Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 109 / Tuesday, June 8, 1999 / Notices 30537

Lakeview District Manager who may page at nps.gov/gwmp/ inviting public comment on proposed sustain, vacate or modify this realty landexchange.htm. land exchange. A public meeting was action. In the absence of any objections, FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. held on December 10, 1998, and as a this realty action will become the final John G. Parsons, Associate Regional result received six comments on the determination of the Department of the Director, Lands, Resources, and proposed exchange. Interior. Planning, National Park Service, Dated: June 1, 1999. Scott R. Florence, National Capital Region, 1100 Ohio Terry R. Carlstrom, Field Manager, Lakeview Resource Area. Drive, SW, Washington, DC 20242, Regional Director, National Capital Region. [FR Doc. 99–14411 Filed 6–7–99; 8:45 am] Telephone: (202) 619–7025. [FR Doc. 99–14439 Filed 6–7–99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310±33±U SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: By virtue BILLING CODE 4310±70±M of an Indenture land agreement dated February 12, 1938, the Richmond, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Company (RF&P), predecessor in title to National Park Service Commonwealth, conveyed to the United National Park Service States certain land use restrictions over National Capital Region; 29.1 acres of land in Arlington County, Record of Decision, General Environmental Assessment of Virginia, currently owned by Management Plan and Environmental Proposed Land Exchange, George Commonwealth and hereinafter Impact Statement, Isle Royale National Washington Memorial Parkway, City of referenced as ‘‘the Indenture Land.’’ Park, Keweenaw County, Michigan Alexandria and Arlington County, VA Commonwealth also owns 38.55 acres SUMMARY: Pursuant to section 102(2)(c) ACTION: Notice of the availability of an of land in the City of Alexandria, of the National Environmental Policy environmental assessment (EA) for Virginia, hereinafter referenced as Act of 1969, as amended, and the proposed exchange of land interests ‘‘Potomac Greens.’’ By virtue of a Deed regulations promulgated by the Council between the National Park Service, and of Easement dated August 13, 1984, and on Environmental Quality (40 CFR Commonwealth Atlantic Properties, in accordance with the terms of a 1505.2), the Department of the Interior, Inc., Commonwealth Atlantic Land previous exchange agreement between National Park Service, has prepared a Company, and Commonwealth Atlantic the United States and RF&P, the United Record of Decision on the Final General Land V Inc. States conveyed to RF&P a perpetual Management Plan/Final Environmental easement on and across a portion of Impact Statement for Isle Royale SUMMARY: Pursuant to the Council of lands of the George Washington National Park, Keweenaw County, Environmental Quality regulations and Memorial Parkway for access, including Michigan. National Park Service policy, the ingress and egress from the northbound DATES: The Regional Director, Midwest National Park Service has completed an and southbound lanes of the George Region approved the Record of EA which evaluated the potential Washington Memorial Parkway to and Decision, on May 11, 1999. impacts of the proposed exchange of from Potomac Greens in return for FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: land interests associated with two RF&P’s obligation to construct at no cost Superintendent, Isle Royale National distinct properties located in the City of to the United States a center-piered Park, 800 E. Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, Alexandria and in Arlington County, bridge and all associated ramps and MI 49931–1895, telephone 906–482– Virginia. The EA examines the connections necessary for ingress and 0986. environmental and visual impacts of the egress to and from Potomac Greens to SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION: land exchange on the resources and the George Washington Memorial scenic quality of the George Washington Parkway and other valuable Introduction Memorial Parkway. The National Park consideration. The National Park Service has Service is soliciting comments on this Commonwealth is desirous of the prepared the Final General Management EA. These comments will be considered United States relinquishing its Plan/Environmental Impact Statement in evaluating it and in making decisions restrictions on the Indenture Land in (GMP/FEIS) for Isle Royale National pursuant to the National Environmental order to allow Commonwealth to Park, Michigan. The GMP/FEIS Policy Act. implement a proposed plan for the proposes management direction for the mixed use development of the property park for the next 15–20 years and DATES: There will be a 30-day public in exchange for certain restrictions to be review period for comment on this documents the anticipated effects of the conveyed by Commonwealth to the proposed action and other alternatives document. Comments on the EA should United States relative to building be received no later than June 30, 1999. on the human environment, including heights and setbacks. Commonwealth natural and cultural resources. This ADDRESSES: Comment on the EA should has also proposed implementing a plan Record of Decision is a concise be submitted to Mr. John G. Parsons, for the residential development of statement of the decisions made, other Associate Regional Director, Lands, Potomac Greens, including minimal alternatives considered, the basis for the Resources, and Planning, National Park support retail. decision, the environmentally preferable Service, National Capital Region, 1100 The National Park Service is desirous alternative, and the mitigating measures Ohio Drive, SW, Washington, DC 20242. of acquiring Commonwealth’s access developed to avoid or minimize A limited number of copies of the EA rights to the George Washington environmental harm. are available on request. A public Memorial Parkway and in return is reading copy of the EA will be available willing to partially relinquish the Decision at the National Capital Region United States’ interests in restricting the After careful consideration of Headquarters Building, 1100 Ohio use of the Indenture Land. environmental impacts, costs, Drive, SW, First Floor Lobby, The National Park Service published comments from the public, agencies, Washington, DC 20242, and at the a notice in the Federal Register on and tribes, and engineering evaluations, National Park Service Planning web December 9, 1998 (63 FR 67916), the National Park Service recommends

VerDate 06-MAY-99 16:37 Jun 07, 1999 Jkt 183247 PO 00000 Frm 00065 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\08JNN1.XXX pfrm02 PsN: 08JNN1 30538 Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 109 / Tuesday, June 8, 1999 / Notices for implementation the proposed action In addition to the actions described visitors there would probably be evaluated in the final general above, the following actions are part of necessary. management plan/environmental the selected alternative and alternatives In addition to orientation and impact statement. B, C, and E (described in the next interpretation offered at the Houghton section). Actions related to natural headquarters, a broad range of services Summary of the Selected Action resources: complete baseline inventories would be available at both ends of the The goal of the selected alternative, of natural resources, expand monitoring, island. Rock Harbor and Windigo would which was identified as the proposed develop fisheries management and offer a full range of orientation action in the Final Environmental water resource management plans, and information and services. No formal Statement, is to meet the diverse establish research and wolf management interpretation would be offered in the expectations and needs of Isle Royale advisory boards. Actions related to middle of the island. visitors while emphasizing the natural cultural resources: complete inventory Some cultural resources in developed quiet that is fundamental to wilderness and documentation of resources, expand and frontcountry zones could be experiences. All park areas will be monitoring, research specific cultural preserved through adaptive use for available to all visitors, so long as users history gaps, and cooperate with lodging, interpretation, or operations. participate in ways that are consistent partners to set standards for and carry Cultural resources toward the middle of with the access, facilities, and out shipwreck preservation. Except in the island would be documented and opportunities provided. Management alternative C, historic structures would allowed to deteriorate. zones will provide guidance for generally be retained if they were Additional staff and housing might be managing specific areas for desired eligible for the National Register and a needed at Windigo to operate expanded visitor experience and resource potential use was identified. Actions sewer and water treatment facilities. conditions (see p. 30 of the GMP/FEIS). related to interpretation, information, The Amygdaloid Island ranger station would remain, but the Malone Bay Campgrounds will be designed and and education: develop a station in the middle of the island access provided to separate motorized comprehensive interpretive plan, would be removed. and non-motorized uses in a few areas; improve visitor information facilities, Alternative C—Most of the island certain docks will be removed or strengthen education outreach, and would be truly primitive. Emphasis relocated, for example, and some new develop interpretive media supportive would be placed on providing campgrounds will be provided. A of park emphasis statements. Other superlative wilderness experiences, variety of uses will be available that will actions: develop a wilderness and solitude, and escape from the intrusions be fairly evenly distributed across the backcountry management plan and a of the modern world. Facilities and island. Use limits may become commercial services plan, limit charter development would be scaled back and necessary in some management zones to fishing permits, prohibit personal evidence of management activities prevent overcrowding and maintain watercraft, and perform a study to would be minimal. Party size would be quiet and solitude. Quiet/no-wake water develop and evaluate options for limited to a maximum of six people for zones will be established to reduce improving the mainland headquarters. overnight use on the island. noise and wake impacts in numerous Other Alternatives Considered Visitation would be managed through areas. Other regulations aimed at a reservation system. Permits could be reducing sound associated with humans Alternative A—Alternative A (the issued on a first-come, first-served basis, will also be implemented. status quo or no-action alternative) or a lottery system would be used. Partnerships will be sought to would continue current management at Various systems would be carefully maintain the docks and cultural Isle Royale National Park. It provides a evaluated before one was chosen. resources at Barnum and Washington baseline for evaluating the changes and Emphasis would be placed on Islands. Potential adaptive public related environmental effects of the providing orientation and interpretation overnight use of these historic sites and other alternatives. Park managers would at the Houghton headquarters and other former commercial fishing sites at continue to provide for visitor use and ferry staging areas. Additional Crystal Cove, Wright Island, and would respond to natural and cultural information would be provided in Fisherman’s Home will be considered. resource management concerns written materials. No interpretive media When the Passage Island, Isle Royale, according to current policy and legal or formal programs would be offered on and Rock of Ages lighthouses are requirements and as funding allowed. the island because they could intrude transferred to the NPS, partners will be There would be no change in on the wilderness character. sought to help stabilize, maintain, and management direction. Ferry service would be provided to interpret them and their surroundings. Alternative B—Alternative B would Rock Harbor and Windigo only. Water Existing motel units at Rock Harbor separate uses by concentrating facilities taxi service would be eliminated. will be reconfigured and made more and services at the ends of the island Consistent with the concept of this rustic. Existing Housekeeping cabins and by creating an increasingly alternative, all cultural resources would will be retained; a few new rustic cabins primitive wilderness experience toward be documented and allowed to decay. will be added. Utility systems and other the middle of the island. Visitors would No stabilization or preservation of these concession infrastructure at Rock find a full range of facilities and services resources would be attempted. The Harbor will be brought into compliance and a more structured experience at Coast Guard would continue to with State and Federal standards. The Rock Harbor and Windigo, the primary maintain navigational aids, and the dining room, concession laundry, and access points to the island, which National Park Service would continue to public laundry at Rock Harbor will be would both require some increased maintain access to these areas; however, discontinued; most other concession development. A more primitive when the lighthouses are turned over to services will remain. Unless the wilderness experience with quiet and the National Park Service, they would concessioner is subsidized through a solitude would be found toward the be documented and allowed to decay. new congressional appropriation, prices center of the island, where most Lighthouses could be maintained, of services might rise to the point that facilities and amenities would be however, by the Coast Guard or some concessions services may be unviable. removed. Limits on the number of other entity.

VerDate 06-MAY-99 11:39 Jun 07, 1999 Jkt 183247 PO 00000 Frm 00066 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\A08JN3.332 pfrm07 PsN: 08JNN1 Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 109 / Tuesday, June 8, 1999 / Notices 30539

Alternative E—Most facilities would of natural and cultural resources while comprehensive interpretive plan, a remain and services would continue, maintaining a wide range of neutral and wilderness and backcountry but a few changes would be made to beneficial uses of the environment management plan, and a commercial better separate uses and increase without degradation; (2) maintains an services plan. interpretation. To provide better quality environment that supports diversity and Basis For Decision experiences without restricting variety of individual choice; (3) activities, visitor numbers would be achieves a balance between human The selected alternative best supports controlled at substantially lower levels population and resource use; and (4) the park’s purpose, significance, and than exist now (10,000 to 13,000 people improves resource sustainability. wilderness status, and accomplishes the per year). This would mean that Alternative C, as described in the statutory mission of the National Park approximately 5,000 to 8,000 fewer Final GMP/EIS, could potentially Service to provide long-term protection visitors per year would be provide additional protection for natural of park resources while allowing for accommodated than in recent years. resources beyond that included in the appropriate levels of visitor use and Visitation to the island would be selected action, primarily through means of visitor enjoyment. The managed through a reservation system. scaling back human activities and selected alternative also does the best A limited number of permits could be facilities. Alternative C does not protect job of addressing issues identified issued per year on a first-come, first- historic and cultural resources, during public scoping while minimizing served basis, or there could be a lottery however, nor does it provide for a environmental harm. Other factors system or some other method. Various diversity of human choice. considered in the decision were public reservation systems would be carefully The selected alternative provides the and resource benefits gained for the cost evaluated before one was chosen. appropriate balance and flexibility incurred, and extensive public Interpreted sites would remain, and necessary to protect the cultural heritage comment. historic structures at Wright Island, and traditional recreational uses at Isle Public Involvement Crystal Cove, and Fishermans Home Royale, as well as natural and cultural could be adaptively used for additional resources. This approach is also vital to Public involvement for the General interpretation of park cultural themes. maintaining relationships between Management Plan began with a Interpretation and environmental gateway communities and Isle Royale workshop for representatives of key education could be provided at the west National Park, a critical element in the stakeholders in February 1994. In July end of the park at Washington and successful implementation of the 1995 the planning team met on the Barnum Islands. The Rock Harbor and proposed action and realization of its island to discuss preliminary planning Windigo areas would remain the beneficial effects on the environment. issues. Team members spoke about the primary visitor orientation points. planning effort at two public programs Historic structures and landscapes Measures To Minimize Harm on the island. The planning team also would be preserved in priority order All practicable means to avoid or met with park staff members (those not according to significance. The historic minimize environmental harm that on the planning team) to solicit their commercial fishery sites at Wright could result from implementation of the input. Newsletter #1, published in Island, Crystal Cove, and Fishermans selected action have been identified and November 1995, introduced the Home would be stabilized and adaptive incorporated into the selected action. planning project and process to the uses would be sought to provide for They are presented in detail in the public. their continued preservation and GMP/FEIS. They include, but are not In Newsletter #2 the public was asked interpretation. When the National Park limited to, resource monitoring and to review draft purpose and significance Service received title to the lighthouses management; visitor use monitoring and statements and a list of preliminary owned by the U.S. Coast Guard, partners management; commitments for planning issues. Nearly 300 responses interested in preserving the structures additional resource surveys and were received and 50–60 people would be considered. consultation prior to Park Service attended each public meeting in Duluth, construction, and proposals for Minnesota, and Houghton and Lansing, Environmentally Preferable Alternative additional research and data collection Michigan to provide additional The environmentally preferable as outlined in the plan. Additional comments. alternative is defined as ‘‘the alternative mitigation measures are discussed on Newsletter #3, published in June or alternatives that will promote the pp. 24 and 25, and in the Consultation 1996, summarized public input to date national environmental policy as and Coordination section (pp. 128–134) and presented revised purpose and expressed in section 101 of the National of the GMP/FEIS. significance statements, park emphasis Environmental Policy Act. Ordinarily, Due to the programmatic nature of the statements, revised issue statements, this means the alternative that causes general management plan, specific potential management zones, and least damage to the biological and development projects will be reviewed possible alternative concepts. There physical environment; it also means the as necessary for compliance with the were again a large number of responses alternative that best protects, preserves, National Environmental Policy Act, and the results were reported in and enhances historic, cultural, and National Historic Preservation Act, and November 1996 in Newsletter #4. natural resources’’ (‘‘Forty Most Asked other applicable Federal and State laws Using the public input, the planning Questions Concerning Council on and regulations prior to project team developed the alternative concepts Environmental Quality’s (CEQ) National clearance and implementation. Specific in more detail and presented them with Environmental Policy Act Regulations,’’ measures to minimize environmental maps in Newsletter #5 in February 1997. 1981). harm will be included in Public meetings were held in Ann Arbor The environmentally preferable implementation plans called for by the and Houghton, Michigan and Duluth, alternative is the selected action. This GMP/FEIS. These include fisheries Minnesota, to present the management alternative best meets the full range of management and water resource alternatives for public comment in national environmental policy goals as management plans, a study to develop March 1997. There was significant stated in NEPA’s Section 101. The and evaluate options for improving the response to the newsletter and 75 to 150 selected action (1) maximizes protection mainland headquarters, a people attended each meeting. Using

VerDate 06-MAY-99 11:39 Jun 07, 1999 Jkt 183247 PO 00000 Frm 00067 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\A08JN3.333 pfrm07 PsN: 08JNN1 30540 Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 109 / Tuesday, June 8, 1999 / Notices that input the planning team developed DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR document. Impact topics include a preliminary preferred alternative, cultural and natural resources, which was presented in Newsletter #6 National Park Service interpretation and visitor use, in July 1997. socioeconomic environment, and New Orleans Jazz National Historical National Park Service operations. The Draft General Management Plan/ Park, New Orleans, Louisiana; Notice Measures that would be taken to Environmental Impact Statement was of Availability of Final General produced and distributed for public Management Plan/Environmental mitigate impacts are also described in review in March 1998. Public meetings Impact Statement for New Orleans Jazz the document. were held in April 1998 at St. Paul and National Historical Park Availability: The Final Environmental Duluth, Minnesota, and Houghton and Impact Statement is being mailed to SUMMARY: Ann Arbor, Michigan. Approximately This Final General agencies, organizations, and individuals Management Plan/Environmental 75–150 people attended each of the on the park’s mailing list, and a limited Impact Statement describes and meetings. Additionally, nearly 600 number of copies will be available at analyzes three alternatives proposed by responses were received by mail or on the National Park Service for setting park headquarters at the following the Internet. The preferred alternative park management and direction for New address: Superintendent, New Orleans was subsequently revised and the Final Orleans Jazz National Historical Park Jazz National Historical Park, 365 Canal General Management Plan/ over the next 10 to 15 years. The format Street, Suite 2400, New Orleans, LA Environmental Impact Statement was of the document will be as an 70130, Telephone (504) 589–4806. distributed in November 1998. abbreviated final environmental impact No sooner than 30 days from the Sixteen (16) letters commenting on statement. Alternative A is the no- appearance of this notice in the Federal the GMP/FEIS were received. There action, or status quo, alternative. This Register, a Record of Decision will be were few new ideas expressed in the alternative would not allow the park to signed that will document NPS approval letters; similar comments (with NPS achieve its mission; however, it does of the general management plan for New responses) were incorporated into the provide a baseline for comparison with Orleans Jazz National Historical Park, GMP/FEIS. Concerns related to the the other alternatives. Alternative B and identify the selected action from the following general topic areas were would emphasize conveying the park’s alternatives presented in the FEIS. interpretive story through such personal expressed: separation of uses (including Dated: May 28, 1999. concerns about non-motorized zones), programs as interpreted performances, W. Thomas Brown, concessions services at Rock Harbor seminars, and performances. Educational activities would be given (including concerns about affordability Acting Regional Director, Southeast Region. maximum emphasis in this alternative. and accessibility of overnight [FR Doc. 99–14441 Filed 6–7–99; 8:45 am] It would allow the park to assist in the BILLING CODE 4310±70±M accommodations), and dock removal adaptive use of structures related to and replacement. The National Park jazz. Interpretive programming would Service has heard these concerns, and heavily depend on the involvement of DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR responded to them in the ‘‘Summary of local musicians and educators, thus Public Comments’’ section of the GMP/ supporting cultural preservation. Under National Park Service FEIS. this alternative, the visitor center would Conclusion be located at the Old U.S. Mint. Notice of Racial Desegregation of Alternative C would emphasize a strong Public Education National Historic A notice of availability for the Final partnership program between the Landmark Theme Study General Management Plan/ National Park Service and other entities Environmental Impact Statement for Isle involved in preserving the New Orleans AGENCY: National Park Service. jazz tradition. In Alternative C, the Royale National Park was published in ACTION: Notice of theme study. the Federal Register on November 3, National Park Service would provide funding for basic park operations and 1998, and the 30-day no-action period SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that in ended on December 3, 1998. would work intensively with others to develop partnerships and alternative October 1998, Congress authorized the The above factors and considerations funding sources for interpretation, National Park Service to prepare a justify the selection of the final plan, as visitor use and experiences, and other National Historic Landmark (NHL) described in the ‘‘Proposed Action’’ activities focusing on preserving the jazz Theme Study on the history of racial section of the Final Environmental tradition. The extent and success of this desegregation in public education in the Impact Statement. The final general alternative would depend on substantial United States. The purpose of this study management plan is hereby approved. support from partners, especially the is to develop a historic context on the Dated: May 21, 1999. private sector. Interpretation media story of racial desegregation and to William W. Schenk, would be extensively used, and the size identify and prioritize potential and scope of park educational and National Historic Landmarks This study Regional Director. preservation programs would be guided will be presented to Congress by the [FR Doc. 99–14440 Filed 6–7–99; 8:45 am] by the development of partnerships. Secretary of the Interior in October BILLING CODE 4310±70±P Under this alternative, the visitor center 2000. would be located at a complex in Louis Armstrong Park. Alternative C is the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John National Park Service’s Proposed Sprinkle, National Register, History, and Action. Education (2280), National Park Service, Environmental impacts that would 1849 C Street, NW, Room NC–400, result from implementation of the Washington, DC 20240. Telephone (202) alternatives are addressed in the 343–8166.

VerDate 06-MAY-99 11:39 Jun 07, 1999 Jkt 183247 PO 00000 Frm 00068 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\A08JN3.335 pfrm07 PsN: 08JNN1