Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Personal Watercraft Use, 61893-61905 [05-21426]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
• National Park Service

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 207 (Thursday, October 27, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 61893-61905]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-21426]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service

36 CFR Part 7

RIN 1024--AC93


Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Personal Watercraft Use

AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This final rule designates areas where personal watercraft 
(PWC) may be used in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan. This 
final rule implements the provisions of the National Park Service (NPS) 
general regulations authorizing parks to allow the use of PWC by 
promulgating a special regulation. The NPS Management Policies 2001 
require individual parks to determine whether PWC use is appropriate 
for a specific park area based on an evaluation of that area's enabling 
legislation, resources and values, other visitor uses, and overall 
management objectives.

DATES: This rule is effective October 27, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Mail inquiries to Superintendent, Pictured Rocks National 
Lakeshore, N8391 Sand Point Road, P.O. Box 40, Munising, Michigan 
49862-0040. E-mail to PIRO@den.nps.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jerry Case, Regulations Program 
Manager, National Park Service, 1849 C Street, NW., Room 7241, 
Washington, DC 20240. Phone: (202) 208-4206. E-mail: Jerry--
Case@nps.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

Personal Watercraft Regulation

    On March 21, 2000, the National Park Service published a regulation 
(36 CFR 3.24) on the management of personal watercraft (PWC) use within 
all units of the national park system (65 FR 15077). This regulation 
prohibits PWC use in all national park units unless the NPS determines 
that this type of water-based recreational activity is appropriate for 
the specific park unit based on the legislation establishing that park, 
the park's resources and values, other visitor uses of the area, and 
overall

[[Page 61894]]

management objectives. The regulation prohibits PWC use in all park 
units effective April 20, 2000, except a limited exception was provided 
for 21 parks, lakeshores, seashores, and recreation areas. The 
regulation established a 2-year grace period following the final rule 
publication to give these 21 park units time to consider whether PWC 
use should be allowed. Accordingly, on April 22, 2002, Pictured Rocks 
National Lakeshore closed for PWC use.

Description of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

    Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is situated in the north-central 
section of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, along the southern shore of Lake 
Superior. The eastern half of the Upper Peninsula is bounded by Lakes 
Superior, Michigan, and Huron. There are a variety of other national 
parks in the upper Great Lakes, including Apostle Islands National 
Lakeshore and Isle Royale National Park on Lake Superior, and Sleeping 
Bear Dunes and Indiana Dunes National Lakeshores on Lake Michigan. 
Canadian provincial parks are also located on Lake Superior.
    The national lakeshore stretches from Munising to Grand Marais, 
approximately 40 miles to the northeast. The shoreline consists of 
narrow sandy beaches, sandstone cliffs, and a perched sand dune system. 
The sandy shoreline is susceptible to erosion from natural weather 
conditions.
    Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore was authorized in 1966. The 
lakeshore is noted for its multicolored sandstone cliffs, beaches, sand 
dunes, waterfalls, inland lakes, wildlife, and forested shoreline. 
Attractions include a lighthouse and former Coast Guard lifesaving 
stations, along with old farmsteads and orchards. The lakeshore is a 
year-round recreational destination where hiking, camping, hunting, 
nature study, and winter activities abound.

Purpose of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

    As formulated during the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore general 
management planning process, the purpose of the national lakeshore 
includes the following:
     Preserve a portion of the Great Lakes shoreline for its 
geographic, scientific, scenic, and historic features, and its 
associated ecological processes.
     Provide opportunities for public benefit in recreation, 
education, enjoyment, and inspiration.
     Protect the character and use of the shoreline zone while 
allowing economic utilization of the inland buffer zone's renewable 
resources.

Significance of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

    As stated in the national lakeshore's Draft General Management 
Plan/Wilderness Study/Environmental Impact Statement, Pictured Rocks 
National Lakeshore is significant because:
    1. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore preserves and affords public 
access to a spectacular and diverse segment of the Lake Superior 
shoreline.
    2. Unmatched in their scenic value, the 200-foot high Pictured 
Rocks cliffs rise perpendicularly from Lake Superior, creating a rock 
mosaic of form, color, and texture, which is enhanced by cascading 
waterfalls. Grand Sable Dunes, perched atop 300-foot-high sand banks 
above Lake Superior, is one of two perched dune systems on the Great 
Lakes; within these dunes live unique plant communities resulting from 
geomorphic processes.
    3. Twelve miles of unspoiled and undeveloped Lake Superior beach 
contrast with the Pictured Rocks cliffs and Grand Sable Dunes.
    4. Bedrock geology and glacial landforms provide significant 
topographic relief marked by streams, inland lakes, and a diversity of 
associated vegetation.
    5. The shoreline offers extraordinary and inspirational scenic 
vistas of Lake Superior, which has the largest surface area of any 
fresh water lake on earth.
    6. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore offers a variety of affordable 
year-round recreational opportunities for appropriate public use.
    7. Within a distinct area, the lakeshore contains a spectrum of 
cultural resources focused on the human use of Lake Superior and its 
shoreline.
    8. Lying in a transition zone between boreal and eastern hardwood 
forest, the lakeshore's scientifically recognized assemblage of flora 
and fauna is representative of associations unique to the Lake Superior 
Basin.
    9. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is the only national park 
system area with a legislated buffer zone.

Authority and Jurisdiction

    Under the National Park Service's Organic Act of 1916 (Organic Act) 
(16 U.S.C. 1 et seq.) Congress granted the NPS broad authority to 
regulate the use of the Federal areas known as national parks. In 
addition, the Organic Act (16 U.S.C. 3) allows the NPS, through the 
Secretary of the Interior, to ``make and publish such rules and 
regulations as he may deem necessary or proper for the use and 
management of the parks * * *''.
    16 U.S.C. 1a-1 states, ``The authorization of activities shall be 
conducted in light of the high public value and integrity of the 
National Park System and shall not be exercised in derogation of the 
values and purposes for which these various areas have been established 
* * *''.
    As with the United States Coast Guard, NPS's regulatory authority 
over waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, including 
navigable waters and areas within their ordinary reach, is based upon 
the Property and Commerce Clauses of the U.S. Constitution. In regard 
to the NPS, Congress in 1976 directed the NPS to ``promulgate and 
enforce regulations concerning boating and other activities on or 
relating to waters within areas of the National Park System, including 
waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States * * *'' (16 
U.S.C. 1a-2(h)). In 1996 the NPS published a final rule (61 FR 35136, 
July 5, 1996) amending 36 CFR 1.2(a)(3) to clarify its authority to 
regulate activities within the National Park System boundaries 
occurring on waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.

PWC Use at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

    PWC use in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore began around 1990. 
Before the ban, use was only allowed on Lake Superior, and it was 
relatively low. Restrictions on inland lakes precluded PWC use on those 
lakes. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore has jurisdiction on the 
surface water of Lake Superior extending 0.25 mile from the shoreline. 
This final rule would only apply to the waters under the lakeshore's 
jurisdiction. In addition, Michigan's Personal Watercraft Safety Act of 
1998 (Public Act 116) stipulates regulations for PWC use. One of the 
regulations is that personal watercraft cannot operate within 200 feet 
of the shoreline unless traveling perpendicular to shoreline at no-wake 
speed.
    Before the ban, PWC operation on Lake Superior was concentrated 
between Sand Point and Chapel Beach, along the Lake Superior shoreline. 
The eastern side of the park had little PWC use. Rivers and streams 
within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore are not accessible to personal 
watercraft due to extremely small size, shallow depths, and rocky 
bottoms. On inland lakes within the Lakeshore boundaries, the size of 
powerboat engines is restricted to two- and four-stroke internal

[[Page 61895]]

combustion engines of 50 hp or less, essentially eliminating PWC use.
    Before the ban was imposed, most PWC users at the park were from 
within 100 miles of the lakeshore. Based on staff observations, some 
users came from other parts of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, and 
perhaps Ohio and Illinois. There are many other areas for water-based 
recreation in this portion of the Upper Peninsula, including State 
parks, national forests, and other lakes with public access. Such areas 
include other portions of Lake Superior (excluding the shore of Grand 
Island), many lakes within the Escanaba River and Lake Superior State 
Forests, several lakes within the Hiawatha National Forest, Manistique 
Lake, South Manistique Lake, and Lake Michigan.
    To document actual PWC use and to provide peak usage information, 
staff conducted a survey at the Sand Point launch July 4-8, 2001. 
During the five-day survey, small craft warnings prohibited personal 
watercraft on two days. PWC use for the remaining three days ranged 
from 8 to 13 personal watercraft each day. Thus, the peak number of 
personal watercraft that were operating before the ban in the lakeshore 
was 13 per day--6.6 from the Sand Point launch and 6.6 from the 
Munising boat ramp.
    Before the ban, because personal watercraft were also launched from 
the Munising boat ramp on the west end of the lakeshore, the city was 
contacted to determine launch numbers. However, specific data were not 
available. Based on discussions with lakeshore staff, the number of 
personal watercraft launched from Munising was assumed to be the same 
as the number launched from Sand Point. Based on the analysis of the 
survey and assumptions, 6.6 personal watercraft would be launched from 
the Munising boat ramp each day during July and August weekends. All of 
these personal watercraft would likely travel within the lakeshore's 
jurisdiction.
    Grand Marais, on the east end of the lakeshore, also has boat 
launch facilities. According to city staff, very few personal 
watercraft are launched--perhaps 12 all summer, for an average of 1 
personal watercraft every seven days. This analysis assumes that on 
average no personal watercraft would be launched from Grand Marais 
during July and August.
    The low PWC numbers are primarily a result of the cold water 
temperature, cool ambient air temperature, changeable weather 
conditions, and heavy winds and wave action. The average PWC trip 
within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore lasted between three and five 
hours, from mid morning to mid or late afternoon. State regulations 
restrict operations to the hours of 8 a.m. to one hour before sunset. 
Most PWC users cruised and sometimes raced along the shoreline, 
explored the rock cliffs up close, jumped the wakes of tour boats 
(which make 4-5 foot swells), and traveled to beach destinations and 
spent the day or afternoon on the beach. Fewer PWC users assembled in 
pontoons and did short trips or went to beach areas. A very small 
number may have done day trips between Munising and Grand Marais (40+ 
miles). Only a few users asked about PWC camping opportunities.
    Before the ban, PWC users were distributed throughout the 
lakeshore. According to NPS staff, most personal watercraft were 
operated on the west end of the lakeshore. This is consistent with the 
launch locations and predicted launch numbers. Few PWC operators 
traveled the entire length of the lakeshore due to the long distance, 
rough waters, and potential for changing weather.
    Generally, there is very little information specific to visitor 
concerns about PWC use. Visitor surveys were conducted for the winter 
of 1999-2000 and for the summer of 2000 (with questions specific to PWC 
use in the national lakeshore). A majority of the respondents to the 
survey supported or strongly supported restricting PWC use to 
designated areas. No PWC accidents have been observed or reported to 
NPS staff. Five incident reports have been documented, one for 
operating too close to other motorcraft, two for operating too close to 
swimmers, and two for operating illegally on inland lakes. There are no 
observations or reports related to natural resource concerns.

Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Environmental Assessment

    On November 15, 2004, the National Park Service published a Notice 
of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for the operation of PWC at Pictured 
Rocks National Lakeshore (69 FR 65556). The proposed rule for PWC use 
was based on alternative B (one of three alternatives considered) in 
the Environmental Assessment (EA) prepared by NPS for Pictured Rocks 
National Lakeshore. The environmental assessment was available for 
public review and comment for the period August 1 through November 15, 
2002. An errata sheet was prepared to address the changes to 
alternative B, the preferred alternative. To request a copy of the 
document and the errata sheet contact Superintendent, Pictured Rocks 
National Lakeshore, N8391 Sand Point Road, P.O. Box 40, Munising, MI 
49862-0040. A copy of the Environmental Assessment and the errata sheet 
may also be found at https://www.nps.gov/piro/pwc/pwc.htm.
    The purpose of the environmental assessment was to evaluate a range 
of alternatives and strategies for the management of PWC use at 
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore to ensure the protection of park 
resources and values while offering recreational opportunities as 
provided for in the National Lakeshore's enabling legislation, purpose, 
mission, and goals. The assessment assumed alternatives would be 
implemented beginning in 2002 and considered a 10-year period, from 
2002 to 2012.
    The environmental assessment evaluated three alternatives 
addressing the use of personal watercraft at Pictured Rocks National 
Lakeshore. The errata sheet modified one of the alternatives, 
Alternative B. Each alternative is described below:
    Alternative A--Under alternative A, PWC use would continue as was 
provided and managed within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore before 
the ban. PWC use would be unrestricted on Lake Superior from the 
lakeshore's 0.25-mile jurisdictional boundary to the lakeshore's 
shoreline. Launch and retrieval of personal watercraft would be 
permitted only at the Sand Point boat ramp on Lake Superior. PWC users 
would be able to land anywhere along the shoreline. PWC users would 
continue to abide by Michigan's Personal Watercraft Safety Act of 1998 
(Public Act 116) and related regulations.
    Alternative B--Alternative B was modified by the errata dated 
October 2003. Under the modified alternative B, PWC use would be 
allowed to operate on the waters of Lake Superior within the boundaries 
of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore from the western boundary of the 
lakeshore up to the east end of Miners Beach.
    PWC use would be allowed under the following conditions: Personal 
watercraft may only be launched from a designated launch site at Sand 
Point, PWC users may beach their craft only at Sand Point Beach and 
Miners Beach, and PWC users may not launch or operate in any other area 
of the lakeshore. The superintendent of the park may temporarily limit, 
restrict, or terminate access to areas designated for PWC use after 
taking into consideration public health and safety, natural and 
cultural resource protection, and other management activities and 
objectives. PWC use would be restricted at specific locations during 
the permitted use of ethnographic resources. Boat patrols would be 
conducted in the vicinity of

[[Page 61896]]

the ethnographic resource use in order to reduce the potential for PWC-
related intrusion into the ceremonial activity. PWC users would 
continue to abide by Michigan's Personal Watercraft Safety Act of 1998 
(Public Act 116) and related regulations, as identified in alternative 
A. This alternative would allow PWC use along the Lake Superior 
shoreline within the western end of the park, covering approximately 8 
miles of shoreline. The numbers of personal watercraft would not be 
restricted.
    No-Action Alternative--Under the no-action alternative, the 
National Park Service would take no action to reinstate the use of 
personal watercraft at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and no special 
rule would be promulgated to continue personal watercraft use. Under 
this alternative, NPS would continue to prohibit personal watercraft 
use at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore begun on April 22, 2002.
    As stated in the NPRM, alternative B is the park's preferred 
alternative because it best fulfills the park responsibilities as 
trustee of the sensitive habitat; ensures safe, healthful, productive, 
and aesthetically and culturally pleasing surroundings; and attains a 
wider range of beneficial uses of the environment without degradation, 
risk of health or safety, or other undesirable and unintended 
consequences. This final rule contains regulations to implement 
alternative B at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

Summary of Comments

    A proposed rule was published in the Federal Register for public 
comment on November 15, 2004, with the comment period lasting until 
January 14, 2005 (69 FR 65556). The National Park Service (NPS) 
received 600 timely written responses regarding the Environmental 
Assessment (EA) and proposed regulation. Of the responses, 387 were 
form letters in 6 different formats, and 213 were separate letters. Of 
the 213 separate letters, 202 were from individuals, 8 from 
organizations, one from a congressional affiliation, and 2 from 
government agencies. Within the following discussion, the term 
``commenter'' refers to an individual, organization, or public agency 
that responded. The term ``comments'' refers to statements made by a 
commenter.

General Comments

    1. One commenter stated that the Environmental Assessment (EA) 
failed to use the best data available and picked alternative B without 
adequate scientific justification.
    NPS Response: Where data was lacking, best professional judgment 
prevailed, using assumptions and extrapolations from scientific 
literature, other park units where personal watercraft (PWC) are used, 
and personal observations of park staff. The NPS believes that the EA 
is in full compliance with the court-ordered settlement and that the 
Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) shows that modified 
alternative B (Continued PWC use under special NPS regulation with 
management restrictions) is the preferred alternative and that decision 
has been adequately analyzed and explained.
    2. The American Land Alliance suggested that the EA fails to 
analyze the surrounding opportunities for PWC use in the Upper 
Peninsula, because there are ample opportunities outside the park for 
PWC use, including state and private lands.
    NPS Response: The location of nearby launching facilities is 
described in several sections of the EA and includes the Munising boat 
ramp and Grand Marais public launch, as well as the lakeshore's Sand 
Point launch. The EA notes that there are many other areas for water-
based recreation in the central Upper Peninsula, including state parks, 
national forests, and other lakes with public access (See page 51 of 
the EA, Affected Environment--Visitor Use and Experience). There is a 
text change on the errata sheet adding other areas available for water-
based recreation.
    3. One commenter stated that the labeling of the alternative 
prohibiting PWC as the ``no-action alternative'' is misleading since 
PWC have been used without restriction for many years at the lakeshore. 
The commenter suggested issuing a revised EA with a clear designation 
of a No PWC alternative, and providing a new comment period after the 
revised EA is released.
    NPS Response: The NPS Director's Order 12 states that a 
full range of alternatives must be examined and that ``the alternatives 
carried forward for analysis must meet project objectives to a large 
degree, although not necessarily completely.'' Under a full range of 
alternatives, the no-action alternative is developed as a viable choice 
in the range of alternatives and it sets a baseline of existing impact 
continued into the future against which to compare impacts of action 
alternatives. The No-Action alternative is a continuation of existing 
conditions and activities, which at the time the environmental analyses 
were being conducted was a ban on personal watercraft.
    4. Two commenters stated that the EA fails to meet the requirements 
of NEPA because a reasonable range of alternatives was not evaluated.
    NPS Response: A summary of the personal watercraft litigation is 
contained under ``Personal Watercraft Regulatory Framework'' in the 
``Purpose and Need'' chapter of the EA. The NPS had to comply with the 
court order, which resulted from Bluewater v. Stanton, and assess the 
impacts of personal watercraft on those resources specified by the 
judge, as well as other resources that could be affected. NPS believes 
a reasonable range of alternatives was evaluated. After analyses were 
done for every applicable impact topic with the best available data and 
input from the public was analyzed, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore 
management selected modified alternative B as its preferred 
alternative. Implementation of Alternative B in the final rule will 
allow PWC use west of Miners Beach.
    5. Several commenters stated that allowing PWC use with additional 
restrictions violates the park's enabling legislation and NPS mandate 
to protect resources from harm.
    NPS Response: No part of the settlement agreement or NPS analysis 
of PWC use has violated or overturned Pictured Rocks National 
Lakeshore's enabling legislation. Both the personal watercraft 
settlement agreement and the authorizing legislation for Pictured Rocks 
National Lakeshore were considered when developing alternatives for the 
EA. The objective of the EA, as described in the ``Purpose and Need'' 
chapter of the EA, was derived from the enabling legislation for 
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. As further stated in this chapter, a 
special analysis on the management of personal watercraft was also 
provided under each alternative to meet the terms of the settlement 
agreement between Bluewater Network and the NPS.
    As a result, the alternatives presented in the EA protect resources 
and values while providing recreational opportunities at Pictured Rocks 
National Lakeshore. As required by NPS policies, the impacts associated 
with personal watercraft and other recreational uses are evaluated 
under each alternative to determine the potential for impairment to 
park resources. The NPS finds that implementation of the modified 
preferred alternative (alternative B) in the final rule will not result 
in impairment of park resources and values for which the Pictured Rocks 
National Lakeshore was established.
    6. One commenter suggested that the EA does not comply with the 
court settlement with Bluewater Network, and

[[Page 61897]]

is out of compliance with the agreement.
    NPS Response: A summary of the NPS rulemaking and associated 
personal watercraft litigation is provided in Chapter 1, Purpose of and 
Need for Action, Background, of the EA. NPS believes it has complied 
with the court order and has assessed the impacts of personal 
watercraft on those resources specified by the judge, as well as other 
resources that could be affected. This analysis was completed for every 
applicable impact topic with the best available data, as required by 
Council on Environmental Quality regulations (40 CFR 1502.22). Where 
data was lacking, best professional judgment prevailed using 
assumptions and extrapolations from scientific literature, other park 
units where personal watercraft are used, and personal observations of 
park staff.
    The NPS believes that the EA is in full compliance with the court-
ordered settlement and that the FONSI shows that the decision to 
implement modified alternative B (Continued PWC use under special NPS 
regulation with management restrictions) as the preferred alternative 
in the final rule has been adequately analyzed and explained.
    7. One commenter stated that PWC have not been recognized by the 
U.S. Coast Guard as Class A vessels, and that the Coast Guard has 
refrained from defining PWC.
    NPS Response: The NPS has chosen to define PWC and our definition 
is as follows: Personal watercraft refers to a vessel, usually less 
than 16 feet in length, which uses an inboard, internal combustion 
engine powering a water jet pump as its primary source of propulsion. 
The vessel is intended to be operated by a person or persons sitting, 
standing or kneeling on the vessel, rather than within the confines of 
the hull.
    8. One person commented that the EA incorrectly references the 
Michigan Personal Watercraft Safety Act of 1998 regarding the 
prohibition of PWC `through submerged and emergent vegetation.'
    NPS Response: The statement in the EA was incorrect and has been 
updated on the errata sheet as follows: Guiding Regulations and 
Policies, second paragraph, change last sentence to read ``Personal 
watercraft are not allowed to operate in waters where the water depth 
is less than two feet unless the watercraft is being operated at slow, 
no-wake speed or is being docked or launched.''
    9. Several commenters stated that the preferred alternative is 
likely to violate the Organic Act by sacrificing full protection of 
park resources if PWC use is allowed within the park. Further, the 
draft regulations appear to violate the NPS mandate to fully protect 
park resources by allowing the use of damaging PWC on park waters.
    NPS Response: The ``Summary of Laws and Policies'' section in the 
``Environmental Consequences'' chapter of the EA summarizes the three 
overarching laws that guide the National Park Service in making 
decisions concerning protection of park resources. These laws, as well 
as others, are also reflected in the NPS Management Policies. An 
explanation of how the Park Service applied these laws and policies to 
analyze the effects of personal watercraft on Pictured Rocks National 
Lakeshore resources and values can be found under ``Impairment 
Analysis'' in the ``Methodology'' section of the EA.
    Impact thresholds are not arbitrary; rather, they are established 
by a review of applicable literature, consultation with subject matter 
experts, applicable regulatory standards, and best professional 
judgment. The methods for establishing specific thresholds are 
disclosed under each impact topic.
    The National Park Service has determined that, under the modified 
preferred alternative (alternative B), as implemented in this final 
rule, there will be no major negative impacts on park resources or 
values.
    10. One commenter stated that PWC use estimates used in the EA are 
inaccurate. Specifically, the launch points within the lakeshore are 
unmonitored, so the number of PWC that use the lakeshore, along with 
trends in PWC use, are unknown.
    NPS Response: See Errata Sheet, Table 11, for the EA: The totals 
have been corrected and do not substantially change NPS conclusions.
    The 2000 and 2001 data indicate a 1% increase in PWC registration. 
While PWC registration increased by as much as 19% in 1996, the past 
five years of data exhibit a substantial decreasing trend in PWC 
registration in the state. This trend is also confirmed by industry 
sales data (https://www.pwia.org/Abo_PWC.htm). In consultation with 
park staff and through review of national data, the NPS believes that a 
2% annual increase in PWC use at the lakeshore is appropriate.
    Historical use of PWC is described on pages 51 and 52 of the 
``Affected Environment'' section of the EA. The NPS used all available 
data to extrapolate PWC use trends within the lakeshore. PWC visitor 
use trends were determined using data available from the park, 
discussions with staff, as well as discussions with the Cities of 
Munising and Burt Township, which oversee local public launch 
facilities. The best practicable data was used and the NPS is confident 
that the analysis provides a reasonable evaluation of potential PWC use 
within the lakeshore.
    11. One commenter stated that there is an error in Table 12: Peak 
Daily Visitor Use Numbers in the EA, because the whole chart is based 
on an overly simplistic interpretation of the PWC/Motorboat 
relationship. When segment three states that there will be zero ``PWC 
users,'' the model accidentally extrapolates that there will be zero 
``other motorboats'' as well. In addition, the model should have 
predicted some amount of growth in kayaking and canoeing over the next 
10 years.
    NPS Response: Alternative B and the no-action alternative assume 
that all motorized craft would be excluded from areas designated as 
primitive under a draft or final general management plan. The potential 
primitive area would extend 0.25 mile into Lake Superior from the 
shoreline, between Spray Falls and 1.25 miles east of Sevenmile Creek. 
The modified preferred alternative (alternative B), as implemented in 
this final rule, further restricts PWC use by discontinuing PWC use 
east of Miners Beach.
    The number of sea kayakers and canoeists was estimated to increase 
5% over the next ten years. A more accurate estimate, per recent 
discussions with park staff, would be an increase of 5% per year over 
the next 10 years. Thus, the number of canoeists/kayakers is estimated 
to increase from 45 persons in 2002 to 73 persons in 2012. These 
visitors would be distributed throughout the lakeshore. Although this 
is a relatively large increase in use as compared to the numbers 
evaluated in the EA, it would not change the evaluation that was 
completed. As indicated in the Visitor Experience section (page 107 of 
the EA), most non-motorized craft are concentrated closer to shore, 
such that interactions between these users and PWC would be infrequent. 
Additionally, PWC present near the shore are required to travel at 
flat-wake speed and would have minimal impact on non-motorized 
watercraft in that area.

Comments Regarding Water Quality

    12. One commenter stated that impacts to water quality from PWC are 
underestimated. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) can remain 
suspended in the water column or deposited in sediment for years after 
initial deposition. Even minor, short-

[[Page 61898]]

term oil spills can cause detrimental damage to aquatic wildlife. 
Exposure to hydrocarbon (HC) pollution can interfere with biological 
processes of the lakeshore's plants and wildlife.
    NPS Response: The protection of water quality within the Pictured 
Rocks National Lakeshore has been addressed in the EA in a conservative 
evaluation of surface water quality impacts. Estimated minimum 
threshold volumes of water were determined for the PWC use areas where 
concentrations of gasoline constituents discharged from personal 
watercraft and other outboard engines could potentially be toxic to 
aquatic organisms or humans. Using the estimated threshold volumes, 
volumes of the areas being evaluated, PWC and other motorboat high-use-
day loadings of chemicals identified as constituents of gasoline, and 
water quality benchmarks, it is possible to identify potentially 
unacceptable impacts to human health or the environment. Chronic water 
quality benchmarks protective of aquatic populations and protective of 
human health were acquired from various sources, including USEPA water 
quality criteria. Potential impacts to wildlife and plants from 
personal watercraft were addressed in other sections of the EA.
    This comment appears to have several errors in its assertions 
regarding the water quality impact section of the EA: None of the three 
alternatives is expected to have a ``moderate to major'' impact as 
stated in the comment. All water quality impacts from personal 
watercraft are expected to be negligible to minor. Despite the fact 
that estimated water concentrations of individual PAHs are well below 
water quality benchmarks, cumulative impacts from PWC and motorboat use 
were judged to be ``minor to moderate'' when the potential for 
phototoxicity from total PAHs is considered.
    This comment also misquotes the EA as follows: ``* * * most PWC gas 
and oil spills `volatize' into the atmosphere * * *''. The EA for 
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore considers the range of organic 
compound behavior in water on page 65 of the EA:

    Many organic pollutants that are initially dissolved in the 
water volatilize to the atmosphere, especially if they have high 
vapor pressures, are lighter than water, and mixing occurs at the 
air/water interface. Other compounds that have low vapor pressure, 
low solubility, and high octanol/water partition coefficients tend 
to adhere to organic material and clays and eventually adsorb onto 
sediments.

    13. One commenter stated that the analysis represents an outdated 
look at potential emissions from an overstated PWC population of 
conventional two-stroke engines, and underestimated the accelerating 
changeover to four-stroke and newer two-stroke engines. The net effect 
is that the analysis overestimates potential PWC HC emissions, 
including benzene and PAHs, to the water. In addition, the water 
quality analysis uses assumptions that result in overestimation of 
potential PWC HC emission to the water. For example, the analysis 
states that benzo(a)pyrene concentrations in gasoline can be ``up to 
2.8 mg/kg.''
    NPS Response: The NPS recognizes that the assumption of all 
personal watercraft using 2-stroke engines in 2002 is conservative but 
believes it was appropriate to be protective of park resources. The 
assumption is consistent with emission data available in California Air 
Resources Board (CARB) (1998) and Bluewater Network (2001). The 
emission rate of 3 gallons per hour at full throttle is a mid-point 
between 3 gallons in two hours (1.5 gallons per hour; NPS 1999) and 3.8 
to 4.5 gallons per hour for an average 2000 model year personal 
watercraft (Personal Watercraft and Bluewater Network 2001). The 
assumption also is reasonable in view of the initiation of production 
line testing in 2000 (EPA 1997) and expected full implementation of 
testing by 2006 (EPA 1996).
    Reductions in emissions used in the water quality impact assessment 
are in accordance with the overall hydrocarbon emission reduction 
projections published by the EPA (1996). EPA (1996) estimates a 52% 
reduction by personal watercraft by 2010 and a 68% reduction by 2015. 
The 50% reduction in emissions by 2012 (the future date used in the EA) 
is a conservative interpolation of the emission reduction percentages 
and associated years (2010 and 2015) reported by the EPA (1996) but 
with a one-year delay in production line testing (EPA 1997).
    The estimate of 2.8 mg/kg for benzo(a)pyrene in gasoline used in 
the calculations is considered conservative, yet realistic, since it is 
within the range of concentrations measured in gasoline, according to 
Gustafson et al. (1997).
    14. One commenter stated that the ``cleaner and quieter'' PWC will 
still cause significant damage to the environment and wildlife because 
PWC produce pollutants such as PAHs that are toxic to plants and 
animals even at minute levels.
    NPS Response: Personal watercraft and outboard motorboat engines 
discharge both unburned and burned gasoline and oil. In fact, it was 
shown in the EA that because more outboards than personal watercraft 
are used in the lakeshore, the outboards contributed more of the 
organic compounds evaluated (PAHs and benzene) than personal 
watercraft. The new engine technology, including four-stroke engines 
and two-stroke direct injection engines, substantially reduces the 
emissions of most pollutants to the water and the air. As older 
personal watercraft are replaced with new, cleaner models, the emission 
rates of pollutants will decrease.
    It is agreed that some research indicates that PAH toxicity can be 
enhanced by exposure to ultraviolet radiation in oligotrophic lakes 
having high light penetration (Oris et al. 1998). Limited data indicate 
that, under these conditions, PAHs may have toxic effects on fish and 
zooplankton at very low concentrations (less than 1 [mu]g/L). 
Conversely, some PAHs may be degraded via photodegradation or microbial 
degradation (Fasnacht and Blough 2002; Albers 2002). Impacts to water 
quality from the emission of selected PAHs present in gasoline 
emissions (benzo(a)pyrene, naphthalene, and 1-methyl naphthalene) were 
evaluated in the EA. Also, the potential for increased toxic effects of 
PAHs is recognized and discussed qualitatively in the impact analyses, 
where appropriate.
    15. One commenter stated that Lake Superior was designated by the 
U.S. and Canada Joint Commission as a zero discharge body of water, and 
the considerable amount of pollution discharged by PWC comprises more 
than ``zero'' discharge.
    NPS Response: The impacts of both noise and discharge of burned and 
unburned fuel by personal watercraft were evaluated in the EA. In 1991, 
an International Joint Commission recommended that Lake Superior be a 
``zero discharge'' demonstration zone (GLC 2003). However, the latest 
listing (March 2003) of priorities by the Great Lakes Commission in 
``2003 Great Lakes Program: Restore the Greatness'' does not mention 
zero discharge as a priority for the coming year. The only current 
reference to zero discharge found on the Great Lakes Commission Web 
site (https://www.glc.org) is for zero discharge of aquatic nuisance 
species that are often carried in ship ballast water that is dumped 
after the ships enter the Great Lakes. Zero discharge of fuel from 
recreational boating does not appear to be an achievable objective 
since one of every three registered recreational vessels in the United 
States is found in the Great Lakes (GLC 2003). In response to the EPA 
emission reduction regulations (EPA 1996, 1997),

[[Page 61899]]

the discharge of fuel and its associated pollutants by personal 
watercraft and other motorboats is being reduced. The net effect of 
this reduction is factored into the EA impact analysis of water 
quality.

Comments Regarding Air Quality

    16. One commenter stated that the analysis does not properly 
account for the rapid engine conversion that is occurring due to the 
phase-in of cleaner running engine technologies.
    NPS Response: A conservative approach was used in the analysis, 
since the numbers of PWC that have already converted to four-stroke 
engines are not known. In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency 
(EPA) model takes into account the reduction in emissions over time. 
Even with the conservative approach, the analysis for alternative B 
presented in the EA indicates that current PWC use at Pictured Rocks 
National Lakeshore would result in negligible to moderate impacts to 
air quality.
    17. One commenter indicated that direct-injected two-stroke engines 
are dirtier than four-stroke engines.
    NPS Response: The comment is correct in stating the relationships 
between emissions of two-stroke direct injection and four-stroke PWC 
engines. EPA NONROAD model factors differ from those of the California 
Air Resources Board (CARB). As a result of the EPA rule requiring the 
manufacturing of cleaner PWC engines, the existing carbureted two-
stroke PWC will, over time, be replaced with less-polluting PWC models. 
This replacement, with the anticipated resultant improvement in air 
quality, is parallel to that experienced in urban environments as the 
automobile fleet becomes cleaner over time.
    18. One commenter stated that the analysis fails to mention the 
impact of PWC permeation losses on local air quality.
    NPS Response: Permeation losses of volatile organic compounds 
(VOCs) from personal watercraft were not included in the calculation of 
air quality impacts primarily because these losses are insignificant 
relative to emissions from operating watercraft. Using the permeation 
loss numbers in the comment (estimated to be half the total of 7 grams 
of losses per 24 hours from the fuel system), the permeation losses per 
hour from fuel systems are orders of magnitude less than emissions from 
operating personal watercraft. Therefore, including permeation losses 
would have no effect on the results of the air quality impact analyses. 
Also, permeation losses were not included because of numerous related 
unknown contributing factors, such as the number of personal watercraft 
refueling at the lakeshore and the location of refueling (inside or 
outside of the airshed).
    19. One commenter stated that none of the air quality monitoring 
sites used as part of the analysis are located at the lakeshore, and 
that the most recent data available to the NPS are from 1999.
    NPS Response: The statewide air quality monitoring sites are 
located near areas where air quality is known or likely to be impaired. 
As the comment states, data used in the EA were obtained from the 1999 
Air Quality Report which, at time of preparation, was the best 
published regional source of general air quality information. Current 
site-specific background air monitoring data were also reviewed, 
available from the State of Michigan's website https://www.michigan.gov/
deq/0,1607,7-135-3310--4104---,00.html. The closest monitoring site is 
for PM2.5 located at Traverse City, Michigan. It is agreed 
that monitoring sites distant from the location do not provide 
representative data for Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore; however, 
they are the nearest available sources of data. The absence of closer 
State monitoring sites is indicative of the good overall air quality in 
the area and attainment status with respect to all national ambient air 
quality standards. No health or environmental risks are identified by 
the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality that would warrant 
more frequent or intensive monitoring in the area. The EA analyzed air 
impacts by assessing the effects of predicted pollutant emissions, 
rather than measuring ambient air conditions, due to the lack of 
available site-specific monitoring data and cost and uncertainty 
factors inherent in obtaining and interpreting such data. In this 
context, the NPS takes the position that ``appropriate consideration'' 
has been given to air quality impacts from PWC.
    20. One commenter stated that the EA fails to analyze new four-
stroke engine technology. The PAH concentrations derived from worst-
case modeling are orders of magnitude below the permissible exposure 
limits established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration 
(OSHA) and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health 
(NIOSH); therefore, continued PWC use would not pose any adverse health 
risks for park visitors under worst-case airborne PAH concentrations.
    NPS Response: The criteria for analysis of impacts from PWC to 
human health are based on the National Ambient Air Quality Standards 
(NAAQS) for criteria pollutants, as established by the U.S. EPA under 
the Clean Air Act, and on criteria pollutant annual emission levels. 
This methodology was selected to assess air quality impacts for all NPS 
EAs to promote regional and national consistency, and identify areas of 
potential ambient standard exceedances. PAHs are not assessed 
specifically as they are not a criteria pollutant. However, they are 
indirectly included as a subset of Total Hydrocarbons (THC), which are 
assessed because they are the focus of the EPA's emissions standards 
directed at manufacturers of spark ignition marine gasoline engines 
(See 61 FR 52088; October 4, 1996). Neither peak exposure levels nor 
NIOSH nor OSHA standards are included as criteria for analyzing air 
quality related impacts, except where short-term exposure is included 
in a NAAQS.
    As stated above, the methodology for assessing air quality impacts 
was based on a combination of annual emission levels and the NAAQS, 
which are aimed at protection of the public. OSHA and NIOSH standards 
are intended primarily for workers and others exposed to airborne 
chemicals for specific time periods. The OSHA and NIOSH standards are 
not as suitable for application in the context of local and regional 
analysis of a park or recreational area as are the ambient standards, 
nor are they intended to protect the general public from exposure to 
pollutants in ambient air.
    The ``Kado Study'' (Kado et al. 2000) presented the outboard engine 
air quality portion of a larger study described in Outboard Engine and 
Personal Watercraft Emissions to Air and Water: A Laboratory Study 
(CARB 2001). In the CARB report, results from both outboards and 
personal watercraft (two-stroke and four-stroke) were reported. The 
general pattern of emissions to air and water shown in CARB (2001) was 
two-stroke carbureted outboards and personal watercraft having the 
highest emissions, and four-stroke outboard and personal watercraft 
having the lowest emissions. The only substantive exception to this 
pattern was in nitrogen oxide (NOX) emissions to air: Two-
stroke carbureted outboards and personal watercraft had the lowest 
NOX emissions, while the four-stroke outboard had the 
highest emissions. Therefore, the pattern of emissions for outboards is 
generally applicable to personal watercraft and applicable to outboards 
directly under the cumulative impacts evaluations.
    21. One commenter expressed concern that PWC emissions were 
declining faster than forecasted by the

[[Page 61900]]

EPA. As the Sierra Report documents, in 2002, HC+ NOX 
emissions from the existing fleet of PWC were already 23% lower than 
they were before the EPA regulations became effective, and will achieve 
reductions greater than 80% by 2012.
    NPS Response: The U.S. EPA's data incorporate into the 1996 Spark 
Ignition Marine Engine rule were used as the basis for the assessment 
of air quality, and not the Sierra Research data. It is agreed that 
these data show a greater rate of emissions reductions than the 
assumptions in the 1996 rule and in the EPA's NONROAD Model, which was 
used to estimate emissions. However, the level of detail included in 
the Sierra Research report has not been carried into the EA for reasons 
of consistency and conformance with the model predictions. Most states 
use the EPA's NONROAD Model for estimating emissions from a broad array 
of mobile sources. To provide consistency with state programs and with 
the methods of analysis used for other similar NPS assessments, the NPS 
has elected not to base its analysis on focused research such as the 
Sierra Report for assessing PWC impacts.
    It is agreed that the Sierra Research report provides data on 
``worst case'' scenarios. However worst case or short-term scenarios 
were not analyzed for air quality impacts in this or other NPS EAs.
    It is agreed that the relative quantity of HC+ NOX are a 
very small proportion of the county-based emissions and that this 
proportion will continue to be reduced over time. The EA takes this 
into consideration in the analysis.
    CARB certified PWC may be used; however, the degree of certainty of 
overall use of this engine type nationwide is not well established. For 
consistency and conformity in approach, the NPS has elected to rely on 
the assumptions in the 1996 S.I. Engine Rule, which are consistent with 
the widely used NONROAD emissions estimation model. The outcome is that 
estimated emissions from combusted fuel may be in the conservative 
range, if compared to actual emissions.

Comments Regarding Soundscapes

    22. One commenter stated that continued PWC use in the Pictured 
Rocks National Lakeshore will not result in sound emissions that exceed 
the applicable federal or state noise abatement standards, and 
technological innovations by the PWC companies will continue to result 
in substantial sound reductions.
    NPS Response: The NPS concurs that on-going and future improvements 
in engine technology and design will likely further reduce the noise 
emitted from PWC. However, given the ambient noise levels at the 
lakeshore, it is unlikely that the improved technology could reduce all 
impacts to negligible adverse, particularly at the Sand Point launch.
    23. One commenter cited noise testing conducted at Glen Canyon 
National Recreation Area (NRA) that indicated the maximum noise levels 
for PWC were actually lower than the maximum noise levels for other 
motorized vessels. In particular, the levels for PWC at 25 meters (82 
feet) were approximately 68 to 76 A-weighted decibels (dB), whereas the 
levels for other motorized vessels at 82 feet were approximately 64 to 
86 A-weighted decibels.
    NPS Response: A correction has been included in the errata sheet to 
indicate that one PWC would emit 68 to 76 A-weighted dB at 82 feet. The 
reasons for assuming that PWC operate in pairs at the National 
Lakeshore are stated in the EA, and are based on staff observation and 
safety issues related to operating small watercraft at the park. Based 
on the PWC noise levels from the Glen Canyon study, two PWC would emit 
66 to 77 dB at 82 feet, 65 to 75 dB at 100 feet, and 59 to 69 dB at 200 
feet. The noise levels of two PWC traveling together would be less than 
the NPS noise limit of 82 dB at 82 feet for all alternatives. Given 
that ambient sound levels range from 22 dBA to 55 dBA in the lakeshore, 
the operation of PWC 200 feet from shore would still have negligible to 
minor adverse effects on the soundscape. In most locations natural 
sounds would prevail and motorized noise would be very infrequent or 
absent. At destinations such as the Sand Point launch and Miners 
Castle, natural sounds would predominate but motorized noise could be 
heard occasionally throughout the day. The correction noted above will 
not change the impact determinations identified in the original 
analysis.
    24. One commenter stated that the EA has no site-specific support 
regarding the conclusion that PWC will inflict ``short-term negligible 
impacts'' upon the lakeshore's soundscapes and ``negligible adverse 
impacts'' upon visitor experience. The commenter stated that most of 
the public comments received on the lakeshore's draft General 
Management Plan (GMP) complained about PWC noise and urged that the 
machines be banned.
    NPS Response: The effects of PWC on soundscapes were evaluated for 
site-specific areas, such as Sand Point, and general use areas, such as 
backcountry locations. The effects of PWC noise were determined to be 
negligible adverse to minor adverse, depending on the alternative and 
location. While many comments on the GMP were related to PWC noise, 
commenters also mentioned noise from chain saws, snowmobiles, and cars. 
Additionally, the visitor use survey conducted in the summer of 2000 
provided the following results: on a scale of 1 (not a problem) to 5 
(very serious problem), backcountry visitors ranked ``PWC disturbing 
backcountry experience'' as 1.6 (no problem to slight problem). 
Frontcountry users identified PWC disruption as 1.4 on the same scale. 
Overall, more than 80% of the 228 persons responding to this question 
indicated that PWC operation within the lakeshore was ``no problem.'' 
The NPS is confident that the soundscape analysis portrays an accurate 
description of the effects of PWC operation within the lakeshore.
    25. One commenter stated that the impact of PWC on non-motorized 
visitors was grossly underestimated.
    NPS Response: As stated previously, the summer visitor survey 
indicated that over 80% of the respondents, including backcountry 
visitors, identified PWC disturbance as ``no problem.'' Approximately 
8% of the 228 respondents identified PWC disturbances as a ``serious or 
very serious'' problem. The NPS recognizes that the degree to which a 
visitor is disturbed is a function of the timing, duration, and 
character of the PWC activity, as well as the visitor's personal 
perceptions of PWC use. Based on the data evaluated, the NPS is 
confident that the impact evaluation provides a reasonable estimate of 
PWC impacts on soundscapes and visitor experience.

Comments Regarding Wildlife

    26. One commenter stated that PWC use and human activities 
associated with their use may not be any more disturbing to wildlife 
species than any other type of motorized or non-motorized watercraft. 
The commenter cites research by Dr. Rodgers, of the Florida Fish and 
Wildlife Conservation Commission, whose studies have shown that PWC are 
no more likely to disturb wildlife than any other form of human 
interaction, and that PWC posed less of a disturbance than other vessel 
types. Dr. Rodgers' research clearly shows that there is no reason to 
differentiate PWC from motorized boating based on claims on wildlife 
disturbance.
    NPS Response: The NPS agrees that some research indicates that 
personal watercraft are no more apt to disturb wildlife than are small 
outboard motorboats; however, disturbance from both PWC and outboard 
motor boats does occur. Dr. Rodgers recommends

[[Page 61901]]

that buffer zones be established for all watercraft, creating minimum 
distances between boats (personal watercraft and outboard motorboats) 
and nesting and foraging waterbirds. As part of the Michigan Personal 
Watercraft Safety Act, PWC operating within 200 feet of the shoreline 
of any Great Lake must travel perpendicular to the shore and operate at 
a flat-wake speed. With this restriction in mind, impacts to wildlife 
and wildlife habitat under all three alternatives were judged to be 
negligible at most locations along the shoreline.
    In addition, the EA was not conducted to determine if personal 
watercraft caused more environmental damage to park resources than 
other boats, but rather to determine if personal watercraft use was 
consistent with the national lakeshore's enabling legislation and 
management goals and objectives. The alternatives listed and the 
determination of their consequences was based upon the best information 
available.
    27. One commenter stated that PWC cause lasting impacts to fish and 
wildlife. Two-stroke engines have been shown to produce pollutants that 
cause significant damage to aquatic plants and fish.
    NPS Response: It is anticipated that more combustion-efficient 
engines in personal watercraft will reduce pollutant emissions to air 
and water in the same manner that increased efficiencies in automobile 
engines, combined with catalytic converters and other technologies, 
decreased the amount and types of automobile exhaust emissions. EPA-
sponsored evaluations of different personal watercraft engine designs 
and emissions concluded that emission reductions would result with 
implementation of the EPA emission standards for marine engines. The 
modified preferred alternative provides for further protection of 
wildlife in the lakeshore. Phasing in of new personal watercraft 
technology under the modified preferred alternative (alternative B) 
will reduce impacts to aquatic and shoreline species by reducing the 
discharge of fuel components into the water. These reductions should 
indirectly benefit wildlife by reducing some of the contaminant loading 
of surface waters.
    PAH toxicity to fish and wildlife species is a complicated topic 
because PAHs consist of dozens of different chemical compounds, each of 
which has substantially different toxicity characteristics in water, 
sediment, and soils, and toxicity varies dramatically among different 
fish and wildlife species. The ecological toxicity analysis for PAHs 
reported in the EA explains the chemical, physical, and biological 
conditions that were used to conduct the assessment of PAH effects to 
fish species.

Comments Regarding Threatened and Endangered Species

    28. One commenter stated that the EA lacks site-specific data on 
PWC impacts to threatened and endangered species.
    NPS Response: The scope of the EA did not include site-specific 
surveys for species with the potential to occur at Pictured Rocks 
National Lakeshore. Potential for the occurrence and the location of 
special status species at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore was based 
on existing surveys and studies conducted in the park in addition to 
input by park staff and federal and state agencies responsible for 
special status species management and protection.
    Identification of state and federally listed species was 
accomplished through discussions with park staff and informal 
consultation with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Primary steps in 
assessing impacts on listed species were to determine (1) which species 
are found in areas likely to be affected by management actions 
described in the PWC alternatives, (2) current and future use and 
distribution of PWC by alternative, (3) habitat loss or alteration 
caused by the alternatives, and (4) displacement and disturbance 
potential of the actions and the species' potential to be affected by 
PWC activities.
    The information used in the analysis was obtained through best 
professional judgment of park staff and experts in the field and by 
conducting a literature review.
    Documentation of the occurrence and locations of federal and state 
rare, threatened and endangered species at Pictured Rocks National 
Lakeshore was provided by National Park Service through several studies 
and surveys that have been conducted at the park. A list of federal and 
state protected species is provided in Table 6 in the EA.
    29. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service commented that the Grand 
Sable Dunes site was last verified by the Michigan Natural Features 
Inventory (MNFI) in 1989, and recommended that the current presence of 
Pitcher's thistle be verified.
    NPS Response: The location of Pitcher's thistle described in the EA 
is based on discussion with park staff and is current. Park staff will 
advise the MNFI as requested.
    30. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) commented that the 
``not likely to adversely affect'' determination for both action 
alternatives for the gray wolf, bald eagle, and Pitcher's thistle 
suggests that there are beneficial, insignificant, or discountable 
effects of the proposed actions on these species. These effects are not 
clear in the EA. The USFWS stated that the EA seems to make a better 
case that the alternatives would have no effect on these three species, 
and suggested the park considers these determinations and provides 
support when the park requests Section 7 consultation with the USFWS 
office.
    NPS Response: The determination of ``not likely to adversely 
affect'' was made based on the fact that, while PWC may provide access 
to locations where threatened/endangered species may be present, the 
likelihood of having an effect is extremely unlikely to occur. The 
errata has been updated to reflect a ``no effect'' determination for 
the gray wolf and Pitcher's thistle. After further analysis and 
discussions with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff, the ``not likely 
to adversely affect'' determination for the bald eagle will remain, 
since the bald eagle's use of the shoreline is limited and known nest 
sites are located east of Miners Beach, where PWC use would be 
prohibited. The errata has been updated with further information to 
support this determination.
    31. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service suggested that the extent to 
which bald eagles use the Lake Superior shoreline within Pictured Rocks 
National Lakeshore be described. If any such use occurs or can be 
expected to occur in the future, the park should clarify whether PWC 
use in the lakeshore could affect bald eagles.
    NPS Response: Based on discussions with park staff, the bald 
eagle's use of the Lake Superior shoreline within Pictured Rocks 
National Lakeshore is limited. Known nest sites are located east of 
Miners Beach, where PWC use would be prohibited under the preferred 
alternative. The errata has been updated to reflect this.
    32. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service stated that NPS must 
complete Section 7 consultation with the USFWS prior to completing a 
FONSI. The USFWS concurs that the only federally listed species 
currently on or near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore are the piping 
plover, gray wolf, bald eagle, and Pitcher's thistle.
    NPS Response: As indicated on page 96 of the Environmental 
Consequences section of the EA, Section 7 consultation would be 
initiated if the NPS determined that actions in the preferred 
alternative would be ``likely to adversely affect'' one or more of the 
federally listed threatened or endangered species identified in the 
lakeshore. The modified preferred

[[Page 61902]]

alternative (alternative B) will have no effect on piping plover, 
Pitcher's thistle, gray wolf, or Lake Huron tansy, and is not likely to 
adversely affect the common loon, bald eagle or the peregrine falcon. 
The errata has been updated to reflect a ``no effect'' determination 
for the gray wolf. The USFWS concurred with this determination after 
submitting this comment.
    33. One commenter stated that the EA inadequately describes the 
impacts from PWC to osprey and bald eagle, and underestimates the 
impacts to the peregrine falcon and common loon, along with other 
species.
    NPS Response: The NPS concurs that some studies have shown that PWC 
operation in proximity to nesting osprey and other wildlife species can 
have adverse affects. Studies also indicate that the timing, duration, 
and character (aggressiveness of PWC operation) of these interactions 
are important factors in determining the effect. As discussed in the EA 
(pages 20 and 96-101), state regulations require that PWC operating 
within 200 feet of the shore must be running perpendicular to the shore 
at flat-wake speeds. This state regulation minimizes the potential for 
adverse affects on shoreline wildlife at the lakeshore.
    34. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service stated that piping plovers 
currently do not nest on Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, but at 
nearby at Grand Marais. Nesting occurred there in 2002 and has occurred 
there annually for more than 10 years. As the EA indicates, there is 
the potential for piping plover to use the Pictured Rocks National 
Lakeshore beach, at least for foraging, if not nesting. The piping 
plover breeding population has increased in recent years. As the 
population expands, piping plover may be found in previously unexpected 
areas. The USFWS recommended annual efforts to survey Pictured Rocks 
National Lakeshore for the bird. The USFWS also recommended that when 
the park requests Section 7 consultation, it refer to the appropriate 
information in the EA that supports the conclusion that interactions 
between piping plovers and PWC would be extremely limited.
    NPS Response: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore staff will continue 
to monitor and document piping plover activities within the lakeshore. 
PWC would not be allowed in the Grand Sable segment, where potential 
piping plover habitat exists. If plovers ever become established in the 
western end of the lakeshore, then mitigating actions could be required 
to minimize any adverse effect from PWC use. The modified preferred 
alternative will result i