[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 237 (Wednesday, December 10, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 68945-68946]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-30561]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR


Notice of Intent To Prepare a General Management Plan and 
Environmental Impact Statement for Gulf Islands National Seashore (FL 
and MS)

AGENCY: National Park Service.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: This notice is being published in accordance with 40 CFR 
1506.6. Pursuant to section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969, the National Park Service announces the preparation 
of an Environmental Impact Statement for the General Management Plan 
for Gulf Islands National Seashore. The statement will assess potential 
environmental impacts associated with various types and levels of 
visitor use and resources management within the National Seashore. This 
General

[[Page 68946]]

Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement is being prepared to the 
requirements of the National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978, Public 
Law 95-625, and in accord with Director's Order Number 2, the planning 
directive for National Park Service units.
    The National Park Service will conduct public scoping meetings in 
the local area to receive input from interested parties on issues, 
concerns, and suggestions pertinent to the managaement of Gulf Islands 
National Seashore. Representatives of the National Park Service will be 
available to discuss issues, resource concerns, and the planning 
process at each of the public meetings. Suggestions and ideas for 
managing the cultural and natural resources and visitor experiences at 
the park are encouraged.
    Anonymous comments will not be considered. We will make all 
submissions from organizations or businesses, and from individuals 
identifying themselves as representatives or officials of organizations 
or businesses, available for public inspection in their entirety. 
However, individual respondents may request that we withhold their 
names and addresses from the public record, and we will honor such 
requests to the extent allowed by law. If you wish to withhold your 
name and/or address, you must state that request prominently at the 
beginning of your comment. Please note that due to public disclose 
requirements, the National Park Service, if requeted, may have to make 
the names and addresses of those who submit written comments public.

DATES: Locations, dates, and times of public scopping meetings will be 
published in local newspapers and may also be obtained by contacting 
the park Superintendent. This information will also be published on the 
General Management Plan Web site (http://www.nps.gov/guis) for Gulf 
Islands National Seashore.

ADDRESSES: Scoping suggestions should be submitted to the following 
address to ensure adequate consideration by the Service: 
Superintendent, Guld Islands National Seashore, 1801 Gulf Breeze 
Parkway, Gulf Breeze, Florida, 32563.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Superintendent, Gulf Islands National 
Seashore, 1801 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze, Florida, 32563, 
Telephone: (850) 934-2604, E-mail: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Gulf Islands National Seashore is located on 
barrier islands, keys, and mainland peninsulas in the Pensacola, 
Florida area and on a series of Gulf Coast barrier islands between 
Pascagoula and Gulfport, Mississippi, Gulf Islands National Seashore 
was authorized by Congress in 1971, to provide preservation of 150 
miles of coastline, barrier islands,a nd historic fortifications. The 
last General Management Plan was completed in 1978 and in the ensuing 
years must has changed. A revised General Management Plan and 
Environmental Impact Statement would provide the National Seashore with 
better guidance and direction in regard to management of natural and 
cultural resources and providing a quality visitor experience.
    The plan will provide direction to correct existing management 
deficiencies through the establishment of management prescriptions, 
carrying capacities and appropriate types and levels of development and 
recreational use for all areas of the park. Resource protection, 
visitor experiences and community relationships will be improved 
through completion and implementation of the General Management Plan.
    Public documents associated with the planning effort, including all 
newsletters, will be posted on the internet through the Park's Web site 
at http://www.nps.gov/guis.
    The Draft and Final General Manageament Plan and Environmental 
Impact Statement will be made available to all known interested parties 
and appropriate agencies. Full public participation by federal, state, 
and local agencies as well as other concerned organizations and private 
citizens is invited throughout the preparation process of this 
document.
    The responsible official for this Environmental Impact Statement is 
Patricia A. Hooks, Acting Regional Director, Southeast Region, National 
Park Service, 100 Alabama Street SW., 1924 Building, Atlanta, Georgia 
30303.

    Dated: November 7, 2003.
Patricia A. Hooks,
Acting Regional Director, Southeast Region.
[FR Doc. 03-30561 Filed 12-9-03; 8:45 am]
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