[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 193 (Tuesday, October 6, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 53695-53696]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-26695]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service


National Wild and Scenic Rivers System; Notice of Approval

SUMMARY: Pursuant to the authority granted the Secretary of the 
Interior by Section 2 of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (82 Stat. 906, 
16 U.S.C. 1273), and upon proper application of the Governor of the 
State of North Carolina, an 81-mile segment of the Lumber River is 
hereby designated as a State-administered component of the National 
Wild and Scenic Rivers System. This action is based on the designation 
of the river by the State of North Carolina and the protection offered 
this river and its immediate environment by and

[[Page 53696]]

pursuant to applicable State laws and regulations.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Wallace Brittain, National Park 
Service, Southeast Region, Atlanta Federal Center, 1924 Building, 100 
Alabama Street, S.W., Atlanta, Georgia, 30303; or telephone 404-562-
3175.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On April 15, 1996, North Carolina Governor 
James Hunt petitioned the Secretary of the Interior to add a segment of 
the Lumber River to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Section 
2(a)(ii) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act allows a Governor to request 
that rivers already protected in a State System be included in the 
National System. In his application, Governor Hunt requested that 115 
miles of the Lumber River be designated.
    The responsibility for making determinations of eligibility has 
been delegated to the National Park Service. Requirements for the 
National Environmental Policy Act, Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, Clean 
Water Act, Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Conservation Act, 
National Preservation Act, all NPS directives, and all applicable 
executive orders were followed throughout this study. All existing and 
proposed river management plans have likewise complied with all 
provisions of relevant statutes, regulations, and executive orders.
    A draft of the National Park Service's eligibility report and 
environmental assessment was released for a 45-day public review period 
beginning on April 6, 1998. The review period was extended 21 days; all 
comments postmarked by June 12, 1998, were considered timely. Twenty-
three comments were received; all letters supported designation, none 
opposed.
    The National Park Service found that 81 miles met the four criteria 
that a state-managed river must meet under the Act. These criteria are: 
(1) designation of the river into a State river protection system; (2) 
management of the river by a political subdivision of the State; (3) 
possession of eligibility criteria common to all national wild and 
scenic rivers, that is, the river is free-flowing and possesses one or 
more outstandingly remarkable values; (4) the existence of effective 
mechanisms and regulations to protect the Lumber River without Federal 
management.
    Based on the recommendations of the National Park Service and a 
review of all relevant documents, I have determined that 81 miles of 
the Lumber River, from State Route 1412/1203 (River Mile 0) to the 
Scotland/Robeson County lines at the end of the Maxton Airport Swamp 
(approximately River Mile 22) and the reach of the Lumber River 
including the city of Lumberton (River Mile 56) to the North Carolina/
South Carolina border (River Mile 115), be designated as parts of the 
National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The portions of the 81 miles 
that flow through the city of Lumberton and the town of Fair Bluff are 
classified as Recreational; the rest is classified as Scenic.

    Dated: September 25, 1998.
Bruce Babbitt,
Secretary of the Interior.
[FR Doc. 98-26695 Filed 10-5-98; 8:45 am]
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