9168 Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 36 / Wednesday, February 24, 1999 / Notices visitor experience, and sensitive program within the parks. Some of these Management Plan; Three Rivers, resource areas. issues include but are not limited to: a California 93271 (telephone (559) 565– FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: continued decline in ecosystem health 3164 or email [email protected].). Contact Superintendent, Padre Island due to fire suppression, increased The official responsible for approval National Seashore, at the above address hazards and costs associated with fire is the Regional Director, Pacific West and telephone number. suppression, and more stringent air Region, National Park Service. The official responsible for implementation Dated: February 26, 1999. quality regulations. is Michael J. Tollefson, Superintendent, John Gibson, Comment and Approval Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Acting Superintendent, Padre Island National As noted, the National Park Service Parks. The draft fire management plan Seashore. will undertake an environmental and environmental document are [FR Doc. 99–4481 Filed 2–23–99; 8:45 am] analysis effort to address issues and expected to be available for public BILLING CODE 4310±70±P alternatives for fire management in review in January, 2000. At this time it Sequoia and Kings Canyon National is anticipated that the final plan and Parks. At this time, it has not been environmental document are to be DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR determined whether an Environmental completed in June, 2000. National Park Service Assessment or Environmental Impact Dated: February 16, 1999. Statement will be prepared, however, John J. Reynolds, Notice of Scoping for Fire Management this scoping process will aid in the Regional Director, Pacific West. preparation of either document. Plan Sequoia and Kings Canyon [FR Doc. 99–4484 Filed 2–23–99; 8:45 am] National Parks Tulare & Fresno As the first step in this undertaking, Counties, California a series of five public scoping meetings BILLING CODE 4310±70±P will be conducted during March, 1999. California cities where scoping meetings DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given, in will be held are: • accordance with the provisions of the Wednesday March 3, 7:00 pm at National Park Service National Environmental Policy Act (42 Fort Miller Middle School Cafeteria, U.S.C. 4321 et. seq.) that public scoping 1302 E. Dakota, Fresno; Record of Decision; Final General has been initiated for a conservation • Wednesday March 10, 7:00 pm at Management Plan/Environmental planning and impact analysis process the Tulare County Education Center Impact Statement; Oregon Caves for updating the fire management plan (Education Building Corner of Burrel National Monument, Oregon for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Ave. near the County Civic Center), Parks. The purpose of the scoping Visalia; ACTION: Notice of Approval of Record of process is to elicit early public comment • Monday March 15, 7:00 pm at the Decision. Visitor Center Auditorium at Griffith regarding issues and concerns, a SUMMARY: Pursuant to Section 102(2)(C) suitable range of alternatives and Park, Los Angeles; of the National Environmental Policy • Monday March 22, 7:00 pm at the appropriate mitigating measures, and Act of 1969, as amended, and the Presidio Visitor Center, 1st floor the nature and extent of potential regulations promulgated by the Council conference room, Building 102 on environmental impacts which should be on Environmental Quality (40 CFR Montgomery St., San Francisco addressed. 1505.2), the Department of the Interior, (adjacent parking available on parade National Park Service, has prepared a Background grounds); Sequoia and Kings Canyon National • Tuesday March 23, 7:30 pm at Record of Decision on the Final General Parks, units of the National Park Three Rivers Union School gym. Management Plan/Environmental System, are managed as one For those unable to attend meetings, Impact Statement for Oregon Caves administrative unit. Extensive research a scoping document will be available National Monument in Oregon. has shown that fire is a significant through the park. The main topics DATES: The Record of Decision was natural process across a large portion of addressed in the scoping document and recommended by the Superintendent of the 864,000 acres of the parks. An meetings are: background information Oregon Caves National Monument, extensive fire management program was on the fire management program; a concurred by the Deputy Regional begun in 1968 and has continued to the review of relevant policy and law Director, Pacific West Region, and present time. All forms of fire affecting the fire management program; approved by the Regional Director, management, from aggressive an assessment of current fire Pacific West Region, on December 23, suppression to managing natural management needs; and the 1998. (lightning) ignitions, have been used to identification of issues and alternatives ADDRESSES: Inquiries regarding the achieve natural and cultural resource related to the fire management in the Record of Decision or the management and hazard fuel reduction parks. Environmental Impact Statement should goals. The parks fire management Interested individuals, organizations, be submitted to the Superintendent, program also has a significant fire and agencies are invited to provide Oregon Caves National Monument, prevention and suppression function. comments or suggestions. Written 19000 Caves Highway, Cave Junction, The last revision of the fire comments regarding the fire OR 97523, phone (541) 592–2100. management plan culminated in a management program must be SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The text of Finding Of No Significant Impact, dated postmarked no later than June 7, 1999. the Record of Decision follows: November 1, 1989. Since that time, a For additional information on the The Department of the Interior, range of new issues, improved scoping meetings, or to request a copy National Park Service (NPS), has information, and unforeseeable of the scoping background material and prepared this Record of Decision (ROD) constraints have emerged which have provide comments, please contact: on the final Environmental Impact the potential to affect the future Superintendent, Sequoia and Kings Statement (EIS) for the General direction of the fire management Canyon National Parks; Attn: Fire Management Plan for Oregon Caves

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National Monument, Oregon. This ROD sales. No boundary change would be cooperation on various issues such as is a statement of the decision made, included, no change to current fire management and tourism. other alternatives considered, public administrative facilities would occur, Basis for Decision involvement in the decision making and the Monument would remain open process, the basis for the decision, the to cave tours year-round under After careful consideration of public environmentally preferable alternative, Alternative A. comments throughout the planning and measures to minimize Alternative B—This is the ‘‘minimum process, including comments on the environmental harm. requirements alternative’’, representing draft EIS, the selected action best the minimum actions necessary to accomplishes the legislated purpose of Decision (Selected Action) protect the natural and cultural the Monument and balances the Oregon Caves National Monument resources of the Monument and protect statutory mission of the NPS to provide will implement Alternative C. identified the health and safety of the public. long-term protection of the Monument’s as the action that best satisfies the Alternative B includes the development resources and significance, while Monument and NPS missions, as well as of adequate administrative and allowing for appropriate levels of visitor the Monument’s long-term management collection storage facilities in the use and appropriate means of visitor objectives. Some actions remain Chateau. Cave tours would be operated enjoyment. The selected action also best consistent with those presented in the with NPS interpretive guides, and a accomplishes identified management draft EIS. Others were modified in the cave tour reservation system would be goals and desired future conditions, final EIS to respond to public comments established and based at the IVVC. A with the fewest environmental impacts. and concerns. The selected action cooperative agreement between the U.S. recognizes both the need to protect Forest Service (USFS) and NPS would Environmentally Preferable Alternative natural and cultural resources and to set aside 3.410 acres as a protected area The alternative which causes the least provide appropriate opportunities for within the SNF. Under this agreement, damage to the cultural and biological visitors and area residents. protection would be provided to the environment, and that best protects, Specific actions to be implemented Lake Creek and upper Cave Creek preserves, and enhances resources is under the selected action are watersheds, the public water supply, Alternative C. summarized below: and foreground and middleground Measures to Minimize Environmental Adequate administrative and viewsheds as seen from the Monument. Harm collection storage will be provided at The caves would be open to public use the administrative site. Cave tours will from mid-March to mid to late All practicable measures to avoid or be operated with NPS interpretive December. However, no concession minimize environmental impacts that rangers, and a cave tour reservation lodging, dining or gift sales would be could result from implementation of the system will be established and based at provided. The lower level of the Chalet selected action have been identified and the Illinois Valley Visitor Center (IVVC). would be used for an on-site visitor incorporated into the selected action. The IVVC will continue to serve as a key center. Implementation of the selected action point for initial visitor contact and Alternative D—Under this alternative, would avoid any adverse impacts on information. a new on-site visitor center would be wetlands and any endangered or Protection will be provided to the developed to provide interpretive threatened species, or that would result Lake Creek and upper Cave Creek services to the public. Concession in the destruction or adverse watersheds, the public water supply, lodging, food service and gift sales modification of critical habitat of such and foreground and middleground operations would be retained at the species. viewsheds as seen from the Monument Chateau and the Chalet. The caves Public Involvement through the transfer of 3,410 acres to the would be open to the public on a year- Monument from the Siskiyou National round basis, and tours would be Public comment has been requested, Forest (SNF). conducted by a non-profit institute or considered, and incorporated Additional hiking, horseback riding, similar organization. This alternative throughout the planning process in and other recreational opportunities would also provide adequate numerous ways. A Notice of Intent to will be provided to the public, and administrative and collection storage at prepare an EIS was published in the public road access will be maintained to the administrative site, and the IVVC Federal Register on January 23, 1996 adjacent national forest lands. The cave would be used for initial visitor (vol. 61, no. 15, pgs. 1783–1784). In will be open to public use from the orientation, visitor contact, and cave early March 1996, NPS produced a middle of March to mid-December. tour reservations. Protection of the Lake newsletter that was mailed to a list of Concession-provided lodging, food Creek and upper Cave Creek interested individuals and was inserted service and gift sales will continue, and watersheds, the public water supply and in the Illinois Valley Newspaper for will be located at the Chateau. Use of foreground viewshed would be distribution to its circulation of 3,400 the lower level of the Chalet will be accomplished through a transfer of readers. The purpose of the newsletter converted from the concession-operated 2,377 acres to the Monument from the was to explain the planning process, gift shop to the Monument visitor center SNF. In addition, protection of portions provide information, and encourage and will be staffed with NPS and of the middleground viewshed would be public participation in the process. cooperating association employees. accomplished by the establishment of a Two public scoping meetings were 1,033-acre protected area within the held in March 1996 in Cave Junction Other Alternatives Considered SNF through a cooperative agreement and Grants Pass, OR, to assist in Alternative A—The no-action between the USFS and NPS. identifying issues to be addressed in the alternative represents no change from Actions common to all alternatives GMP/EIS. A total of 23 people attended present management direction. This include the continued rehabilitation of the two meetings. Also in March, the alternative, therefore, represents the the cave trail, the continued use of the planning team met with several interest current situation, including retention of IVVC for orientation and information, groups, at their request. The NPS concession-contracted services for cave protection of the Oregon Caves Historic received 88 written comments during tours, lodging, food service and gift District, and ongoing regional the scoping period.

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More than 300 copies of the draft During the comment period, 982 Interested persons may make oral/ GMP/EIS were mailed to government letters were received from government written presentations to the Council or agencies, organizations and interested agencies, businesses, special interest file written statements. Such requests individuals in January 1998. In groups and individuals. Of these, 735 should be made at least seven days prior addition, the document was posted on were individually written letters, to the meeting to: Superintendent, the Internet and mailed to local libraries individually signed form letters and Boston Harbor Islands NRA, 408 in Cave Junction, Grants Pass, and postcards, 132 E-mail responses through Atlantic Ave., Boston, MA, 02110, Portland, OR. The EPA Notice of the Internet, and 115 response forms telephone (617) 223–8667. Availability was published in the from the newsletter. In addition, a Dated: February 17, 1999. Federal Register on January 16, 1998 petition with 102 signatures was George E. Price, Jr., (vol. 63, no. 11, pg. 2676). A Notice of received. Written responses were Superintendent, Boston Harbor Islands NRA. Availability was also published by NPS prepared for more than 69 substantive on January 15 (vol. 63, no. 10, pg. 2412). questions and/or comments requiring [FR Doc. 99–4483 Filed 2–23–99; 8:45 am] A second newsletter was prepared that clarification of information contained in BILLING CODE 4310±70±M included a summary of the draft plan the draft plan, changes to the text, or and information on scheduled public direct responses. workshops. Each newsletter included a DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Dated: February 9, 1999. postage-paid response form for people National Park Service to use in submitting comments if William C. Walters, desired. Approximately 3,500 Deputy Regional Director, Pacific West Region. National Register of Historic Places; newsletters were inserted into the Notification of Pending Nominations Illinois Valley News on January 14, and [FR Doc. 99–4480 Filed 2–23–99; 8:45 am] another 1,000 were made available to BILLING CODE 4310±70±P Nominations for the following visitors at the IVVC and the Chateau. In properties being considered for listing addition, newspapers in Grants Pass and in the National Register were received Cave Junction published the notices and DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR by the National Park Service before FEBRUARY 13, 1999 Pursuant to local radio stations announced locations National Park Service and times for the public workshops. section 60.13 of 36 CFR Part 60 written Four public workshops were held in Boston Harbor Island Advisory comments concerning the significance Cave Junction and Grants Pass on Council; Notice of Meeting of these properties under the National February 9 and 10, 1998. The purpose Register criteria for evaluation may be of the workshops was to offer the public Notice is hereby given in accordance forwarded to the National Register, an opportunity to meet with the NPS with the Federal Advisory Committee National Park Service, 1849 C St. NW, planning staff and discuss the draft Act (PL 92–463) that the Boston Harbor NC400, Washington, DC 20240. Written GMP/EIS. A total of 111 people attended Islands Advisory Council will meet on comments should be submitted by the workshops. Thursday, March 4, 1999. The meeting March 11, 1999. The final GMP/EIS was released to the will convene at 6:00 PM in the Beth Boland, public on November 10, 1998. The EPA Exchange Conference Center at the Acting Keeper of the National Register. Notice of Availability of the final GMP/ Boston Fish Pier, One Fish Pier, Boston, EIS was published in the Federal Massachusetts. Georgia Register on November 20, 1998 (vol. 63, The Advisory Council was appointed Butts County no. 224, pg. 64473); the NPS also by the Director of National Park Service Idlewilde, Lake Clark Rd., Indian Springs published a Notice of Availability in the pursuant to Public Law 104–333. The 28 State Park, Indian Springs, 99000293 Federal Register. The final document members represent business, Indiana included a summary of the comments educational, cultural, and Cass County received at the public workshops and a environmental entities; municipalities summary of the comments received surrounding Boston Harbor; and Native Courthouse Historic District, Roughly from written responses. American interests. The purpose of the between Third and Sixth Sts., E. Consultation with the U.S. Fish and Melbourne Ave. and High St., Logansport, Council is to advise and make 99000294 Wildlife Service (USFWS) on Section 7 recommendations to the Boston Harbor of the Endangered Species Act was Islands Partnership with respect to the Grant County undertaken to identify listed plant and development and implementation of a Fairmount Commercial Historic District, animal species that may occur within management plan and the operation of 205–101 S. Main, 102–124 N. Main, 124– 102 S. Main, 101–123 N. Main, 107 W. 1st, the Oregon Caves National Monument. the Boston Harbor Islands National In addition, a copy of the draft plan was 119–117 W. Washington, Fairmount, Recreation Area. 99000295 sent to the USFWS for concurrence that The Agenda for this meeting is as the broad-scale elements of the follows: Hamilton County proposed action would not adversely 1. Presentation of the Annual Report. Conner Street Historic District, Roughly both affect any listed species known or 2. Election of new members. sides of Logan and Conner Sts. between suspected to be in the planning area. 3. Vote taken on a recommendation to 10th and 17th., Noblesville, 99000296 Consultation also occurred with the the Boston Harbor Islands Partnership West—Harris House, 10595 Eller Rd., Fishers, 99000297 Oregon State Historic Preservation regarding a preferred alternative of the Office and the Advisory Council on draft management plan prepared by the Miami County Historic Preservation. A copy of the Planning Committee for the Boston Converse—Jackson Township Public Library, plan was sent to each of these offices to Harbor Islands. 100 S. Jefferson St., Converse, 99000298 initiate and plan for coordination of The meeting is open to the public. Morgan County survey, eligibility, effect, and mitigation Further information concerning Council Hastings Schoolhouse (Indiana’s Public of cultural resources in the Monument meetings may be obtained from the Common and High Schools MPS), 1/5 mi. area. Superintendent, Boston Harbor Islands. S. of Jct. Hacker Creek Rd. and Liberty

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