[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 28 (Friday, February 9, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 9716-9717]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-3409]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service


Notice of Availability of Environmental Assessment (EA) for 
Suitland Parkway ``Emergency'' Tree Pruning to Remove Obstructions to 
the Andrews Air Force Base West Runway

ACTION: Notice of availability of Environmental Assessment for Suitland 
Parkway ``Emergency'' Tree Pruning to Remove Obstructions to the 
Andrews Air Force Base West Runway.

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SUMMARY: Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), 
Council on Environmental Quality regulations, and NPS guidance, the 
National Park Service (NPS) prepared an EA for an ``Emergency'' tree 
pruning on Suitland Parkway, Prince George's County, Maryland to remove 
obstructions to Andrews Air Force Base West runway.
    This notice announces availability of an EA on this subject for 
public review. This EA is not intended to negate or replace in any way 
a larger and more complex environmental document being prepared by the 
U.S. Air Force (USAF) and the NPS, to deal with the issue of long term 
runway landing concerns involving Suitland Parkway and Andrews Air 
Force Base (AAFB).
    The USAF has requested that the National Park Service lower the 
canopy heights at several areas at the eastern end of the Suitland 
Parkway, Prince George's County, Maryland in order that they may 
utilize the southern approach to the AAFB West runway during low 
visibility events (rain, fog, clouds). This approach is presently 
closed due to tree obstructions occurring on park property. The purpose 
of this emergency action is to eliminate the tree penetration into the 
34:1 imaginary plane and allow the USAF to reopen their runway 
approach, while minimizing the resulting effect on the appearance and 
health of the Suitland Parkway trees, and the habitat values they 
provide. Approximately 12 to 24 trees are presently penetrating in the 
USAF imaginary 34:1 plane need to minimally pruned to reduce their 
height.
    NPS now makes this EA available to the public for fifteen day from 
the publication of the notice. Anyone may submit a written comment. Any 
written comments NPS receives during this review will be considered 
prior to making a decision and finding on this EA. Commentors are 
advised that, if requested, the NPS is required to supply to any 
requester, the names and addresses of the individuals providing

[[Page 9717]]

comments. This EA analysis and its public availability are pursuant to 
NEPA, and its regulations, and NPS authorities and guidance.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Requests for copies of the EA, or for any 
additional information, should be directed to Ms. Susan Rudy, National 
Capital Parks-East, 1900 Anacostia Drive, SE, Washington, DC 20020, 
Telephone: (202) 690-5164.

    Dated: January 29, 2001.
John Hale,
Superintendent, National Capital Parks-East.
[FR Doc. 01-3409 Filed 2-8-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-70-M