[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 36 (Thursday, February 24, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Page 9105]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-3504]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service


Notice of Availability for a Final Environmental Impact Statement 
for the General Management Plan, Big South Fork National River and 
Recreation Area, Kentucky and Tennessee

SUMMARY: Pursuant to section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969 and National Park Service policy in Director's Order 
Number 2 (Park Planning) and Director's Order Number 12 (Conservation 
Planning, Environmental Impact Analysis, and Decision-making) the 
National Park Service announces the availability of a Final 
Environmental Impact Statement and General Management Plan (FEIS/GMP) 
for Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area (NRRA), Kentucky 
and Tennessee.
    The FEIS/GMP analyzes three action alternatives and one no-action 
alternative for guiding management of the park over the next 15 to 20 
years. The three action alternatives incorporate various management 
prescriptions to ensure resource protection and quality visitor 
experiences. The agency preferred alternative proposes a system of 
seven management zones and a formal, designated roads and trails 
system. The FEIS analyzes the potential environmental impacts of the 
alternatives.

ADDRESSES: Limited numbers of copies of the FEIS/GMP are available from 
the Superintendent, Big South Fork NRRA, 4564 Leatherwood Ford Road, 
Oneida, TN 37841, or by calling (423) 569-9778. An electronic copy of 
the FEIS/GMP is available on the Internet at http://www.nps.gov/biso.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The National Park Service held a series of 
community and focus group meetings to gather stakeholder input during 
the preparation of the Supplemental Draft EIS/GMP. The meetings 
assisted the National Park Service in developing alternatives for 
managing the natural, cultural, and recreational resources of Big South 
Fork NRRA.
    The four alternatives were incorporated into the Supplemental Draft 
EIS/GMP and presented at community forums in March 2003. Responses from 
the meetings, plus 170 written comments from the public and other 
agencies helped refine the alternatives.
    The FEIS/GMP differs from the Supplemental Draft by providing some 
additional recreational opportunities and proposing trail standards 
that are more protective of the backcountry environment. For example, 
the final plan allows bicycles on 13 miles of low-use, existing trails; 
provides a new access point for equestrians; proposes an additional 
horse trail on an existing alignment; and strengthens trail standards 
regarding slope and water management. The foregoing changes will not 
result in environmental impacts different from those analyzed in the 
Supplemental Draft EIS/GMP.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher J. Stubbs, Community 
Planner, Big South Fork NRRA, 4564 Leatherwood Ford Road, Oneida, TN 
37841. Telephone: (423) 569-9778.
    The responsible official for this Environmental Impact Statement is 
Patricia A. Hooks, Regional Director, Southeast Region, National Park 
Service, 100 Alabama Street SW., 1924 Building, Atlanta, Georgia 30303.

    Dated: January 7, 2005.
Francis Peltier,
Associate Regional Director, Southeast Region.
[FR Doc. 05-3504 Filed 2-23-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4312-52-P