80 FR 38228 - Draft Environmental Impact Statement for General Management Plan, City of Rocks National Reserve, Cassia County, Idaho
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
National Park Service Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 127 (July 2, 2015)
National Park Service
Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 127 (July 2, 2015)
| Page Range | 38228-38230 | |
| FR Document | 2015-16319 |
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 127 (Thursday, July 2, 2015)] [Notices] [Pages 38228-38230] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2015-16319] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR National Park Service [NPS-PWR-PWRO-17880; PX.PR099106F.00.1] Draft Environmental Impact Statement for General Management Plan, City of Rocks National Reserve, Cassia County, Idaho AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The National Park Service (NPS), in cooperation with the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation and the Bureau of Land Management, has prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) and General Management Plan (GMP) for City of Rocks National Reserve (Reserve). The DEIS evaluates four GMP alternatives for management of the City of Rocks National Reserve. When approved, the GMP will allow for implementation of a range of management actions to improve protection of natural and cultural resources and visitor experience within the Reserve. DATES: All comments must be postmarked or transmitted not later than 60 days from the date of publication in [[Page 38229]] the Federal Register of the Environmental Protection Agency's notice of filing and release of the DEIS. Immediately upon confirmation of this date, all entities on the project mailing list will be notified, and public announcements about the DEIS review period will be posted on the project Web site (http://parkplanning.nps.gov/ciro) and distributed via local and regional press media. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Please contact GMP Planning Team Leader Amanda Schramm at (206) 220-4112. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: City of Rocks National Reserve (Reserve) was designated as a unit of the national park system on November 18, 1988, by the Arizona-Idaho Conservation Act of 1988 (Pub. L. 100-696) and is managed cooperatively by the NPS and Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR). The Reserve is located in the Albion Mountains in southwest Idaho and is one of many publicly owned areas within the region. The Reserve contains unique and diverse resources. The geologic features are world-renowned both for rock climbing and academic study. Vegetation communities include sagebrush steppe, pinyon-juniper woodlands, mountain mahogany woodlands, and higher elevation forest communities of aspen, subalpine fir, lodgepole pine, and limber pine. Idaho's only known population of cliff chipmunk is found in the Reserve and on adjacent lands. Other wildlife species include mule deer, coyote, bobcat, mountain lion, moose, elk, and bighorn sheep. The Reserve preserves and protects 6.2 miles of the California National Historic Trail, 1.8 miles of the Salt Lake Alternate, and the surrounding cultural landscape, which includes remnant historic trail ruts, more than 350 emigrant signatures on 22 rocks, and portions of the Mormon Battalion Trail and the Kelton-Boise Stage Route. The Reserve comprises an area of 14,407 acres. Of that total, approximately 9,680 acres are federally-owned, 4,087 acres are privately-owned, and 640 acres are owned by the State of Idaho. Private land within the Reserve is regulated by Cassia County zoning and subdivision ordinances. Although considered nontraditional uses in most national park units, cattle grazing and hunting occur within the Reserve. The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes also continue traditional uses, such as seasonal hunting and pine nut gathering. The GMP is needed because the 1996 City of Rocks National Reserve Comprehensive Management Plan is outdated and no longer provides adequate guidance to address the policy and operational issues now facing the Reserve. Many of the actions in the comprehensive management plan have been implemented, but other actions are either outdated, cost-prohibitive, or cannot be executed for other reasons, including current property ownership. The new GMP seeks to: (1) Describe purpose, significance, special mandates, fundamental resources and values, and primary interpretive themes for the Reserve through foundation planning; (2) clearly define resource conditions, visitor uses, and experiences to be achieved within the Reserve; (3) provide a framework for Reserve managers to guide decisions about protecting Reserve resources and providing high-quality visitor experiences through management of visitor activities and facilities; and (4) develop a foundation for NPS decision-making in consultation with interested stakeholders and IDPR leadership, based on analysis of the benefits, impacts, and costs of the alternatives. The new GMP will address several issues facing the Reserve. In 1996 when the Comprehensive Management Plan was produced, approximately 50 percent of the land within the Reserve was in public ownership. Today, that percentage is approximately 70 percent, resulting in additional planning opportunities for newly acquired parcels. A land protection plan (LPP) currently underway will be completed following the publication of the GMP. The LPP will define those land interests that are most important to fulfilling the purpose of the Reserve, the resource protection reasons for acquisition, and the priority for and types of acquisition, as developed in consultation with the Reserve superintendent. Any lands proposed for acquisition would be by willing seller only, and would be consistent with Reserve legislation and NPS policies. Visitation within the Reserve rose from approximately 81,000 visitors in 1993 to more than 99,439 in 2011. Population growth in the nearby metropolitan areas of Salt Lake City and the Pocatello/Idaho Falls area is expected to increase in the next 20 years, potentially affecting visitation and use within the Reserve. Because of increased visitation, there is a need to evaluate existing facilities. The temporary visitor center serving both the Reserve and Castle Rocks State Park is located in a 100-year-old house that is inadequate to accommodate the use of the thousands of visitors that pass through for orientation and information. Although many campsites in the Reserve that existed when the Reserve was established have been closed or rehabilitated, there are lingering issues that need to be addressed including campsites that conflict with day use activities, safety and visual issues with some roadside campsites, and the need for additional toilets. Most campsites in the Reserve are located along the southern and western rim of Circle Creek Basin--these sites offer prime views of the ``Inner City'' pinnacles, as well as more expansive views of Granite Ridge that completes the northern encirclement of the basin. Intensive use during some seasons has caused parking conflicts, especially associated with horse trailer and large recreational vehicle parking. The GMP includes a development concept plan to address these specific issues, including comprehensive assessment of the trail system with associated parking, picnicking, and trailheads. Several plans completed since the 1996 comprehensive management plan are now due for revision, and additional plans are needed to better inform Reserve management. Among these plans are the grazing management plan, fire management plan and vegetation management plan. The GMP is intended to provide more direction for their development. The DEIS also includes a wilderness eligibility assessment because all lands administered by the NPS must be evaluated for their eligibility for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System. The assessment concludes that lands within the Reserve boundary do not meet the requirements necessary to qualify on their own for designation by Congress as Wilderness. However, while Reserve lands alone do not meet the criteria, the area could contribute to a larger area of potential wilderness, if the Sawtooth National Forest were to reconsider its management plan prescription for inventoried roadless areas immediately north of the Reserve. Current management zoning for the Reserve uses both zones and subzones and covers both private and public land. Many of the prescriptions for these are overlapping or contradictory and at times confusing for Reserve managers. In addition, a section of the Reserve at the eastern boundary was not zoned on the 1996 management zoning map and needs to be corrected. Alternatives: Four GMP alternatives are identified and analyzed in the DEIS, and are briefly described below. In addition, a Development Concept Plan (DCP) is included for the ``Rim'' area of the Reserve (the western rim of Circle [[Page 38230]] Creek Basin) to provide a framework to enhance and improve visitor facilities and visitor experience in this area. The DCP addresses a broad spectrum of issues and use conflicts between recreational activities--in particular, day-use activities and overnight camping. Alternative A (No Action Alternative) would continue current management, programming, facilities, staffing, and funding at their current levels, and existing plans would be implemented. Alternative B: Silent City of Rocks (preferred alternative) would focus on the spectacular scenery, geology, biological richness, and cultural landscape experienced by past and present visitors. It would emphasize a backcountry-type visitor experience that would allow for self-discovery within a minimally developed western outdoor environment. Alternative C: A Stage for Stewardship would protect resources through research activities, educational opportunities, and partnerships by emphasizing the national significance of the Reserve. Visitors would be provided opportunities to learn about the history and the natural wonders within the Reserve. Alternative D: Treasured Landscapes Inspiring Stories would tell stories of the Reserve through the people who pass through, live, and recreate within it, focusing on the California Trail and the ranching heritage. It would emphasize a frontcountry, day-use experience with more formal and structured recreational opportunities and programs. Public Engagement: Public scoping formally began on August 25, 2009, with the Federal Register publication of a Notice of Intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement, followed by widespread mailing of Newsletter #1 which generally described the conservation planning and environmental impact analysis process and the purpose and need for the planning effort. Five public meetings (in Almo, Burley, Pocatello, Boise, and Ketchum, Idaho, during September 21--October 22, 2009) provided an early opportunity for the public to identify issues. Newsletter #2 distributed in winter, 2009/2010 summarized public scoping comments. A third newsletter presenting preliminary alternatives followed in April 2011. In addition to a public meeting at park headquarters in Almo, Idaho, numerous meetings with stakeholders, including the Bureau of Land Management, occurred following announcement of the preliminary alternatives. Newsletter #3 and the stakeholders meeting were announced via news releases to several media outlets, including local newspapers and radio and television stations. Lastly, a fourth newsletter distributed in March 2012, summarized the more than 150 public comments on the preliminary alternatives. To facilitate public review of DEIS/GMP, the Reserve Superintendent and NPS planning team will host a public meeting at park headquarters in Almo, Idaho with another meeting possible in Twin Falls, Idaho. As soon as confirmed date(s), specific location(s), and time(s) are determined, this information will be announced via local and regional news media and on the Reserve's Web site (www.nps.gov/ciro). Participants are strongly encouraged to review the Executive Summary and/or complete document prior to attending a meeting. The format will include a brief presentation on the essential elements of the DEIS/GMP, followed by the opportunity to ask questions and provide comments. All meeting locations will be accessible for disabled persons. A sign language interpreter may be available (request in advance by contacting the Reserve at (208) 824-5911). How to Comment: Information about the 60 day public review and comment period will be announced via local and regional news media. An Executive Summary newsletter for the DEIS/GMP will be mailed to interested parties. Printed copies of the complete document will be available for review at park headquarters in Almo, Idaho, as well as in local public libraries in Burley and Twin Falls, Idaho. Electronic versions of the document will also be available on the Reserve's Web site (www.nps.gov/ciro), and limited numbers of printed or CD format documents may be requested by contacting the Reserve at (208) 824-5911. Written comments should be addressed to: Superintendent, ATTN: City of Rocks General Management Plan, City of Rocks National Reserve, P.O. Box 169, Almo, ID 83312. Reviewers may also submit comments electronically at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/ciro. 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. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Decision Process: Following due consideration of all agency and public comments which are received, a Final Plan/EIS will be prepared; at this time it is anticipated the final document will be available for public inspection during winter, 2015/2016. Because this is a delegated EIS process, the official responsible for the final decision on the GMP is the Regional Director, Pacific West Region, National Park Service. The official responsible for implementation of the approved GMP is the Superintendent, City of Rocks National Reserve. Dated: March 13, 2015. Christine S. Lehnertz, Regional Director, Pacific West Region. Editor's note: This document was received by the Office of the Federal Register on June 29, 2015. [FR Doc. 2015-16319 Filed 7-1-15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4312-FF-P
![38228 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 127 / Thursday, July 2, 2015 / Notices
8. Practice adaptive management, in cannot guarantee that we will be able to normal business hours. The FIRS is
which recovery is monitored and do so. available 24 hours a day, seven days a
recovery tasks are revised by the Service Comments and materials we receive week, to leave a message or question
in coordination with the Sonoran will be available, by appointment, for with the above individual. You will
Pronghorn Recovery Team as new public inspection during normal receive a reply during normal business
information becomes available. business hours at our office (see hours.
The draft recovery plan contains ADDRESSES). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The plat,
recovery criteria based on increasing References Cited in 2 sheets, and field notes of the
and protecting current populations and dependent resurvey, survey and
establishing at least one new A complete list of all references cited supplemental plat in Townships 45 and
population, as well as reducing threats herein is available upon request from 46 North, Range 7 East, New Mexico
to the species. To achieve recovery the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Principal Meridian, Colorado, were
criteria, various management actions are Branch of Recovery (see FOR FURTHER accepted on May 12, 2015.
needed. When the status of Sonoran INFORMATION CONTACT section). The plat and field notes of the limited
pronghorn meets these criteria, the Authority corrective dependent resurvey in
species will no longer meet the Township 43 North, Range 6 East, New
conditions of being endangered We developed our draft recovery plan Mexico Principal Meridian, Colorado,
throughout a significant portion of its under the authority of section 4(f) of the were accepted on May 18, 2015.
range and will no longer warrant listing. Act, 16 U.S.C. 1533(f). We publish this The plat incorporating the field notes
notice under section 4(f) of the of the dependent resurvey and
Request for Public Comments Endangered Species Act of 1973, as subdivision of section 3 in Township 14
Section 4(f) of the Act requires us to amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). South, Range 77 West, Sixth Principal
provide public notice and an Dated: May 20, 2015. Meridian, Colorado, was accepted on
opportunity for public review and Joy E. Nicholopoulos, June 10, 2015.
comment during recovery plan Acting Regional Director, Southwest Region, The plat incorporating the field notes
development. It is also our policy to Fish and Wildlife Service. of the dependent resurvey in Township
request peer review of recovery plans [FR Doc. 2015–16292 Filed 7–1–15; 8:45 am] 35 North, Range 15 West, New Mexico
(July 1, 1994; 59 FR 34270). We will BILLING CODE 4310–55–P
Principal Meridian, Colorado, was
summarize and respond to the issues accepted on June 19, 2015.
raised by the public and peer reviewers
Randy Bloom,
and post our responses on our Web site. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Chief Cadastral Surveyor for Colorado.
Substantive comments may or may not
result in changes to the recovery plan; Bureau of Land Management [FR Doc. 2015–16290 Filed 7–1–15; 8:45 am]
comments regarding recovery plan [LLCO956000 L14400000.BJ0000]
BILLING CODE 4310–JB–P
implementation will be forwarded as
appropriate to Federal or other entities Notice of Filing of Plats of Survey;
so that they can be taken into account DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Colorado
during the course of implementing National Park Service
recovery actions. Responses to AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management,
individual commenters will not be Interior. [NPS–PWR–PWRO–17880;
provided, but we will provide a ACTION: Notice of Filing of Plats of PX.PR099106F.00.1]
summary of how we addressed Survey; Colorado.
substantive comments in an appendix to Draft Environmental Impact Statement
the approved recovery plan. SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land for General Management Plan, City of
Management (BLM) Colorado State Rocks National Reserve, Cassia
We invite written comments on the
Office is publishing this notice to County, Idaho
draft recovery plan. In particular, we are
inform the public of the intent to
interested in additional information AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior.
officially file the survey plats listed
regarding the current threats to the ACTION: Notice of availability.
below and afford a proper period of time
species and the costs associated with
to protest this action prior to the plat SUMMARY: The National Park Service
implementing the recommended
filing. During this time, the plats will be (NPS), in cooperation with the Idaho
recovery actions.
available for review in the BLM Department of Parks and Recreation and
Before we approve our final recovery
Colorado State Office. the Bureau of Land Management, has
plan, we will consider all comments we
receive by the date specified in DATES. DATES: Unless there are protests of this prepared a Draft Environmental Impact
Methods of submitting comments are in action, the filing of the plats described Statement (DEIS) and General
the ADDRESSES section. in this notice will happen on August 3, Management Plan (GMP) for City of
2015. Rocks National Reserve (Reserve). The
Public Availability of Comments ADDRESSES: BLM Colorado State Office, DEIS evaluates four GMP alternatives
Before including your address, phone Cadastral Survey, 2850 Youngfield for management of the City of Rocks
number, email address, or other Street, Lakewood, CO 80215–7093. National Reserve. When approved, the
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
personal identifying information in your FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: GMP will allow for implementation of a
comment, you should be aware that Randy Bloom, Chief Cadastral Surveyor range of management actions to improve
your entire comment—including your for Colorado, (303) 239–3856. protection of natural and cultural
personal identifying information—may Persons who use a resources and visitor experience within
be made publicly available at any time. telecommunications device for the deaf the Reserve.
While you can ask us in your comment (TDD) may call the Federal Information DATES: All comments must be
to withhold your personal identifying Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–800–877–8339 postmarked or transmitted not later than
information from public review, we to contact the above individual during 60 days from the date of publication in
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![38230 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 127 / Thursday, July 2, 2015 / Notices
Creek Basin) to provide a framework to stakeholders meeting were announced Decision Process: Following due
enhance and improve visitor facilities via news releases to several media consideration of all agency and public
and visitor experience in this area. The outlets, including local newspapers and comments which are received, a Final
DCP addresses a broad spectrum of radio and television stations. Lastly, a Plan/EIS will be prepared; at this time
issues and use conflicts between fourth newsletter distributed in March it is anticipated the final document will
recreational activities—in particular, 2012, summarized the more than 150 be available for public inspection during
day-use activities and overnight public comments on the preliminary winter, 2015/2016. Because this is a
camping. alternatives. delegated EIS process, the official
Alternative A (No Action Alternative) To facilitate public review of DEIS/ responsible for the final decision on the
would continue current management, GMP, the Reserve Superintendent and GMP is the Regional Director, Pacific
programming, facilities, staffing, and NPS planning team will host a public West Region, National Park Service. The
funding at their current levels, and meeting at park headquarters in Almo, official responsible for implementation
existing plans would be implemented. Idaho with another meeting possible in of the approved GMP is the
Alternative B: Silent City of Rocks Twin Falls, Idaho. As soon as confirmed Superintendent, City of Rocks National
(preferred alternative) would focus on date(s), specific location(s), and time(s) Reserve.
the spectacular scenery, geology, are determined, this information will be
biological richness, and cultural Dated: March 13, 2015.
announced via local and regional news
landscape experienced by past and media and on the Reserve’s Web site Christine S. Lehnertz,
present visitors. It would emphasize a (www.nps.gov/ciro). Participants are Regional Director, Pacific West Region.
backcountry-type visitor experience that strongly encouraged to review the Editor’s note: This document was received
would allow for self-discovery within a Executive Summary and/or complete by the Office of the Federal Register on June
minimally developed western outdoor document prior to attending a meeting. 29, 2015.
environment. The format will include a brief [FR Doc. 2015–16319 Filed 7–1–15; 8:45 am]
Alternative C: A Stage for presentation on the essential elements
BILLING CODE 4312–FF–P
Stewardship would protect resources of the DEIS/GMP, followed by the
through research activities, educational opportunity to ask questions and
opportunities, and partnerships by provide comments. All meeting DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
emphasizing the national significance of locations will be accessible for disabled
the Reserve. Visitors would be provided persons. A sign language interpreter Bureau of Reclamation
opportunities to learn about the history may be available (request in advance by
and the natural wonders within the contacting the Reserve at (208) 824– [RR04073000, XXXR4081X3,
Reserve. RX.05940913.7000000]
5911).
Alternative D: Treasured Landscapes How to Comment: Information about
Inspiring Stories would tell stories of Notice of Public Meeting for the Glen
the 60 day public review and comment Canyon Dam Adaptive Management
the Reserve through the people who period will be announced via local and
pass through, live, and recreate within Work Group
regional news media. An Executive
it, focusing on the California Trail and Summary newsletter for the DEIS/GMP AGENCY: Bureau of Reclamation,
the ranching heritage. It would will be mailed to interested parties. Interior.
emphasize a frontcountry, day-use Printed copies of the complete ACTION: Notice.
experience with more formal and document will be available for review at
structured recreational opportunities park headquarters in Almo, Idaho, as SUMMARY: The Glen Canyon Dam
and programs. well as in local public libraries in Adaptive Management Work Group
Public Engagement: Public scoping Burley and Twin Falls, Idaho. Electronic (AMWG) makes recommendations to the
formally began on August 25, 2009, with versions of the document will also be Secretary of the Interior concerning
the Federal Register publication of a available on the Reserve’s Web site Glen Canyon Dam operations and other
Notice of Intent to prepare an (www.nps.gov/ciro), and limited management actions to protect resources
Environmental Impact Statement, numbers of printed or CD format downstream of Glen Canyon Dam,
followed by widespread mailing of documents may be requested by consistent with the Grand Canyon
Newsletter #1 which generally contacting the Reserve at (208) 824– Protection Act. The AMWG meets two
described the conservation planning 5911. to three times a year.
and environmental impact analysis Written comments should be DATES: The meeting will be held on
process and the purpose and need for addressed to: Superintendent, ATTN: Wednesday, August 26, 2015, from
the planning effort. Five public City of Rocks General Management Plan, approximately 9:30 a.m. to
meetings (in Almo, Burley, Pocatello, City of Rocks National Reserve, P.O. Box approximately 5:30 p.m.; and Thursday,
Boise, and Ketchum, Idaho, during 169, Almo, ID 83312. Reviewers may August 27, 2015, from approximately 8
September 21—October 22, 2009) also submit comments electronically at a.m. to approximately 3 p.m.
provided an early opportunity for the http://parkplanning.nps.gov/ciro. Before
ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at
public to identify issues. Newsletter #2 including your address, phone number,
the DoubleTree by Hilton Phoenix-
distributed in winter, 2009/2010 email address, or other personal
Tempe, 2100 South Priest Drive, Tempe,
summarized public scoping comments. identifying information in your
Arizona 85282.
A third newsletter presenting comment, you should be aware that
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
preliminary alternatives followed in your entire comment—including your FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Glen
April 2011. In addition to a public personal identifying information—may Knowles, Bureau of Reclamation,
meeting at park headquarters in Almo, be made publicly available at any time. telephone (801) 524–3781; facsimile
Idaho, numerous meetings with While you can ask us in your comment (801) 524–3807; email at gknowles@
stakeholders, including the Bureau of to withhold your personal identifying usbr.gov.
Land Management, occurred following information from public review, we The Glen
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
announcement of the preliminary cannot guarantee that we will be able to Canyon Dam Adaptive Management
alternatives. Newsletter #3 and the do so. Program (GCDAMP) was implemented
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Document Created: 2015-12-15 13:15:14
Document Modified: 2015-12-15 13:15:14
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| Action | Notice of availability. | |
| Dates | All comments must be postmarked or transmitted not later than 60 days from the date of publication in the Federal Register of the Environmental Protection Agency's notice of filing and release of the DEIS. Immediately upon confirmation of this date, all entities on the project mailing list will be notified, and public announcements about the DEIS review period will be posted on the project Web site (http://parkplanning.nps.gov/ciro) and distributed via local and regional press media. | |
| Contact | Please contact GMP Planning Team Leader Amanda Schramm at (206) 220-4112. | |
| FR Citation | 80 FR 38228 |
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