[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 246 (Monday, December 23, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Page 78244]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-32239]



[[Page 78244]]

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service


Notice of Availability of Draft Director's Order Concerning 
National Park Service Policy and Procedures for Floodplain Management.

AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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SUMMARY: The National Park Service (NPS) has prepared a draft 
Director's Order that provides policy and procedures in compliance with 
Executive Order 11988 (Floodplain Management) for implementing 
floodplain protection and management actions in units of the National 
Park System. Executive Order 11988 requires that each agency develop 
agency-specific guidance for floodplain management. This draft 
Director's Order will replace all previously issued NPS floodplain 
management guidance and related instructions. The draft Director's 
Order maintains the existing NPS policy of preserving floodplain values 
and minimizing potentially hazardous conditions associated with 
flooding. When adopted, the policy and procedures will apply to all 
units and programs of the national park system.

DATES: Written comments will be accepted until February 21, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments to Gary Smillie via e-mail at [email protected]; or via ground mail at 1201 Oakridge Drive, Fort 
Collins, CO 80525; or via telefax at 970-225-9965.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: This Director's Order (D.O.) and a 
companion procedural manual will replace floodplain management guidance 
issued in 1993 for implementing Executive Order 11988, Floodplain 
Management. Procedures and policies provided in this draft D.O. have 
been modified and updated but remain similar to the 1993 guidance 
document. The draft D.O. is consistent with existing requirements, 
Department of the Interior policy, and the 2001 edition of the NPS 
Management Policies.
    This D.O. will help Park Service field managers meet their 
responsibilities for implementing the requirements of Executive Order 
11988, Floodplain Management. The D.O. will also clarify the 
responsibilities of key NPS personnel in implementing the floodplain 
policies and procedures.
    Executive Order 11988 requires each agency to have regulations or 
procedures in place to explain how the agency will pursue the non-
hazardous use of floodplains. Because inappropriate floodplain use and 
development can jeopardize health and safety and result in costly 
property damage and the loss of important habitat, the Executive Order 
requires agencies to provide leadership and take action to reduce the 
risk of flood loss; minimize the impacts of floods; and restore and 
preserve natural floodplains.
    The draft Director's Order and the companion procedural manual 
(Procedural Manual 77-2) may be viewed on the Internet at www.nps.gov/policy/DOrders/75A.htm and www.nature.nps.gov/manual77-22, 
respectively. Printed copies may also be requested by contracting Gary 
Smillie at the address given above.
    There may be circumstances in which we would withhold from the 
record an individual commenter's identity, as allowable by law. If you 
wish us to withhold your name and/or address, you must state this 
prominently at the beginning of your comment.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Gary Smillie at 970-225-3522.

    Dated: November 26, 2002.
Michael Soukup,
Associate Director for Natural Resource Stewardship and Science.
[FR Doc. 02-32239 Filed 12-20-02; 8:45 am]
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