Environmental statements; notice of intent: Yosemite National Park, CA,

[Federal Register: December 16, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 241)]

[Notices]

[Page 69303-69304]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr16de98-82]

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service

Yosemite Valley Plan, Yosemite National Park, Mariposa County, California; Notice of Intent to Prepare a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement

SUMMARY: Pursuant to Sec. 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (Pub. L. 91-190) and Council on Environmental Quality regulations (40 CFR 1502.9(c)), and in order to foster coordinated valley planning and operations, the National Park Service intends to supplement the 1980 Final General Management Plan/ Environmental Impact Statement (1980 GMP/EIS) with a single, comprehensive Yosemite Valley Plan for Yosemite National Park. The Yosemite Valley Plan (YVP) will integrate alternatives (or elements thereof) and environmental analysis formerly part of four distinct initiatives: (a) the 1992 and 1996 Draft Yosemite Valley Housing Plan/ EIS intended to supplement the 1980 GMP/EIS; (b) the 1997 Draft Yosemite Valley Implementation Plan/EIS intended to supplement the 1980 GMP/EIS; (c) the Yosemite Lodge Development Concept Plan/Environmental Assessment; and (d) a Yosemite Falls facilities design project. In addition, the YVP will implement previously approved actions set forth in the 1992 Concessions Management Plan.

Notice is hereby given that the National Park Service (NPS) will prepare a new Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) to update the 1980 GMP/EIS. This SEIS/YVP consolidates ongoing conservation planning and impact analysis efforts into one plan for the valley, so as to provide for a holistic, landscape-view of critical initiatives so vital for preserving the valley environs for visitor inspiration now and in the future. The decision to prepare a consolidated SEIS/YVP also results from proactive public involvement; and in response to public comment, the SEIS/YVP may include new or modified alternatives or mitigation strategies.

Background

In July, 1992 a Draft Yosemite Valley Housing Plan/Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement intended to amend the 1980 GMP/EIS was issued (57 FR 34146), with the public comment period ending September 30, 1992. This document examined the effects of a proposal and four alternatives for housing NPS and concession employees who work in Yosemite Valley. After reviewing public comments, the NPS identified two additional alternatives. A second Draft Housing Plan/SEIS was issued in December 1996 (61 FR 64361) with the public comment period ending March 31, 1997. Housing alternatives that are still under consideration and responses to the 1992 and 1996 public comments will be included in the consolidated SEIS/YVP.

The 1997 Draft Yosemite Valley Implementation Plan/SEIS examined the effects of alternatives for implementing 1980 GMP goals of reclaiming priceless natural beauty, reducing traffic congestion, allowing natural processes to prevail, reducing visitor crowding, and promoting visitor understanding and enjoyment in Yosemite Valley. It was intended to develop a coherent, comprehensive site plan for all necessary visitor services in Yosemite Valley. It included alternatives for relocating non-essential NPS and concession functions and facilities out of sensitive resource areas and hazardous areas; and for redesigning essential buildings, roads, campgrounds, interpretive centers and concession facilities. It identified alternative site plans for past and current implementation of the 1980 GMP, as well as the 1992 Concession Services Plan, the draft Yosemite Valley Housing Plan, and various transportation studies. The Draft Valley Implementation Plan/SEIS was issued in November 1997 (62 FR 60264) with an extended public comment period ending February 23, 1998 (63 FR 3000). Public open houses and workshops were held. Implementation alternatives that are still under consideration and responses to the 1997-98public comments will be included in the consolidated SEIS/YVP.

In April 1997, as part of the park's urgent response to a disastrous flood, the Yosemite Lodge Development Concept Plan/ Environmental Assessment was released for public review, with the public comment period ending May 16, 1997. Public walk-throughs and public information sessions were conducted. The DCP considered alternative site plans for the lodge area lodging, housing, circulation and visitor services. Subsequent to various legal proceedings, an approved Finding of No Significant Impact was formally rescinded on December 3, 1998. Lodge DCP alternatives that are still under consideration and a summary of the public comment will be included in the consolidated SEIS/YVP.

After several Yosemite Falls Design Elements, Issues and Questions workshops were held during 1998, a

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preliminary Draft Program Statement was prepared for internal review which addressed alternatives for site design at the falls. Design elements such as falls view area, main entry area, picnic area, main trail, main bridge, eastern channel trail, parking, revegetation, and signs were considered. Yosemite Falls site plans that are still under consideration will be included in the consolidated SEIS/YVP.

Scoping/Decision Process

The existing four park stewardship initiatives summarized above yielded very extensive and detailed baselines which will be corroborated, clarified, or refined as necessary in the consolidation effort. Moreover, incisive public comment and agency consultations provided a valuable foundation for preparing those documents. As noted above, all comments received during past scoping activities or formal response periods are safeguarded in detailed administrative records, and will be duly re-considered in developing the consolidated SEIS/YVP. Consequently at this time it is necessary to submit only new issues or concerns not voiced previously. Also, all past respondents are being incorporated into a single mailing list--information about this comprehensive conservation planning and impact analysis process will be timely distributed via newsletters, mailings, and regional and local news media. To request being added now to the inclusive mailing list, or to obtain details about information options, please contact park staff via telephone at (209) 372-0261. Interested individuals, organizations, and agencies wishing to provide written comments on new issues or concerns should respond to: Superintendent, Attn: SEIS/YVP, P.O. Box 577, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389. Any new comments must be postmarked not later than January 15, 1999.

Availability of the Draft SEIS/YVP for review and written comment will be announced by formal Notice, via local and regional news media, and direct mailing. At this time the Draft SEIS/YVP is anticipated to be available for public review during late spring 1999. Comments on the Draft SEIS/YVP will be fully considered, and incorporated in a Final SEIS/YVP as appropriate. At this time it is anticipated that the Final SEIS/YVP would be completed during fall 1999. Notice of an approved Record of Decision would be published in the Federal Register not sooner than thirty (30) days after the Final SEIS/YVP is distributed. This is expected to occur by the end of 1999. The official responsible for the decision is the Regional Director, Pacific West Region, National Park Service; the official responsible for implementation is the Superintendent, Yosemite National Park.

Dated: December 9, 1998. Patricia L. Neubacher, Acting Regional Director, Pacific West.

[FR Doc. 98-33248Filed12-15-98; 8:45 am]

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