[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 124 (Wednesday, June 26, 1996)] [Notices] [Page 33136] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 96-16274] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR National Park Service Proposed Boundary Adjustment of Olympic National Park; Exchange of Lands in Clallam and Mason Counties, Washington ACTION: Notice of Realty Action on Proposed Boundary Adjustment and Lands Exchange. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The National Park Service (NPS), the State of Washington (State) and the City of Tacoma (Tacoma) are proposing a lands exchange pursuant to the Act of October 23, 1992, Public Law 102-436 (106 Stat. 2217) and the Act of July 15, 1968 (16 U.S.C. 460 l-22(b)), also in accordance with the Act of June 29, 1938 establishing Olympic National Park (16 U.S.C. 251) as amended. Federal lands within Olympic National Park (ONP) are authorized for disposal to Tacoma for operation of the Lake Cushman hydroelectric project. The boundary of ONP would be adjusted to delete these disposed federal lands. In exchange, the United States (U.S.) will acquire State-owned lands within the boundaries of ONP to be provided by Tacoma. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: An environmental assessment for this project was completed in July 1994, resulting in a Finding of No Significant Impact on February 16, 1996. The following described federal lands are being proposed for disposal by the U.S. and proposed for deletion from the boundaries of ONP: Willamette Meridian Township 23 North, Range 5 West Tract 37 in unsurveyed Sections 3 and 4 Containing 29.83 acres, more or less. In exchange, the U.S. will acquire the following described lands: Willamette Meridian Township 30 North, Range 10 West Section 26: NW\1/4\ NW\1/4\, and Township 28 North, Range 15 West Section 36: N\1/2\ NE\1/4\ NE\1/4\ SW\1/4\. The above lands aggregating 45 acres, more or less. The lands to be exchanged have been determined to be of equal value. This lands exchange and boundary adjustment is being proposed to facilitate Tacoma's operation of the Lake Cushman hydroelectric project, which periodically inundates the above federal land within ONP. Management of these lands, although being conveyed to Tacoma and being removed from the boundary of ONP, will continue to include public access and resource protection through a management agreement. The exchange also provides for the U.S. acquisition of State lands within the boundaries of ONP, which will be administered by NPS. Acquisition of these lands will provide protection to valuable wildlife habitat, wilderness, cultural and recreational resources within ONP. There are no leases or permits to other third parties affecting the federal lands proposed for disposal. These lands have been surveyed for cultural resources and threatened/endangered species and found suitable for disposal given the mitigation measures provided by agreement. FURTHER INFORMATION AND COMMENTS: More detailed information on this proposed action may be obtained from the Superintendent, Olympic National Park, 600 East Park Avenue, Port Angeles, Port Angeles, Washington 98362-6789. Public comments will be accepted for a period of 45 calendar days from the publication date of this notice. Comments should be sent to the Superintendent, Olympic National Park at the above address. In the absence of any subsequent action to modify or vacate the proposed exchange and boundary adjustment, this realty action to proceed with the exchange and boundary adjustment will become the final determination of the Department of the Interior. Dated: June 12, 1996. William C. Walters, Deputy Field Director, Pacific West Field Area. [FR Doc. 96-16274 Filed 6-25-96; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-70-P