Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Winter Use Plan, Yellowstone National Park, 27087-27088 [2011-11408]

Download as PDF jlentini on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 90 / Tuesday, May 10, 2011 / Notices sooner than 30 days following publication by the Environmental Protection Agency of the Notice of Availability of the Final Environmental Impact Statement. ADDRESSES: Information will be available for public inspection online at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/apis, or by writing to Ms. Julie Van Stappen, Chief of Planning and Resource Management, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Route 1, Box 4, Bayfield, WI 54814; telephone: 715–779–3398, extension 211. Information also can be picked-up in person at the park’s headquarters at 415 Washington Avenue, Bayfield, Wisconsin. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This document provides a framework for management of the Lakeshore and the Gaylord Nelson Wilderness, including its resources, visitors, and facilities, for the next 15–20 years. The document describes four alternatives for management of the park, including a noaction alternative, and analyzes the environmental impacts of those alternatives. The NPS preferred alternative (Alternative 2) would focus on providing opportunities for more people to have an island experience. Additional transportation opportunities would be sought to encourage visitors to come to Sand, Basswood, and Oak islands. Some additional visitor facilities would be developed on these islands. There would be no change in the number of public docks in the park, but some docks would be relocated, improved, or expanded. The Bayfield visitor center would be moved closer to the water to improve contact with visitors and to be located with an operations center. The Little Sand Bay Visitor Center would be replaced with a visitor contact station. A new ranger station and accessible beach ramp would be developed at Meyers Beach. Two light stations would be restored or rehabilitated, similar to the Raspberry Island light station. The wilderness area would continue to be managed as it is now, with the exception of the Oak Island group campsite being removed and the site restored. Other alternatives considered included the no action alternative (Alternative 1) where the NPS would continue to manage the Lakeshore as it has been managed since the 1989 general management plan was approved and the Gaylord Nelson Wilderness was designated in 2004. Alternative 3, which would focus on providing primitive, lake-oriented recreation and education opportunities, with some new and different opportunities provided. Under VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:02 May 09, 2011 Jkt 223001 alternative 4, the emphasis would be on providing a greater variety of structured recreation opportunities for visitors. More visitor facilities would be provided in island non-wilderness areas, and mainland visitor opportunities would be expanded. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Julie Van Stappen, Chief of Planning and Resource Management Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Route 1, Box 4, Bayfield, Wisconsin 54814, and by calling 715–779–3198, extension 211. Dated: March 10, 2011. George J. Turnbull, Acting Regional Director, Midwest Region. [FR Doc. 2011–11412 Filed 5–9–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4312–97–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR National Park Service Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Winter Use Plan, Yellowstone National Park National Park Service, Interior. Notice of availability. AGENCY: ACTION: Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the National Park Service (NPS) announces the availability of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for a Winter Use Plan for Yellowstone National Park, located in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. SUMMARY: The National Park Service will accept comments from the public for 60 days after the date the Environmental Protection Agency publishes their Notice of Availability. For information on meeting and webinar dates, see the SUPPLEMENTRY INFORMATION section below. DATES: Information will be available for public review and comment online at https:// parkplanning.nps.gov/YELL (click on the link to the Winter Use Plan), and in the office of Superintendent Dan Wenk, Yellowstone National Park, P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming 82190. If you wish to comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement, you may submit your comments by any one of several methods. • Internet: We encourage you to comment via the Internet at https:// parkplanning.nps.gov/YELL (click on the link to the Winter Use Plan). • Mail: You may also comment by mail to Yellowstone National Park, Winter Use Draft EIS, P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone NP, WY 82190. ADDRESSES: PO 00000 Frm 00087 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 27087 • Hand Delivery: Finally, you may hand deliver your comments to Management Assistant’s Office, Headquarters Building, Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park, WY. Comments will not be accepted by fax, e-mail, or in any other way than those specified above. Bulk comments in any format (hard copy or electronic) submitted on behalf of others will not be accepted. 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. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vicki Regula, P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, (307) 344– 2019, yell_winter_use@nps.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The National Park Service intends to hold public meetings as follows: • Jackson, WY on June 1, 2011. • Cody, WY on June 2, 2011. • West Yellowstone, MT on June 7, 2011. • Bozeman, MT. on June 8, 2011. • Lakewood, CO on June 21, 2011. • Washington, DC on June 23, 2011. In addition, two webinars will be held during the comment period. The first will be on June 21, 2011 from Noon to 2:30 p.m. The second will be June 22, 2011 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Details regarding the exact times and locations of these meetings, and how to participate in the webinars, will be announced on the NPS Planning, Environment, and Public Comment (PEPC) Web site, at https:// parkplanning.nps.gov/YELL (click on the link to the Winter Use Plan), and through local media. Seven alternatives were considered in the DEIS. Alternative 1 would not permit public over-snow vehicle (OSV) use in Yellowstone after the interim rule expires (after the winter 2010/2011), but would allow for approved nonmotorized use to continue. Alternative 1 has been identified as the environmentally preferable alternative. Alternative 2 would manage OSV use at the same levels as the 2008 interim rule (318 snowmobiles and 78 snowcoaches per day). Alternative 3 would allow for snowmobile and snowcoach use levels to increase to the levels set forth in the 2004 plan (720 snowmobiles and 78 E:\FR\FM\10MYN1.SGM 10MYN1 jlentini on DSKJ8SOYB1PROD with NOTICES 27088 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 90 / Tuesday, May 10, 2011 / Notices snowcoaches per day). Alternative 4 would allow for commercially guided wheeled vehicles, in addition to OSVs (100 commercially wheeled vehicles, 110 snowmobiles and 30 snowcoaches per day). Alternative 5 would initially allow for the same level of use as alternative 2 (318 snowmobiles and 78 snowcoaches per day), but would provide for a transition to snowcoaches only if user demand is present to support such a transition or at the discretion of the Superintendent. Upon complete transition, there would be zero snowmobiles and up to 120 snowcoaches per day. Alternative 6 would provide for use levels that vary each day, with a seasonal limit of up to 32,000 snowmobiles and 4,600 snowcoaches, and a daily limit of up to 540 snowmobiles and 78 snowcoaches. Up to 25 percent of snowmobile permits under alternative 6 would be for unguided or non-commercially guided use. Alternative 7 is the agency preferred alternative and would provide a variety of use levels and experiences for visitors. Four different use levels for snowmobiles and snowcoaches would be implemented, the combination of which may vary by day. Snowmobile use would range from 110 to 330 vehicles per day and snowcoach use would range from 30 to 80 vehicles per day. The varying use levels would provide for high and low use days, allowing for a variety of motorized and non-motorized visitor experiences throughout the winter season. Commercial guide requirements would continue. All snowmobiles and snowcoaches would need to enter the park by 10:30 a.m. A requirement to limit nitrogen oxides (NOX) emissions would be added to the current Best Available Technology requirements for snowmobiles. By 2014–2015, all snowcoaches would have to employ model year 2010 engine and emission control systems, and all snowcoaches’ sound would be limited to 73 decibels, similar to the current BAT requirements for snowmobiles. During the first winter of implementation, the provisions of the interim plan that was in effect for the past two winters would continue. Up to 318 best available technology, commercially guided snowmobiles and up to 78 commercially guided snowcoaches would be allowed to enter the park each day during the transition winter. More information regarding Yellowstone in the winter, including educational materials and a detailed history of winter use in Yellowstone, is available at https://www.nps.gov/yell/ planvisit/winteruse/index.htm. VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:02 May 09, 2011 Jkt 223001 Dated: May 5, 2011. Peggy O’Dell, Deputy Director, National Park Service. [FR Doc. 2011–11408 Filed 5–6–11; 11:15 am] BILLING CODE 4312–CT–P INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request—Agency Proposal for the Collection of Information Submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review; Comment Request. United States International Trade Commission. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: In accordance with the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104–13), the Commission has submitted a proposal for the collection of information to OMB for approval. The proposed information collection is a 3-year extension of the current ‘‘generic clearance’’ (approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control No. 3117–0016) under which the Commission can issue information collections (specifically, producer, importer, purchaser, and foreign producer questionnaires and certain institution notices) for the following types of import injury investigations: antidumping, countervailing duty, escape clause, market disruption, NAFTA safeguard, and ‘‘interference with programs of the USDA.’’ Any comments submitted to OMB on the proposed information collection should be specific, indicating which part of the questionnaires or study plan are objectionable, describing the issue in detail, and including specific revisions or language changes. DATES: To be assured of consideration, comments should be submitted to OMB within 30 days of the date this notice appears in the Federal Register. ADDRESSES: Comments about the proposal should be directed to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, New Executive Office Building, Washington, DC 20503, Attention: Wendy Liberante, Desk Officer for U.S. International Trade Commission. Copies of any comments should be provided to Andrew Martin (U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street, SW., Washington, DC 20436). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Copies of the proposed collection of information and supporting documentation may be obtained from SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00088 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Jennifer Merrill (U.S. International Trade Commission, tel. no. 202–205– 3188). Hearing-impaired persons can obtain information on this matter by contacting the Commission’s TDD terminal on 202–205–1810. Persons with mobility impairments who will need special assistance in gaining access to the Commission should contact the Office of the Secretary at 202–205–2000. General information concerning the Commission may also be obtained by accessing its Internet server (https:// www.usitc.gov). (1) The proposed information collection consists of five forms, namely the Sample Producers’, Sample Importers’, Sample Purchasers’, and Sample Foreign Producers’ questionnaires (separate forms are provided for questionnaires issued for the five-year reviews) and Sample Notice of Institution for Five-Year Reviews. (2) The types of items contained within the sample questionnaires and institution notice are largely determined by statute. Actual questions formulated for use in a specific investigation depend upon such factors as the nature of the industry, the relevant issues, the ability of respondents to supply the data, and the availability of data from secondary sources. (3) The information collected through questionnaires issued under the generic clearance for import injury investigations is consolidated by Commission staff and forms much of the statistical base for the Commission’s determinations. Affirmative Commission determinations in antidumping and countervailing duty investigations result in the imposition of duties on imports entering the United States, determined by The Department of Commerce, which are in addition to any normal customs duties. If the Commission makes an affirmative determination in a five-year review, the existing antidumping or countervailing duty order remains in place. The data developed in escape-clause, market disruption, and interference-withUSDA-program investigations (if the Commission finds affirmatively) are used by the President/U.S. Trade Representative to determine the type of relief, if any, to be provided to domestic industries.The submissions made to the Commission in response to the notices of institution of five-year reviews form the basis for the Commission’s determination as to whether a full or expedited review should be conducted. (4) Likely respondents consist of businesses (including foreign businesses) or farms that produce, SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: E:\FR\FM\10MYN1.SGM 10MYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 90 (Tuesday, May 10, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 27087-27088]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-11408]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service


Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Winter Use Plan, 
Yellowstone National Park

AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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

SUMMARY: Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the 
National Park Service (NPS) announces the availability of a Draft 
Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for a Winter Use Plan for 
Yellowstone National Park, located in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming.

DATES: The National Park Service will accept comments from the public 
for 60 days after the date the Environmental Protection Agency 
publishes their Notice of Availability. For information on meeting and 
webinar dates, see the SUPPLEMENTRY INFORMATION section below.

ADDRESSES: Information will be available for public review and comment 
online at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/YELL (click on the link to the 
Winter Use Plan), and in the office of Superintendent Dan Wenk, 
Yellowstone National Park, P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, 
Wyoming 82190.
    If you wish to comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement, 
you may submit your comments by any one of several methods.
     Internet: We encourage you to comment via the Internet at 
https://parkplanning.nps.gov/YELL (click on the link to the Winter Use 
Plan).
     Mail: You may also comment by mail to Yellowstone National 
Park, Winter Use Draft EIS, P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone NP, WY 82190.
     Hand Delivery: Finally, you may hand deliver your comments 
to Management Assistant's Office, Headquarters Building, Mammoth Hot 
Springs, Yellowstone National Park, WY.

Comments will not be accepted by fax, e-mail, or in any other way than 
those specified above. Bulk comments in any format (hard copy or 
electronic) submitted on behalf of others will not be accepted.
    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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vicki Regula, P.O. Box 168, 
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, (307) 344-2019, yell_winter_use@nps.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The National Park Service intends to hold 
public meetings as follows:
     Jackson, WY on June 1, 2011.
     Cody, WY on June 2, 2011.
     West Yellowstone, MT on June 7, 2011.
     Bozeman, MT. on June 8, 2011.
     Lakewood, CO on June 21, 2011.
     Washington, DC on June 23, 2011.
    In addition, two webinars will be held during the comment period. 
The first will be on June 21, 2011 from Noon to 2:30 p.m. The second 
will be June 22, 2011 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Details regarding the 
exact times and locations of these meetings, and how to participate in 
the webinars, will be announced on the NPS Planning, Environment, and 
Public Comment (PEPC) Web site, at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/YELL 
(click on the link to the Winter Use Plan), and through local media.
    Seven alternatives were considered in the DEIS. Alternative 1 would 
not permit public over-snow vehicle (OSV) use in Yellowstone after the 
interim rule expires (after the winter 2010/2011), but would allow for 
approved non-motorized use to continue. Alternative 1 has been 
identified as the environmentally preferable alternative. Alternative 2 
would manage OSV use at the same levels as the 2008 interim rule (318 
snowmobiles and 78 snowcoaches per day). Alternative 3 would allow for 
snowmobile and snowcoach use levels to increase to the levels set forth 
in the 2004 plan (720 snowmobiles and 78

[[Page 27088]]

snowcoaches per day). Alternative 4 would allow for commercially guided 
wheeled vehicles, in addition to OSVs (100 commercially wheeled 
vehicles, 110 snowmobiles and 30 snowcoaches per day). Alternative 5 
would initially allow for the same level of use as alternative 2 (318 
snowmobiles and 78 snowcoaches per day), but would provide for a 
transition to snowcoaches only if user demand is present to support 
such a transition or at the discretion of the Superintendent. Upon 
complete transition, there would be zero snowmobiles and up to 120 
snowcoaches per day. Alternative 6 would provide for use levels that 
vary each day, with a seasonal limit of up to 32,000 snowmobiles and 
4,600 snowcoaches, and a daily limit of up to 540 snowmobiles and 78 
snowcoaches. Up to 25 percent of snowmobile permits under alternative 6 
would be for unguided or non-commercially guided use.
    Alternative 7 is the agency preferred alternative and would provide 
a variety of use levels and experiences for visitors. Four different 
use levels for snowmobiles and snowcoaches would be implemented, the 
combination of which may vary by day. Snowmobile use would range from 
110 to 330 vehicles per day and snowcoach use would range from 30 to 80 
vehicles per day. The varying use levels would provide for high and low 
use days, allowing for a variety of motorized and non-motorized visitor 
experiences throughout the winter season. Commercial guide requirements 
would continue. All snowmobiles and snowcoaches would need to enter the 
park by 10:30 a.m. A requirement to limit nitrogen oxides 
(NOX) emissions would be added to the current Best Available 
Technology requirements for snowmobiles. By 2014-2015, all snowcoaches 
would have to employ model year 2010 engine and emission control 
systems, and all snowcoaches' sound would be limited to 73 decibels, 
similar to the current BAT requirements for snowmobiles. During the 
first winter of implementation, the provisions of the interim plan that 
was in effect for the past two winters would continue. Up to 318 best 
available technology, commercially guided snowmobiles and up to 78 
commercially guided snowcoaches would be allowed to enter the park each 
day during the transition winter.
    More information regarding Yellowstone in the winter, including 
educational materials and a detailed history of winter use in 
Yellowstone, is available at https://www.nps.gov/yell/planvisit/winteruse/index.htm.

    Dated: May 5, 2011.
Peggy O'Dell,
Deputy Director, National Park Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-11408 Filed 5-6-11; 11:15 am]
BILLING CODE 4312-CT-P

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