82 FR 4921 - Off-road Vehicle Management Plan, Final Environmental Impact Statement, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Arizona and Utah

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
National Park Service

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 10 (January 17, 2017)

Page Range		4921-4922
FR Document		2017-00866

The National Park Service (NPS) announces the availability of a Final Environmental Impact Statement (Plan/FEIS) for the Off-road Vehicle Management Plan, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (GLCA), located in Arizona and Utah. The Plan/FEIS evaluates the impacts of four action alternatives that address off-road vehicle (ORV) management. It also assesses the impacts that could result from continuing the current management framework in the no-action alternative.

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 10 (Tuesday, January 17, 2017)

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 10 (Tuesday, January 17, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 4921-4922]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-00866]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service

[NPS-IMR-GLCA-16773; PPWONRADE2, PMP00EI05.YP0000 ]


Off-road Vehicle Management Plan, Final Environmental Impact 
Statement, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Arizona and Utah

AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior

ACTION: Notice of availability of the Final Environmental Impact 
Statement for the Off-road Vehicle Management Plan, Glen Canyon 
National Recreation Area.

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SUMMARY: The National Park Service (NPS) announces the availability of 
a Final Environmental Impact Statement (Plan/FEIS) for the Off-road 
Vehicle Management Plan, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (GLCA), 
located in Arizona and Utah. The Plan/FEIS evaluates the impacts of 
four action alternatives that address off-road vehicle (ORV) 
management. It also assesses the impacts that could result from 
continuing the current management framework in the no-action 
alternative.

DATES: The NPS will execute a Record of Decision (ROD) no sooner than 
30 days following publication by the Environmental Protection Agency of 
the Notice of Availability of the Final Environmental Impact Statement 
for the Off-road Vehicle Management Plan.

ADDRESSES: The Plan/FEIS will be available in electronic format online 
through the NPS Planning, Environment, and Public Comment Web site 
(http://parkplanning.nps.gov/GLCA); click on the link to Off-road 
Vehicle Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement. Copies of the 
Plan/FEIS will also be available at Glen Canyon National Recreation 
Area Headquarters, 691 Scenic View Drive, Page, Arizona 86040.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Teri Tucker, Assistant Superintendent, 
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, P.O. Box 1507, Page, Arizona 
86040, by phone at 928-608-6207, or by email at [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The purpose of this Plan/FEIS is to evaluate 
off-road use and on-road all-terrain vehicle (ATV) use and develop 
management actions that preserve Glen Canyon's scientific, scenic, and 
historic features; provide for the recreational use and enjoyment of 
the area; and promote the resources and values for which the area was 
established as a unit of the national park system. This Plan/FEIS does 
not adjudicate, analyze, or otherwise determine the validity of R.S. 
2477 right-of-way claims.
    The Plan/FEIS evaluates five alternatives: A no-action alternative 
(A) and four action alternatives (B, C, D, and E), all of which are 
summarized below. Alternative E is the NPS preferred alternative. 
Alternative B is the environmentally preferable alternative. Other 
alternatives were explored but dismissed from detailed analysis.
     Alternative A: No-Action. The no-action alternative 
represents the status quo and the continuation of existing management 
policies and actions related to off-road use in Glen Canyon. This 
alternative is consistent with the Glen Canyon 1979 General Management 
Plan (GMP) and other planning documents related to off-road travel in 
Glen Canyon. Under this alternative, conventional motor vehicles would 
continue to be allowed at 12 accessible shoreline areas-Blue Notch, 
Bullfrog North and South, Copper Canyon, Crosby Canyon, Dirty Devil, 
Farley Canyon, Neskahi, Paiute Canyon, Red

[[Page 4922]]

Canyon, Stanton Creek, Warm Creek and White Canyon--subject to water 
level closures. Lone Rock Beach and Lone Rock Play Area would remain 
open to conventional motor vehicles, street-legal ATVs, and off-highway 
vehicles (OHV) as defined by state law. Conventional motor vehicles and 
street legal ATVs would be allowed on GMP roads, with the exception of 
roads in the Orange Cliffs Management Unit, where ATVs would continue 
to be prohibited. Off-road use would continue on routes in the Ferry 
Swale area by all vehicle types. Alternative A does not include safety 
or noise restrictions and does not include a permit system.
     Alternative B: No Off-road Vehicle Use. Under alternative 
B, off-road use would be managed in a manner consistent with the 
remote, undeveloped, and lightly traveled nature which characterizes 
much of Glen Canyon. The isolated and primitive characteristics of the 
Glen Canyon backcountry would be maintained by limiting the operation 
of all types of motor vehicles to designated roads. There would be no 
designated ORV routes or areas. All existing off-road use areas, 
including the accessible shorelines currently open, Lone Rock Beach, 
and Lone Rock Beach Play Area, would be closed and restored to natural 
conditions. Conventional motor vehicles and street-legal ATVs would be 
allowed on GMP roads, with the exception of roads in the Orange Cliffs 
Management Unit, where ATVs would continue to be prohibited. All motor 
vehicles must not exceed a sound level of 96 decibels when operated.
     Alternative C: Increased Motorized Access. Under this 
alternative, off-road use would be managed in a manner that would 
expand the recreational opportunities in Glen Canyon by increasing the 
number of ORV routes and areas. Under this alternative, conventional 
motor vehicles, street-legal ATVs and OHVs, as defined by state law, 
would be allowed at 15 accessible shorelines-Blue Notch, Bullfrog North 
and South, Copper Canyon, Crosby Canyon, Dirty Devil, Farley Canyon, 
Hite Boat Ramp, Neskahi, Nokai Canyon, Piute Canyon, Paiute Farms, Red 
Canyon, Stanton Creek, Warm Creek and White Canyon--subject to water 
level closures. Lone Rock Beach and Lone Rock Play Area would be open 
to conventional motor vehicles, street-legal ATVs and OHVs. The speed 
limit at the accessible shorelines and Lone Rock Beach would be 15 mph 
and quiet hours after 10 p.m. would be established. A permit would be 
required for all off-road travel. A red or orange whip flag would be 
required at the Lone Rock Beach Play Area in accordance with Utah OHV 
regulations. ORV routes would be designated on approximately 22 miles 
of pre-existing routes in the Ferry Swale area and at other access 
points across Glen Canyon. Under this alternative conventional motor 
vehicles, street legal ATVs and OHVs would be allowed on all GMP roads, 
including on roads in the Orange Cliffs Management Unit. The speed 
limit on unpaved GMP roads would be 25 mph or as posted. All motor 
vehicles must not exceed a sound level of 96 decibels when operated.
     Alternative D: Decreased Motorized Access. This 
alternative protects natural and cultural resources by limiting off-
road use. Under this alternative, Lone Rock Beach Play Area, Blue 
Notch, Bullfrog North and South, Copper Canyon, Crosby Canyon, Neskahi, 
Nokai Canyon, Piute Canyon, Paiute Farms, Red Canyon, Warm Creek and 
White Canyon would be closed and restored to natural conditions. 
Conventional motor vehicles would be permitted at four designated 
accessible shoreline areas, Farley Canyon, Dirty Devil, Hite Boat Ramp 
and Stanton Creek. Lone Rock Beach would be open only to conventional 
vehicles. The speed limit at the accessible shorelines and Lone Rock 
Beach would be 15 mph and quiet hours after 10 p.m. would be 
established. A permit would be required for all off-road use. No ATVs 
or OHVs would be allowed in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. ORV 
routes would not be designated in the Ferry Swale area or at other 
access points across Glen Canyon. All motor vehicles must not exceed a 
sound level of 96 decibels when operated.
     Alternative E: Mixed Use (NPS Preferred Alternative). 
Alternative E is designed to protect resources and enhance the visitor 
experience by identifying and designating specific areas capable of 
supporting on-road ATV use and off-road use while prohibiting such uses 
in areas where resources and values may be at risk. Under this 
alternative one vehicle-accessible shoreline area--Warm Creek--would be 
closed permanently. Fourteen areas--Blue Notch, Bullfrog North and 
South, Copper Canyon, Crosby Canyon, Dirty Devil, Farley Canyon, Hite 
Boat Ramp, Neskahi, Nokai Canyon, Piute Canyon, Paiute Farms, Red 
Canyon, Stanton Creek and White Canyon--would remain open to 
conventional motor vehicles and street-legal ATVs, subject to water-
level closures. Lone Rock Beach and Lone Rock Beach Play area would be 
open to conventional vehicles, street-legal ATVs and OHVs, as defined 
by state law. The speed limit at the accessible shorelines and Lone 
Rock Beach would be 15 mph and quiet hours after 10 p.m. would be 
established. Lone Rock Beach, Stanton Creek, and other high use areas 
would include vehicle-free areas. A red or orange whip flag would be 
required at the Lone Rock Beach Play Area in accordance with Utah OHV 
regulations. In addition, ORV routes would be designated on 
approximately 21 miles of pre-existing routes in the Ferry Swale area 
and at other access points across Glen Canyon. A permit would be 
required for all off-road use. Under this alternative, conventional 
motor vehicles, street-legal ATVs and OHVs, as defined by state law, 
would be allowed on unpaved GMP roads including the Poison Spring Loop 
in the Orange Cliffs Management Unit. ATVs and OHVs would not be 
allowed on any other roads in the Orange Cliffs Management Unit. The 
speed limit on unpaved GMP roads would be 25 mph or as posted. 
Conventional motor vehicles and street-legal ATVs would be allowed on 
paved GMP roads, except the Lees Ferry Access Road. All motor vehicles 
must not exceed a sound level of 96 decibels when operated.

    Dated: July 22, 2016.
Sue E. Masica,
Regional Director, Intermountain Region, National Park Service.

    Editorial note: This document was received for publication by 
the Office of the Federal Register on January 11, 2017.
[FR Doc. 2017-00866 Filed 1-13-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4312-52-P

Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 10 / Tuesday, January 17, 2017 / Notices 4921

Order Principal Meridian, Montana from continuing the current
By virtue of the authority vested in T. 29 N., R. 12 E.,
management framework in the no-action
the Secretary of the Interior by Section Sec. 24, SW1⁄4SE1⁄4; alternative.
204 of the Federal Land Policy and Sec. 25, NW1⁄4NW1⁄4. DATES: The NPS will execute a Record
Management Act of 1976, 43 U.S.C. The areas described aggregate 80.00 acres of Decision (ROD) no sooner than 30
1714, it is ordered as follows: in Chouteau County. days following publication by the
1. The Secretarial Order dated Environmental Protection Agency of the
5. At 9 a.m. on February 16, 2017, the
October 15, 1904, which withdrew Notice of Availability of the Final
lands described in Paragraph 4 will be
public lands on behalf of the Bureau of Environmental Impact Statement for the
opened to location and entry under the
Reclamation for the Lonesome Lake Off-road Vehicle Management Plan.
United States mining laws, subject to
Reservoir Site, is hereby partially valid existing rights, the provision of ADDRESSES: The Plan/FEIS will be
revoked insofar as it affects the existing withdrawals, other segregations available in electronic format online
following described lands: of record, and the requirements of through the NPS Planning,
applicable law. The lands have been Environment, and Public Comment Web
Principal Meridian, Montana
and will remain open to mineral leasing. site (http://parkplanning.nps.gov/
T. 29 N., R. 11 E., GLCA); click on the link to Off-road
Sec. 21, N1⁄2NE1⁄4 and N1⁄2NW1⁄4; Appropriation of any of the lands
described in this order under the Vehicle Management Plan/
Sec. 22, NW1⁄4NW1⁄4. Environmental Impact Statement.
T. 29 N., R. 12 E., general mining laws prior to the date
Sec. 9, W1⁄2 and SE1⁄4; and time of restoration is unauthorized. Copies of the Plan/FEIS will also be
Sec. 21, N1⁄2, SW1⁄4, N1⁄2SE1⁄4, and Any such attempted appropriation, available at Glen Canyon National
SW1⁄4SE1⁄4; Recreation Area Headquarters, 691
including attempting adverse possession
Sec. 22; Scenic View Drive, Page, Arizona
under 30 U.S.C. 38, shall vest no rights
Sec. 28, W1⁄2; 86040.
Sec. 29, E1⁄2NE1⁄4 and E1⁄2SE1⁄4.
against the United States. Acts required
to establish a location and to initiate a FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Teri
T. 30 N., R. 12 E.,
Sec. 35, S1⁄2SE1⁄4. right of possession are governed by state Tucker, Assistant Superintendent, Glen
The areas described aggregate 2,480 acres law where not in conflict with Federal Canyon National Recreation Area, P.O.
in Chouteau and Hill Counties. law. The Bureau of Land Management Box 1507, Page, Arizona 86040, by
will not intervene in disputes between phone at 928–608–6207, or by email at
2. The Bureau of Reclamation Order teri_tucker@nps.gov.
dated March 30, 1950, which withdrew rival locators over possessory rights
since Congress has provided for such SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
public lands for the Lonesome Lake
determinations in local courts. purpose of this Plan/FEIS is to evaluate
Reservoir Site, is hereby partially
Dated: January 9, 2017.
off-road use and on-road all-terrain
revoked insofar as it affects the
vehicle (ATV) use and develop
following described lands: Janice M. Schneider,
management actions that preserve Glen
Principal Meridian, Montana Assistant Secretary—Land and Minerals Canyon’s scientific, scenic, and historic
Management.
T. 29 N., R. 7 E., features; provide for the recreational use
[FR Doc. 2017–00835 Filed 1–13–17; 8:45 am] and enjoyment of the area; and promote
Sec. 17, lot 14.
BILLING CODE 4310–DN–P the resources and values for which the
T. 29 N., R. 12 E.,
Sec. 24, SW1⁄4SE1⁄4; area was established as a unit of the
Sec. 25, NW1⁄4NW1⁄4. national park system. This Plan/FEIS
T. 30 N., R. 12 E., DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR does not adjudicate, analyze, or
Sec. 35, N1⁄2SE1⁄4. otherwise determine the validity of R.S.
The areas described aggregate 163.25 acres National Park Service
2477 right-of-way claims.
in Chouteau, Hill, and Liberty Counties. [NPS–IMR–GLCA–16773; PPWONRADE2, The Plan/FEIS evaluates five
3. All of the lands described in PMP00EI05.YP0000 ] alternatives: A no-action alternative (A)
Paragraphs 1 and 2, except for the 80.00 and four action alternatives (B, C, D, and
acres described in Paragraph 4 below, Off-road Vehicle Management Plan, E), all of which are summarized below.
are hereby opened for disposal through Final Environmental Impact Statement, Alternative E is the NPS preferred
State Indemnity Selection, but remain Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, alternative. Alternative B is the
segregated from location and entry Arizona and Utah environmentally preferable alternative.
under the United States mining laws AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior Other alternatives were explored but
due to a State Indemnity Selection ACTION: Notice of availability of the dismissed from detailed analysis.
application. Final Environmental Impact Statement • Alternative A: No-Action. The no-
4. At 9 a.m. on February 16, 2017, the for the Off-road Vehicle Management action alternative represents the status
following described lands will be Plan, Glen Canyon National Recreation quo and the continuation of existing
restored to management by the Bureau Area. management policies and actions
of Land Management and are opened to related to off-road use in Glen Canyon.
the operation of the public land laws SUMMARY: The National Park Service This alternative is consistent with the
generally, subject to valid existing (NPS) announces the availability of a Glen Canyon 1979 General Management
rights, the provisions of existing Final Environmental Impact Statement Plan (GMP) and other planning
withdrawals, other segregations of (Plan/FEIS) for the Off-road Vehicle documents related to off-road travel in
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES

record, and the requirements of Management Plan, Glen Canyon Glen Canyon. Under this alternative,
applicable law. All valid applications National Recreation Area (GLCA), conventional motor vehicles would
received at or prior to 9 a.m. on located in Arizona and Utah. The Plan/ continue to be allowed at 12 accessible
February 16, 2017, shall be considered FEIS evaluates the impacts of four shoreline areas–Blue Notch, Bullfrog
as simultaneously filed at that time. action alternatives that address off-road North and South, Copper Canyon,
Those received thereafter shall be vehicle (ORV) management. It also Crosby Canyon, Dirty Devil, Farley
considered in the order of filing. assesses the impacts that could result Canyon, Neskahi, Paiute Canyon, Red

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Document Created: 2017-01-14 01:44:40
Document Modified: 2017-01-14 01:44:40

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 of the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Off-road Vehicle Management Plan, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
Dates		The NPS will execute a Record of Decision (ROD) no sooner than 30 days following publication by the Environmental Protection Agency of the Notice of Availability of the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Off-road Vehicle Management Plan.
Contact		Teri Tucker, Assistant Superintendent, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, P.O. Box 1507, Page, Arizona 86040, by phone at 928-608-6207, or by email at [email protected]
FR Citation		82 FR 4921

82 FR 4921 - Off-road Vehicle Management Plan, Final Environmental Impact Statement, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Arizona and Utah

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIORNational Park Service

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 10 (January 17, 2017)

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
National Park Service