[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 113 (Friday, June 12, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Page 32247]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-15690]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service


Appalachian National Scenic Trail

AGENCY: National Park Service; Interior.

ACTION: Record of decision.

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SUMMARY: This action announces a decision on a proposed exchange of 
federally-owned lands for privately owned lands near Cloud Bank Road, 
Township of Philipstown, Putnam County, New York.
    The National Park Service's Appalachian National Scenic Trail will 
continue with negotiations to exchange federally-owned lands for 
privately-owned lands near Cloud Bank Road in the Garrison, New York 
area. The federally-owned lands include the Colt Estate Dam. The 
authority for this exchange is Section 5(b) of the Land and Water 
Conservation Fund Act Amendments in Public Law 90-401 approved July 15, 
1968 and Section 7(f) of the National Trails System Act, Public Law 90-
543, as amended.
    The proposal to exchange lands has generated a significant amount 
of public interest. On June 28, 1997, the National Park Service (NPS) 
published a Notice of Realty Action describing the lands to be 
exchanged. The National Park Service subsequently conducted a public 
meeting concerning the proposed exchange in Garrison, New York on 
December 16, 1997.
    Written comments both in favor of and in opposition to the proposed 
exchange were received from concerned citizens and local, state and 
federal officials. Comments from the public at the Garrison meeting 
also were recorded for review and evaluation.
    The comments expressed can be characterized as fitting into four 
main themes: (1) Concern over transferring lands protected by the NPS 
to private citizens, (2) Concern over development over the exchanged 
lands, (3) Concern with the condition of the Colt Estate Dam, and (4) 
Concern with land valuation.
    In response to the concerns expressed by the public, the 
Appalachian Trail Park Manager has directed the Appalachian Trail Land 
Acquisition Office to continue with negotiations to exchange the 
federally-owned lands for privately-owned lands. The conditions of the 
exchange now will include conservation restrictions to be held by a 
third party, non-profit entity on the property to be exchanged, and 
deed provisions whereby the owners, his heirs and assigns agree to 
maintain liability insurance with assurances that dam repairs and 
maintenance are performed to the satisfaction of New York State dam 
safety officials.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Chief, Acquisition Division, National 
Park Service, AT/LAFO, PO Box 908, Martinsburg, WV 25402, 304-263-4943.

    Dated: May 19, 1998.
Pamela Underhill,
Park Manager, Appalachian National Scenic Trail.
[FR Doc. 98-15690 Filed 6-11-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-70-P