[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 164 (Thursday, August 25, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-20862]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: August 25, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
 

General Management Plan; Joshua Tree National Monument; 
Availability of Draft Environmental Impact Statement

Summary: Pursuant to Section 102 (2) (C) of the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969 (Pub. L. 91-190 as amended), the National Park 
Service, Department of the Interior, has prepared a Draft Environmental 
Impact Statement (DEIS) assessing the potential impacts of the proposed 
General Management Plan for Joshua Tree National Monument, which is in 
Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, California. Once approved, the 
plan will guide the management of the monument over the next 15 years.
    The proposed action, Alternative A, would improve visitor contact 
facilities and services at each of the three main entrances, with a new 
visitor center developed at the west entrance. Interpretive programs 
and wayside exhibits would be updated and expanded. Facilities in 
existing developed areas would be replaced or redesigned to improve 
aesthetics, efficiency, and resource protection. Campground capacities 
would remain basically unchanged, but campsites would be improved 
through redesign. Picnic facilities and day use parking would be 
expanded somewhat, primarily in already-disturbed areas. Resource 
management programs would be increased to ensure better resource 
protection.
    Two alternatives are evaluated in the DEIS. Alternative B--No 
Action would continue current management strategies with no changes in 
visitor and park support facilities and no change in programs. 
Alternative C--Minimum Requirements would provide for the 
rehabilitation of deteriorated facilities in their current locations. 
Capacities of camp areas and day use parking areas would be unchanged, 
while the number of picnic sites would be slightly increased. The 
primary visitor center would remain at the Oasis of Mara.
    The environmental consequences of the proposed action and the 
alternatives are fully documented, and mitigation provided as 
appropriate to minimize impacts. No significant impacts are anticipated 
as a result of implementing the proposed action.

Supplementary Information: Written comments on the draft General 
Management Plan (GMP) and DEIS should be directed to the Regional 
Director, Western Regional Office, National Park Service, 600 Harrison 
St., Ste. 600, San Francisco, CA 94107-1372.
    Comments on the draft plan must be received by November 7, 1994.
    Two public open house sessions will be held to facilitate public 
review of the draft plan and DEIS. Park Service officials will be 
available at these sessions to explain the alternatives, answer 
questions, and receive public comments. The first session will be held 
September 14, from noon until 8 p.m., at Copper Mountain College, Hi-
Desert Campus, 6162 Rotary Way, Joshua Tree, California. The second 
open house will be held September 15, from noon until 8 p.m., at the 
College of the Desert, Regional Business Center, 43500 Monterey Ave., 
Palm Desert, California. The public is invited to stop by any time 
during the open house hours.
    Inquiries on the draft GMP and DEIS and requests for copies of the 
draft plan should be directed to Joshua Tree National Monument, 74485 
National Monument Drive, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277, or by telephone at 
(619) 367-7511. Copies of the draft GMP will be available for public 
inspection at the monument and at area libraries.

    Dated: August 12, 1994.
Phil Ward,
Acting Regional Director, Western Region.
[FR Doc. 94-20862 Filed 8-24-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-70-P