[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 120 (Tuesday, June 23, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 35972-35973]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-15417]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
National Park Service
[NPS-MWR-OZAR-17614;PPMWMWROW2/PPM00UP05.YP0000]
Notice of Availability of a Record of Decision on the Final
General Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement, Ozark National
Scenic Riverway, Missouri
AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of availability.
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SUMMARY: The National Park Service (NPS) announces the availability of
the Record of Decision (ROD) for the Final General Management Plan/
Environmental Impact Statement (GMP/EIS), Ozark National Scenic
Riverways (Riverways), Missouri.
ADDRESSES: Copies of the ROD are available by request by writing to
Superintendent, Ozark National Scenic Riverways, 404 Watercress Drive,
P.O. Box 490, Van Buren, Missouri 63965. The document is also available
on the internet at the NPS Planning, Environment, and Public Comment
Web site at: http://www.parkplanning.nps.gov/.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Superintendent Bill Black at the
address above, or by telephone at 573-323-4236.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On January 22, 2015, the Acting Regional
Director for the Midwest Region signed the ROD for the Final GMP/EIS,
thereby approving it. As soon as practicable, the Riverways will begin
the implementation of the selected alternative B (the preferred
alternative) as described in the final GMP/EIS. Alternative B will
enhance opportunities for visitors to discover and learn about the
natural wonders and Ozark heritage of the National Riverways, while
maintaining a mix of traditional recreational and commercial
activities. Emphasis will be placed on increasing opportunities for
visitor education and connections to natural resources and cultural
landscapes.
This alternative focuses on providing a balance of diverse
recreational opportunities and visitor experiences
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along with increasing visitor education and appreciation of natural and
cultural resources of the park unit. This alternative will provide a
comprehensive Riverways-wide approach to resource and visitor use
management. Specific management zones detailing acceptable resource
conditions, visitor experience and use levels, and appropriate
activities and development will be applied to Riverways' lands
consistent with this concept.
A mix of private and guided traditional recreational activities
like boating, floating, and horseback riding will occur under this
alternative. Additional trails and a small learning center at a
rehabilitated Powder Mill will be developed to better orient and inform
visitors. Natural resources will be restored to more natural
conditions, while maintaining greater opportunities for visitor access.
Most of the Big Spring Wilderness Study Area will be recommended for
wilderness designation.
The selected action and three other alternatives were analyzed in
the draft and final GMP/EIS. The full range of foreseeable
environmental consequences was assessed. Among the alternatives the NPS
considered, the selected action best achieves a high standard of
natural and cultural resource protection with improved opportunities
for visitors in the park. The NPS selected alternative B as its
preferred alternative following an evaluation of the effectiveness of
each alternative in meeting the stated objectives of the general
management plan, and the environmental benefits and adverse impacts for
each alternative. This alternative provides the best combination of
strategies to protect the park unit's unique natural and cultural
resources and visitor experience, while improving the park unit's
operational effectiveness and sustainability. It also provides other
advantages to the Riverways, regional communities, partners, and
stakeholders.
In addition, selection of the preferred alternative, as reflected
by the analysis contained in the final GMP/EIS, will not result in the
impairment of park resources and will allow the National Park Service
to conserve National Riverways' resources and provide for their
enjoyment by visitors.
Dated: January 22, 2015.
Patricia S. Trap,
Acting Regional Director, Midwest Region.
Editor's note: This document was received for publication by the
Office of the Federal Register on June 18, 2015.
[FR Doc. 2015-15417 Filed 6-22-15; 8:45 am]
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