[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 147 (Tuesday, July 30, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 39664-39665]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-19246]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Draft Environmental Impact Statement/General Management Plan, San 
Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, San Francisco County, Ca; 
Notice of Availability

Summary: Pursuant to Sec. 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969 (Pub. L. 91-190 as amended), the National Park 
Service (NPS), Department of the Interior, has prepared a draft 
environmental impact statement assessing the potential impacts of the 
proposed General Management Plan (DEIS/GMP) for San Francisco Maritime 
National Historical Park, San Francisco, California. Once approved, the 
plan will guide the management of the park over the next 15 to 20 
years.

Alternatives: The proposed action (Alt. A) would emphasize the 
preservation and maintenance of the park's collection, including the 
fleet of historic vessels, small watercraft, library, and archival 
materials. The steam schooner Wapama, a National Historic Landmark, 
would not be preserved and would eventually be dismantled. The park 
would pursue multiple strategies for major ship restoration, such as 
continued use of commercial shipyards and appropriate agreements with 
San Francisco Bay Area dry dock facilities. Greater use of the park's 
collection by the public for research and interpretive purposes would 
be provided through the use of additional facilities, including

[[Page 39665]]

rehabilitation of the Haslett Warehouse. A distinct, 19th century San 
Francisco design theme would clearly establish the exceptional maritime 
identity of the park. The intersection at Hyde and Jefferson Streets 
would be redesigned to enhance pedestrian access and visibility of the 
pier and historic ships, and to expand interpretive opportunities. In 
addition to information regarding park facilities and programs, 
visitors would be encouraged to experience other related sites in the 
Bay Area.
    Two additional alternatives are evaluated in the DEIS/GMP. 
Alternative B (Alt. B), similar to the proposed action, would emphasize 
the preservation and maintenance of the historic ships, small 
watercraft, library, and archival materials. Space would be upgraded 
and expanded for the park's collection. The park would pursue multiple 
strategies for major ship restoration work. Under Alt. B, the 
intersection of Hyde and Jefferson Streets would be developed further 
as an expanded/permanent pedestrian plaza with public seating, 
unobstructed views of the ships and Bay, and additional space for 
interpretive demonstrations, displays, and public programs.
    Alternative C (Alt. C) is the ``No Action/Minimum Requirements'' 
option, and would continue current management strategies, with minimal 
actions implemented to stabilize and preserve the park's collection and 
historic properties.

supplementary information: The environmental consequences of the 
proposed action and the two other alternatives are fully documented in 
the DEIS/GMP, and appropriate mitigation measures to minimize impacts 
are identified. Copies of the DEIS/GMP will be available for public 
inspection at the park and at area libraries. Requests for copies of 
the document should be directed to: Superintendent, San Francisco 
Maritime National Historical Park, Attn: DEIS/GMP, National Park 
Service, Building E, Fort Mason, San Francisco, California, 94123, or 
by telephone at (415) 556-1659. Written comments on the draft document 
should also be directed to the Superintendent at the above address and 
must be received not later than 60 days after the publication of Notice 
of Availability by the Environmental Protection Agency.
    Two public meetings will be held to facilitate public review of the 
DEIS/GMP. NPS officials will be available at these sessions to explain 
the alternatives, answer questions, and receive public comments. The 
first meeting will be held August 21, from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., 
at Building F (Firehouse), Fort Mason, San Francisco, California. The 
second meeting will be held August 22, from 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m., 
at the same location. For more details, contact San Francisco Maritime 
National Historical Park, Attn: DEIS/GMP, National Park Service, Bldg. 
E, Fort Mason, San Francisco, California, 94123, or inquire by 
telephone at (415) 556-1659.

    Dated: July 23, 1996.
Patricia L. Neubacher,
Acting Field Director, Pacific West Field Area.
[FR Doc. 96-19246 Filed 7-29-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-70-P