[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 139 (Thursday, July 20, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Page 37471]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-17637]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Final Environmental Impact Statement/General Management Plan
Joshua Tree National Park, California; Availability
SUMMARY: Pursuant to section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental
Policy Act of 1969 (Pub. L. 91-190, as amended), the National Park
Service, Department of the Interior, has prepared a final environmental
impact statement (FEIS) that describes and analyzes the effects of a
proposed and two alternative General Management/Development Concept
Plans for Joshua Tree National Monument, Riverside and San Bernardino
Counties, California. The approved plans will guide park management
over the next 15 years.
The plans selected (Alternative A) would improve visitor contact
facilities and services at each of the three main entrances and a
visitor center would be developed for the west entrance. Opportunities
for Wilderness and trail experiences would be expanded. Wayside
exhibits and interpretive programs would be updated and expanded.
Facilities in existing developed areas would be replaced or redesigned
to improve resource protection, aesthetics, and efficiency. Campground
locations and capacities are basically unchanged, but campsites would
be redesigned. Picnic facilities and day use parking would be expanded
somewhat, primarily in already-disturbed areas. Research and resource
monitoring and management programs would be increased to enhance
resource protection. Management of Wilderness would be enhanced through
an array of planned actions that reduce threats to Wilderness by
removing incompatible uses and development.
Two alternatives were evaluated: Alternative B--No Action would
continue current management strategies with no changes in visitor and
park support facilities or programs; Alternative C--Minimum
Requirements would rehabilitate deteriorated facilities in their
current locations. Capacities of camp areas and day use parking areas
would be unchanged, while the number of picnic sites would be slightly
increased. The primary visitor center would remain at the Oasis of
Mara.
The draft environmental impact statement and plans (DEIS) were
released for public review pursuant to a notice of availability
published in the Federal Register on August 25, 1994. During the
comment period ending November 7, 1994, 144 written comments were
received. Thirty-eight persons attended public meetings held on
September 14 and 15, 1994. The FEIS incorporates minor modifications
and clarifications in response to some comments, although no
significant new issues or concerns were surfaced.
Supplementary Information: The no-action period on this FEIS will
extend for 30 days from the date the Notice of Availability is
published by the Environmental Protection Agency in the Federal
Register.
For copies of the FEIS, or for further information, please contact:
Superintendent, Joshua Tree National Park, 74485 National Monument
Drive, Twentynine Palms, California, 92277, or via telephone at (619)
367-7511.
Dated: June 26, 1995.
Patricia L. Neubachen,
Field Director, Pacific West Field Area.
[FR Doc. 95-17637 Filed 7-19-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-70-P
