National Park Service September 6, 2011 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

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 a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the General Management Plan (GMP) for Gulf Islands National Seashore (seashore). Consistent with NPS laws, regulations, and policies and the purpose of the seashore, the DEIS/GMP describes the NPS preferred alternative Alternative 3to guide the management of the seashore over the next 15 to 20 years. The preferred alternative incorporates various management prescriptions to ensure protection, access and enjoyment of the seashore's resources. An up-to-date GMP is needed to address how visitors access and use the seashore and the facilities needed to support those uses, how resources are managed, and how the NPS manages its operations. Recent studies have enhanced the NPS's understanding of resources, resource threats, and visitor use in the seashore.