[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 176 (Monday, September 13, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 49502-49503]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-23765]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service


Primary Restoration Plan for Santa Cruz Island, Channel Islands 
National Park, Santa Barbara County, 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 (Pub. L. 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 Primary Restoration 
Plan that focused on removing non-native species from Santa Cruz 
Island, Channel Islands National Park, California. During the ensuing 
conservation planning-environmental analysis process, comprehensive 
management alternatives will be developed which will address recovery 
of the island's natural communities. Throughout the restoration 
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 completed a General Management 
Plan (GMP) and Environmental Impact Statement for Channel Islands 
National Park in 1985. The park's Resources Management Plan was 
approved in 1994 (and last updated in 1998). Both documents set clear 
direction and priorities for responding to invasive species. This 
focused restoration planning effort is intended to expand and refine 
that management direction, with the focused objective of preparing a 
Primary Restoration Plan and Environmental Impact Statement (PRP/EIS) 
specific to Santa Cruz Island. The PRP/EIS will identify, analyze, and 
select the immediate, critical management actions necessary to initiate 
recovery of the island's natural communities. Of special concern is the 
pressing need to address alternative methods for removal of feral pigs 
(Sus scrofa) and control of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), an invasive 
alien plant species. Based upon scientific review, at this time it is 
anticipated that bringing management and control efforts to bear 
primarily upon these two species would facilitate the restoration of 
many other native ecosystem components. The fennel and feral pig 
initiatives will be implemented in collaboration with The Nature 
Conservancy, Santa Cruz Island Preserve.

SCOPING: The NPS is hereby initiating the scoping phase with a request 
for comments and information from interested individuals, 
organizations, and agencies. Responses are encouraged, and may address 
current issues and concerns, relevant research, immediate management 
options, mitigation strategies, future direction for recovery efforts, 
and other factors relevant to a comprehensive restoration planning 
process. Written comments must be postmarked not later than November 
30, 1999, and should be directed to the Superintendent, Channel Islands 
National Park, 1901 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura, CA 93001. In addition, 
public scoping sessions are scheduled for October 20 (Ventura) and 
October 27 (Santa Barbara). Details as to time and location will be 
announced via local and regional press releases, notices distributed to 
area libraries, and direct mailings.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Periodic information updates about various 
aspects of the restoration planning process will be distributed via 
direct mailings, the park's website (http://www.nps.gov/chis/
naturalresources/restoration.html), and regional and local news media. 
To request placement on the PRP/EIS mailing list, interested parties 
may contact Mr. Steve Ortega, Restoration Biologist, at (805) 658-5784 
or [email protected].

REVIEW AND DECISION PROCESS: The Draft PRP/EIS is anticipated to be 
available for public review and comment during winter-spring, 1999-
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, the internet, and direct mailing. At 
this time it is anticipated that the Final PRP/EIS will be completed 
during October, 2000. Subsequently, notice of an approved Record of 
Decision would be published in the Federal Register not sooner than 
thirty (30) days after the Final document is distributed. This is

[[Page 49503]]

expected to occur by December, 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, Channel Islands National Park.

    Dated: August 31, 1999.
John J. Reynolds,
Regional Director, Pacific West Region.
[FR Doc. 99-23765 Filed 9-10-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-70-P