National Park Service August 26, 2008 – 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 Draft General Management Plan (GMP) for Fort Stanwix National Monument, located in the city of Rome, New York. Consistent with National Park Service rules, regulations, and policies, and the park's mission, the Draft GMP/EIS describes and analyzes two alternatives to guide the management and development of Fort Stanwix National Monument over the next 15 to 20 years. The alternatives incorporate various management prescriptions to ensure protection and enjoyment of the park's resources. The Draft GMP/EIS evaluates potential environmental consequences of implementing the alternatives. Impact topics include cultural and natural resources, visitor experience, park operations, and the socioeconomic environment. NPS regional planning staff and staff at Fort Stanwix NM collaborated in the development of the Draft GMP/EIS. The main issues that the Draft GMP/EIS has focused on have included protection of cultural resources, visitor services, partnership opportunities, carrying capacity, and the lack of a properly defined boundary. Alternative 1: No Action focuses on basically maintaining current management, protection, and interpretive practices and interpreting the siege of Fort Stanwix in the Revolutionary War. Alternative 2: Action Alternative seeks to broaden interpretation of Fort Stanwix in the context of the Northern Frontier, the Mohawk Valley, and American Indian history; forge new partnerships; upgrade exhibits and waysides; expand the interpretive role of the Marinus Willett Center; and develop an 18th-century cultural landscape treatment plan for the site. After public review of the Draft GMP/EIS, the National Park Service will consider public comments, and a Final GMP/EIS will be prepared. The Final GMP/EIS is scheduled for completion in 2008.