[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 107 (Monday, June 5, 1995)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 29532]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-13686]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
36 CFR Part 13
RIN 1024-AC05
Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska: Vessel Management Plan
Regulations
AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior.
ACTION: Proposed rule; availability of environmental assessment.
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SUMMARY: This document announces the availability of an environmental
assessment (EA) prepared by the National Park Service (NPS) that
describes and analyzes a proposed action and five alternatives for the
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve Vessel Management Plan.
DATES: Comments on the EA must be received no later than August 7,
1995. Hearing dates and locations are listed under Supplementary
Information, below.
ADDRESSES: Comments on the EA should be submitted to the Chief,
Division of Environmental Quality, National Park Service, Alaska
Region, 2525 Gambell Street, Room 404, Anchorage, Alaska 99503. Copies
of the Glacier Bay Vessel Management Plan/Environmental Assessment are
available on request from the above address.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Glen Yankus, Alaska Regional Office,
(907) 257-2645.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to section 102(2)(C) of the
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (P.L. 91-190, as amended),
the NPS has prepared an EA for the Glacier Bay National Park and
Preserve Vessel Management Plan. Open houses and hearings on the EA are
scheduled in Alaska for the following dates and locations:
June 19--Gustavus, School Gym, Open house (6:30 to 8 p.m.) and
Hearing (8 p.m.)
June 20--Juneau, Centennial Hall, Open house (2 to 4 p.m.) and
Hearing (8 p.m.)
June 21--Hoonah, Open house (6:30 to 8 p.m.) and Hearing (8
p.m.)
June 22--Elfin Cove, Community Bld., Open House (6:30 to 8
p.m.) and Hearing (8 p.m.)
June 23--Pelican, Community Hall, Open House (6:30 to 8 p.m.)
and Hearing (8 p.m.)
July 11--Anchorage, NPS Regional Office, 2525 Gambell St.,
Hearing (7 p.m.)
The vessel management plan responds to a continually growing demand
for park visitation and vessel entries and addresses issues and
concerns associated with vessel management and the park's marine
environment. This document presents the proposed action, a no-action
alternative, and four other alternatives and analyzes their
environmental consequences.
The proposed action (Alternative 5) would optimize cruise ship
visitor-use opportunities in Glacier Bay by raising cruise ship entry
quotas. Seasonal entry quotas for cruise ships would increase by 72%.
Seasonal entry quotas for tour boats, charter boats, and private boats
would not change from those levels identified in the no-action
alternative. The seasonal closure of designated wilderness waters to
motor vessels would enhance wilderness recreation opportunities.
Additional protection would be provided for sensitive resources
(humpback whales, other marine mammals, and nesting birds) through
special-use area closures and restrictions.
Dated: May 31, 1995.
George T. Frampton, Jr.,
Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.
[FR Doc. 95-13686 Filed 6-2-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-70-P
