[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 104 (Thursday, May 30, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Page 32442]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-12759]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service

[NPS-SERO-BLRI-12544; PPSESEROC3; PPMPSAS1Y.YP0000]


Record of Decision for the General Management Plan, Blue Ridge 
Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina

AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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SUMMARY: Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, 42 
U.S.C. 4332(2)(C), the National Park Service (NPS) announces the 
availability of the Record of Decision (ROD) for the General Management 
Plan (GMP) for Blue Ridge Parkway (parkway). On April 13, 2013, the 
Regional Director, Southeast Region, approved the ROD for the project.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Superintendent Phil Francis, Blue 
Ridge Parkway, 199 Hemphill Knob Road, Asheville, NC 28803; telephone 
(828) 271-4779.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The NPS evaluated three alternatives for 
managing use and development of the parkway in the GMP/FEIS, 
Alternative A--no action Alternative, and two action Alternatives. The 
preferred alternative (Alternative B) from the FEIS/GMP is the 
alternative selected for implementation. Alternative B emphasizes the 
original parkway design and traditional driving experience, while 
enhancing outdoor recreation opportunities and regional natural 
resource connectivity, and providing modest improvements to visitor 
services. To support that experience, many of the parkway's recreation 
areas will provide enhanced opportunities for dispersed outdoor 
recreation activities. This action will proactively blend newer law and 
policy requirements and operational constraints with the traditional 
parkway concept developed from 1935 to 1955. As a result, the selected 
action will provide a better balance between traditional parkway 
experiences and modern-day management realities. Under Alternative C, 
parkway management would be more integrated with the region's resources 
and economy, while enhancing parkway visitor services.
    The selected action will provide a comprehensive parkway-wide 
approach to resource and visitor use management. Specific management 
zones detailing acceptable resource conditions, visitor experience, use 
levels, appropriate activities and development will be applied to 
parkway lands (parkway segments and recreation areas) consistent with 
this concept. The selected action will also seek to enhance resource 
protection, regional natural resource connectivity, and build stronger 
connections with adjacent communities. The GMP will guide the 
management of the parkway over the next 20+ years.
    The responsible official for this FEIS/GMP is the Regional 
Director, NPS Southeast Region, 100 Alabama Street SW., 1924 Building, 
Atlanta, Georgia 30303.

    Dated: May 14, 2013.
Gordon Wissinger,
Acting Regional Director, Southeast Region.
[FR Doc. 2013-12759 Filed 5-29-13; 8:45 am]
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