National Park Service – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Under provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and 5 CFR part 1320, Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements, the National Park Service (NPS) invites public comments on an extension of a currently approved collection of information (OMB 1024-0233).

Under provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and 5 CFR Part 1320, Reporting and Record Keeping Requirements, the National Park Service (NPS) invites public comments on an extension of a currently approved collection of information (OMB1024-0224).

The National Park Service (NPS) is revising rules that regulate boating and water use activities in areas administered by the NPS. The rule is intended to address changing visitor use patterns, changing technologies, compelling boating and water safety issues, and the evolution of related statutory authorities. The goal is to provide for greater consistency with United States Coast Guard (USCG) regulations and state laws and regulations and to establish rules which will be more clearly understood by the visiting public, and which can be more effectively communicated and enforced by NPS personnel. Promulgation of the final rule will eliminate many requirements which are ineffective or out of date and will provide flexibility in managing safety, resource preservation, and public use needs throughout the National Park System.

In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92-463, 86 Stat. 770, 5 U.S.C. App 1, 10), notice is hereby given of the sixth meeting of the Negotiated Rulemaking Advisory Committee for Dog Management at Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA).

The National Park Service (NPS) announces the availability of the ROD on the FGMP/EIS for Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site, Kentucky. This is being done pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, 42 U.S.C. 4332. On November 29, 2006, the Regional Director, NPS, Southeast Region, approved the ROD for the project. As soon as practicable, the NPS will begin to implement the FGMP/EIS, described as the Preferred Alternative contained in the FGMP/EIS issued on October 20, 2006. The approved plan will enhance opportunities for visitors to interact with and appreciate all of the national historic site's resources while providing for the preservation or adaptive use of cultural resources when implemented. The approved plan also recommends that the official name of the site be changed to ``Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park.''

Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, 42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C), the National Park Service (NPS) and the Federal Highway Administration, Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division will serve as joint lead agencies in the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Foothills Parkway Section 8B, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee. Section 8B is located in Sevier and Cocke Counties, Tennessee. This effort will analyze the impacts of alternatives for this section of the Foothills Parkway. The public scoping process for this EIS has been initiated with issuance of this notice. The purpose of the scoping process is to elicit public comment regarding the full spectrum of public issues and concern that should be addressed in the EIS process, including a suitable range of alternatives, the nature and extent of potential environmental impacts, and appropriate mitigation strategies. A suitable range of alternatives will be considered along with the no-action alternative, including, but not limited to construction of a road through this section of the Parkway corridor, construction of a trail instead of a road, and construction of a combination road and trail. A scoping newsletter will be prepared in spring 2007 that will detail the issues identified to date. Copies of the newsletter when available may be obtained from the NPS Planning, Environment, and Public Comment (PEPC) Web site: https://parkplanning.nps.gov.

Notice is hereby given in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) (5 U.S.C. Appendix (1988)), that the Preservation Technology and Training Board (Board) of the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training (NCPTT), National Park Service will meet on Wednesday and Thursday, April 4-5, 2007, in Natchitoches, Louisiana. The Board was established by Congress to provide leadership, policy advice, and professional oversight to the National Park Service's National Center for Preservation Technology and Training (National Center) in compliance with Section 404 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, (16 U.S.C. 470x-2(e)). The Board will meet at Lee H. Nelson Hall, the headquarters of NCPTT, at 645 University Parkway, Natchitoches, LA 71457telephone (318) 356-7444. The meeting will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 4 and from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on April 5. The Board's meeting agenda will include: review and comment on National Center FY2006 accomplishments and operational priorities for FY2007; FY2007 and FY2008 National Center budget and initiatives; proposed Wingspread Conference on Sustainability in Preservation; revitalization of the Center's Friends group, and Board workgroup reports. The Board meeting is open to the public. Facilities and space for accommodating members of the public are limited, however, and persons will be accommodated on a first come, first served basis. Any member of the public may file a written statement concerning any of the matters to be discussed by the Board. Persons wishing more information concerning this meeting, or who wish to submit written statements, may contact: Mr. Kirk A. Cordell, Executive Director, National Center for Preservation Technology and Training, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, 645 University Parkway, Natchitoches, LA 71457telephone (318) 356-7444. In addition to U.S. Mail or commercial delivery, written comments may be sent by fax to Mr. Cordell at (318) 356-9119. Minutes of the meeting will be available for public inspection no later than 90 days after the meeting at the office of the Executive Director, National Center for Preservation Technology and Training, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, 645 University Parkway, Natchitoches, LA 71457telephone (318) 356-7444.

Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13, 44 U.S.C. 3507) and 5 CFR 1320, Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements, the National Park Service invite public comments on eight proposed information collection requests (ICR) for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and Urban Park and Recreation Recovery (UPARR) grant programs. 1. LWCF Description and Notification (DNF) Form. The DNF is necessary to provide data input into the NPS Automated Project information system which provides timely data on projects funded over the life of the LWCF program. 2. LWCF Program Performance Report. As required by OMB Circular A- 102, grantees must submit performance requirements which describe the status of the work required under the project scope. 3. LWCF Project Agreement and Amendment Form. The Project Agreement and Amendment forms set forth the obligations assumed by the State through its acceptance of Federal assistance under the LWCF Act and any special terms and conditions. 4. LWCF On-Site Inspection Report. The On-Site Inspection Reports are used to insure compliance by grantees with applicable Federal and program guidelines, and to insure the continued viability of the funded site. 5. LWCF Conversion of Use Provisions. To convert assisted sites to other than public outdoor recreation, LWCF project sponsors must provide relevant information necessary to comply with Section 6(f)(3) of the LWCF Act of 1965. 6. UPARR Project Performance Report. As required by OMB Circular A- 102, grant recipients must submit performance reports which describe the status of the work required under the project scope. 7. UPARR Conversion of Use Provisions. To convert assisted sites to other than public recreation, UPARR project sponsors must provide relevant information necessary to comply with the section 1010 of the UPARR Act of 1978. 8. UPARR Project Agreement and Amendment Form. The Project agreement and amendment forms set forth the obligations assumed by grant recipients through their acceptance of Federal Assistance under the UPARR Act and any special terms and conditions.

Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13, 44 U.S.C. 3507) and 5 CFR Part 1320, the National Park Service (NPS) invites public comment on an extension of a currently approved collection of information (OMB No. 1024-0022)

Under provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and 5 CFR part 1320, Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements, the National Park Service (NPS) invites public comments on an extension of a currently approved collection of information (OMB No. 1024-0236).

Pursuant to Sec. 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and the corresponding Council of Environmental Quality implementing regulations (40 CFR parts 1500-1508), the National Park Service and Bureau of Reclamation, as lead agencies for the Department of Interior, announce the availability of the Clean Water Coalition Systems Conveyance and Operations Program (SCOP) Final Environmental Impact Statement (Final EIS). The SCOP Final EIS completes the evaluation of potential environmental impacts associated with a proposed pipeline alternative, two additional pipeline alternatives, and the baseline No Action alternative (and also presents a Process Improvements option derived from the No Action Alternative). The purpose of implementing the proposal is to put into operation a treatment and conveyance system that will allow for flexible management of wastewater flow in the Las Vegas Valley, while maintaining water quality standards. Clark County, Nevada is one of the fastest growing counties in the U.S., with a projected population in the area of approximately 3,130,000 by 2035. The quantity of effluent treated and discharged in the Las Vegas Valley will increase with the Valley populations. The treatment and conveyance facilities must accommodate the additional flows while continuing to meet current or future water quality standards for Las Vegas Wash and Bay, and Lake Mead. The Final EIS evaluates effects of the alternatives on both visitor experience and park resources including: surface water hydrology, groundwater, water quality, biological resources/endangered species, cultural resources, recreation, land use, air quality, noise, socioeconomics, and other appropriate resource issues identified during the public scoping phase. An impairment analysis was also completed by the National Park Service (NPS) for the portion of the proposed actions that would impinge upon this unit of the National Park System.

Pursuant to Sec. 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (Pub. L. 91-190, as amended) and the implementing regulations promulgated by the Council on Environmental Quality (40 CFR 1505.2), the Department of the Interior, National Park Service, has prepared, and the Regional Director, Pacific West Region, has approved, the Record of Decision for the new General Management Plan for Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve. The 30-day wait period was officially initiated October 13, 2006, with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Federal Register notification of the filing of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Decision: As soon as practicable the Reserve will begin to implement as its new General Management Plan the Preferred Alternative (with minor modifications from Alternative B as described in the Draft and Final EIS); this alternative was also deemed to be the ``environmentally preferred'' course of action. The selected plan features an overlay of four management zones on the Reserve: (i) Cultural and Natural Preservation Zone, (ii) Visitor Use and Development Zone, (iii) Administrative Zone, and (iv) Special Use Zonethese zones are identified based on resource condition or character, visitor experience and appropriate types of activities or facilities criteria. The new plan enhances existing programs, natural and cultural resource management, and administrative and maintenance operations. An integrated pest management program will be implemented in concert with Reserve landowners and other partners. Visitor services within the Reserve are improved, and information kiosks would be installed along State Route 20 in the Smith Prairie area and at a northern gateway location, and at the Keystone and/or Port Townsend ferry landings. The Trust Board shall continue to be responsible for setting the policies and general actions for the Reserve consistent with the Reserve's enabling legislation, GMP, and relevant NPS policies and guidelines. This includes continuing the NPS's annual appraisal of Reserve management and operations under the enabling legislation. The Trust Board would continue to oversee management and protection of lands (including fee and easements) purchased with federal money, administer programs and technical support, participate in local land use review processes, and advocate for and support the Reserve. The Reserve Manager continues to be employed by and report directly to the Trust Board (in turn, the Trust Board will conduct annual operations and staff performance reviews and submit these to the Deputy Regional Director, Pacific West). Based upon public comments and refinements desired by the planning team collaborative, the selected plan includes several modifications from the Preferred Alternative as detailed in the Final EIS, including but not limited to: the GMP will incorporate certain historic preservation and land use protection measures which were adopted by Island County after the EIS process was begun; the development of a marine science center by nonprofits will be encouraged; proposed Reserve staff additions over the next 20 years are reduced to five. Also, since release of the draft GMP, Bell Farm was removed from the proposed boundary modification at the owner's request. The proposed plan and three alternatives were identified and analyzed in the Final EIS, and previously in the Draft EIS (the latter was distributed in August 2005). A broad spectrum of foreseeable environmental consequences was assessed, and appropriate mitigation measures identified, for each alternative. Beginning with early scoping, through the preparation of the Draft and Final EIS, a series of public meetings and open-houses was conducted locally. Overall approximately 40 written scoping comments and 250 written or electronic Draft EIS review comments were received (as noted above, the latter served as the source of several minor adjustments to the final selected plan). Key consultations or other contacts that aided in preparing the EIS involved (but were not limited to) Island County and Town of Coupeville officials, Ebey's Landing Trust Board, Washington State Historic Preservation Office, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, tribal governments, and adjoining land managing agencies. Local community groups and neighbors, farmers and local business owners, and interested organizations were contacted extensively during initial scoping and throughout the GMP planning process. Copies: Interested parties desiring to review the Record of Decision may obtain a complete copy by contacting the Reserve Manager, Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve, P.O. Box 774, Coupeville, Washington 98239 as well as via telephone request at (360) 678-6084.

As directed by the U.S. Congress in Pub. L. 107-59, the National Park Service (NPS) undertook a special resource study (SRS) of the Great Falls Historic District in Paterson, New Jersey. In accordance with NPS policy, the Great Falls Historic District SRS was initially undertaken as an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA). A Notice of Intent to Prepare an EIS was published in the Federal Register on September 15, 2003. The purpose of an SRS is to determine the degree and kind of federal actions that may be desirable for the management and protection of an area considered to have potential for addition to the national park system. The EIS assesses the impacts of the management alternatives examined in the SRS. The SRS examines a site in terms of: significance of the resources determination of suitability of the site for inclusion within the national park system in comparison to other protected sites with similar resources or themes determination of feasibility for the NPS to own, manage or participate in conservation and interpretation in the study area need for NPS management measured against other alternatives This SRS examined the resources in the existing Great Falls Historic District, which preserves the history of the beginnings of manufacturing and labor in the United States. All of the elements of the site are located within the City of Paterson, County of Passaic, in New Jersey, adjacent to the Passaic River. Determination of the need for NPS management is the final criterion for evaluating resources for potential designation as a unit in the national park system. The study concluded that the site is determined neither suitable nor feasible for potential designation as a unit of the national park system. As a result, there is no need for NPS management and no further Federal action. Therefore, the EIS process has been terminated.

Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, 42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C), the National Park Service and the University of Utah announce the availability of a Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Construction and Operation of a Proposed New Utah Museum of Natural History at the University of Utah, Salt Lake County, Utah.

Notice is hereby given that the boundary of Golden Gate National Recreation Area is modified to include five acres of real property adjacent to the park. This adjustment is accomplished to include private property that the owner wishes to donate to the United States for the use of Golden Gate National Recreation Area and which the National Park Service has concluded would be a valuable addition to the park. The real property added to the park is depicted as Tract 05- 168 on Drawing No. 641/80,046, Sheet 6 of 26, Segment Map 05, dated November 3, 2006. This map is on file and available for inspection at the following locations: National Park Service, Land Resources Program Center, Pacific West Region, 1111 Jackson St., Suite 700, Oakland, CA 94607, and National Park Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, DC 20240.