[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 109 (Friday, June 6, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Page 33966]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-14314]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service


Notice of Availability of the Final General Management Plan and 
Final Environmental Impact Statement for Wilson's Creek National 
Battlefield, MO

AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior.

SUMMARY: Pursuant to section 102(2) of the National Environmental 
Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, the National Park Service (NPS) announces 
the availability of the final general management plan and environmental 
impact (GMP/EIS) for Wilson's Creek National Battlefield, Missouri 
(WICR). This notice is being furnished as required by NEPA Regulations 
40 CFR 1501.7.

DATES: The required no-action period on this final GMP/EIS will expire 
30 days after the Environmental Protection Agency has published a 
notice of availability of the final GMP/EIS in the Federal Register.

ADDRESSES: Copies of the Final GMP/EIS are available from the Acting 
Superintendent, Wilson's Creek National Battlefield, 6424 West Farm 
Road 182, Republic, Missouri 65738-9514. The phone number is 417-732-
2662 and the fax number is 417-732-1167.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The purpose of the general management plan 
is to set forth the basic management philosophy for WICR and to provide 
the strategies for addressing issues and achieving identified 
management objectives. The final GMP/EIS describes and analyzes the 
environmental impacts of two action alternatives. A no action 
alternative is also evaluated. The draft GMP/EIS for WICR was released 
to the public on June 21, 2002. The public comment period ended August 
20, 2002.
    Although 84 reviewers submitted written comments on the draft GMP/
EIS, no substantive comments were received. Of those responding, 43, or 
slightly over 50 percent, expressed a preference for a particular 
alternative. Of that number, 36 reviewers, or nearly 90 percent, 
expressed their support for alternative B, Wilson's Creek Battlefield 
Commemoration, the preferred alternative. Many of the remaining 
reviewers expressed support for enhancement of the battlefield 
landscape, and the expanded commemoration and interpretation of the 
Battle of Wilson's Creek. However, many also expressed concern that 
future park management would eliminate or severely limit recreational 
opportunities. Recreational use will continue to be allowed but will be 
managed so as not to conflict with the core mission of the park or the 
primary visitor experience.
    The responsible official is Mr. Ernest Quintana, Acting Midwest 
Regional Director, NPS.

    Dated: April 18, 2003.
Ernest Quintana,
Acting Regional Director, Midwest Region.
[FR Doc. 03-14314 Filed 6-5-03; 8:45 am]
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