[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 242 (Monday, December 18, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Page 65065]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-30613]



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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
National Park Service


General Management Plan; Lava Beds National Monument; Notice of 
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 
Draft General Management Plan (DGMP) for Lava Beds National Monument, 
Modoc and Siskiyou Counties, California. Once approved, the DGMP/EIS 
will guide the management of the monument over the next fifteen (15) 
years.
    This DGMP/EIS presents a proposal and two alternatives for the 
management, use, and development of Lava Beds National Monument. The 
proposed alternative, Alternative B: Minimum Requirements, provides for 
staffing, facilities, and boundary changes to provide for long-term 
resource protection, and facilities and programs sufficient to provide 
for essential visitor services. Physical features of the plan include 
boundary additions at Petroglyph Point, improvements at that area to 
reduce damage to the petroglyphs from wind erosion and vandalism, a 
small-scale research facility to facilitate the recruitment of 
volunteers for cost-effective research and resource-management 
projects, a visitor contact station at the north end of the monument, 
improvements at the existing visitor center, and minor increases in 
administrative support facilities.
    Alternative A: No Action, would continue the current situation at 
Lava Beds. Lands at Petroglyph Point would not be acquired, resources 
would not be adequately protected, and no additional steps would be 
taken to accommodate visitor interest and use. Resource quality and 
visitor use experience quality would decline.
    Alternative C: Enhanced Visitor Experience, would be similar to 
Alternative B in terms of resource management and protection, but would 
provide a broader range of visitor service. Increased interpretive and 
law enforcement staffing would allow a wider range of interpretive 
programs and faster response to emergency situations. A visitor center 
at the north end of the monument and a new and larger visitor facility 
at the Indian Well area would increase the range of exhibits and 
visitor services. Additional administrative facilities would be needed 
to support the greater staffing.
    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 DGMP/EIS should be 
directed to the Superintendent, Lava Beds National Monument, P.O. Box 
867, Tulelake, California 96134. Comments on the DGMP/EIS must be 
received by March 1, 1996.
    A public meeting will be held January 10 at the home economics 
building at the Tulelake-Butte Valley Fairgrounds from 7:00-10:00 p.m. 
National Park Service personnel will be available to explain the 
planning alternatives, answer questions, and receive public comments.
    Inquiries on the DGMP/EIS and requests for copies of the DGMP/EIS 
should be directed to Lava Beds National Monument, address as above, or 
by telephone at (916) 667-2282. Copies of the DGMP/EIS will be 
available for public inspection at the Monument and at area libraries.

    Dated: December 6, 1995.
Stephen Crabtree,
Field Director, Pacific West Area.
[FR Doc. 95-30613 Filed 12-15-95; 8:45 am]
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