[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 68 (Friday, April 9, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Page 17408]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-8840]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service


General Management Plan, Environmental Impact Statement, Washita 
Battlefield National Historic Site, Oklahoma

AGENCY: National Park Service.

ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement 
for the general management plan, Washita Battlefield National Historic 
Site (NHS).

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SUMMARY: Under the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act, 
the National Park Service is preparing an environmental impact 
statement for the general management plan (GMP) for Washita Battlefield 
NHS. This statement will be approved by the Director, Intermountain 
Region.
    Washita Battlefield NHS was established by Public Law 104-333 on 
November 12, 1996, to provide for the preservation and interpretation 
of the Battle of the Washita. The battle, which occurred on November 
27, 1868, was one of the largest engagements between Plains tribes and 
the United States Army on the Southern Great Plains. The site is a 
registered National Historic Landmark. The GMP is needed to guide the 
protection and preservation of the natural and cultural environments, 
considering a variety of interpretive visitor experiences that enhance 
the enjoyment and understanding of the park resources.
    The effort will result in a comprehensive plan that encompasses 
preservation of natural and cultural resources, provision for visitor 
use and interpretation, and development of necessary and appropriate 
facilities. In cooperation with local interests, attention will also be 
given to resources outside the boundaries that affect the integrity of 
park resources. Alternatives to be considered include no-action, the 
preferred alternative, and other alternatives addressing the following 
major issues:

     How can the important natural and cultural resources be 
best protected and preserved, while providing for visitor use for 
present and future generations?
     What level and type of use is appropriate to be 
consistent with the park's purpose, and to relate to the park's 
significance?
     What facilities are needed to meet the mission goals of 
the park regarding natural and cultural resource management, visitor 
use and interpretation, partnerships, and park operations?

    The National Park Service is planning to hold public scoping 
meetings regarding the GMP during the week of May 10th. Specific dates, 
times, and locations will be announced in the local media, and can be 
obtained by contacting the park superintendent. The purpose of these 
meetings is to explain the planning process and to obtain comments 
concerning appropriate resource management; desired visitor use, 
interpretation, and facilities; and issues that need to be resolved. In 
addition to attending scoping meetings, people wishing to provide input 
to this initial phase of developing the GMP may address comments to the 
superintendent. Scoping comments should be received no later than 60 
days from the publication of this Notice of Intent.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Contact Superintendent Sarah 
Craighead, Washita Battlefield National Historic Site, P.O. Box 890, 
Cheyenne, Oklahoma 73628; Tel: (580) 497-2742; Fax: (580) 497-2712; e-
mail: [email protected].

    Dated: March 31, 1999.
Sarah Craighead,
Superintendent, Washita Battlefield NHS.
[FR Doc. 99-8840 Filed 4-8-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-70-M