[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 27 (Wednesday, February 9, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Page 6392]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-2883]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service


Environmental Assessment for Construction of a Raised Boardwalk 
and Improvements to Wildlife Viewing Areas at Dyke Marsh Wildlife 
Preserve

AGENCY:  National Park Service, Interior.

ACTION:  Availability of the Environmental Assessment for the proposed 
construction of a raised boardwalk and improvements to wildlife viewing 
areas at Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve (Dyke Marsh).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY:  Pursuant to Council on Environmental Quality regulations and 
National Park Service policy, the National Park Service announces the 
availability of an Environmental Assessment for the proposed 
construction of a raised boardwalk and improvements to wildlife viewing 
opportunities at Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve, within the George 
Washington Memorial Parkway (Parkway). The Environmental Assessment 
examines several alternatives for the specific location, size, and 
configuration of the boardwalk. The National Park Service is soliciting 
comments on this Environmental Assessment. These comments will be 
considered in evaluating it and making decisions pursuant to the 
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

DATES:  The Environmental Assessment will remain available for public 
comment 30 days from the date of publication in the Federal Register. 
Written comments should be received no later than March 10, 2000.

ADDRESSES:  Comments on this Environmental Assessment should be 
submitted in writing to: Ms. Audrey F. Calhoun, Superintendent, George 
Washington Memorial Parkway, Turkey Run Park, McLean, Virginia 22101. 
The Environmental Assessment will be available for public inspection 
Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m. at GWMP 
Headquarters, Turkey Run Park, McLean, VA, on the National Park Service 
Website www.nps.gov/gwmp/Dmcons.html and at several libraries in 
Alexandria, Fairfax and Arlington, Virginia.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:  The National Park Service proposes to 
construct a raised boardwalk and viewing platform at the end of the 
``Haul Road'' trail in Dyke Marsh, now called Dyke Marsh trail, an area 
that is currently difficult to access because of persistent wet 
conditions. The intent of the proposed raised boardwalk is to provide 
better access and viewing opportunities than the current proliferation 
of informal social trails currently afford, and to encourage visitor 
use patterns that are more consistent with protection of the area's 
sensitive ecosystem. Specifically, the proposed action aims to:
     Provide enhanced opportunities to view wildlife and the 
environs of Dyke Marsh by improving access to the area, and affording a 
slightly elevated vantage point from which visitors may view wildlife 
and enjoy the surroundings.
     Enhance the protection of the area's natural resources by 
providing appropriate facilities (i.e., a raised boardwalk and 
interpretive waysides) that encourage visitor use patterns and 
activities that are consistent with responsible management of the Dyke 
Marsh ecosystem.
     Provide for increased educational opportunities and public 
understanding of Dyke Marsh and wetland ecology.
    The proposed action is based on longstanding observations by 
National Park Service staff, general park visitors, and members of the 
Friends of Dyke Marsh. The current trail system neither provides 
adequate access to the marsh, nor is appropriate for the protection of 
vegetation and wildlife, including migratory and nesting bird species. 
While the Dyke Marsh trail provides reasonably good access to a point 
somewhat beyond the existing wooden footbridge, beyond that point the 
trail simply degenerates into a network of poorly defined, muddy social 
trails, many of which are inundated at high tide. While the social 
trails suggest a desire by visitors to be able to access the area, it 
is clear that there is no well defined or officially provided trail to 
meet that need. The existing conditions are insensitive to protection 
of vegetation and wildlife, and encourage the inappropriate and 
unmanaged development of more social trails. In addition, tidal 
fluctuations effectively limit opportunities to access some of the most 
scenic and interesting portions of the marsh, since much of the area is 
inundated or excessively muddy much of the time.
    Increasingly, Dyke Marsh serves as a venue for environmental 
education and science programs for local school systems. The Parkway's 
expanding Parks-As-Classrooms program, as well as a multi-park science 
oriented program brings elementary and high school aged students to 
Dyke Marsh for educational programs. Construction of the boardwalk and 
viewing platform would enhance educational opportunities by making the 
marsh more easily accessible and improving wildlife viewing 
opportunities.
    All interested individuals, agencies, and organizations are urged 
to provide comments on the Environmental Assessment. The National Park 
Service in making a final decision regarding this matter will consider 
all comments received by the closing date.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  Mr. Bart Truesdell, (703) 289-2530.

Audrey F. Calhoun,
Superintendent, George Washington Memorial Parkway.
[FR Doc. 00-2883 Filed 2-8-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-70-P