[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 7 (Wednesday, January 11, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Page 1723]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-280]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service

[NPS-NCR-POHE-0911-7946; 3991-0101-SZS]


Notice of Availability, Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of Availability of a ``Foundation for Planning, 
Administration, Management and Interpretation of Potomac Heritage 
National Scenic Trail Segments and for Coordination among Trail Segment 
Management Partners.''

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: Pursuant to the National Trails System Act of 1968 (as 
amended), the National Park Service (NPS) announces the availability of 
a ``Foundation for Planning, Administration, Management and 
Interpretation of Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail Segments and 
for Coordination among Trail Segment Management Partners 
(Foundation).'' This document is intended to serve as a resource for 
NPS staff and Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail (Trail) segment 
management partners and to help create continuity of experience 
throughout the Trail network.

DATES: The ``Foundation'' is available for review and reference on the 
NPS Web site as of January 11, 2012.

ADDRESSES: The ``Foundation'' and appendices are available online at 
http://www.nps.gov/pohe/parkmgmt/planning.htm.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Donald E. Briggs, Superintendent, 
Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, National Capital Region, 
National Park Service, at (304) 535-4016 or by email at [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In 1983, based on a feasibility study 
completed by the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation in 1974, Congress amended 
the National Trails System Act of 1968, designating a corridor for the 
Trail between the mouth of the Potomac River and the Allegheny 
Highlands in western Pennsylvania. Based on extensive coordination 
among the staff of local, regional, state and other federal agencies; 
representatives of non-profit organizations; volunteers; and other 
Trail stakeholders, the Trail network today includes over 830 miles of 
existing and planned Trail segments for non-motorized travel. 
Communities have invested in the Trail concept for a variety of 
reasons, including a desire to increase opportunities for outdoor 
recreation, non-motorized transportation, education and/or heritage 
tourism.
    The Foundation assembles in one document decisions and 
recommendations made over the past 11 years and establishes a basis for 
future local, regional, state and Federal planning; NPS administration 
of the Federal interest in the Trail; management of individual Trail 
segments, including Trail segment marking; interpretation; coordination 
among Trail management partners; and creating ``continuity of 
experience'' through the diverse Trail network.
    The document recognizes a change in authorizing legislation--Trail 
segments are recognized through cooperative management agreements 
between the NPS and Trail segment management partners, replacing an 
application process--and emphasizes that Trail blazes, where used to 
mark Trail routes, should employ a color used in the official Trail 
marker. The Foundation, along with regional and state plans to be added 
in the future as appendices, will serve as a comprehensive management 
plan for the Trail network, will reflect accurately the Trail as a set 
of partnerships, and will provide a means to address efficiently the 
need for adaptive planning and management.

    Dated: July 21, 2011.
Stephen E. Whitesell
Regional Director, National Capital Region.
[FR Doc. 2012-280 Filed 1-10-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE P