[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 238 (Monday, December 12, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Page 77249]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-31780]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service


Winter Use Plan, Final Environmental Impact Statement Record of 
Decision, Yellowstone National Park, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming

AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability of a Record of Decision on the Final 
Environmental Impact Statement for a Winter Use Plan, Yellowstone 
National Park.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: Pursuant to Sec. 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969, 83 Stat. 852, 853, codified as amended at 42 U.S.C. 
4332(2)(C), the National Park Service announces the availability of the 
Record of Decision for the Winter Use Plan for Yellowstone National 
Park, located in Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. On December 5, 2011, the 
Director, Intermountain Region, approved the Record of Decision for the 
plan.
    The National Park Service (NPS) will implement this Decision 
through regulation that will take effect on December 15, 2011.
    The Record of Decision selects Alternative 8 for implementation. 
The NPS will allow oversnow vehicle use in the park for the winter of 
2011/2012 at the same levels that were allowed under the interim 
regulation in place for the winters of 2009/2010 and 2010/2011. Up to 
318 commercially guided, best-available-technology snowmobiles and 78 
commercially guided snowcoaches will be allowed in the park per day. 
All snowmobiles and snowcoaches will be 100% commercially guided and 
Sylvan Pass will remain open under the same conditions as the past two 
winter seasons.
    The Final Environmental Impact Statement analyzed eight 
alternatives, including a no-action alternative. The full range of 
foreseeable environmental consequences was assessed, and appropriate 
mitigating measures were identified.
    The Record of Decision includes a statement of the decision made, 
synopses of other alternatives considered, the basis for the decision, 
a description of the environmentally preferred alternative, a listing 
of measures to minimize environmental harm, and an overview of public 
involvement in the decision-making process.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steve Iobst, Deputy Superintendent, 
Yellowstone National Park, (307) 344-2002.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Copies of the Record of Decision may be 
obtained from the contact listed above or online at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/yell.

    Dated: December 5, 2011.
John Wessels,
Regional Director, Intermountain Region, National Park Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-31780 Filed 12-9-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4312-CT-P