[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 74 (Monday, April 18, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 22630-22631]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-08837]
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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.
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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 Cove
Develop 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]
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