[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 241 (Wednesday, December 16, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 69303-69304]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-33248]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
National Park Service
Yosemite Valley Plan, Yosemite National Park, Mariposa County,
California; Notice of Intent to Prepare a Supplemental Environmental
Impact Statement
SUMMARY: Pursuant to Sec. 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental
Policy Act of 1969 (Pub. L. 91-190) and Council on Environmental
Quality regulations (40 CFR 1502.9(c)), and in order to foster
coordinated valley planning and operations, the National Park Service
intends to supplement the 1980 Final General Management Plan/
Environmental Impact Statement (1980 GMP/EIS) with a single,
comprehensive Yosemite Valley Plan for Yosemite National Park. The
Yosemite Valley Plan (YVP) will integrate alternatives (or elements
thereof) and environmental analysis formerly part of four distinct
initiatives: (a) the 1992 and 1996 Draft Yosemite Valley Housing Plan/
EIS intended to supplement the 1980 GMP/EIS; (b) the 1997 Draft
Yosemite Valley Implementation Plan/EIS intended to supplement the 1980
GMP/EIS; (c) the Yosemite Lodge Development Concept Plan/Environmental
Assessment; and (d) a Yosemite Falls facilities design project. In
addition, the YVP will implement previously approved actions set forth
in the 1992 Concessions Management Plan.
Notice is hereby given that the National Park Service (NPS) will
prepare a new Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) to
update the 1980 GMP/EIS. This SEIS/YVP consolidates ongoing
conservation planning and impact analysis efforts into one plan for the
valley, so as to provide for a holistic, landscape-view of critical
initiatives so vital for preserving the valley environs for visitor
inspiration now and in the future. The decision to prepare a
consolidated SEIS/YVP also results from proactive public involvement;
and in response to public comment, the SEIS/YVP may include new or
modified alternatives or mitigation strategies.
Background
In July, 1992 a Draft Yosemite Valley Housing Plan/Supplemental
Environmental Impact Statement intended to amend the 1980 GMP/EIS was
issued (57 FR 34146), with the public comment period ending September
30, 1992. This document examined the effects of a proposal and four
alternatives for housing NPS and concession employees who work in
Yosemite Valley. After reviewing public comments, the NPS identified
two additional alternatives. A second Draft Housing Plan/SEIS was
issued in December 1996 (61 FR 64361) with the public comment period
ending March 31, 1997. Housing alternatives that are still under
consideration and responses to the 1992 and 1996 public comments will
be included in the consolidated SEIS/YVP.
The 1997 Draft Yosemite Valley Implementation Plan/SEIS examined
the effects of alternatives for implementing 1980 GMP goals of
reclaiming priceless natural beauty, reducing traffic congestion,
allowing natural processes to prevail, reducing visitor crowding, and
promoting visitor understanding and enjoyment in Yosemite Valley. It
was intended to develop a coherent, comprehensive site plan for all
necessary visitor services in Yosemite Valley. It included alternatives
for relocating non-essential NPS and concession functions and
facilities out of sensitive resource areas and hazardous areas; and for
redesigning essential buildings, roads, campgrounds, interpretive
centers and concession facilities. It identified alternative site plans
for past and current implementation of the 1980 GMP, as well as the
1992 Concession Services Plan, the draft Yosemite Valley Housing Plan,
and various transportation studies. The Draft Valley Implementation
Plan/SEIS was issued in November 1997 (62 FR 60264) with an extended
public comment period ending February 23, 1998 (63 FR 3000). Public
open houses and workshops were held. Implementation alternatives that
are still under consideration and responses to the 1997-98 public
comments will be included in the consolidated SEIS/YVP.
In April 1997, as part of the park's urgent response to a
disastrous flood, the Yosemite Lodge Development Concept Plan/
Environmental Assessment was released for public review, with the
public comment period ending May 16, 1997. Public walk-throughs and
public information sessions were conducted. The DCP considered
alternative site plans for the lodge area lodging, housing, circulation
and visitor services. Subsequent to various legal proceedings, an
approved Finding of No Significant Impact was formally rescinded on
December 3, 1998. Lodge DCP alternatives that are still under
consideration and a summary of the public comment will be included in
the consolidated SEIS/YVP.
After several Yosemite Falls Design Elements, Issues and Questions
workshops were held during 1998, a
[[Page 69304]]
preliminary Draft Program Statement was prepared for internal review
which addressed alternatives for site design at the falls. Design
elements such as falls view area, main entry area, picnic area, main
trail, main bridge, eastern channel trail, parking, revegetation, and
signs were considered. Yosemite Falls site plans that are still under
consideration will be included in the consolidated SEIS/YVP.
Scoping/Decision Process
The existing four park stewardship initiatives summarized above
yielded very extensive and detailed baselines which will be
corroborated, clarified, or refined as necessary in the consolidation
effort. Moreover, incisive public comment and agency consultations
provided a valuable foundation for preparing those documents. As noted
above, all comments received during past scoping activities or formal
response periods are safeguarded in detailed administrative records,
and will be duly re-considered in developing the consolidated SEIS/YVP.
Consequently at this time it is necessary to submit only new issues or
concerns not voiced previously. Also, all past respondents are being
incorporated into a single mailing list--information about this
comprehensive conservation planning and impact analysis process will be
timely distributed via newsletters, mailings, and regional and local
news media. To request being added now to the inclusive mailing list,
or to obtain details about information options, please contact park
staff via telephone at (209) 372-0261. Interested individuals,
organizations, and agencies wishing to provide written comments on new
issues or concerns should respond to: Superintendent, Attn: SEIS/YVP,
P.O. Box 577, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389. Any new comments must
be postmarked not later than January 15, 1999.
Availability of the Draft SEIS/YVP for review and written comment
will be announced by formal Notice, via local and regional news media,
and direct mailing. At this time the Draft SEIS/YVP is anticipated to
be available for public review during late spring 1999. Comments on the
Draft SEIS/YVP will be fully considered, and incorporated in a Final
SEIS/YVP as appropriate. At this time it is anticipated that the Final
SEIS/YVP would be completed during fall 1999. Notice of an approved
Record of Decision would be published in the Federal Register not
sooner than thirty (30) days after the Final SEIS/YVP is distributed.
This is expected to occur by the end of 1999. The official responsible
for the decision is the Regional Director, Pacific West Region,
National Park Service; the official responsible for implementation is
the Superintendent, Yosemite National Park.
Dated: December 9, 1998.
Patricia L. Neubacher,
Acting Regional Director, Pacific West.
[FR Doc. 98-33248 Filed 12-15-98; 8:45 am]
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