[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 178 (Tuesday, September 15, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Page 55378]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-23170]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service

[NPS-PWR-PWRO-18359;PX.P0206452B.00.1]


Record of Decision for Wilderness Stewardship Plan, Sequoia and 
Kings Canyon National Parks, Fresno and Tulare Counties, California

AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of Availability.

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SUMMARY: The National Park Service (NPS) has prepared and approved a 
Record of Decision for the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) 
and Wilderness Stewardship Plan (WSP) for Sequoia and Kings Canyon 
National Parks. Approval of the WSP culminates an extensive public 
engagement and environmental impact analysis effort that began in 2009. 
The legally required thirty-day no-action ``wait period'' was initiated 
on April 3, 2015, with the Environmental Protection Agency's Federal 
Register publication of the filing of the Final EIS.

ADDRESSES: Those wishing to review the Record of Decision may obtain a 
copy by submitting their request to the Superintendent, Sequoia and 
Kings Canyon National Parks, 47050 Generals Highway, Three Rivers, CA 
93271.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Woody Smeck, Superintendent, (559) 
565-3100.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On April 26, 2011, a Notice of Intent to 
prepare an EIS for the WSP was published in the Federal Register. The 
NPS developed the WSP/EIS with substantial input and participation from 
the public. The park hosted 16 public meetings and presentations 
(including one webinar) and received over 1,300 written public comments 
throughout the public scoping period and public review of the Draft 
WSP/EIS (released for sixty-day review period on July 1, 2014). The NPS 
consulted with park partners; traditionally associated American Indian 
tribes and groups; the State Historic Preservation Officer; and other 
federal and state agencies. The U.S. Forest Service was a cooperating 
agency in the planning process.
    The Final WSP/EIS (released on April 3, 2015) evaluated the 
environmental consequences of four action alternatives and a no-action 
alternative. These alternatives described five different ways to 
provide appropriate types and levels of access for visitors and 
authorized users, preserve wilderness character, protect cultural and 
natural resources, and adhere to legally required management and 
preservation objectives.
    Alternative 2, the management-preferred alternative, has been 
selected for implementation. It provides a targeted approach to 
preserving wilderness character by focusing on those areas where 
conditions warrant management actions. Alternative 2 allows for current 
types and levels of use, and builds on existing management practices to 
protect wilderness character and the natural and cultural resources in 
the parks. The goal of Alternative 2 is to encourage wilderness use and 
minimize restrictions while preserving wilderness character. 
Alternative 2 recommends a 691-mile designated trail system (mirrors 
current conditions), of which 650 miles (95 percent) are open to stock. 
Approximately 41 miles of trails are closed to stock for visitor safety 
and protection of natural and cultural resources. Meadows in areas open 
to stock are available for grazing under a meadow management program 
with limited exceptions. Seven meadows are closed to grazing along the 
Pacific Crest Trail and High Sierra Trail to protect scenery for public 
enjoyment.

    Dated: September 1, 2015.
Martha J. Lee,
Acting Regional Director, Pacific West Region.

[FR Doc. 2015-23170 Filed 9-14-15; 8:45 am]
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