National Park Service January 29, 2008 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Pursuant to section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, the National Park Service is preparing a General Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement (GMP/EIS) for the African Burial Ground National Monument. The park comprises 0.35 acres, in Lower Manhattan, New York, NY. Prepared by park staff and planners in the NPS Northeast Region, with assistance from advisors and consultants, the GMP/EIS will propose a long-term approach to managing the National Monument. Consistent with the site's purpose, NPS policy, and other laws and regulations, alternatives will be developed to guide the management of the monument over the next 15 to 20 years. The alternatives will incorporate various zoning and management prescriptions to ensure resource preservation and public appreciation of the site. The environmental consequences that could result from implementing the various alternatives will be evaluated for cultural and natural resources, visitor experience, park operations, the socioeconomic environment, impairment, and carrying capacity. Major issues to be explored include resource protection, visitor experience, administration and operation, partnerships, carrying capacity and potential boundary modifications. The public will be invited to express views about the long-term management of the National Monument early in the process through public meetings and other media; and will have an opportunity to review and comment on a draft GMP/EIS.

Pursuant to the terms of existing concession contracts, public notice is hereby given that the National Park Service intends to request a continuation of visitor services for a period not-to-exceed 1 year from the date of contract expiration.