Record of Decision for Final General Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement, Gateway National Recreation Area, New Jersey and New York., 50941-50942 [2014-20233]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 165 / Tuesday, August 26, 2014 / Notices to OMB to approve this IC. Before including your address, phone number, email 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. Dated: August 20, 2014. Madonna L. Baucum, Information Collection Clearance Officer, National Park Service. [FR Doc. 2014–20232 Filed 8–25–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–EH–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR National Park Service [NPS–NER–GATE–16013; PPNEGATE00/ PMP00UP05.YP0000, PX.P0075604H.00.1] Record of Decision for Final General Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement, Gateway National Recreation Area, New Jersey and New York. National Park Service, Interior. Notice of Availability. AGENCY: ACTION: Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, 42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C), the National Park Service (NPS) announces the availability of the Record of Decision for the Final General Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement (Final GMP/EIS), Gateway National Recreation Area (Gateway), New Jersey and New York. On June 11, 2014, the Regional Director, Northeast Region, signed the Record of Decision approving a new General Management Plan (GMP) for Gateway. As soon as practicable, the NPS will begin to implement the selected alternative. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Superintendent Jennifer Nersesian, Gateway National Recreation Area, 210 New York Avenue, Staten Island, New York 10305 or telephone at (718) 354– 4664. ADDRESSES: Copies of the Record of Decision may be obtained from the contact listed below; the park’s Web site, https://www.nps.gov/gate; or the NPS Planning, Environment, and Public Comment (PEPC) Web site, https:// parkplanning.nps.gov/GATEROD. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On June 11, 2014, the Regional Director, Northeast Region, signed the Record of tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 21:48 Aug 25, 2014 Jkt 232001 Decision selecting Alternative B as the approved General Management Plan (GMP) for Gateway. The Record of Decision 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; a listing of measures to minimize environmental harm; and an overview of public involvement in the decision-making process. The NPS will implement Alternative B: Discovering Gateway, which was identified as the agency’s preferred alternative in the Final GMP/EIS. The complete description of the selected alternative is provided in chapter 2 of the Final GMP/EIS in the following sections: Management Concepts for Each Alternative, Management Zones, Desired Conditions Common to Both Alternatives and Alternative B: Discovering Gateway. Under the selected alternative, the NPS will provide the widest range of activities and most recreation opportunities in dispersed locations throughout the park. New connections will be forged with park lands and communities adjacent and nearby Gateway. This alternative will offer the most instructional programming and skills development and draw people into the park to increase awareness and enjoyment of Gateway’s historic resources and the natural environment. Gateway will provide more opportunities for multi-day excursions and overnight stays within the park and proposes different types of camping and lodging, varied use levels, and a range of supporting facilities. Increased use will be balanced with additional monitoring and management of wildlife and habitats. More convenient and affordable park access will be developed through trail connections, bicycle infrastructure, public transit, and waterborne transportation. The selected alternative prioritizes joint management and operations for visitor services, orientation, programs, and facilities with New York City and other partners. The selected alternative describes the approach that the park will take to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change. Specific options to protect Gateway’s resources include integrating long-term planning into park operations, monitoring observed and projected climate trends, conducting climate-related vulnerability assessments for fundamental resources and values, monitoring climate sensitive species, and implementing a range of adaptive management actions. Natural PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 50941 resource protection and restoration efforts will focus on softening hardened coastal edges, restoring wetland and coastal habitats and improving water quality within park waters. The park will pursue public-private partnerships that assist with the preservation and reuse of historic structures and landscapes for a wide variety of uses including visitor services, administrative and partner needs, recreational business opportunities or compatible private use. Gateway will continue to collaborate with a variety of academic and scientific institutions, non-profit organizations and agencies on research and projects to find creative solutions for the long-term preservation of natural and cultural resources. The NPS selected Alternative B: Discovering Gateway because it best promotes a national park experience, provides a diversity of resource-based recreational opportunities and balances use with protection of the park’s fundamental resources and values. The enabling legislation and park purpose identified in the Final GMP/EIS were given the highest consideration as the basis for selecting Alternative B. The selected alternative provides for the greatest diversity of outdoor recreation and access to park shorelines for waterbased activities—primary reasons for which Gateway was established as the first NPS urban national recreation area—and emphasizes new physical and programmatic connections with adjacent communities and local government park systems to further increase opportunities for park access. The selected alternative focuses on the preservation and interpretation of the key resources mentioned in the park’s legislation and emphasizes new partnerships with New York City and adjacent communities that will greatly enhance the park’s ability to fulfill the intent of the enabling legislation and support targeted resource protection goals. This planning process was initiated in 2009 and included extensive involvement with key stakeholders, agencies, resource experts, and members of the public. Information was disseminated through newsletters and press releases, and all interested parties were provided with opportunities to provide input and feedback during public meetings, workshops, and document review periods. The Draft General Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement (Draft GMP/EIS) was available for public and agency review from August 2, 2013, through October 22, 2013, with five public open houses held in August and September 2013. The Final GMP/EIS E:\FR\FM\26AUN1.SGM 26AUN1 50942 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 165 / Tuesday, August 26, 2014 / Notices responded to, and incorporated, agency and public comments received on the Draft GMP/EIS. The Final GMP/EIS was released for a 30-day no action period on May 9, 2014, ending June 9, 2014. Dated: June 11, 2014. Michael A. Caldwell, Regional Director, Northeast Region, National Park Service. [FR Doc. 2014–20233 Filed 8–25–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–WV–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR National Park Service [NPS–WASO–NAGPRA–16112; PPWOCRADN0–PCU00RP14.R50000] Notice of Intent To Repatriate Cultural Items: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Aztec Ruins National Monument, Aztec, NM National Park Service, Interior. Notice. AGENCY: ACTION: The U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Aztec Ruins National Monument, in consultation with the appropriate Indian tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations, has determined that the cultural items listed in this notice meet the definition of unassociated funerary objects. Lineal descendants or representatives of any Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian organization not identified in this notice that wish to claim these cultural items should submit a written request to Aztec Ruins National Monument. If no additional claimants come forward, transfer of control of the cultural items to the lineal descendants, Indian tribes, or Native Hawaiian organizations stated in this notice may proceed. DATES: Lineal descendants or representatives of any Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian organization not identified in this notice that wish to claim these cultural items should submit a written request with information in support of the claim to Aztec Ruins National Monument at the address in this notice by September 25, 2014. ADDRESSES: Lawrence Turk, Superintendent, Aztec Ruins National Monument, 84 Road 2900 (Ruins Road), Aztec, NM 87410, telephone (505) 334– 6174 x222, email larry_turk@nps.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is here given in accordance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), 25 U.S.C. 3005, of the intent to repatriate cultural items under the control of the U.S. tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 21:48 Aug 25, 2014 Jkt 232001 Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Aztec Ruins National Monument, Aztec, NM, that meet the definition of unassociated funerary objects under 25 U.S.C. 3001. This notice is published as part of the National Park Service’s administrative responsibilities under NAGPRA, 25 U.S.C. 3003(d)(3). The determinations in this notice are the sole responsibility of the Superintendent, Aztec Ruins National Monument. History and Description of the Cultural Items At an unknown date, five cultural items were removed from an unknown location in San Juan County, NM. In 1953, the items were donated to Aztec Ruins National Monument by Sherman Howe. Catalog records indicate that the items were found in a burial. No information is available regarding the whereabouts of any associated human remains. The five unassociated funerary objects are one Mesa Verde Black-onWhite ceramic mug, one Black-on-White ceramic ladle, one corrugated ceramic culinary jar, and two Black-on-White ceramic bowls. At an unknown date, one cultural item was removed from Haymie Ranch in San Juan County, NM. The item and associated human remains were donated to Aztec Ruins National Monument in 1960 by Esaias Haymie. The human remains were repatriated in 1998. The one unassociated funerary object is a Mesa Verde Black-on-White ceramic canteen. At an unknown date, one cultural item was removed from LA 45 West Ruin in San Juan County, NM. Catalog records indicate that the item was likely removed from a burial but no human remains have been found. The one unassociated funerary object is a Mesa Verde Black-on-White ceramic bowl. In 1934, four cultural items were removed from LA 45 West Ruin in San Juan County, NM. Associated human remains were repatriated in 1998. The four unassociated funerary objects are one Mesa Verde Black-on-White ceramic cup, two Black-on-White ceramic bowls, and one corrugated ceramic culinary jar. In 1953, 29 cultural items were removed from LA 45 Hubbard Mound in San Juan County, NM. Associated human remains were repatriated in 1998. The 29 unassociated funerary objects are 1 bone tube, 1 Mesa Verde Black-on-White ceramic bowl, 1 Mesa Verde Black-on-White ceramic scoop, and 26 Black-on-White ceramic sherds. The major occupation in and around Aztec Ruins National Monument has been well documented since the beginning of the 20th century in PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 archeological sources as dating to the Pueblo II-Pueblo III period (circa A.D. 900–1300). A cultural affiliation study and subsequent tribal consultation indicate that the Hopi Tribe of Arizona and Zuni Tribe of the Zuni Reservation, New Mexico considers Aztec Ruins National Monument to be within their ancestral homeland. Oral traditions of ancestral puebloan peoples, including the Hopi Tribe of Arizona and Zuni Tribe of the Zuni Reservation, New Mexico, support a history of migrations through and occupation of Aztec Ruins National Monument and surrounding areas. The cultural items were identified by Hopi and Zuni cultural specialists as funerary objects used in Hopi and Zuni burial practices based upon the specific forms and ceramic designs, as well as archeological contexts. Determinations Made by Aztec Ruins National Monument Officials of Aztec Ruins National Monument have determined that: • Pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001(3)(B), the 40 cultural items described above are reasonably believed to have been placed with or near individual human remains at the time of death or later as part of the death rite or ceremony and are believed, by a preponderance of the evidence, to have been removed from a specific burial site of a Native American individual. • Pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 3001(2), there is a relationship of shared group identity that can be reasonably traced between the unassociated funerary objects and the Hopi Tribe of Arizona and Zuni Tribe of the Zuni Reservation, New Mexico. Additional Requestors and Disposition Lineal descendants or representatives of any Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian organization not identified in this notice that wish to claim these cultural items should submit a written request with information in support of the claim to Lawrence Turk, Superintendent, Aztec Ruins National Monument, 84 Road 2900 (Ruins Road), Aztec, NM 87410, telephone (505) 334–6174 x222, email larry_turk@nps.gov, by September 25, 2014. After that date, if no additional claimants have come forward, transfer of control of the unassociated funerary objects to the Hopi Tribe of Arizona and Zuni Tribe of the Zuni Reservation, New Mexico may proceed. Aztec Ruins National Monument is responsible for notifying the Hopi Tribe of Arizona; Jicarilla Apache Nation, New Mexico; Kewa Pueblo, New Mexico (previously listed as the Pueblo of Santo Domingo); Kiowa Indian Tribe of Oklahoma; Mescalero Apache Tribe of E:\FR\FM\26AUN1.SGM 26AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 165 (Tuesday, August 26, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 50941-50942]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-20233]


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

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service

[NPS-NER-GATE-16013; PPNEGATE00/PMP00UP05.YP0000, PX.P0075604H.00.1]


Record of Decision for Final General Management Plan/
Environmental Impact Statement, Gateway National Recreation Area, New 
Jersey and New York.

AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of Availability.

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

SUMMARY: Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, 42 
U.S.C. 4332(2)(C), the National Park Service (NPS) announces the 
availability of the Record of Decision for the Final General Management 
Plan and Environmental Impact Statement (Final GMP/EIS), Gateway 
National Recreation Area (Gateway), New Jersey and New York. On June 
11, 2014, the Regional Director, Northeast Region, signed the Record of 
Decision approving a new General Management Plan (GMP) for Gateway. As 
soon as practicable, the NPS will begin to implement the selected 
alternative.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Superintendent Jennifer Nersesian, 
Gateway National Recreation Area, 210 New York Avenue, Staten Island, 
New York 10305 or telephone at (718) 354-4664.

ADDRESSES: Copies of the Record of Decision may be obtained from the 
contact listed below; the park's Web site, https://www.nps.gov/gate; or 
the NPS Planning, Environment, and Public Comment (PEPC) Web site, 
https://parkplanning.nps.gov/GATEROD.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On June 11, 2014, the Regional Director, 
Northeast Region, signed the Record of Decision selecting Alternative B 
as the approved General Management Plan (GMP) for Gateway. The Record 
of Decision 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; a listing of measures to 
minimize environmental harm; and an overview of public involvement in 
the decision-making process.
    The NPS will implement Alternative B: Discovering Gateway, which 
was identified as the agency's preferred alternative in the Final GMP/
EIS. The complete description of the selected alternative is provided 
in chapter 2 of the Final GMP/EIS in the following sections: Management 
Concepts for Each Alternative, Management Zones, Desired Conditions 
Common to Both Alternatives and Alternative B: Discovering Gateway.
    Under the selected alternative, the NPS will provide the widest 
range of activities and most recreation opportunities in dispersed 
locations throughout the park. New connections will be forged with park 
lands and communities adjacent and nearby Gateway. This alternative 
will offer the most instructional programming and skills development 
and draw people into the park to increase awareness and enjoyment of 
Gateway's historic resources and the natural environment. Gateway will 
provide more opportunities for multi-day excursions and overnight stays 
within the park and proposes different types of camping and lodging, 
varied use levels, and a range of supporting facilities. Increased use 
will be balanced with additional monitoring and management of wildlife 
and habitats. More convenient and affordable park access will be 
developed through trail connections, bicycle infrastructure, public 
transit, and waterborne transportation. The selected alternative 
prioritizes joint management and operations for visitor services, 
orientation, programs, and facilities with New York City and other 
partners.
    The selected alternative describes the approach that the park will 
take to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change. Specific 
options to protect Gateway's resources include integrating long-term 
planning into park operations, monitoring observed and projected 
climate trends, conducting climate-related vulnerability assessments 
for fundamental resources and values, monitoring climate sensitive 
species, and implementing a range of adaptive management actions. 
Natural resource protection and restoration efforts will focus on 
softening hardened coastal edges, restoring wetland and coastal 
habitats and improving water quality within park waters. The park will 
pursue public-private partnerships that assist with the preservation 
and reuse of historic structures and landscapes for a wide variety of 
uses including visitor services, administrative and partner needs, 
recreational business opportunities or compatible private use. Gateway 
will continue to collaborate with a variety of academic and scientific 
institutions, non-profit organizations and agencies on research and 
projects to find creative solutions for the long-term preservation of 
natural and cultural resources.
    The NPS selected Alternative B: Discovering Gateway because it best 
promotes a national park experience, provides a diversity of resource-
based recreational opportunities and balances use with protection of 
the park's fundamental resources and values. The enabling legislation 
and park purpose identified in the Final GMP/EIS were given the highest 
consideration as the basis for selecting Alternative B. The selected 
alternative provides for the greatest diversity of outdoor recreation 
and access to park shorelines for water-based activities--primary 
reasons for which Gateway was established as the first NPS urban 
national recreation area--and emphasizes new physical and programmatic 
connections with adjacent communities and local government park systems 
to further increase opportunities for park access. The selected 
alternative focuses on the preservation and interpretation of the key 
resources mentioned in the park's legislation and emphasizes new 
partnerships with New York City and adjacent communities that will 
greatly enhance the park's ability to fulfill the intent of the 
enabling legislation and support targeted resource protection goals.
    This planning process was initiated in 2009 and included extensive 
involvement with key stakeholders, agencies, resource experts, and 
members of the public. Information was disseminated through newsletters 
and press releases, and all interested parties were provided with 
opportunities to provide input and feedback during public meetings, 
workshops, and document review periods. The Draft General Management 
Plan and Environmental Impact Statement (Draft GMP/EIS) was available 
for public and agency review from August 2, 2013, through October 22, 
2013, with five public open houses held in August and September 2013. 
The Final GMP/EIS

[[Page 50942]]

responded to, and incorporated, agency and public comments received on 
the Draft GMP/EIS. The Final GMP/EIS was released for a 30-day no 
action period on May 9, 2014, ending June 9, 2014.

    Dated: June 11, 2014.
Michael A. Caldwell,
Regional Director, Northeast Region, National Park Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-20233 Filed 8-25-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-WV-P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.