[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 162 (Monday, August 23, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Page 45979]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-21801]



[[Page 45979]]

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service


Comprehensive Management Plan for the Merced Wild and Scenic 
River, Yosemite National Park, Mariposa and Madera Counties, 
California; Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact 
Statement

SUMMARY: Pursuant to Sec. 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969 (Public Law 91-190) and Council on Environmental 
Quality regulations (40 CFR 1508.22), the National Park Service intends 
to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for a Comprehensive 
Management Plan that encompasses protection and enhancement of the 
values for which the Merced River was designated as a Wild and Scenic 
River. During the ensuing conservation planning-impact analysis 
process, management alternatives will be developed which will address 
resource protection, development of lands or facilities, user 
capacities, and various stewardship practices necessary or desirable to 
achieve the purposes of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968, as 
amended. The Merced River planning process will be conducted in 
consultation with affected federal agencies, State and local 
governments, tribal groups, and interested organizations and 
individuals.

Background

    The National Park Service has previously completed the tasks of 
establishing detailed boundaries, classifying segments of the Merced 
River as either wild, scenic, or recreational (as required by 16 USC 
1274(b)), and identifying the outstandingly remarkable values (ORV) for 
each river segment. These factors were presented for public review and 
comment in the 1996 Draft Yosemite Valley Housing Plan (Addendum/
Supplement to the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the General 
Management Plan). The Merced River planning process will incorporate 
that information (and germane comments) into the preparation of the 
Environmental Impact Statement for the Merced River Comprehensive 
Management Plan (MCMP/EIS).

Scoping Results

    The MCMP/EIS is being prepared by the NPS pursuant to the Wild and 
Scenic Rivers Act, as amended (16 USC 1274(d)). The NPS has completed 
the scoping phase through a concerted public involvement effort, 
including the following activities. An invitation letter initiating 
scoping and announcing four public meetings was mailed to over 8,500 
individuals, organizations, agencies, and other entities during the 
week of June 7, 1999. On June 11, 1999 the NPS formally noticed the 
MCMP scoping period in the Federal Register (V64-N112-P31605), 
accepting comments through July 14, 1999. Altogether six public 
meetings were held in San Francisco (June 22), Modesto (June 23), 
Mariposa (June 24), Yosemite Valley (June 28), Wawona (July 7), and El 
Portal (July 12). In addition to direct mailing and the internet, all 
meetings were publicized via news releases sent to over 110 media 
contacts on June 3 and July 1, 1999. In deference to public interest, 
the NPS on July 13, 1999 via direct mailing and news release issued a 
two-week extension of the scoping period through July 30, 1999. Formal 
notice of the extension appeared in the Federal Register on July 23, 
1999 (V64-N141-P40037).

Results of Scoping and Future Information

    As a result of the scoping effort which elicited over 330 
responses, it has been determined that an Environmental Impact 
Statement (not an Environmental Assessment) will be prepared. All 
comments received during June 11-July 30 in response to the scoping and 
extension notices have been duly considered, and will remain in the 
administrative record throughout this conservation planning-impact 
analysis process. In addition to the considerations mentioned above, as 
a direct result of the public responses received the following issues 
will be considered: recreational use; commercial use; access for 
persons with disabilities; riparian habitat protection; private 
property in Wawona; the river boundaries; development in Yosemite 
Valley within the corridor; and air, water, and noise pollution.
    Updated information about various aspects of the Merced River 
planning process will be periodically distributed via newsletters, 
mailings, the Yosemite National Park Webpage (http://www.nps.gov/yose/
planning), and regional and local news media. To request placement on 
MCMP/EIS mailing list, please leave your name and address on the voice 
mail telephone at (209) 372-0261--interested individuals, 
organizations, and agencies may also respond to: Superintendent, Attn: 
CMP/EIS, P.O. Box 577, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389.

Decision Process

    On July 12, 1999 a federal judge ordered the NPS to complete a 
Comprehensive Management Plan for the Merced Wild and Scenic River 
within twelve (12) months. This ruling stemmed from a lawsuit brought 
by plaintiffs opposing the ongoing reconstruction of State Highway 140 
(El Portal Road) along the first seven miles of the highway situated 
within the park. Consequently the MCMP/EIS effort will proceed on the 
following compressed time schedule:
    The Draft CMP/EIS is anticipated to be available for public review 
and comment during January and February 2000. Availability of the Draft 
document for review and written comment will be announced by formal 
Notice in the Federal Register, through local and regional news media, 
Yosemite's Webpage, and direct mailing. Comments on the Draft CMP/EIS 
will be fully considered, and incorporated into a Final CMP/EIS as 
appropriate. At this time it is anticipated that the Final CMP/EIS will 
be completed during early June 2000. Subsequently, notice of an 
approved Record of Decision will be published in the Federal Register 
not sooner than thirty (30) days after the Final CMP/EIS is 
distributed. This is expected to occur by mid-July of 2000. The 
official responsible for the decision is the Regional Director, Pacific 
West Region, National Park Service; the official responsible for 
implementation is the Superintendent, Yosemite National Park.

    Dated: August 13, 1999.
Martha K. Leicester,
Acting Regional Director, Pacific West.
[FR Doc. 99-21801 Filed 8-20-99; 8:45 am]
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