[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 239 (Thursday, December 13, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Page 70892]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-24165]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service


Winter Use Plans, Final Environmental Impact Statement, 
Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks and the John D. Rockefeller, 
Jr. Memorial Parkway, Wyoming

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 Winter Use Plans, Yellowstone 
and Grand Teton National Parks and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. 
Memorial Parkway.

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SUMMARY: Pursuant to Sec.  102(2)(C) of the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969, 83 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 Winter Use Plans, Yellowstone and Grand 
Teton National Parks and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway, 
Wyoming. On November 20, 2007, the Director, Intermountain Region, 
approved the Record of Decision for the project.
    Beginning in the winter of 2007-2008, the National Park Service 
(NPS) will begin to implement this Decision, although certain 
provisions will not apply until implementing regulations are 
promulgated, as described in the Revised Preferred Alternative 
(Alternative 7) contained in the FEIS issued on October 5, 2007. The 
following course of action will occur under Alternative 7 as modified 
in the ROD: 540 Best Available Technology (BAT) snowmobiles and 83 
snowcoaches will be allowed per day in Yellowstone. All snowmobiles and 
snowcoaches will be 100% commercially guided. For the winter season of 
2007-2008 Sylvan Pass will be managed continuing the combined program 
outlined in the 2004 Temporary Plan. After the winter of 2007-2008, in 
order to maximize risk reduction, the pass would be open and managed 
using full avalanche forecasting (as defined in the Sylvan Pass 
Operational Risk Management Assessment). When full forecasting 
indicates the pass is safe, the pass will be open to oversnow travel 
(both motorized and non-motorized access).
    The NPS will, in good faith, work cooperatively with the State of 
Wyoming, Park County, Wyoming, and the City of Cody to determine how to 
provide continued snowmobile and snowcoach motorized oversnow access to 
Yellowstone National Park through the East Gate via Sylvan Pass in the 
winter use seasons beyond 2007-2008.
    Beginning with the 2011-2012 season, all snowcoaches operating in 
the parks will be required to meet BAT emission and sound level 
requirements.
    In Grand Teton and the Parkway, grooming and motorized oversnow 
travel on the Continental Divide Snowmobile Trail (CDST) between Moran 
Junction and Flagg Ranch will be discontinued. However, those 
interested in through travel on the CDST may transport their 
snowmobiles on trailers between these locations.
    Twenty-five snowmobiles a day will be allowed to travel on the 
Grassy Lake Road with no BAT or guiding requirement. Forty unguided BAT 
snowmobiles a day will be allowed on Jackson Lake to facilitate ice 
fishing by those possessing appropriate fishing gear and a valid State 
of Wyoming fishing license.
    This course of action and seven alternatives were analyzed in the 
Draft and Final Environmental Impact Statements. The full range of 
foreseeable environmental consequences was assessed, and appropriate 
mitigating 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 preferred alternative, a finding 
on impairment of park resources and values, a listing of measures to 
minimize environmental harm, and an overview of public involvement in 
the decision-making process.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Sacklin, P.O. Box 168, 
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, (307) 344-2019, [email protected].

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

    Dated: November 20, 2007.
Michael D. Snyder,
Regional Director, Intermountain Region, National Park Service.
[FR Doc. E7-24165 Filed 12-12-07; 8:45 am]
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