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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 249 (Monday, December 30, 2024)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 106393-106398]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-31207]

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service

36 CFR Part 7

[NPS-WHIS-NPS38501; PX.P0234207B.00.1-PPPWWHISM0-PFE00FEPR.YP0000]
RIN 1024-AE52

Whiskeytown Unit, Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National Recreation 
Area; Bicycling

AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: The National Park Service proposes to amend the special 
regulations for Whiskeytown National

[[Page 106394]]

Recreation Area to allow bicycle use on approximately 79.8 miles of 
multi-use trails. National Park Service regulations require 
promulgation of a special regulation to allow bicycles on new trails 
outside of developed areas and for existing trails that require 
construction or significant modification to accommodate bicycles.

DATES: Comments on the proposed rule must be received by 11:59 p.m. EDT 
on February 28, 2025.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by Regulation Identifier 
Number (RIN) 1024-AE52, by either of the following methods:
    (1) Electronically: Go to the Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    (2) By hard copy: Mail to: Superintendent, Whiskeytown National 
Recreation Area, P.O. Box 188, Whiskeytown, CA 96095.
    Document Availability: The Trails Management Plan and Environmental 
Assessment and the Finding of No Significant Impact provide information 
and context for this proposed rule and are available online at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/whis by clicking the link entitled ``All Docs & 
Projects,'' then clicking the link entitled ``Whiskeytown NRA Trails 
Management Plan,'' and then clicking the link entitled ``Document 
List.''
    Instructions: Comments will not be accepted by fax, email, or in 
any way other than those specified above. All submissions received must 
include the words ``National Park Service'' or ``NPS'' and must include 
the docket number or RIN (1024-AE52) for this rulemaking. Comments 
received may be posted without change to https://www.regulations.gov, 
including any personal information provided.
    Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or 
comments received, go to https://www.regulations.gov and search for 
``1024-AE52''.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Laura Shaskey, Division Manager, 
Resources and Interpretation, Whiskeytown National Recreation Area; 
phone: 530-242-3457; email: [email protected]. Individuals in the 
United States who are deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or have a 
speech disability may dial 711 (TTY, TDD, or TeleBraille) to access 
telecommunications relay services. Individuals outside the United 
States should use the relay services offered within their country to 
make international calls to the point-of-contact in the United States. 
In compliance with the Providing Accountability Through Transparency 
Act of 2023, the plain language summary of the proposal is available on 
Regulations.gov in the docket for this rulemaking.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

Purpose and Management Authority for the Recreation Area

    Congress established the Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National 
Recreation Area in 1965 for public outdoor recreation, use and 
enjoyment. 16 U.S.C. 460q. Congress directed the Secretary of the 
Interior to administer the Whiskeytown unit and directed the Secretary 
of Agriculture to administer the Shasta and Trinity units. The National 
Park Service (NPS) administers the Whiskeytown unit, on the behalf of 
the Secretary of the Interior, as the Whiskeytown National Recreation 
Area (referred to in this document as the ``recreation area''). The 
U.S. Forest Service manages the Shasta and Trinity units, on behalf of 
the Secretary of Agriculture, as the Shasta-Trinity National Recreation 
Area. Each bureau is required to administer their units in a manner 
that will best provide for public outdoor recreation benefits and 
conserve the scenic, scientific, historic, and other values that 
contribute to public enjoyment. 16 U.S.C. 460q-3. In addition to the 
enabling legislation described above, the NPS manages the recreation 
area pursuant to the NPS Organic Act of 1916, which gives the NPS broad 
authority to regulate the use of the lands and waters that it 
administers as part of the National Park System. See 54 U.S.C. 100101; 
100751(a).

Significance and Visitor Use of the Recreation Area

    The recreation area encompasses 42,497 acres in Shasta County, 
nestled within the Klamath Mountains in Northern California. The 
recreation area has diverse ecosystems ranging from oak scrubland to 
dense coniferous forests, with elevations ranging from 800 feet in 
lower Clear Creek to more than 6,200 feet atop Shasta Bally. This 
dynamic landscape, range in elevation, rugged topography, and numerous 
soil types contribute to a rich biodiversity. These habitats provide 
shelter and sustenance to an abundant and diverse wildlife community, 
including numerous species of concern and other rare species. High-
elevation forests have been profoundly influenced by wildland fire. 
Fire management continues to play a key role in the preservation and 
restoration of natural communities in the recreation area.
    The recreation area includes significant cultural resources. For 
thousands of years before the arrival of European Americans, the Wintu 
People and their ancestors lived in villages along Clear Creek and its 
tributaries. Archeological remains document their extensive habitation 
and use of the land, and traditional ties to the recreational area 
remain among contemporary Wintu. In the early part of the 19th century, 
European explorers and trappers began visiting the upper Sacramento 
Valley and Wintu homelands. They were soon followed by parties of 
settlers on their way to central California and Oregon, and in 1848 
gold was discovered on Clear Creek just south of the recreation area. 
During the 100-year gold rush, lands within the recreation area were 
subject to intensive mining exploration and development. This history 
of mining is evident throughout the recreation area.
    In the early 1900s, the United States Government began establishing 
the Central Valley Project to manage the water of the Sacramento River 
and provide for its use in the Central Valley of California. The 
construction of Whiskeytown Dam in 1962 created Whiskeytown Lake. With 
36 miles of shoreline, the crystal-clear water of Whiskeytown Lake is 
perhaps the most recognized feature of the recreation area. Due to its 
forested, mountain setting and consistent water level, the lake 
provides high-quality recreational opportunities throughout the primary 
recreation season. Visitors enjoy swimming, beaches, lakeside camping, 
boating, sport fishing, and picnicking. Beyond the shoreline of the 
lake, the rugged canyons, forests, streams, and waterfalls within the 
recreation area provide visitors with outstanding recreational 
opportunities. An extensive trail system allows visitors to experience 
a variety of forested terrain for birdwatching, camping, picnicking, 
wildlife viewing, hiking, horseback riding, and bicycling. Trails are 
located primarily upon historic logging and mining infrastructure 
south, east, and west of Whiskeytown Lake. In total, more than 800,000 
visitors come to enjoy the recreation area each year, including casual 
sightseers, experienced adventurers and everyone in between.

Bicycle Use in the Recreation Area

    Bicycle use has occurred in the recreation areas for several 
decades. Today, bicycles are used on roads that are open to public 
motor vehicle use, on 42.2 miles of administrative roads that are 
closed to motor vehicle use by the

[[Page 106395]]

public but open to motor vehicle use by the NPS for administrative 
purposes, and on the majority of trails in the existing trail system. 
Public roads, administrative roads, and trails that are open to 
traditional bicycles are also open to Class 1 electric bicycles, which 
are defined in NPS regulations as an electric bicycle equipped with a 
motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and 
that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 
20 miles per hour. Class 2 and 3 electric bicycles are not allowed on 
trails or administrative roads within the recreation area, however they 
are permitted on roads that are open to public motor vehicle use. The 
trails identified below are closed to bicycle use:
     All portions of the Shasta Divide Nature Trail between 
Kennedy Memorial Drive and Whiskeytown Lake.
     All portions of the Davis Gulch Trail between the 
trailheads at Kennedy Memorial Drive and the Brandy Creek Day Use Area.
     All portions of the Crystal Creek Water Ditch Trail.
     James K. Carr Trail to Whiskeytown Falls (from Mill Creek 
Trail junction to the falls).
     Boulder Creek Falls Trail.
     The portion of Brandy Creek Falls Trail beyond the 
intersection with Rich Gulch Trail.
    Other trails in the network are reserved for use by the Whiskeytown 
Environmental School (WES) and are not open to the public. These WES-
only trails are the Ladybug Lane Trail, Martha's Ditch Trail and the 
Ridge Trail.

Trails Management Plan Environmental Assessment

    With the growth of the city of Redding eight miles to the east, the 
recreation area has transitioned from a wildland setting to an urban 
location that offers recreation opportunities for the largest 
metropolitan area in the northern Sacramento Valley. Facilities and 
infrastructure within the recreation areas were primarily constructed 
in the 1960s and were not designed to accommodate current levels of 
visitation. To address emerging management challenges and accommodate 
current levels of visitation, the NPS initiated a comprehensive trail 
management project to help guide, plan, and manage trail use and 
maintenance within the recreation area. In 2017 the NPS sought public 
input on the existing trail system. The NPS used this input to develop 
preliminary alternatives for a trails management plan. In 2018 the Carr 
Fire burned approximately 39,000 out of 42,000 acres within the 
recreation area. To date, this is the most destructive fire in the 
history of the National Park System. The entire recreation area was 
closed and NPS resources were diverted to the rebuilding effort. NPS 
staff, partners, and contractors have made significant headway in 
rebuilding lost infrastructure and reopening much of the recreation 
area. As of August 2024 approximately 9% of the trails remain closed 
because of the fire. The NPS will continue to reopen trails provided 
there are no safety or resource issues associated with using the trails 
after the fire.
    In 2020 the NPS restarted the trail planning process, with 
alternatives that were revised to reflect the changed landscape and 
address the need for long term solutions to poorly designed and 
unsustainable trails. On June 8, 2021, the NPS published the Trails 
Management Plan and Environmental Assessment and accepted public 
comments for 30 days. In February 2022 the NPS issued a revised Trails 
Management Plan and Environmental Assessment (EA) to reflect updated 
trail mileages and additional best management practices. The EA 
describes one action alternative (the preferred alternative) and the 
no-action alternative. The no-action alternative would continue the 
existing management of the trail system into the future. The action 
alternative would involve trail construction, including building new 
trails, rerouting some existing trails, and restoring other existing 
trails to natural condition. The EA evaluates the suitability of each 
trail surface and soil conditions for accommodating bicycle use; and 
life cycle maintenance costs, safety considerations, methods to prevent 
or minimize user conflict, and methods to protect natural and cultural 
resources and mitigate impacts associated with bicycle use on each 
trail. The EA contains a full description of the purpose and need for 
taking action, the alternatives considered, a map of the affected area, 
and the environmental impacts associated with the project.
    On March 11, 2022, the Regional Director for DOI Unified Regions 8, 
9, 10 and 12 signed a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) that 
identified the preferred alternative in the EA as the selected 
alternative.\1\ Trail work will occur on approximately 32.8 miles of 
trails and will include minor improvements to existing trails, the 
construction of new multiuse trails, the rerouting of some existing 
trails, and trail closures and restoration to natural conditions. The 
longest new trail, the proposed lakefront trail, will be approximately 
8 miles in length and improve access to the lake. The NPS will also 
establish a new trail along the Shasta Divide at the east side of the 
recreation area, offering views of Mount Shasta and the Lassen Peak. 
The NPS also will formalize three social trails by merging them into 
one mile of new trail. All of the new trails will connect to existing 
trails to create more trail loops. The new trails will generate 
opportunities for new and diverse visitor experiences in different 
locations in the recreation area.
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    \1\ During the NEPA process, the NPS evaluated the impacts of 
bicycle use on all trails where the NPS proposes to authorize their 
use in this rulemaking. The NPS acknowledges minor trail mileage 
discrepancies between the FONSI and this proposed rule. Small 
discrepancies in GIS estimates are reasonable and expected. The 
differing mileage estimates between documents are a result of simple 
addition and rounding errors as well as improved data quality and 
increased accuracy in GIS layers.
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    The NPS will reroute seven multiuse trails because the existing 
routes have become unsustainable due to erosive soils or soil 
compaction, steep alignment, and undesirable visitor experiences. The 
new routes will have a more sustainable alignment and capacity for use. 
Other trails totaling 5.1 miles will be closed and not rerouted, which 
will allow those areas to return to their natural condition. In total, 
the selected alternative will expand the trail network and result in 
approximately 79.8 miles of trails open to bicycle use within the 
recreation area.

NPS Management of Bicycle Use

    From 1966 until 1987 NPS regulations allowed bicycles on trails in 
recreation areas unless they were restricted by posted signs or 
markings on a map. See 31 FR 16650 (December 29, 1966) and 39 FR 11882 
(April 1, 1974). In 1987 the NPS replaced what had been an ``open 
unless closed'' management framework for bicycle use in recreation 
areas with a framework that required that the NPS promulgate a special 
regulation in order to allow bicycles in any System unit on routes 
outside of developed areas and special use zones. Further, routes could 
only be designated for bicycle use upon a determination that such use 
was consistent with the protection of a park area's natural scenic and 
aesthetic values, safety considerations and management objectives and 
would not disturb wildlife or park resources. See 52 FR 10685 (April 2, 
1987).
    In 2012 the NPS amended its regulations for bicycle use again. 
These amended regulations are in place today and are codified at 36 CFR 
4.30. These regulations focus on planning and

[[Page 106396]]

environmental compliance under the National Environmental Policy Act 
(NEPA). Bicycles are allowed by default on park roads and parking areas 
open to public motor vehicles. Bicycles may be allowed on 
administrative roads that are closed to motor vehicle use by the public 
but open to motor vehicle use by the NPS for administrative purposes, 
but only after the Superintendent makes the same determination that has 
been required since 1987 (see above). The use of bicycles on trails is 
subject to a thorough review and approval process. The NPS must 
complete a planning process that evaluates bicycle use on each specific 
trail, including impacts to trail surface and soil conditions, 
maintenance costs, safety considerations, potential user conflicts, and 
methods to protect resources and mitigate impacts. The NPS also must 
complete either an environmental assessment or environmental impact 
statement that concludes that bicycle use in the park and on each 
specific trail will have no significant impacts on the environment. If 
an environmental assessment is prepared, the public must be notified 
and provided 30 days to review and comment. In addition to the planning 
and NEPA compliance documents (which are typically the same document), 
the Superintendent must prepare and the regional director must approve 
the same written determination about bicycle use that is required for 
administrative roads. For existing trails or new trails within 
developed areas, the NPS must publish the written determination in the 
Federal Register for a 30-day public comment period. For all trails, 
including new trails outside of developed areas, the Regional Director 
must approve the written determination. For new trails outside of 
developed areas, the NPS must publish a special regulation designating 
the trails for bicycle use, which is subject to a separate notice-and-
comment period under the Administrative Procedure Act. 5 U.S.C. 553(b). 
New trails, whether they are in developed areas or not, must be 
developed and constructed in accordance with appropriate sustainable 
trail design principles and guidelines. Adherence to the procedures in 
these regulations helps ensure that bicycles are allowed only in 
locations where, in the judgment of the NPS, their use is appropriate 
and will not cause unacceptable impacts.

Proposed Rule

Compliance With NPS Regulations

    This proposed rule would authorize the Superintendent to allow 
bicycles, by designation in the Superintendent's Compendium, on all of 
the trails where bicycles would be allowed under the selected 
alternative. This includes existing trails that are not being rerouted, 
existing trails that are being rerouted, and new trails that will be 
constructed. Although NPS regulations do not require special 
regulations to allow bicycles on existing trails that do not require 
any construction or significant modification, the NPS proposes to 
include those trails in the special regulation so that all of the 
trails that may be designated for bicycle use are identified in one 
place. The NPS expects this approach to increase compliance with the 
regulations by making it easier for visitors to understand where 
bicycles are allowed and how they can be used.
    The EA constitutes the planning document and evaluates the criteria 
required by the regulations at 36 CFR 4.30. The no action alternative 
evaluates continued bicycle use on existing trails that will not be 
rerouted; and the action alternative evaluates the rerouting of 
existing trails and construction of new trails, plus the impact of 
bicycle use on those trails. The FONSI concludes that the development 
and use of the new trail system would not significantly affect the 
quality of the human environment.
    The Superintendent of the recreation area has signed a written 
determination that bicycle use on all of the trails where bicycles 
would be allowed under the selected alternative is consistent with the 
protection of the park's natural, scenic, and aesthetic values; safety 
considerations; management objectives; and will not disturb wildlife or 
park resources. This written determination is available on the 
recreation area's planning website at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/whis 
by clicking the link entitled ``All Docs & Projects,'' then clicking 
the link entitled ``Whiskeytown NRA Trails Management Plan,'' and then 
clicking the link entitled ``Document List.'' The NPS is not publishing 
the written determination separately in the Federal Register but 
welcomes comments on the written determination during the public 
comment period for this proposed rule, and will consider those comments 
before submitting the written determination to the Regional Director 
for approval. The written determination also determines that continued 
bicycle use on administrative roads within the recreation area is 
consistent with the protection of the park's natural, scenic, and 
aesthetic values; safety considerations; management objectives; and 
will not disturb wildlife or park resources.

Content of the Proposed Rule

    This proposed rule would add a new paragraph (e) to 36 CFR 7.91, 
which contains the special regulations for the recreation area. The 
proposed rule would authorize the Superintendent to designate 79.8 
miles of trails within the recreation area for bicycle use. The 
proposed rule would require the Superintendent to notify the public of 
any designated trails through one or more of the methods identified in 
36 CFR 1.7 and to identify the designated trails on maps available at 
visitor centers and on the recreation area's website (https://www.nps.gov/whis). The proposed rule would authorize the Superintendent 
to limit, restrict, or impose conditions on bicycle use, or close any 
trail to bicycle use, or terminate such limits, restrictions, 
conditions or closures, after considering public health and safety, 
resources protection, and other management activities and objectives. 
Pursuant to 36 CFR 4.30(i), the Superintendent may allow electric 
bicycles on any trails that are open to traditional bicycles, and will 
notify the public pursuant to 36 CFR 1.7 if electric bicycles are so 
allowed.

Compliance With Other Laws, Executive Orders and Department Policy

Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 and 
14094)

    Executive Order 14094 (E.O.) amends E.O. 12866 and reaffirms the 
principles of E.O. 12866 and E.O. 13563 and states that regulatory 
analysis should facilitate agency efforts to develop regulations that 
serve the public interest, advance statutory objectives, and are 
consistent with E.O. 12866 and E.O. 13563. Regulatory analysis, as 
practicable and appropriate, shall recognize distributive impacts and 
equity, to the extent permitted by law. E.O. 13563 emphasizes further 
that regulations must be based on the best available science and that 
the rulemaking process must allow for public participation and an open 
exchange of ideas. The NPS has developed this proposed rule in a manner 
consistent with these requirements.
    E.O. 12866, as reaffirmed by E.O. 13563 and amended and reaffirmed 
by E.O. 14094, provides that the Office of Information and Regulatory 
Affairs (OIRA) in the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will review 
all significant rules. OIRA determined that this proposed rule is not 
significant.

[[Page 106397]]

Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.)

    This proposed rule would not have a significant economic effect on 
a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility 
Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). This certification is based on information 
contained in the economic analyses found in the report entitled ``Cost-
Benefit and Regulatory Flexibility Threshold Analyses: Proposed Special 
Regulations to Designate New and Existing Trails for Bicycle Use at 
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.'' The report may be viewed on the 
recreation area's planning website at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/whis 
by clicking the link entitled ``All Docs & Projects,'' then clicking 
the link entitled ``Whiskeytown NRA Trails Management Plan,'' and then 
clicking the link entitled ``Document List.''

Congressional Review Act (CRA)

    This proposed rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2). This 
rulemaking:
    (a) Does not have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million 
or more.
    (b) Will not cause a major increase in costs or prices for 
consumers, individual industries, Federal, State, or local government 
agencies, or geographic regions.
    (c) Does not have significant adverse effects on competition, 
employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the ability of 
U.S.-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based enterprises.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.)

    This proposed rule does not impose an unfunded mandate on State, 
local, or Tribal governments or the private sector of more than $100 
million per year. The proposed rule does not have a significant or 
unique effect on State, local or Tribal governments or the private 
sector. It addresses public use of national park lands and imposes no 
requirements on other agencies or governments. A statement containing 
the information required by the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (2 U.S.C. 
1531 et seq.) is not required.

Takings (Executive Order 12630)

    This rulemaking does not affect a taking of private property or 
otherwise have takings implications under Executive Order 12630. A 
takings implication assessment is not required.

Federalism (Executive Order 13132)

    Under the criteria in section 1 of Executive Order 13132, the 
rulemaking does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant 
the preparation of a federalism summary impact statement. This proposed 
rule only affects use of federally administered lands and waters. It 
has no direct effects on other areas. A federalism summary impact 
statement is not required.

Civil Justice Reform (Executive Order 12988)

    This rulemaking complies with the requirements of Executive Order 
12988. This rulemaking:
    (a) Meets the criteria of section 3(a) requiring that all 
regulations be reviewed to eliminate errors and ambiguity and be 
written to minimize litigation; and
    (b) Meets the criteria of section 3(b)(2) requiring that all 
regulations be written in clear language and contain clear legal 
standards.

Consultation With Indian Tribes (Executive Order 13175 and Department 
Policy)

    The Department of the Interior strives to strengthen its 
government-to-government relationship with Indian Tribes through a 
commitment to consultation with Indian Tribes and recognition of their 
right to self-governance and Tribal sovereignty. The NPS has evaluated 
this proposed rule under the criteria in Executive Order 13175 and 
under the Department's Tribal consultation policy and has determined 
that Tribal consultation is not required because the proposed rule will 
have no substantial direct effect on federally recognized Indian 
Tribes. Nevertheless, in support of the Department of the Interior and 
NPS commitment for government-to-government consultation, during the EA 
process, the NPS worked with the Native American Heritage Commission 
(NAHC) to identify Tribal partners that may be interested in the trails 
management plan. The NPS shared information about the proposed action 
and copies of the draft trails management plan/EA with one federally 
recognized American Indian Tribe identified by the NAHC and five non-
federally recognized Tribal groups. These Tribes are the Shasta Nation, 
Nor-Rel-Muk Nation, Redding Rancheria, Winnemem Wintu Tribe, Wintu 
Tribe of Northern California, and Toyon-Wintu Center Wintu Educational 
and Cultural Council. The proposed new trails and trail reroutes under 
the selected action alternative would not impact known ethnographic 
resources or impede tribes' ability to utilize Whiskeytown for 
traditional purposes. The proposed trail construction activities and 
routes would be designed to avoid known ethnographic resources in 
consultation with tribes. The NPS informed Tribal partners that the 
trails management plan requires regular consultation for individual 
actions in accordance with section 106 of the National Historic 
Preservation Act under 36 CFR part 800. Additional details about Tribal 
consultation are available in chapter 4 of the EA.

Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.)

    This proposed rule does not contain information collection 
requirements, and a submission to the Office of Management and Budget 
under the Paperwork Reduction Act is not required. The NPS may not 
conduct or sponsor and you are not required to respond to a collection 
of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA; 42 U.S.C. 4321 et 
seq.)

    The NPS has prepared the EA to determine whether this proposed rule 
will have a significant impact on the quality of the human environment 
under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. This proposed rule 
would not constitute a major Federal action significantly affecting the 
quality of the human environment. A detailed statement under the NEPA 
is not required because of the FONSI. A copy of the EA and FONSI can be 
found online at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/whis by clicking the link 
entitled ``All Docs & Projects,'' then clicking the link entitled 
``Whiskeytown NRA Trails Management Plan,'' and then clicking the link 
entitled ``Document List.''

Effects on the Energy Supply (Executive Order 13211)

    This proposed rule is not a significant energy action under the 
definition in Executive Order 13211; the proposed rule is not likely to 
have a significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use 
of energy, and the proposed rule has not otherwise been designated by 
the Administrator of OIRA as a significant energy action. A Statement 
of Energy Effects in not required.

Clarity of This Rule

    The NPS is required by Executive Orders 12866 (section 1(b)(12)) 
and 12988 (section 3(b)(1)(B)), and 13563 (section 1(a)), and by the 
Presidential Memorandum of June 1, 1998, to write all rules in plain 
language. This means that each rule the NPS publishes must:
    (a) Be logically organized;
    (b) Use the active voice to address readers directly;

[[Page 106398]]

    (c) Use common, everyday words and clear language rather than 
jargon;
    (d) Be divided into short sections and sentences; and
    (e) Use lists and tables wherever possible.
    If you feel that the NPS has not met these requirements, send us 
comments by one of the methods listed in the ADDRESSES section. To 
better help the NPS revise the proposed rule, your comments should be 
as specific as possible. For example, you should identify the numbers 
of the sections or paragraphs that you find unclear, which sections or 
sentences are too long, the sections where you feel lists or tables 
would be useful, etc.

Public Participation

    It is the policy of the Department of the Interior, whenever 
practicable, to afford the public an opportunity to participate in the 
rulemaking process. Accordingly, interested persons may submit written 
comments regarding this proposed rule by one of the methods listed in 
the ADDRESSES section of this document.

Public Availability of Comments

    Before including your address, phone number, email address, or 
other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be 
aware that your entire comment--including your personal identifying 
information--may be made publicly available at any time.

List of Subjects in 36 CFR Part 7

    National parks, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

    In consideration of the foregoing, the National Park Service 
proposes to amend 36 CFR part 7 as set forth below:

PART 7--SPECIAL REGULATIONS, AREAS OF THE NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM

0
1. The authority citation for part 7 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  54 U.S.C. 100101, 100751, 320102; Sec. 7.96 also 
issued under D.C. Code 10-137 and D.C. Code 50-2201.07.

0
2. Amend Sec.  7.91 by adding paragraph (e) to read as follows:

Sec.  7.91  Whiskeytown Unit, Whiskeytown-Shasta-Trinity National 
Recreation Area.

* * * * *
    (e) Bicycle Use. (1) The Superintendent may designate all or a 
portion of the following trails as open to bicycle use:
    (i) Boulder Creek Trail (approximately 3.8 miles).
    (ii) Brandy Creek Falls Trail (approximately 1.1 miles between the 
trailhead and Rich Gulch Trail intersection).
    (iii) Brandy Creek PicnicTrail (approximately 0.3 miles).
    (iv) Brandy Creek RV Trail (approximately 0.2 miles).
    (v) Brandy Creek Trail (approximately 2.0 miles).
    (vi) Buck Hollow Trail (approximately 1.0 miles).
    (vii) Camden Water Ditch Trail (approximately 1.1 miles).
    (viii) Clear Creek Canal Trail (approximately 5.2 miles).
    (ix) Clear Creek Picnic Trail (approximately 0.3 miles).
    (x) Clear Creek Vista Trail (approximately 2.5 miles).
    (xi) Crystal Creek Falls Trail (approximately 0.5 miles).
    (xii) Crystal Creek Trail (approximately 2.3 miles).
    (xiii) East Boundary Vista Trail (approximately 1.4 miles).
    (xiv) Guardian Rock Equestrian Trail (approximately 1.3 miles).
    (xv) Horse Camp Trail (approximately 0.4 miles).
    (xvi) Hydraulic Mine Trail (approximately 0.5 miles).
    (xvii) James K.CarrTrail (approximately 0.4 miles between the 
trailhead and Mill Creek Trail intersection).
    (xviii) Kanaka Peak Trail (approximately 3.3 miles).
    (xix) KnobconeTrail (approximately 0.3 miles).
    (xx) Ladybug Lane Trail (approximately 0.3 miles, Whiskeytown 
Environmental School use only).
    (xxi) Logging Camp Trail (approximately 0.9 miles).
    (xxii) Martha's Ditch Trail (approximately 2.5 miles, Whiskeytown 
Environmental School use only).
    (xxiii) Mill Creek Trail (approximately 3.9 miles).
    (xxiv) Mount Shasta Mine Loop Trail (approximately 5.0 miles).
    (xxv) Mule Mountain Loop Trail (approximately 1.2 miles).
    (xxvi) Mule Mountain Pass Trail (approximately 1.3 miles).
    (xxvii) Oak Bottom Water Ditch Trail (approximately 2.8 miles).
    (xxviii) Orofino Trail (approximately 0.3 miles).
    (xxix) Papoose Connector Trail (approximately 0.2 miles).
    (xxx) Papoose Pass Trail (approximately 5.2 miles).
    (xxxi) Peltier Bridge Trail (approximately 0.6 miles).
    (xxxii) Peltier Trail (approximately 2.5 miles).
    (xxxiii) Princess Ditch Trail (approximately 2.1 miles).
    (xxxiv) Prospect Trail (approximately 1.1 miles).
    (xxxv) Rich Gulch Trail (approximately 2.4 miles).
    (xxxvi) Ridge Trail (approximately 1.8 miles, Whiskeytown 
Environmental School use only).
    (xxxvii) Salt Gulch Trail (approximately 2.0 miles, connecting 
Peltier Trail to Rich Gulch Trail).
    (xxxviii) Shasta Divide Trail (approximately 7.0 miles, connecting 
the Visitor Center with the NPS and BLM trail system in the area of 
Mule Mountain).
    (xxxix) Tower Grave Trail (approximately 0.2 miles).
    (xl) WES Camp Emergency Access Road (approximately 0.6 miles).
    (xli) Whiskeytown Lake Trail (approximately 8.0 miles, connecting 
the Brandy Creek area with Carr Powerhouse area).
    (2) The Superintendent may authorize bicycle use on administrative 
roads within the recreation area pursuant to Sec.  4.30(b) of this 
chapter.
    (3) A map showing trails and administrative roads open to bicycle 
use will be available at recreation area visitor centers and posted on 
the recreation area website. The Superintendent will provide notice of 
all trails and administrative roads designated for bicycle use in 
accordance with Sec.  1.7 of this chapter.
    (4) The Superintendent may limit, restrict, or impose conditions on 
bicycle use, or close any trail to bicycle use, or terminate such 
conditions, closures, limits, or restrictions in accordance with Sec.  
4.30 of this chapter. A violation of any such condition, closure, 
limit, or restriction is prohibited.

Shannon Estenoz,
Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.
[FR Doc. 2024-31207 Filed 12-27-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4312-52-P
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