[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 89 (Tuesday, May 8, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Page 23269]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-11542]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service


General Management Plan, Final Environmental Impact Statement, 
Zion National Park, Utah

AGENCY: National Park Service, Department of the Interior.

ACTION: Availability of final environmental impact statement and 
general management plan for Zion National Park.

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SUMMARY: Pursuant to section 102(2)(C) the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969, the National Park Service announces the 
availability of a Final Environmental Impact Statement and General 
Management Plan (FEIS/GMP) for Zion National Park, Utah.

Dates: The Draft EIS/GMP was on public review from December 6, 1999 
through February 29, 2000. Responses to public comment are addressed in 
the FEIS/GMP. A 30-day no-action period will follow publication of the 
Environmental Protection Agency's Notice of Availability of the FEIS/
GMP in the Federal Register.

ADDRESSES: Copies of the FEIS/GMP are available from the 
Superintendent, Zion National Park, Springdale, Utah 84767-1099; 
Telephone (435) 772-0142. Public reading copies of the FEIS/GMP will be 
available for review at the following locations: Office of the 
Superintendent, Zion National Park, Springdale, Utah 84767-1099; 
Telephone (435) 772-0142.
    Planning and Environmental Quality, Intermountain Support Office--
Denver, National Park Service, 12795 W. Alameda Parkway, Lakewood, CO 
80228, Telephone: (303) 969-2851.
    Office of Public Affairs, National Park Service, Department of the 
Interior, 18th and C Streets NW., Washington, DC 20240, Telephone: 
(202) 208-6843.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FEIS/GMP analyzes four alternatives for 
managing and using Zion National Park. The plan is intended to provide 
a foundation to help park managers guide park programs and set 
priorities for the management of Zion National Park over the next 20 
years. The ``no-action'' alternative is a continuation of the present 
management course regarding the management of visitor use. The National 
Park Service's preferred alternative would emphasize management of 
resources and visitors, rather than providing new developments, and 
establishes a zoning framework to proactively address impacts resulting 
from visitor use. Alternative A would provide opportunities for more 
widespread and increased use of Zion, while still protecting resources 
and providing opportunities for a range of visitor experiences. 
Alternative B would focus on providing increased protection for park 
resources while still providing opportunities for a range of visitor 
experiences. All of the action alternatives would limit park visitation 
in some backcountry areas, recommend adjustments to the park boundary, 
and recommend five drainages and their tributaries in the park, and six 
tributaries on Bureau of Land Management lands adjacent to the park, be 
included in the national wild and scenic rivers system.
    The FEIS/GMP in particular evaluates the environmental consequences 
of the preferred alternative and the other alternatives on natural 
resources (e.g., air and water quality, North Fork of the Virgin River 
floodplain, Virgin spinedace, Mexican spotted owl, desert bighorn 
sheep), natural sounds, the range of visitor experiences and 
activities, and the socioeconomic environment.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Superintendent, Zion National Park, at 
the above address and telephone number.

    Dated: March 9, 2001.
R. Everhart,
Director, Intermountain Region, National Park Service.
[FR Doc. 01-11542 Filed 5-7-01; 8:45 am]
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