analyzed according to the following topics: air 
quality, water resources, geology/soils, vegetation, wildlife, 
threatened and endangered species and rare plants, archeological 
resources, historic structures, cultural landscapes, administration and 
visitor use/experience.
    Issuance of a Record of Decision on the final Management Plan/EIS 
would constitute an amendment to the 1976 Olympic National Park Master 
Plan.

    Dated: October 10, 1996.
William C. Walters,
Deputy Field Director, Pacific West Area, National Park Service.
[FR Doc. 96-26941 Filed 10-18-96; 8:45 am]
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