[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 15 (Thursday, January 23, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 3521-3524]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-1636]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
National Park Service


Notice of Availability of the Final Development Concept Plan/ 
Environmental Impact Statement for South Side Denali, Alaska

AGENCIES: National Park Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability of the Final Development Concept Plan/

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 Environmental Impact Statement for South Side Denali, Alaska.

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SUMMARY: The National Park Service announces the availability of a 
Final Development Concept Plan/Environmental Impact Statement (DCP/EIS) 
for South Side Denali, Alaska. The document describes and analyzes the 
environmental impacts of a proposed action and two other action 
alternatives for providing opportunities for high quality, resource-
based destination experiences on South Side Denali National Park and 
Preserve in Alaska, as well as information, orientation, and recreation 
services and facilities convenient to park visitors. A no action 
alternative also is evaluated.

DATES: A Record of Decision will be made no sooner than 30 days after 
the date of the Federal Register Notice issued by the Environmental 
Protection Agency accepting and announcing the availability of the 
final DCP/EIS. A Record of Decision is anticipated by late February 
1997.

ADDRESSES: Copies of the Final South Side Denali DCP/EIS are available 
on request from: Superintendent, Denali National Park and Preserve, 
Post Office Box 9, Denali Park, Alaska 99755.
    Public reading copies of the final DCP/EIS will be available in the 
following locations:

Office of Public Affairs, National Park Service, Department of the 
Interior, 1849 C Street, Room 3424, Washington, DC 20240, telephone: 
(202) 208-6843.
Alaska System Support Office, National Park Service, 2525 Gambell 
Street, Room 404, Anchorage, Alaska 99503-2892, telephone: (907) 257-
2650.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nancy Swanton, Park Planner, Denali 
National Park and Preserve. Telephone: (907) 257-2651 FAX: (907) 257-
2485.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to section 102(2)(C) of the 
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (Pub. L. 91-190, as amended), 
the National Park Service, as lead federal agency, in cooperation with 
the State of Alaska, Matanuska-Susistna Borough, and Denali Borough, 
has prepared a final DCP/EIS for proposed visitor facilities and 
services on the South Side of Denali National Park and Preserve in 
Alaska.
    The final DCP/EIS represents a cooperative planning effort that 
builds on previous planning for the region, including a draft DCP/EIS 
issued in 1993 and a revised draft DCP/EIS issued in March 1996, 
recommendations for the south side made by the Denali Task Force and 
adopted by the National Park System Advisory Board in December 1994, 
and public comment. The south side refers to an area that includes 
Denali National Park and Preserve land, Denali State Park land, and 
other lands to the south of the national park and preserve boundaries.
    A proposed action, two other action alternatives, and a no action 
alternative are described and evaluated in the final DCP/EIS. The final 
DCP/EIS also sets the stage for establishing working partnerships for 
more detailed decision-making, funding, and phasing of appropriate 
visitor facilities and services on the south side.

Purpose, Vision, and Goals

    The purpose of the final DCP/EIS is to identify and evaluate 
options for the south side of Denali that serve the following vision:
     Provide opportunities for high quality, resource-based, 
destination experiences and provide information, orientation, and 
recreation services and facilities convenient to park visitors.
     Develop facilities and access in a location and manner 
that minimizes impacts on resources, local lifestyles, and communities.
     Establish working partnerships for funding and phasing 
development as outlined in the concept plan.
    In addition, a number of more specific goals are identified:
     Provide access to and a location for interpretation of the 
special qualities found in Denali National Park and Preserve and Denali 
State Park, including access to the spectacular alpine landscape on the 
south side of the Alaska Range.
     Offer a range of experiences and opportunities to meet the 
diverse needs of the traveling public, including information and 
orientation to the region; new or improved recreation facilities; 
enhanced state and national park interpretation; and shelter in bad 
weather.
     Ensure that, viewed as a whole, facilities and services 
benefit all visitors, including Alaska residents, independent 
travelers, and package tour travelers.
     Design and develop facilities and access improvements to 
support public use and understanding of the south side and its 
outstanding resources.
     Establish a research program and identify management needs 
to guide facility and road development.
     Facilitate orderly economic development in the region 
consistent with resource protection.
     Minimize and mitigate adverse effects on fish and wildlife 
resources, habitat, cultural resources, local rural quality of life, 
and existing public land and resource uses, including subsistence uses.
     Establish methods, responsibilities, and necessary steps 
to control unwanted secondary impacts of tourism and to minimize 
conflicts between different visitor groups.
    While the final DCP/EIS evaluates the impacts of the proposed 
action and a range of alternatives, including a no-action alternative, 
it also sets the stage for establishing working partnerships for more 
detailed decision-making, funding, and phasing of appropriate visitor 
facilities and services on the south side. The final DCP/EIS emphasizes 
the importance of coordinated implementation and describes the 
commitments being made by the planning partners, individually and 
collectively. Most implementation tasks would occur under any of the 
action alternatives, although a few are associated with the proposed 
action only.

Proposed Action and Alternatives

General Policies and Actions

    Several general policies and actions would be implemented under 
each action alternative. (An asterisk * indicates those actions that 
also would apply under the no-action alternative.) The policies would 
call for locating commercial facilities primarily on private lands; 
protecting the wild character of the south side; minimizing impacts on 
existing uses; adhering to the Alaska National Interest Lands 
Conservation Act, sections 1306 and 1307; and phasing development.
    The following actions would be taken:
     Developing up to two additional roadside exhibits along 
the George Parks Highway
     Identifying and establishing watchable wildlife areas
     Developing self-guiding interpretive brochures
     Managing state rights-of-way to maintain safety and 
protect scenic values, including selective brushing along the George 
Parks Highway
     Reviewing and revising the Matanuska-Susitna Borough's 
Special Land Use District in Denali State Park to improve 
implementation and enforcement*
     Completing borough corridor management plans for the 
Petersville Road and portions of the George Parks Highway*
     Working together, as appropriate, to manage recreational 
activities and other uses of public lands on the south side* (In the 
no-action alternative, such efforts would continue, but would be less 
comprehensive and lower priority.)

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     Supporting the maintenance of mining activities and 
working with the mining industry and individual claim holders to 
address mining issues in the project area*
     Considering state scenic byway designation for portions of 
the George Parks Highway, including the section in Denali State Park*
     Conducting research on the natural and cultural resources 
and human uses in the area in advance of development, as appropriate, 
on the south side* (In the no-action alternative, general information 
gathering would continue, but not at the pace, depth, or level of 
funding that would be anticipated if the site-specific developments 
described for the action alternatives were to be implemented, 
especially those along the Petersville Road.)
     Formally establishing a Denali South Side Plan 
Implementation Partnership to continue the cooperative partnership 
approach in implementing the development concept plan.

Proposed Action (Regional Strategy)

    To provide a broad range of visitor opportunities, major facilities 
would be in the Tokositna area at the end of an upgraded and extended 
Petersville Road and at a location near Byers Lake along the George 
Parks Highway. A visitor center (up to 5,000 square feet) would be 
built in the Tokositna area of Denali State Park. The Petersville Road 
would be upgraded and extended from the Forks Roadhouse (about mile 19) 
to access this new facility. Up to 50 primitive recreational vehicle 
(RV) or tent campsites, a picnic area, up to four public use cabins, 
and some short hiking/interpretive trails (some leading into Denali 
National Park and Preserve) would also be developed in the Tokositna 
area. In cooperation and, where desirable, a partnership between the 
National Park Service, local communities, Alaska Native Claims 
Settlement Act Native corporations, and the state of Alaska would 
develop visitor facilities and services in the central development zone 
of Denali State Park, at Talkeetna, and at Broad Pass when the need and 
opportunity to do so are established. Consultation and coordination 
with local communities to define need and determine appropriate courses 
of action would be essential. For the central development zone, 
developments would entail constructing a visitor center (up to 3,000 
square feet). In addition, the Byers Lake campground would be expanded 
by up to 25 sites or a new campground of up to 50 sites would be built 
elsewhere in the central development zone. Up to five primitive fly-in 
only campsites would be constructed at Chelatna Lake, as would up to 
two public use cabins and a hiking/interpretive trail and trailhead 
sign. The Dunkle Hills road could provide new public access 
opportunities in the Dunkle Hills/Broad Pass area, including access 
into Denali National Park and Preserve, pending resolution of land 
status/access issues.
    Development would occur under a logical and cost-effective phasing 
scenario developed by a Denali south side plan implementation 
partnership, in consultation with the public.

Alternative A (Large-Scale Visitor Facility along the George Parks 
Highway)

    All facilities would be located in Denali State Park along the 
George Parks Highway. No facilities would be constructed in the 
Tokositna area, in the Dunkle Hills, or near Chelatna Lake. The 
Petersville Road would not be upgraded or extended beyond mile 19 under 
this alternative. One visitor center (up to 13,000 square feet) would 
be built in either the northern, central, or southern development zone 
of Denali State Park. The Byers Lake campground would be expanded by up 
to 25 sites or a new campground of up to 50 sites would be built 
elsewhere in the central development zone. Short hiking/ interpretive 
trails would be developed around the visitor center. No public use 
cabins would be constructed.

Alternative B (Small-Scale Visitor Facility along the George Parks 
Highway)

    Under alternative B, all facilities would be located in Denali 
State Park along the George Parks Highway. No facilities would be 
constructed in the Tokositna area, in the Dunkle Hills, or near 
Chelatna Lake. The Petersville Road would not be upgraded or extended 
beyond mile 19 under this alternative. One small visitor center (up to 
1,500 square feet) would be built in either the northern, central, or 
southern development zone of Denali State Park. A small campground (up 
to 25 sites) would be constructed in the central development zone along 
the George Parks Highway. Short hiking/interpretive trails would be 
developed near the visitor center. No public use cabins would be 
constructed.

Alternative C (No Action)

    Management activity and the current low level of backcountry 
visitation would continue. Under alternative C, all facilities would be 
located in Denali State Park along the George Parks Highway. No 
facilities would be constructed in the Tokositna area, in the Dunkle 
Hills, or near Chelatna Lake. The Petersville Road would not be 
upgraded or extended beyond mile 19 under this alternative. A 320-
square-foot visitor contact station would be built by the state near 
the Alaska Veterans Memorial in the central development zone of Denali 
State Park. A short trail to the Chulitna River would be developed by 
the state in the southern development zone of the state park. The 
Matanuska-Susitna Borough would likely construct a snowmachine user 
parking area and associated sanitary facilities near the Forks 
Roadhouse along the Petersville Road. An existing privately built 
(trespass) cabin near Chelatna Lake would be converted to public use. 
In addition, four public use cabins may be developed by the state on 
the east side of the Chulitna River in Denali State Park. Development 
of campgrounds or other visitor facilities on the south side would not 
be anticipated by the state, the National Park Service, or the 
boroughs.

Changes Made Between the Revised Draft and Final DCP/EIS

    In response to public comments and cooperative planning partner 
discussions, several changes were made between publication of the 
revised draft DCP/EIS (March 1996) and completion of the final DCP/EIS. 
The major changes are summarized as follows.

Purpose and Need

    This section was updated to more explicitly describe the partners' 
vision for south side development and recreational opportunities and to 
state the need for visitor facilities and services more clearly.

Direction for the Plan

    This section was modified to clearly state the vision, goals, and 
objectives that guide the plan.

Elements Common to All Action Alternatives

    Additional detail is provided clarifying the general policies and 
actions that would be implemented under each action alternative and the 
no-action alternative. For example, additional text is included to 
emphasize partner support of continued mining in the study area.

Implementation of the Development Concept Plan

    This section was revised to provide clarification and additional 
information about plan implementation, including collective and 
individual partner commitments to ensure continued partnership, 
continued and

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strengthened public consultation and involvement, coordination on 
related plans, and appropriate measures to minimize or avoid adverse 
impacts.
    Two key commitments added are as follows:
     Ensure that additional or revised land management plans 
and controls are in effect before major development occurs.
     Assess the progress of plan implementation after three 
years in light of funding availability, results of wildlife research, 
and progress on identified mitigation strategies, and adjust priorities 
or management emphasis as needed.
Alternatives, Including the Proposed Action
    The proposed action was revised based on public input and 
cooperative planning partner discussions. Language was added to clarify 
the objectives for development in the Tokositna area and along the 
George Parks Highway. The size of the Tokositna visitor center was 
reduced from a maximum of 13,000 square feet to a maximum of 5,000 
square feet, with associated changes in visitor center functions and 
reductions in visitor and administrative space, parking, and employee 
housing. The capacity of the picnic facility in the vicinity of the 
Tokositna visitor center was increased from 25 to 50 people and now 
includes uncovered as well as covered areas for tables.
    The proposed action also now concentrates on an upgrade and 
extension of the Petersville Road only from the Forks Roadhouse (mile 
19) to the Tokositna site, because the road is generally usable for 
recreation development in its current state to mile 19, and it is 
assumed that the first 19 miles would be maintained and upgraded by the 
state regardless of actions proposed by this DCP/EIS. The road would 
also now include appropriately sited bicycle and pedestrian 
enhancements (not included in the revised draft DCP/EIS).
    Statements have been added noting that the visitor centers and 
public use cabins would be designed and built for year-round use 
(though, initially, only a portion of the Tokositna visitor center 
would be open to the public in the winter).
    The need for phasing and funding strategies are reemphasized, but 
most details regarding phasing of proposed developments were removed 
from the text; these would be determined during subsequent 
implementation planning activities.
    The no-action alternative (alternative C) was revised slightly in 
that the proposed Matanuska-Susitna Borough development of a 
snowmachine user facility near the Forks Roadhouse on the Petersville 
Road has been corrected to show only a parking area and sanitary 
facilities. The trail to the Chulitna River is described in more detail 
and the location changed from the central development zone to the 
southern development zone of Denali State Park. Construction of four 
public use cabins on the east side of the Chulitna River in Denali 
State Park also has been added to the list of actions.
    The mitigating measure related to regulating motorized activities 
on the Curry-Kesugi Ridge and in the Troublesome Creek drainage of 
Denali State Park was deleted.
Affected Environment
    This section was revised and updated to reflect new information 
received since the revised draft DCP/EIS was published and to better 
describe some resource conditions to address questions raised through 
public comments on the revised draft DCP/EIS.
Environmental Consequences
    The impact sections for each of the development alternatives were 
revised to reflect changes made to the proposed action and no-action 
alternatives. Additionally, the impact analyses for all alternatives 
assume land use controls would be in place prior to major development; 
however, where it makes a difference in the analysis, a description of 
the impacts is provided given the situation that these controls are not 
implemented. Visitation predictions under all alternatives except 
alternative B have been reduced and relevant impact sections rewritten 
accordingly. Completion of visitor center facilities would not occur 
prior to year 2000 as assumed in the revised draft; this is now assumed 
to take place no sooner than 2002 in the final DCP/EIS.
    The responsible official for the Record of Decision on the proposed 
actions is the National Park Service field director in Alaska.

    Dated: January 14, 1997.
Judith Gottlieb,
Acting Field Director, Alaska Field Office.
[FR Doc. 97-1636 Filed 1-22-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-70-P