[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 99 (Tuesday, May 21, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Page 25505]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-12756]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Resources Management Plan
for Santa Rosa Island, Channel Islands National Park; Notice of
Availability
SUMMARY: Pursuant to Sec. 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental
Policy Act of 1969 (P. L. 91-190, as amended), the National Park
Service, Department of the Interior, has prepared a Draft Environmental
Impact Statement assessing the potential impacts of the proposed
Resources Management Plan for Improvement of Water Quality and
Conservation of Rare Species and Their Habitats on Santa Rosa Island,
Santa Barbara County, California. Once approved, the plan will guide
resources management on Santa Rosa Island for the next 15 years.
Background
The draft Resources Management Plan and Environmental Impact
Statement (DEIS/RMP) presents a proposal and four alternatives for
improving water quality and riparian areas and promoting the
conservation of rare species and their habitats on Santa Rosa Island.
``Rare species'' includes both species which have been proposed for
listing as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act,
and those species which are candidates for such listing.
The proposed action, Alternative C, Targeted Action, would improve
water quality in surface streams and protect riparian habitat areas on
Santa Rosa Island, by excluding cattle and horses from one pasture, by
establishing a seasonal grazing rotation in another pasture, and by
constructing small riparian exclosures in several drainages.
Conservation measures for rare species and their habitats would include
removing the island's deer herd, reducing its elk herd, and excluding
cattle and horses from one pasture. Both objectives would be fostered
by increasing grazing management standards.
In addition, the following four (4) alternatives are considered in
the DEIS/RMP: Alternative A ``No Action'' would continue the existing
cattle ranching and commercial hunt operation, with no changes.
Alternative B ``Minimal Action'' consists of excluding cattle from one
pasture, removing the island's deer herd, and constructing small
riparian exclosures in several drainages. Alternative D ``Conservation
Team Recommendations'' includes phased closure of pastures and phased
reduction of cattle numbers, as well as removal of the island's deer
and reduction in the island's elk herd. Alternative E ``Immediate
Removal of Ungulates'' consists of removal of all cattle, horses, elk
and deer from the island within three years.
Additional Details
Written comments on the DEIS/RMP may be addressed to the
Superintendent, Channel Islands National Park, 1901 Spinnaker Drive,
Ventura, CA 93001. All such comments must be received no later than
sixty (60) days from the date of publication of this Notice. Also, a
public meeting to facilitate DEIS/RMP review will be scheduled during
July, 1996. This will be advertised via local and regional media and by
written announcement mailed to all individuals, organizations, and
agencies who responded during the scoping period (which was initiated
by the Notice of Intent published in the Federal Register on September
15, 1995). Inquiries about the DEIS/RMP and requests for copies of the
document may be directed to the Superintendent at the above address, or
via telephone at (805) 658-5776. The official responsible for decisions
regarding this plan is the Field Director, Pacific West Area, National
Park Service.
Dated: May 10, 1996.
Patricia Neubacher,
Acting Field Director, Pacific West Area.
[FR Doc. 96-12756 Filed 5-20-96; 8:45 am]
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