99-6577. National Recreation Lakes Study Commission

[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 52 (Thursday, March 18, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 13434-13435]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-6577]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR


National Recreation Lakes Study Commission

AGENCY: National Recreation Lakes Study Commission, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of draft recommendations and themes.

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SUMMARY: The Omnibus Parks and Public Land Management Act of 1996 
authorizes a presidential commission to review the demand for 
recreation at Federal lakes, and to develop alternatives for enhanced 
recreation uses, primarily through innovative public/private 
partnerships.
    The following draft recommendations by themes were approved by the 
Commission at the Commission Meeting on March 3, 1999. It is also 
available on the web at www.doi.gov/nrls/ or if you would like a hard 
copy, please write to us at: National Recreation Lakes Study Office, 
1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 320, Washington, DC 20240.

Federal Lakes Recreation Leadership Council

     Commit resources and establish an interagency Federal 
Lakes Recreation Leadership Council to coordinate recommendations of 
the National Recreation Lakes Study Commission.

Reinvention Laboratory and Demonstration Program

     Develop a National Recreation Lakes Demonstration Program 
and apply for Reinvention Laboratory status for the Program.

Environment for Success

     Operate Federal lakes to optimize water use for all 
beneficial purposes, including recreation and environmental values, 
consistent with Congressionally authorized purposes.
     The Federal lakes leadership council shall review current 
guidelines regarding recreation activities for all Federal lakes and 
develop policy recommendations which will include best business 
practices to encourage private sector investment in needed recreation 
facilities.
     Include the Bureau of Reclamation and the Corps of 
Engineers in the Recreational Fees Demonstration Program and allow fee 
revenues to be retained at the management unit where collected and used 
for capital improvements and operations and maintenance costs.
     Encourage partnerships with non-Federal entities. 
Specifically, change Bureau of Reclamation and Corps of Engineers 
policies to allow them to cost-share with their non-Federal 
governmental partners for rehabilitation of recreation facilities 
developed in conjunction with States and local governments and Tribes.
     Amend Federal grant-in-aid programs to eliminate the 
requirement for State matching funds when projects benefit Federal 
lakes.
     Develop and implement aggressive public information 
programs to communicate the services and facilities available to the 
public as well as the mission and management of the lakes, and 
interpretive programs to provide learning opportunities and experiences 
which help visitors and local residents learn about the natural and 
cultural history of the lake area leading to understanding of their 
important role as stewards of public lands and lakes.
     Amend Public Law 89-72 to repeal the requirement that 
Federal entities can only develop new recreation facilities through 
cost sharing agreements with non-Federal governmental entities.

[[Page 13435]]

     Establish water-related recreation performance measures 
for all Federal lake management agencies.
     Establish regular Federal, State and local government and 
Tribal inter/intra-agency and private sector development assignments, 
exchanges and meetings for Federal lakes' supervisors and staff to 
enhance expertise and understanding.
     In the implementation of the National Recreational 
Fisheries Conservation Plan give special emphasis to Federal lakes.
     Encourage management agencies to adopt community based 
involvement in the management of the lake to promote environmental and 
community well-being.

Identify and Close the Gap

     Conduct assessments at Federal lakes to determine customer 
needs, infrastructure and facility needs and natural resource needs. 
Develop a strategic plan for future investments in recreation 
infrastructure in response to these assessments. Consistent with the 
strategic plan, reduce the recreation facilities maintenance backlog 
over the next 10 years.
     Provide adequate funding to improve lake water quality 
through a watershed management approach.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeanne Whittington at 202-219-7104.

    Dated: March 12, 1999.
Jana Prewitt,
Executive Director, National Recreation Lakes Study Commission.
[FR Doc. 99-6577 Filed 3-17-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-94-P