[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 62 (Wednesday, March 31, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 16946-16947]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-7136]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service


Notice of Availability of the Final Wilderness Study/Final 
Environmental Impact Statement, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

AGENCY: National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

SUMMARY: Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, 42 
U.S.C. 4332(C), the National Park Service (NPS) announces the 
availability of a final wilderness study/environmental impact statement 
(EIS) for Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin.

DATES: The draft wilderness study/environmental impact statement was on 
public review from July 11, 2003, through October 17, 2003. As required 
under Sec.  3(d)(1) of the Wilderness Act (Act), a public hearing was 
held on the draft wilderness study on August 27, 2003, near Ashland, 
Wisconsin. Responses to substantive public comments are addressed in 
the final EIS. The NPS will execute a record of decision (ROD) no 
sooner than 30 days following publication of the Environmental 
Protection Agency's notice of availability of the final environmental 
impact statement in the Federal Register.

ADDRESSES: Copies of the final EIS are available upon request by 
writing Mr.

[[Page 16947]]

Jim Nepstad, Wilderness Study Coordinator, Apostle Islands National 
Lakeshore, Route 1, Box 4, Bayfield, Wisconsin 54814, by calling (715) 
779-3398, extension 102, or by e-mail message at [email protected]. The document can be picked-up in person at the park's 
headquarters at 415 Washington Avenue, Bayfield, Wisconsin.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Jim Nepstad, Wilderness Study 
Coordinator, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Route 1, Box 4, 
Bayfield, Wisconsin 54814, or by calling (715) 779-3198, extension 102.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Act and the NPS management policies 
require that all lands administered by the NPS be evaluated for their 
suitability for inclusion within the national wilderness preservation 
system. The purpose of this wilderness study is to determine if and 
where lands and waters within the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore 
should be proposed for wilderness designation. The study identifies 
four possible wilderness configurations within the park, including a no 
wilderness alternative, and evaluates their effects. Based on the 
findings of this study, a formal wilderness proposal will be submitted 
to the Director of the NPS for approval and subsequent consideration by 
the Department of the Interior, President, and Congress under the 
provisions of the Act.

    Dated: February 12, 2004.
Ernest Quintana,
Regional Director, Midwest Region.
[FR Doc. 04-7136 Filed 3-30-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4312-97-P