[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 65 (Wednesday, April 6, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Page 17464]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-6830]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service


General Management Plan, Final Environmental Impact Statement, 
Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River, Texas

AGENCY: National Park Service, Department of the Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability of a Record of Decision on the Final 
Environmental Impact Statement for the General Management Plan, Rio 
Grande Wild and Scenic River.

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SUMMARY: Pursuant to section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969, 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 Environmental Impact Statement, General 
Management Plan for Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River, Texas. On 
February 8, 2005, the Associate Regional Director, Intermountain Region 
approved the Record of Decision for the project. As soon as 
practicable, the National Park Service will begin to implement the 
General Management Plan, described as the Preferred Alternative 
contained in the Final Environmental Impact Statement issued on January 
7, 2005.
    The following course of action will occur under the preferred 
alternative. The protection of natural and cultural resources will be 
emphasized throughout the river corridor, as well as providing 
opportunities for traditional visitor uses. As mandated by the Wild and 
Scenic Rivers Act, a permanent boundary for the wild and scenic river 
is established for protection and management of the outstandingly 
remarkable values. The National Park Service will negotiate and 
implement cooperative agreements with nonfederal landowners that 
specify the rights and responsibilities of the National Park Service 
and each landowner. A river use plan and resource management plan will 
be developed for the entire river. The NPS will cooperate with other 
U.S agencies and the appropriate agencies in Mexico to maintain or 
enhance water quality and minimum flows in the river. The preferred 
alternative also recommends to Congress that the upstream segment of 
the Rio Grande in Big Bend National Park be designated as part of the 
Wild and Scenic River.
    The selected action and one other alternative were analyzed in the 
draft and final environmental impact statements. A full range of 
foreseeable environmental consequences was assessed. The full Record of 
Decision includes a statement of the decision made, synopses of other 
alternatives considered, the basis for the decision, a finding of non-
impairment of park resources and values, a listing of measures to 
minimize environmental harm, and an overview of public involvement in 
the planning process.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John H. King, Superintendent, Rio 
Grande Wild and Scenic River, P.O. Box 129, Big Bend National Park, TX 
79834-0129, (432) 477-1102.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Copies of the Record of Decision are 
available from the contact listed above.

    Dated: February 8, 2005.
Bob Moon,
Associate Regional Director, Resource, Stewardship, and Research, 
Intermountain Region, National Park Service.
[FR Doc. 05-6830 Filed 4-5-05; 8:45 am]
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