[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 99 (Tuesday, May 21, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Page 25505]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-12756]



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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Resources Management Plan 
for Santa Rosa Island, Channel Islands National Park; Notice of 
Availability

SUMMARY: Pursuant to Sec. 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969 (P. L. 91-190, as amended), the National Park 
Service, Department of the Interior, has prepared a Draft Environmental 
Impact Statement assessing the potential impacts of the proposed 
Resources Management Plan for Improvement of Water Quality and 
Conservation of Rare Species and Their Habitats on Santa Rosa Island, 
Santa Barbara County, California. Once approved, the plan will guide 
resources management on Santa Rosa Island for the next 15 years.

Background

    The draft Resources Management Plan and Environmental Impact 
Statement (DEIS/RMP) presents a proposal and four alternatives for 
improving water quality and riparian areas and promoting the 
conservation of rare species and their habitats on Santa Rosa Island. 
``Rare species'' includes both species which have been proposed for 
listing as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act, 
and those species which are candidates for such listing.
    The proposed action, Alternative C, Targeted Action, would improve 
water quality in surface streams and protect riparian habitat areas on 
Santa Rosa Island, by excluding cattle and horses from one pasture, by 
establishing a seasonal grazing rotation in another pasture, and by 
constructing small riparian exclosures in several drainages. 
Conservation measures for rare species and their habitats would include 
removing the island's deer herd, reducing its elk herd, and excluding 
cattle and horses from one pasture. Both objectives would be fostered 
by increasing grazing management standards.
    In addition, the following four (4) alternatives are considered in 
the DEIS/RMP: Alternative A ``No Action'' would continue the existing 
cattle ranching and commercial hunt operation, with no changes. 
Alternative B ``Minimal Action'' consists of excluding cattle from one 
pasture, removing the island's deer herd, and constructing small 
riparian exclosures in several drainages. Alternative D ``Conservation 
Team Recommendations'' includes phased closure of pastures and phased 
reduction of cattle numbers, as well as removal of the island's deer 
and reduction in the island's elk herd. Alternative E ``Immediate 
Removal of Ungulates'' consists of removal of all cattle, horses, elk 
and deer from the island within three years.

Additional Details

    Written comments on the DEIS/RMP may be addressed to the 
Superintendent, Channel Islands National Park, 1901 Spinnaker Drive, 
Ventura, CA 93001. All such comments must be received no later than 
sixty (60) days from the date of publication of this Notice. Also, a 
public meeting to facilitate DEIS/RMP review will be scheduled during 
July, 1996. This will be advertised via local and regional media and by 
written announcement mailed to all individuals, organizations, and 
agencies who responded during the scoping period (which was initiated 
by the Notice of Intent published in the Federal Register on September 
15, 1995). Inquiries about the DEIS/RMP and requests for copies of the 
document may be directed to the Superintendent at the above address, or 
via telephone at (805) 658-5776. The official responsible for decisions 
regarding this plan is the Field Director, Pacific West Area, National 
Park Service.

    Dated: May 10, 1996.
Patricia Neubacher,
Acting Field Director, Pacific West Area.
[FR Doc. 96-12756 Filed 5-20-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-70-P