[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 12 (Wednesday, January 19, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 3065-3066]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-983]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service


Final Commercial Services Plan and Final Environmental Impact 
Statement, Glacier National Park, Montana

AGENCY: National Park Services, Department of the Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability of a record of decision on the final 
environmental impact statement for the final commercial services plan, 
Glacier National Park, Montana.

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SUMMARY: Pursuant to Sec.  102(2)(C) of the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969, 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 Commercial Services Plan and Final 
Environmental Impact Statement, Glacier National Park, Montana. On 
August 20, 2004, 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 Alternatives contained in 
the FEIS issued on July 9, 2004. The following actions were summarized 
from the Record of Decision and will occur under the preferred 
alternatives. The Final Commercial Services Plan identified a vision 
for commercial services in the park, identified those services that are 
``necessary and appropriate'' according to criteria developed in 
accordance with Title IV of the National Parks Omnibus Management Act 
of 1998. Standards and prescriptions were developed to further describe 
how each service will be provided. The Plan also refined the visitor 
services zone as conceptually described in Glacier National Park's 
General Management Plan--1999. Overall, the Plan maintains what 
currently exists in the park, however the operation dates for each of 
the developed areas have been increased slightly and the number of 
overnight rooms in the park can be increased from 512 to 540. The 
necessary and appropriate services that were addressed specifically 
include Granite Park Chalet, Commercially Guided Day Hiking, Guided 
Underwater Diving tours, Firewood Sales, Public Showers, Interpretive 
Boat tours and Boat Taxi or Boat Transportation Services, Motor Vehicle 
tours, Taxi Service, Shuttling of Private Vehicles, Public 
Transportation Service, Horseback Riding and Packing Services, Step-On 
Guide Service and Commercially Guided Bicycle Tours. Each developed 
area was also addressed that contained commercial services. These were 
Apgar Village, Lake McDonald, Two Medicine, Rising Sun, Many Glacier, 
and Swiftcurrent developed areas. A number of other actions will be 
implemented such as improved interpretation and orientation at each 
developed area, upgraded facilities to comply with life safety, 
accessibility and building codes, and boat rentals will be provided by 
the boat tour concessioner at existing locations. A more complete list 
is in the Record of Decision and the Final Commercial Services Plan. A 
number of mitigation measures will be adhered to during construction 
and or operation of the commercial services. These measures are in 
addition to any other federal, state or local permits and requirements 
and specific protection guidelines to preserve park resources. They are 
listed in detail in the Final Commercial Services Plan and Final 
Environmental Impact Statement.
    These actions and alternatives were analyzed in the Draft and Final

[[Page 3066]]

Environmental Impact Statements. The full range of foreseeable 
environmental consequences were assessed, and appropriate mitigation 
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: Mary Riddle, Glacier National Park, 
West Glacier, Montana, 59936. (406) 888-7898, [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Copies of the Record of Decision may be 
obtained from the contact listed above or online at http://www.nps.gov/glac/plans.htm.

    Dated: September 16, 2004.
Michael D. Snyder,
Deputy Director, Intermountain Region, National Park Service.
[FR Doc. 05-983 Filed 1-18-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4312-HY-M