80 FR 35972 - Notice of Availability of a Record of Decision on the Final General Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement, Ozark National Scenic Riverway, Missouri

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
National Park Service

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 120 (June 23, 2015)

The National Park Service (NPS) announces the availability of the Record of Decision (ROD) for the Final General Management Plan/ Environmental Impact Statement (GMP/EIS), Ozark National Scenic Riverways (Riverways), Missouri.

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 120 (Tuesday, June 23, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 35972-35973]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-15417]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service

[NPS-MWR-OZAR-17614;PPMWMWROW2/PPM00UP05.YP0000]


Notice of Availability of a Record of Decision on the Final 
General Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement, Ozark National 
Scenic Riverway, Missouri

AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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SUMMARY: The National Park Service (NPS) announces the availability of 
the Record of Decision (ROD) for the Final General Management Plan/
Environmental Impact Statement (GMP/EIS), Ozark National Scenic 
Riverways (Riverways), Missouri.

ADDRESSES: Copies of the ROD are available by request by writing to 
Superintendent, Ozark National Scenic Riverways, 404 Watercress Drive, 
P.O. Box 490, Van Buren, Missouri 63965. The document is also available 
on the internet at the NPS Planning, Environment, and Public Comment 
Web site at: http://www.parkplanning.nps.gov/.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Superintendent Bill Black at the 
address above, or by telephone at 573-323-4236.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On January 22, 2015, the Acting Regional 
Director for the Midwest Region signed the ROD for the Final GMP/EIS, 
thereby approving it. As soon as practicable, the Riverways will begin 
the implementation of the selected alternative B (the preferred 
alternative) as described in the final GMP/EIS. Alternative B will 
enhance opportunities for visitors to discover and learn about the 
natural wonders and Ozark heritage of the National Riverways, while 
maintaining a mix of traditional recreational and commercial 
activities. Emphasis will be placed on increasing opportunities for 
visitor education and connections to natural resources and cultural 
landscapes.
    This alternative focuses on providing a balance of diverse 
recreational opportunities and visitor experiences

[[Page 35973]]

along with increasing visitor education and appreciation of natural and 
cultural resources of the park unit. This alternative will provide a 
comprehensive Riverways-wide approach to resource and visitor use 
management. Specific management zones detailing acceptable resource 
conditions, visitor experience and use levels, and appropriate 
activities and development will be applied to Riverways' lands 
consistent with this concept.
    A mix of private and guided traditional recreational activities 
like boating, floating, and horseback riding will occur under this 
alternative. Additional trails and a small learning center at a 
rehabilitated Powder Mill will be developed to better orient and inform 
visitors. Natural resources will be restored to more natural 
conditions, while maintaining greater opportunities for visitor access. 
Most of the Big Spring Wilderness Study Area will be recommended for 
wilderness designation.
    The selected action and three other alternatives were analyzed in 
the draft and final GMP/EIS. The full range of foreseeable 
environmental consequences was assessed. Among the alternatives the NPS 
considered, the selected action best achieves a high standard of 
natural and cultural resource protection with improved opportunities 
for visitors in the park. The NPS selected alternative B as its 
preferred alternative following an evaluation of the effectiveness of 
each alternative in meeting the stated objectives of the general 
management plan, and the environmental benefits and adverse impacts for 
each alternative. This alternative provides the best combination of 
strategies to protect the park unit's unique natural and cultural 
resources and visitor experience, while improving the park unit's 
operational effectiveness and sustainability. It also provides other 
advantages to the Riverways, regional communities, partners, and 
stakeholders.
    In addition, selection of the preferred alternative, as reflected 
by the analysis contained in the final GMP/EIS, will not result in the 
impairment of park resources and will allow the National Park Service 
to conserve National Riverways' resources and provide for their 
enjoyment by visitors.

    Dated: January 22, 2015.
Patricia S. Trap,
Acting Regional Director, Midwest Region.

    Editor's note: This document was received for publication by the 
Office of the Federal Register on June 18, 2015.

[FR Doc. 2015-15417 Filed 6-22-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4310-MA-P