[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 197 (Friday, October 10, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Page 61336]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-24045]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service

[NPS-IMR-SACR-13960; PX.PD108787G.00.1]


Environmental Assessment for the General Management Plan for Sand 
Creek Massacre National Historic Site, Colorado

AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of intent.

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SUMMARY: The National Park Service has determined that an Environmental 
Assessment, rather than an Environmental Impact Statement, is the 
appropriate environmental documentation for the general management plan 
for Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site. This determination is 
the result of evaluating public comments and considering the analysis 
required to adequately address environmental impacts in developing the 
General Management Plan.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alexa Roberts, Superintendent, Sand 
Creek Massacre National Historic Site, P.O. Box 249, Eads, CO 81036. 
Telephone (719) 438-5916.

ADDRESSES: More information about the project can be obtained from the 
contact listed above or online at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/sand.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This general management plan will establish 
the overall direction for the national historic site, setting broad 
management goals for managing the area over the next 15 to 20 years. 
The General Management Plan was originally scoped as an Environmental 
Impact Statement. However, internal discussions and meetings, and 
comments received in written correspondence and public scoping sessions 
held in Colorado, Montana, Oklahoma, and Wyoming in 2008 and again in 
2011 did not raise any concerns or issues that have the potential for 
controversial impacts. Most of the comments received in response to the 
preliminary alternatives newsletter agreed that the range of 
alternatives being considered is appropriate and did not identify any 
substantive issues or concerns.
    The planning team has developed six alternatives (no-action and 
five action alternatives), none of which would result in substantial 
changes in the operation and management of the national historic site. 
The five action alternatives primarily focus on maintaining and 
protecting cultural and natural resources, and expanding interpretation 
and visitor opportunities where appropriate. Preliminary analysis of 
the alternatives revealed no major (significant) effects on the human 
environment or impairment of park resources and values.
    For these reasons the National Park Service determined that the 
requisite conservation planning and environmental impact analysis 
necessary for updating the general management plan can appropriately be 
completed through preparation of an EA.
    This draft general management plan/EA is expected to be distributed 
for public comment in the fall 2014. The National Park Service will 
notify the public about release of the draft general management plan/EA 
by public meetings, mail, local and regional media, Web site postings, 
and other means; all announcements will include information on where 
and how to obtain a copy of the EA, how to comment on the EA, and the 
length of the public comment period. Following due consideration of 
public comments and agency consults, at this time a decision is 
expected to be made in the winter 2014. The official responsible for 
the final decision on the GMP is the Regional Director; subsequently 
the responsible official for implementing the approved GMP is the 
Superintendent, Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site.

    Dated: October 1, 2014.
Sue E. Masica,
Regional Director, Intermountain Region, National Park Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-24045 Filed 10-9-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4312-CB-P