96-22526. Niobrara/Missouri National Scenic Riverways

[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 173 (Thursday, September 5, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Page 46821]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-22526]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
National Park Service


Niobrara/Missouri National Scenic Riverways

AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior.

ACTION: Availability of final environmental impact statement for 
Niobrara National Scenic River in Brown, Cherry, Keya Paha, and Rock 
counties, Nebraska.

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SUMMARY: Pursuant to section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental 
Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, the National Park Service (NPS) announces 
the availability of a final environmental impact statement (FEIS) for 
the Niobrara National Scenic River. The draft environmental impact 
statement for the scenic river was on 45-day public review from April 5 
to May 20, 1996.
    The NPS will manage a 76-mile section of the Niobrara River. The 
action is in response to a mandate by Congress in P.L. 102-50, an 
amendment to the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1271-1287) 
designating 40 miles of the river from Borman Bridge downstream to 
Chimney Creek, and a 30 mile section from Rock Creek to the Highway 137 
bridge as a National Scenic River. A 6-mile segment from Chimney Creek 
to Rock Creek could be added after May 24, 1996 if no water resources 
projects were proposed within that section. The plan recommends the 6-
mile addition. The FEIS was prepared by the NPS.
    The NPS's preferred alternative for the Niobrara National Scenic 
River is identified in the FEIS as Alternative B: Local Council 
Management with Federal Funding. Under the preferred alternative a 
local council would be developed by the county commissions of Brown, 
Cherry, Keya Paha, and Rock counties. The local council and the 
National Park Service would sign a cooperative agreement giving the 
council certain management responsibilities along the scenic river. 
Three other alternatives were also considered: The no action 
alternative; an alternative under which the National Park Service would 
coordinate management of the river through cooperative agreements with 
private landowners and public agencies; and an alternative calling for 
direct National Park Service management.

DATES: The 30-day no action period for review of the FEIS will end on 
October 7, 1996. A record of decision will follow the no action period.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Superintendent, Niobrara/Missouri National Scenic Riverways, P.O. Box 
591, O'Neill, Nebraska 68763. Telephone [phone].

    Dated: August 28, 1996.

William W. Schenk,
Field Director, Midwest Field Area.
[FR Doc. 96-22526 Filed 9-4-96; 8:45 am]
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