[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 11 (Thursday, January 16, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 2353-2354]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-996]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service


Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Fort Davis National 
Historic Site; Texas

AGENCY: National Park Service, Department of the Interior.

ACTION: Notice of Availability of a Record of Decision on the Final 
Environmental Impact Statement for the Fort Davis National Historic 
Site, Texas.

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SUMMARY: Pursuant to Sec.  102(2)(C)of the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969, Public Law 91-190, 83 Stat. 852, 853, codified as 
amended at 42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C), the National Park Service announces 
the availability of the Record of Decision for the Final General 
Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement, Fort Davis National 
Historic Site, Texas. On November 5, 2002, the Director, Intermountain 
Region approved the Record of Decision for the project. As soon as 
practicable, the National Park Service will begin to implement the 
Preferred Alternative contained in the FEIS issued on September 23, 
2002. The following course of action will occur under the preferred 
alternative. The selected alternative provides an overall combination 
of actions to restore natural processes, preserve cultural resource 
values, reduce harmful environmental impacts and continue to provide 
opportunities for high quality visitor experiences based on resource 
values. With the exceptions described below, the current level of 
development and interpretation and the pattern of visitor use will be 
maintained. Alternative C quality will enhance visitor services and 
provide for the preservation and protection of cultural and natural 
resources. This alternative provides the balance and flexibility 
necessary to accomplish both of these objectives in a realistic manner. 
Change in the fort's outward appearance will be minimal. There will be 
no further major exterior restoration or modern development. Well-
balanced preservation, resource protection, and interpretive programs 
would complement one another. Existing buildings, ruins, and 
foundations will undergo stabilization

[[Page 2354]]

and conservation measures so as to preserve their historical integrity. 
Broader interpretive themes highlighting the more complex role of Fort 
Davis in the history of the American West would complement existing 
interpretive programs. The interior of the post hospital will be 
partially restored and refurnished to more fully tell the story of Fort 
Davis and therefore provide the visitors with a more comprehensive 
learning experience. This restoration and refurnishing project would be 
dependent on partnerships resulting in private sector funding. The park 
will continue to encourage adjacent landowners to use their land in 
ways that complement park values, thereby promoting the natural and 
scenic character of the landscape.
    This course of action and four alternatives were analyzed in the 
Draft and Final Environmental Impact Statements. The full range of 
foreseeable environmental consequences was assessed, and appropriate 
mitigating measures were identified.
    The Record of Decision includes a statement of the decision made, 
synopses of other alternatives considered, the basis for the decision, 
a description of the environmentally preferable alternative, a finding 
on impairment of park resources and values, a listing of measures to 
minimize environmental harm, an overview of public involvement in the 
decision-making process, and a Statement of Findings

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jerry Yarbrough, Fort Davis NHS, 1379, 
Lieutenant Flipper Dr., Fort Davis, TX 79734; 915-426-3225 (P), [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Copies of the Record of Decision may be 
obtained from the contact listed above or online at http://planning.nps.gov/parkweb/what.cfm?RecordID=56.

    Dated: November 5, 2002.
Michael Snyder,
Deputy Director, Intermountain Region, National Park Service.
[FR Doc. 03-996 Filed 1-15-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-70-P