[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 85 (Friday, May 2, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Page 23485]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-10908]



[[Page 23485]]

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service


Notice of Availability of a Final Environmental Impact Statement 
(EIS) for the General Management Plan Amendment (GMPA) for Biscayne 
National Park, Homestead, FL

SUMMARY: Pursuant to section 102 (2) (c) of the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969, the National Park Service announces the 
availability of a final Environmental Impact Statement and General 
Management Plan Amendment (FEIS/GMPA) for Biscayne National Park, 
Homestead, Florida.

DATES: The Draft EIS/GMP was on public review from December 6, 2002, 
through February 13, 2003. Responses to public comment are addressed in 
the FEIS/GMPA. A 30-day no-action period will follow the Environmental 
Protection Agency's Notice of Availability of the FEIS/GMPA in the 
Federal Register. After the 30-day period, the NPS Southeast Regional 
Director will sign a Record of Decision that will document NPS approval 
of the final EIS/GMPA and identify the selected alternative for 
implementation.

ADDRESSES: Copies of the FEIS/GMPA are available from the 
Superintendent, Biscayne National Park, P.O. Box 1369, Homestead, 
Florida 33090-1369. Public reading copies of the FEIS/GMPA will also be 
available for review at the following locations:
    [sbull] Office of the Superintendent, Biscayne National Park, 9700 
S.W. 328th Street, Homestead, Florida 33033-5634. Telephone: 305-230-
1144, Ext. 3002.
    [sbull] Division of Planning and Compliance, Southeast Regional 
Office, National Park Service, Attention: David Libman, 100 Alabama 
Street, 1924 Building, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, Telephone: 404-562-3124, 
ext. 685.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Consistent with the park's purpose, 
significance, and mission goals, the FEIS/GMPA analyzes 4 alternatives 
for guiding management of the Stiltsville area of the park over the 
next 15 to 20 years. The environmental consequences anticipated from 
implementation of the various alternatives are addressed in the 
document. Impact topics include cultural resources, natural resources, 
visitor use and experience and socioeconomic environment. The following 
management alternatives were evaluated in the EIS/GMPA:
    Under Alternative A, the preferred alternative, a non-profit 
organization would be created along with an appropriate agreement with 
the National Park Service and other groups for the management and use 
of the Stiltsville structures. The Stiltsville organization would 
rehabilitate the buildings to support education and interpretation 
opportunities. Stiltsville also may provide a visitor and interpretive 
center, research facilities, an artist-in-residence dwelling, meeting 
space, and a satellite park office that would provide for National Park 
Service presence in the northern portion of the park.
    Alternative B, would result in the National Park Service being 
responsible for the renovation, management, and operation of the 
Stiltsville structures. The designated uses of the structures would be 
similar to Alternative A.
    Under Alternative C, the structures would be leased for private use 
based on current authorities. Potential lessees would compete for the 
right to lease the structures. The size or footprint of the structure 
would not be expanded. The purposes for which the structures could be 
leased is similar to Alternative A as well as for private uses similar 
to those under the former non-renewable leases. Preference would be 
given to individuals or groups that would provide for some level of 
public access.
    Alternative D is the no-action alternative, which would implement 
the provision of the non-renewable leases that calls for the removal of 
the structures from the Stiltsville area.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Superintendent, Biscayne National 
Park, P.O. Box 1369, Homestead, FL 33090-1369, Telephone: 305-230-1144, 
Ext. 2002.
    The responsible official for this Environmental Impact Statement is 
William Schenk, Regional Director, Southeast Region, National Park 
Service, 100 Alabama Street SW., 1924 Building, Atlanta, Georgia 30303.

    Dated: February 21, 2003.
William W. Schenk,
Regional Director, Southeast Region.
[FR Doc. 03-10908 Filed 5-1-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-70-P