[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 74 (Monday, April 18, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 22630-22631]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-08837]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service

[NPS-PWR-PWRO-17327; PPPWLAKER6/PPMRSNR1Z.Y00000]


Record of Decision for Development Concept Plans for Cottonwood 
Cove and Katherine Landing, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada 
and Arizona

AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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SUMMARY: The National Park Service has prepared and approved a Record 
of Decision for the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the 
Development Concept Plans (DCP) for Katherine Landing and Cottonwood 
Cove. Approval of the DCP concludes an extensive conservation planning 
and environmental impact analysis effort that began during 2008.

ADDRESSES: Those wishing to review the Record of Decision may obtain a 
copy by request to the Superintendent, Lake Mead National Recreation 
Area, 601 Nevada Way, Boulder City, Nevada 89005 or via telephone 
request at (702) 293-8978.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Boyles, Acting Chief, Resource 
Management and Visitor Services, (702) 293-8978.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The National Park Service has prepared and 
approved a Record of Decision for the Final Environmental Impact 
Statement for the DCP for Cottonwood Cove and Katherine Land. This 
process was conducted pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act 
of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and the implementing regulations 
promulgated by the Council on Environmental Quality (40 CFR part 
1505.2). The requisite no-action ``wait period'' was initiated on 
November 14, 2014, with the Environmental Protection Agency's Federal 
Register announcement of the filing of the Final EIS.
    Three alternatives, all including mitigation measures, were 
evaluated during the DCP process. The ``agency preferred'' Alternative 
3 Enhance Visitor Experience and Park Operations has been selected as 
the approved DCP. All primary project components of the selected 
alternative will be

[[Page 22631]]

implemented as staffing and funding allow. Key actions include the 
following:

Cottonwood Cove

     Develop new day-use areas (picnic and no-boat areas) in 
Ski Cove, and designate trail to Cottontail Cove; existing day-use 
areas in Cottonwood Cove remain.
     Phase out trailer village near the end of the next 
concession contract pending an economic feasibility analysis. Redevelop 
site for RV use or concession operated overnight accommodations.
     Expand motel as needed; additional structures double 
capacity and include meeting space (for hosting meetings and other 
events).
     Maintain character of Mission 66 structures while 
responding to changing needs to the extent possible.
     Construct engineered system of diversion dikes and 
concrete channels to convey the 500 year flood to better protect 
visitor areas. Maintain the Early Warning Detection System, install 
flood warning signs, and develop evacuation plan.

Katherine Landing

     Remove motel; redevelop site for expanded visitor parking 
near lake. Provide other forms of overnight accommodations (e.g., RV 
park with pull-through parking).
     Phase out trailer village near the end of the next 
concession contract pending an economic feasibility analysis. The site 
would be redeveloped as part of an expanded, accessible campground that 
would be concessioner-run and would accommodate larger vehicles (larger 
sites with pull-through parking and hookups, etc.). Some portion of the 
campground would retain its current configuration for tent/car camping. 
Cabins may be part of the mix (exact mix of accommodations to be 
determined).
     Develop new paved loop serving both north and south areas 
of the development (housing/administration area to campground loop D).
     Consolidate NPS offices and operations (law enforcement/
emergency, interpretation offices, etc.) in the vicinity of the NPS 
maintenance area; retain NPS maintenance area in same location.
     Construct engineered system of diversion dikes, channels, 
and detention basin to convey predicted maximum flood flows through 
North and South Katherine Washes.
     Install Early Warning Detection System for Katherine 
Landing; place flood warning signs and develop an evacuation plan for 
Katherine Landing and North and South Arizona Telephone Coves.

Princess Cove, Cabinsite Point, and North and South Arizona Telephone 
Cove

     Develop new picnic facilities at Cabinsite Point and 
provide additional parking and allow backcountry camping at some of the 
former cabin sites.
     Develop picnic area at North Arizona Telephone Cove and 
design access roads to eliminate or greatly reduce exposure to flood 
hazards at both North and South Arizona Telephone Coves.
     If launch capacity at Katherine Landing is reduced due to 
flood control, the park may consider paving and formalizing more of the 
overflow parking area at Princess Cove and improving the launch at 
North Arizona Telephone Cove or at Cabinsite Point, to align with 
established capacity levels set by the Lake Management Plan.
    The approved development concept plan/environmental impact 
statement is a programmatic document covering both Cottonwood Cove and 
Katherine Landing areas. More detailed information will be developed 
during the individual project design stage. Based on this further 
design information, additional natural and cultural resource surveys 
and further Section 106 and NEPA compliance will be tiered from this 
document.

    Dated: March 25, 2016.
Patricia L. Neubacher,
Acting Regional Director, Pacific West Region.
[FR Doc. 2016-08837 Filed 4-15-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4312-FF-P