[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 153 (Wednesday, August 7, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Page 41179]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-20033]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
National Park Service


General Management Plan; Lava Beds National Monument; Notice of 
Availability of Final Environmental Impact Statement

SUMMARY: Pursuant to Section 102 (2) (C) of the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969 (P.L. 91-190 as amended), the National Park Service, 
Department of the Interior, has prepared a final environmental impact 
statement (FEIS) assessing the potential impacts of the proposed 
General Management Plan for Lava Beds National Monument, Modoc and 
Siskiyou Counties, California. Once approved, the plan will guide the 
management of the monument over the next 15 years.
    The General Management Plan presents a proposal and three 
alternatives for the management, use, and development of Lava Beds 
National Monument. The proposed plan 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, additional visitor 
orientation displays at all entrances to 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 B: Minimum Requirements, would be similar to the 
proposed action but would also include a visitor contact station in the 
north end of the monument, a road relocation in the Petroglyph Point 
section, and paving of the Medicine Lake Road. Staffing levels would be 
somewhat higher than the proposed plan.
    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 general management 
plan and FEIS should be directed to the Superintendent, Lava Beds 
National Monument, P.O. Box 867, Tulelake, California 96134. Comments 
on the plan must be received no later than 30 days after the 
publication of a notice of availability by the Environmental Protection 
Agency in the Federal Register.
    Inquiries on the general management plan and FEIS and requests for 
copies of the plan should be directed to Lava Beds National Monument, 
address as above, or by telephone at (916) 667-2282. Copies of the plan 
will be available for public inspection at the monument and at area 
libraries.

    Dated; July 24, 1996.
Patricia L. Neubacher,
Acting Field Director, Pacific West Area.
[FR Doc. 96-20033 Filed 8-6-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-70-P