81 FR 22630 - Record of Decision for Development Concept Plans for Cottonwood Cove and Katherine Landing, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada and Arizona
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
National Park Service Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 74 (April 18, 2016)
National Park Service
Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 74 (April 18, 2016)
| Page Range | 22630-22631 | |
| FR Document | 2016-08837 |
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 74 (Monday, April 18, 2016)] [Notices] [Pages 22630-22631] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2016-08837] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR National Park Service [NPS-PWR-PWRO-17327; PPPWLAKER6/PPMRSNR1Z.Y00000] Record of Decision for Development Concept Plans for Cottonwood Cove and Katherine Landing, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada and Arizona AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The National Park Service has prepared and approved a Record of Decision for the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Development Concept Plans (DCP) for Katherine Landing and Cottonwood Cove. Approval of the DCP concludes an extensive conservation planning and environmental impact analysis effort that began during 2008. ADDRESSES: Those wishing to review the Record of Decision may obtain a copy by request to the Superintendent, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, 601 Nevada Way, Boulder City, Nevada 89005 or via telephone request at (702) 293-8978. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Boyles, Acting Chief, Resource Management and Visitor Services, (702) 293-8978. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The National Park Service has prepared and approved a Record of Decision for the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the DCP for Cottonwood Cove and Katherine Land. This process was conducted pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and the implementing regulations promulgated by the Council on Environmental Quality (40 CFR part 1505.2). The requisite no-action ``wait period'' was initiated on November 14, 2014, with the Environmental Protection Agency's Federal Register announcement of the filing of the Final EIS. Three alternatives, all including mitigation measures, were evaluated during the DCP process. The ``agency preferred'' Alternative 3 Enhance Visitor Experience and Park Operations has been selected as the approved DCP. All primary project components of the selected alternative will be [[Page 22631]] implemented as staffing and funding allow. Key actions include the following: Cottonwood CoveDevelop new day-use areas (picnic and no-boat areas) in Ski Cove, and designate trail to Cottontail Cove; existing day-use areas in Cottonwood Cove remain. Phase out trailer village near the end of the next concession contract pending an economic feasibility analysis. Redevelop site for RV use or concession operated overnight accommodations. Expand motel as needed; additional structures double capacity and include meeting space (for hosting meetings and other events). Maintain character of Mission 66 structures while responding to changing needs to the extent possible. Construct engineered system of diversion dikes and concrete channels to convey the 500 year flood to better protect visitor areas. Maintain the Early Warning Detection System, install flood warning signs, and develop evacuation plan. Katherine Landing Remove motel; redevelop site for expanded visitor parking near lake. Provide other forms of overnight accommodations (e.g., RV park with pull-through parking). Phase out trailer village near the end of the next concession contract pending an economic feasibility analysis. The site would be redeveloped as part of an expanded, accessible campground that would be concessioner-run and would accommodate larger vehicles (larger sites with pull-through parking and hookups, etc.). Some portion of the campground would retain its current configuration for tent/car camping. Cabins may be part of the mix (exact mix of accommodations to be determined). Develop new paved loop serving both north and south areas of the development (housing/administration area to campground loop D). Consolidate NPS offices and operations (law enforcement/ emergency, interpretation offices, etc.) in the vicinity of the NPS maintenance area; retain NPS maintenance area in same location. Construct engineered system of diversion dikes, channels, and detention basin to convey predicted maximum flood flows through North and South Katherine Washes. Install Early Warning Detection System for Katherine Landing; place flood warning signs and develop an evacuation plan for Katherine Landing and North and South Arizona Telephone Coves. Princess Cove, Cabinsite Point, and North and South Arizona Telephone Cove Develop new picnic facilities at Cabinsite Point and provide additional parking and allow backcountry camping at some of the former cabin sites. Develop picnic area at North Arizona Telephone Cove and design access roads to eliminate or greatly reduce exposure to flood hazards at both North and South Arizona Telephone Coves. If launch capacity at Katherine Landing is reduced due to flood control, the park may consider paving and formalizing more of the overflow parking area at Princess Cove and improving the launch at North Arizona Telephone Cove or at Cabinsite Point, to align with established capacity levels set by the Lake Management Plan. The approved development concept plan/environmental impact statement is a programmatic document covering both Cottonwood Cove and Katherine Landing areas. More detailed information will be developed during the individual project design stage. Based on this further design information, additional natural and cultural resource surveys and further Section 106 and NEPA compliance will be tiered from this document. Dated: March 25, 2016. Patricia L. Neubacher, Acting Regional Director, Pacific West Region. [FR Doc. 2016-08837 Filed 4-15-16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4312-FF-P
![22630 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 74 / Monday, April 18, 2016 / Notices
• Surface disturbance/reclamation: result of each alternative. Comments Authority: 40 CFR 1506.6, 40 CFR 1506.10.
The extent of existing and proposed were considered and incorporated as Mary Jo Rugwell,
surface disturbance and its effect on all appropriate into the Final EIS; however,
Acting BLM Wyoming State Director.
resources in the project area; and the analysis of the alternatives and the
• Wildlife habitat: The project’s identified impacts did not significantly [FR Doc. 2016–09010 Filed 4–15–16; 8:45 am]
potential to further fragment wildlife change. BILLING CODE 4310–22–P
habitats and diminish the value of those The Final EIS differs from the Draft
habitats for many species. EIS by:
In response, the BLM developed five • Dropping Alternative A, 100- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
alternatives to the Proposed Action, Percent Vertical Drilling, from
which were analyzed in the Draft EIS: consideration due to public comments National Park Service
• Alternative A, 100-Percent Vertical on feasibility and the magnitude of total [NPS–PWR–PWRO–17327; PPPWLAKER6/
Drilling—This alternative assumes that disturbance; PPMRSNR1Z.Y00000]
all natural gas wells would be drilled • Amending Alternative D, 100-
from single-well pads, and that no Percent Directional Drilling, to Record of Decision for Development
directional drilling would occur; recognize the impact the restrictions in Concept Plans for Cottonwood Cove
• Alternative B, Enhanced Resource that alternative would have on well and Katherine Landing, Lake Mead
Protection—This alternative identifies density; as a result, this alternative now National Recreation Area, Nevada and
those resources that may be most at risk analyzes a 20-percent decrease in total Arizona
from mineral development, defines wells drilled; AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior.
areas within the CD–C project area • Redefining the No Action
where those resource risks are likely to Alternative to include an analysis of ACTION: Notice of availability.
occur, and describes the enhanced impacts associated with development SUMMARY: The National Park Service has
protection and mitigations that could on state and private mineral estate in prepared and approved a Record of
diminish those risks; addition to potential development on Decision for the Final Environmental
• Alternative C, Surface Disturbance Federal mineral estate; and Impact Statement for the Development
Cap, Core and Non-Core Areas—This • Including Alternative F, Agency- Concept Plans (DCP) for Katherine
alternative places a cap on unreclaimed Preferred Alternative—This alternative Landing and Cottonwood Cove.
surface disturbance caused by mineral responds to Draft EIS scoping concerns
Approval of the DCP concludes an
development, a 60-acre cap in areas that and comments by limiting development
extensive conservation planning and
have seen the greatest mineral to eight wellpads per square mile
environmental impact analysis effort
development to date and a 30-acre cap section, requiring that wellpads be
that began during 2008.
in the rest of the project area. The cap placed in the most environmentally
ADDRESSES: Those wishing to review the
is expressed in terms of acres per 640- suited areas, and creating a CD–C
consultation and coordination group to Record of Decision may obtain a copy
acre section;
• Alternative D, Directional Drilling— response to evolving energy issues and by request to the Superintendent, Lake
This alternative requires that all future concerns relating to the project. This Mead National Recreation Area, 601
natural gas wells on Federal mineral alternative is a reconfiguration of Nevada Way, Boulder City, Nevada
estate be drilled from multi-well pads, elements of alternatives that were 89005 or via telephone request at (702)
one new multi-well pad per section; and analyzed in the Draft EIS. The CD–C 293–8978.
• Alternative E, No Action—NEPA consultation and coordination group FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
regulations require that the EIS and protection measures of Alternative Michael Boyles, Acting Chief, Resource
alternatives analysis ‘‘include the F were originally analyzed in the DEIS Management and Visitor Services, (702)
alternative of no action’’ (40 CFR under Alternative B; and the emphasis 293–8978.
1502.14(d)). For the analysis in the Draft on directional drilling was analyzed in SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
EIS, this means that the development Alternative D. National Park Service has prepared and
activities on Federal lands proposed by The Final EIS includes potential approved a Record of Decision for the
the CD–C operators would not be landscape scale mitigation strategies. Final Environmental Impact Statement
approved or authorized. Lease rights on Consistent with Secretarial Order No. for the DCP for Cottonwood Cove and
Federal lands or mineral estate granted 3330 and the BLM’s obligations under Katherine Land. This process was
by the BLM would remain in effect and the Federal Land Policy and conducted pursuant to the National
other, additional or supplemental Management Act, BLM Wyoming Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42
proposals to develop leased resources, drafted a landscape-scale mitigation U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and the
such as oil and/or gas, could be received appendix, Appendix S, for inclusion in implementing regulations promulgated
and would be considered by the BLM as the Final EIS. The appendix has been by the Council on Environmental
appropriate. reviewed by the Washington Office and Quality (40 CFR part 1505.2). The
The Draft EIS Notice of Availability the cooperating agencies. requisite no-action ‘‘wait period’’ was
was published on December 7, 2012 (77 Upon conclusion of the 30-day public initiated on November 14, 2014, with
FR 73049), opening a 90-day public availability period following the date the Environmental Protection Agency’s
comment period. A public meeting was the EPA publishes the NOA in the Federal Register announcement of the
held on January 15, 2013, and the public Federal Register, the BLM will prepare filing of the Final EIS.
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
comment period closed on March 7, and sign the record of decision (ROD) to Three alternatives, all including
2013. Over 8,000 individual comment announce its final decision on the mitigation measures, were evaluated
letters were received and identified Continental Divide-Creston Natural Gas during the DCP process. The ‘‘agency
issues such as the lack of a preferred Development Project. Availability of the preferred’’ Alternative 3 Enhance Visitor
alternative and concerns associated with ROD will be announced to the local Experience and Park Operations has
each of the alternatives, including media and the project mailing list, and been selected as the approved DCP. All
feasibility, sufficiency of the analysis the ROD itself will be posted on the primary project components of the
and impacts to specific resources as a project Web page. selected alternative will be
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![Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 74 / Monday, April 18, 2016 / Notices 22631
implemented as staffing and funding flood warning signs and develop an environmental impact analysis effort
allow. Key actions include the evacuation plan for Katherine Landing that began in 2001.
following: and North and South Arizona ADDRESSES: Those wishing to review the
Telephone Coves. Record of Decision may obtain a copy
Cottonwood Cove
Princess Cove, Cabinsite Point, and by submitting their request to the
• Develop new day-use areas (picnic Superintendent, Channel Islands
and no-boat areas) in Ski Cove, and North and South Arizona Telephone
Cove National Park, 1901 Spinnaker Drive,
designate trail to Cottontail Cove; Ventura, CA 93001.
existing day-use areas in Cottonwood • Develop new picnic facilities at FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Cove remain. Cabinsite Point and provide additional Russell Galipeau, Superintendent,
• Phase out trailer village near the parking and allow backcountry camping telephone (805) 508–5702 or email chis_
end of the next concession contract at some of the former cabin sites. superintendent@nps.gov.
pending an economic feasibility • Develop picnic area at North
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This
analysis. Redevelop site for RV use or Arizona Telephone Cove and design
access roads to eliminate or greatly process was conducted pursuant to the
concession operated overnight
reduce exposure to flood hazards at both National Environmental Policy Act of
accommodations.
• Expand motel as needed; additional North and South Arizona Telephone 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and the
structures double capacity and include Coves. regulations promulgated by the Council
meeting space (for hosting meetings and • If launch capacity at Katherine on Environmental Quality (40 CFR part
other events). Landing is reduced due to flood control, 1505.2). The original Notice of Intent
• Maintain character of Mission 66 the park may consider paving and (NOI) initiating the conservation
structures while responding to changing formalizing more of the overflow planning and environmental impact
needs to the extent possible. parking area at Princess Cove and analysis process appeared in the
• Construct engineered system of improving the launch at North Arizona Federal Register on November 8, 2001
diversion dikes and concrete channels Telephone Cove or at Cabinsite Point, to (66 FR 56575, column 1)—a revised NOI
to convey the 500 year flood to better align with established capacity levels expanding GMP scope to include a
protect visitor areas. Maintain the Early set by the Lake Management Plan. wilderness study was published April 8,
Warning Detection System, install flood The approved development concept 2009 (74 FR 16006, column 2). Based on
warning signs, and develop evacuation plan/environmental impact statement is information obtained from extensive
plan. a programmatic document covering both public outreach, three alternatives were
Cottonwood Cove and Katherine developed. The NPS consulted with
Katherine Landing park partners; traditionally associated
Landing areas. More detailed
• Remove motel; redevelop site for information will be developed during American Indian tribes and groups; the
expanded visitor parking near lake. the individual project design stage. State Historic Preservation Officer; and
Provide other forms of overnight Based on this further design other federal and state agencies. The
accommodations (e.g., RV park with information, additional natural and Draft EIS was released on November 14,
pull-through parking). cultural resource surveys and further 2013 (78 FR 68469, column 2), for an
• Phase out trailer village near the Section 106 and NEPA compliance will extended 90-day review and comment
end of the next concession contract be tiered from this document. period. Two public meetings were
pending an economic feasibility conducted to share information and
Dated: March 25, 2016.
analysis. The site would be redeveloped gather feedback, one of which also
Patricia L. Neubacher, included a public hearing on the
as part of an expanded, accessible
campground that would be Acting Regional Director, Pacific West Region. wilderness study. Overall 1,620 pieces
concessioner-run and would [FR Doc. 2016–08837 Filed 4–15–16; 8:45 am] of correspondence were received during
accommodate larger vehicles (larger BILLING CODE 4312–FF–P the public review period. The Final EIS
sites with pull-through parking and was released on April 17, 2015. The
hookups, etc.). Some portion of the legally required 30-day ‘‘wait period’’
campground would retain its current DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR was initiated on April 17, 2015, with the
configuration for tent/car camping. Environmental Protection Agency’s
National Park Service
Cabins may be part of the mix (exact Federal Register publication of filing of
mix of accommodations to be [NPS–PWR–PWRO–19326; the Final EIS.
determined). PXPD004214G001] The NPS evaluated the environmental
• Develop new paved loop serving consequences of two action alternatives
both north and south areas of the Record of Decision for the Channel and a no-action alternative. These
development (housing/administration Islands National Park General alternatives described varying means to
area to campground loop D). Management Plan/Wilderness Study, provide appropriate types and levels of
• Consolidate NPS offices and Santa Barbara County, California access for visitors and authorized users,
operations (law enforcement/ AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior. preserve wilderness character, protect
emergency, interpretation offices, etc.) ACTION: Notice of availability. cultural and natural resources, and
in the vicinity of the NPS maintenance adhere to legally required management
area; retain NPS maintenance area in SUMMARY: The National Park Service and preservation objectives. Alternative
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
same location. (NPS) has prepared and approved a 3 (agency-preferred) has been selected
• Construct engineered system of Record of Decision for the Final for implementation. This is also the
diversion dikes, channels, and detention Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) environmentally-preferred course of
basin to convey predicted maximum and General Management Plan/ action, which emphasizes resource
flood flows through North and South Wilderness Study (GMP/WS) for stewardship and preservation while also
Katherine Washes. Channel Islands National Park. placing more attention on expanding
• Install Early Warning Detection Approval of the GMP/WS culminates an education and recreational
System for Katherine Landing; place extensive public engagement and opportunities and accommodations to
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Document Created: 2016-04-16 01:45:25
Document Modified: 2016-04-16 01:45:25
| 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. | |
| Contact | Michael Boyles, Acting Chief, Resource Management and Visitor Services, (702) 293-8978. | |
| FR Citation | 81 FR 22630 |
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