Final Environmental Impact Statement; Yosemite Institute Environmental Education Campus; Yosemite National Park; Mariposa and Tuolumne Counties, CA; Notice of Availability, 8988-8989 [2010-4033]

Download as PDF 8988 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 38 / Friday, February 26, 2010 / Notices Affairs, 2800 Cottage Way, Room W– 2820, Sacramento, CA 95825, or call Mr. Rydzik at (916) 978–6051. Individual paper copies of the DSEIS can be provided upon payment of the applicable printing cost for the number of paper copies requested. Public Availability of Comments Comments, including names and addresses of respondents, will be available for public review at the BIA address shown in the ADDRESSES section, during business hours, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Authority This notice is published in accordance with sections 1502.9, 1503.1 and 1506.6 of the Council of Environmental Quality Regulations (40 CFR parts 1500 through 1508) implementing the procedural requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4371 et seq.), Department of the Interior Manual (516 DM 1–6), and is in the exercise of authority delegated to the Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs by 209 DM 8.l. Dated February 1, 2010. Larry Echo Hawk, Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs. [FR Doc. 2010–4113 Filed 2–25–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–W7–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Environmental Impact Statements; Availability National Park Service. Notice of availability for the Record of Decision on the Final Environmental Impact Statement, disposition of Bureau of Mines property, Twin Cities Research Center Main Campus, Hennepin County, Minnesota. AGENCY: sroberts on DSKD5P82C1PROD with NOTICES ACTION: SUMMARY: Pursuant to Section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332(C)), the National Park Service (NPS) announces the availability of the Record of Decision (ROD) for the final VerDate Nov<24>2008 16:39 Feb 25, 2010 Jkt 220001 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the disposition of the Bureau of Mines property, Twin Cities Research Center Main Campus (Center), Hennepin County, Minnesota. On January 15, 2010, the Midwest Regional Director approved the ROD for the project. As soon as practicable, the NPS will begin to implement the preferred alternative contained in the final EIS. The Department of the Interior (Department) selected Alternative D (Modification of Land, Structures, or Other Improvements by the Federal Government Prior to Conveyance or Retention of the Center), the preferred alternative, as described in the final EIS for the disposition of the Center issued in December 2009. Under Alternative D, the Federal Government will manage and bear the cost of modification for all or part of the land, structures, or other improvements prior to conveyance or retention of the Center. Following completion of the modifications, the Federal Government will dispose of the Center property through a transfer to a university or nonfederal government entity without conditions, or a transfer to a university or nonfederal government entity with conditions, or will retain the property. The Department also selected the open space/park land use scenario that will convert the Center property to open space and natural areas where the focus will be on restoration and use of the natural environment. This will be accomplished by removing some or all buildings, structures, and roadways. Nonnative plant species will be identified and removed. Native vegetation will be planted and the site naturalized to recreate the historic characteristics of an open oak savanna, prairie-type setting typical to this vicinity. The Department—after consideration of the findings of the EIS, the review of responses received on the request for proposals for future use of the Center property, and the fact that the Center property is located within the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (MNRRA) boundary— determined that future management authority will be transferred to the NPS. The ROD includes a statement of the decision made, synopses of other alternatives considered, the basis for the decision, a description of the environmentally preferable alternative, a finding on impairment of park resources and values, and an overview of public involvement in the decisionmaking process. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Superintendent Paul Labovitz, MNRRA, PO 00000 Frm 00094 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Suite 105, 111 Kellogg Boulevard, East St. Paul, Minnesota 55101; telephone 651–290–4160. You may also view the document via the Internet through the NPS Planning, Environment, and Public Comment Web site (https:// parkplanning.nps.gov); simply click on the link to the MNRRA. Dated: January 15, 2010. Ernest Quintana, Regional Director, Midwest Region. [FR Doc. 2010–4030 Filed 2–25–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR National Park Service Final Environmental Impact Statement; Yosemite Institute Environmental Education Campus; Yosemite National Park; Mariposa and Tuolumne Counties, CA; Notice of Availability SUMMARY: Pursuant to § 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (Pub. L. 91–190, as amended), and the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations (40 CFR part 1500–1508), the Department of the Interior, National Park Service, has prepared a Final Environmental Impact Statement (Final EIS) identifying and evaluating three alternatives for redeveloping the Yosemite Institute Environmental Education Campus in Yosemite National Park, California. Yosemite Institute (YI) is a non-profit park partner which has provided environmental education in Yosemite since 1971, and since 1973 has been based at the former Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp at Crane Flat. The Final EIS for the proposed new campus identifies and analyzes two ‘‘action’’ alternatives and a ‘‘no-action’’ alternative. The full spectrums of foreseeable environmental consequences are assessed and suitable mitigation strategies are considered; an ‘‘environmentally preferred’’ course of action is also identified. Concurrently, completion of the EIS process will fulfill public review requirements of § 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. Range of Alternatives: Under Alternative 1 (No Action), there would be no change in the environmental education program, location, or conditions at the Crane Flat campus. Necessary maintenance and repairs would continue, but no major improvements, rehabilitation of facilities, or construction of new buildings would occur. There would be no change in the number of overnight accommodations at Crane Flat (76 student bunks and 8 staff beds). The overall number of students in the park E:\FR\FM\26FEN1.SGM 26FEN1 sroberts on DSKD5P82C1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 38 / Friday, February 26, 2010 / Notices per session would remain the same (approximately 360), with the majority of students (approximately 285) in commercial lodging in Yosemite Valley. Under both ‘‘action’’ alternatives, energy-efficient, sustainable facilities would be constructed to accommodate more students in a campus conducive to learning to better meet educational purposes, and designed to blend into the historic park setting. These improvements would provide a safe, supervised campus environment, extending more opportunities for young children from diverse backgrounds to experience and enjoy their national park. New facilities would achieve modem standards for fire, health, safety, and accessibility. Under Alternative 2, the Crane Flat campus would be redeveloped, doubling its capacity (to 154 students, 14 staff), and reducing reliance upon commercial lodging in Yosemite Valley (by approximately 80 beds). The new campus would be reconstructed largely in its existing location (shifted away from the meadow). Most existing buildings would be removed and replaced (two historic Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) structures would be retained). Utilities would be upgraded to conserve water and meet additional capacity. New facilities would achieve modem standards for fire, health, safety, and accessibility. A third alternative, to create a new campus in a different location, was developed in response to public input and new data illuminating unique and highly sensitive environmental resources at Crane Flat. Under Alternative 3, (environmentally and agency-preferred) a new campus would be created at Henness Ridge, a previously-disturbed forested upland site within the park. In turn, the Crane Flat site would be restored to natural forest conditions (one of four historic CCC structures would be repaired and retained; the others documented and removed). Newly constructed park facilities at Henness would be universally accessible and accommodate up to 224 students and 14 campus staff during the school year (reducing students in Yosemite Valley commercial lodging by approximately 100). During summer, the park facility would be available for other educationally focused non-commercial programming, at half occupancy (112, based on environmental limitations). Energy produced on-site (derived from solar sources and ground-source heat pumps) would allow the campus to operate with ‘‘zero-net’’ annual energy consumption. An NPS fire house would be constructed on-site for wildland and VerDate Nov<24>2008 16:39 Feb 25, 2010 Jkt 220001 structural fire equipment and staff to improve area emergency response capabilities. Under Alternative 3, in a related utilities upgrade project, a new water treatment system would be developed to provide potable water for park visitors and the campus, at Chinquapin (inside a historic garage). Chinquapin rest area serves thousands of park visitors annually, yet currently does not provide potable water, due to an antiquated system that draws surface water from Indian Creek, between Chinquapin and Henness Ridge. Removing this outdated utility system and restoring the site would enable conversion of a 64-acre tract of land at Indian Creek to wilderness status. The existing roadbed (historic route of Glacier Point Road) would be converted to a wilderness trail, thus providing further protection of the corridor as habitat for sensitive plant and wildlife species. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Public scoping began in 2002. Availability of the Draft EIS was noticed in the Federal Register on June 3, 2009. During the public review of the Draft EIS (May 15– July 15, 2009), the NPS held public meetings in Mariposa, Yosemite Valley, and San Francisco; and hosted public site visits at Crane Flat campus and Henness Ridge. The park received 47 public comment letters. These comments have been carefully reviewed and given full consideration in preparation of the Final EIS; all comments received are maintained in the administrative record. Copies of the Final EIS are being distributed to the general public, sent directly to those who submitted comments, as well as to State and local elected officials, congressional delegations, Tribes, organizations, local businesses, public libraries, Federal agencies, and the media. The Final EIS will be available electronically on the Yosemite National Park Web page at https://www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/ eecampus.htm and printed copies may be requested via e-mail request to Yose_Planning@nps.gov (type ‘‘YI EEC’’ in the subject line); by phone (209) 379– 1365 (provide name, address with zip code); or by mail, to the Superintendent, Yosemite National Park, Attn: YI EEC, P.O. Box 577, Yosemite, California 95389. Decision Process: A minimum 30-day no-action period begins with this announcement of the publication and availability of the Final EIS, after which a Record of Decision may be prepared. Notice of approval will be similarly announced in the Federal Register. As a delegated EIS, the official responsible PO 00000 Frm 00095 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 8989 for the final decision is the Regional Director, Pacific West Region; subsequently the official responsible for implementation of any approved project would be the Superintendent, Yosemite National Park. Dated: December 16, 2009. Rory D. Westberg, Acting Regional Director, Pacific West Region. [FR Doc. 2010–4033 Filed 2–25–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R9–MB–2010–N034; 91100–3740– GRNT 7C] Meeting Announcements: North American Wetlands Conservation Council; Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Advisory Group AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of meetings. SUMMARY: The North American Wetlands Conservation Council (Council) will meet to select North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) grant proposals for recommendation to the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission (Commission). This meeting is open to the public. The Advisory Group for the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act (NMBCA) grants program (Advisory Group) will also meet. This meeting is also open to the public, and interested persons may present oral or written statements. DATES: Council: Meeting is March 17, 2010, 1–4 p.m. If you are interested in presenting information at this public meeting, contact the Council Coordinator no later than March 8, 2010. Advisory Group: Meeting is March 16, 2010, 9 a.m. through 3 p.m. If you are interested in presenting information at this public meeting, contact the Council Coordinator no later than March 8, 2010. ADDRESSES: The Council meeting will be held at The Marsh Club, 2772 Old Hwy. 90, Vinton, LA 70668. The Advisory Group meeting will be held at L’Auberge du Lac Hotel, 777 Avenue L’Auberge, Lake Charles, LA 70601. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael J. Johnson, Council Coordinator, by phone at (703) 358– 1784; by e-mail at dbhc@fws.gov; or by U.S. mail at U.S. Fish and Wildlife E:\FR\FM\26FEN1.SGM 26FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 38 (Friday, February 26, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 8988-8989]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-4033]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service


Final Environmental Impact Statement; Yosemite Institute 
Environmental Education Campus; Yosemite National Park; Mariposa and 
Tuolumne Counties, CA; Notice of Availability

SUMMARY: Pursuant to Sec.  102(2)(C) of the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969 (Pub. L. 91-190, as amended), and the Council on 
Environmental Quality Regulations (40 CFR part 1500-1508), the 
Department of the Interior, National Park Service, has prepared a Final 
Environmental Impact Statement (Final EIS) identifying and evaluating 
three alternatives for redeveloping the Yosemite Institute 
Environmental Education Campus in Yosemite National Park, California. 
Yosemite Institute (YI) is a non-profit park partner which has provided 
environmental education in Yosemite since 1971, and since 1973 has been 
based at the former Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp at Crane 
Flat. The Final EIS for the proposed new campus identifies and analyzes 
two ``action'' alternatives and a ``no-action'' alternative. The full 
spectrums of foreseeable environmental consequences are assessed and 
suitable mitigation strategies are considered; an ``environmentally 
preferred'' course of action is also identified. Concurrently, 
completion of the EIS process will fulfill public review requirements 
of Sec.  106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
    Range of Alternatives: Under Alternative 1 (No Action), there would 
be no change in the environmental education program, location, or 
conditions at the Crane Flat campus. Necessary maintenance and repairs 
would continue, but no major improvements, rehabilitation of 
facilities, or construction of new buildings would occur. There would 
be no change in the number of overnight accommodations at Crane Flat 
(76 student bunks and 8 staff beds). The overall number of students in 
the park

[[Page 8989]]

per session would remain the same (approximately 360), with the 
majority of students (approximately 285) in commercial lodging in 
Yosemite Valley.
    Under both ``action'' alternatives, energy-efficient, sustainable 
facilities would be constructed to accommodate more students in a 
campus conducive to learning to better meet educational purposes, and 
designed to blend into the historic park setting. These improvements 
would provide a safe, supervised campus environment, extending more 
opportunities for young children from diverse backgrounds to experience 
and enjoy their national park. New facilities would achieve modem 
standards for fire, health, safety, and accessibility.
    Under Alternative 2, the Crane Flat campus would be redeveloped, 
doubling its capacity (to 154 students, 14 staff), and reducing 
reliance upon commercial lodging in Yosemite Valley (by approximately 
80 beds). The new campus would be reconstructed largely in its existing 
location (shifted away from the meadow). Most existing buildings would 
be removed and replaced (two historic Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) 
structures would be retained). Utilities would be upgraded to conserve 
water and meet additional capacity. New facilities would achieve modem 
standards for fire, health, safety, and accessibility.
    A third alternative, to create a new campus in a different 
location, was developed in response to public input and new data 
illuminating unique and highly sensitive environmental resources at 
Crane Flat. Under Alternative 3, (environmentally and agency-preferred) 
a new campus would be created at Henness Ridge, a previously-disturbed 
forested upland site within the park. In turn, the Crane Flat site 
would be restored to natural forest conditions (one of four historic 
CCC structures would be repaired and retained; the others documented 
and removed). Newly constructed park facilities at Henness would be 
universally accessible and accommodate up to 224 students and 14 campus 
staff during the school year (reducing students in Yosemite Valley 
commercial lodging by approximately 100). During summer, the park 
facility would be available for other educationally focused non-
commercial programming, at half occupancy (112, based on environmental 
limitations). Energy produced on-site (derived from solar sources and 
ground-source heat pumps) would allow the campus to operate with 
``zero-net'' annual energy consumption. An NPS fire house would be 
constructed on-site for wildland and structural fire equipment and 
staff to improve area emergency response capabilities. Under 
Alternative 3, in a related utilities upgrade project, a new water 
treatment system would be developed to provide potable water for park 
visitors and the campus, at Chinquapin (inside a historic garage). 
Chinquapin rest area serves thousands of park visitors annually, yet 
currently does not provide potable water, due to an antiquated system 
that draws surface water from Indian Creek, between Chinquapin and 
Henness Ridge. Removing this outdated utility system and restoring the 
site would enable conversion of a 64-acre tract of land at Indian Creek 
to wilderness status. The existing roadbed (historic route of Glacier 
Point Road) would be converted to a wilderness trail, thus providing 
further protection of the corridor as habitat for sensitive plant and 
wildlife species.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Public scoping began in 2002. Availability 
of the Draft EIS was noticed in the Federal Register on June 3, 2009. 
During the public review of the Draft EIS (May 15-July 15, 2009), the 
NPS held public meetings in Mariposa, Yosemite Valley, and San 
Francisco; and hosted public site visits at Crane Flat campus and 
Henness Ridge. The park received 47 public comment letters. These 
comments have been carefully reviewed and given full consideration in 
preparation of the Final EIS; all comments received are maintained in 
the administrative record.
    Copies of the Final EIS are being distributed to the general 
public, sent directly to those who submitted comments, as well as to 
State and local elected officials, congressional delegations, Tribes, 
organizations, local businesses, public libraries, Federal agencies, 
and the media. The Final EIS will be available electronically on the 
Yosemite National Park Web page at https://www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/eecampus.htm and printed copies may be requested via e-mail request to 
Yose_Planning@nps.gov (type ``YI EEC'' in the subject line); by phone 
(209) 379-1365 (provide name, address with zip code); or by mail, to 
the Superintendent, Yosemite National Park, Attn: YI EEC, P.O. Box 577, 
Yosemite, California 95389.
    Decision Process: A minimum 30-day no-action period begins with 
this announcement of the publication and availability of the Final EIS, 
after which a Record of Decision may be prepared. Notice of approval 
will be similarly announced in the Federal Register. As a delegated 
EIS, the official responsible for the final decision is the Regional 
Director, Pacific West Region; subsequently the official responsible 
for implementation of any approved project would be the Superintendent, 
Yosemite National Park.

    Dated: December 16, 2009.
Rory D. Westberg,
Acting Regional Director, Pacific West Region.
[FR Doc. 2010-4033 Filed 2-25-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE P
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