[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 139 (Thursday, July 20, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Page 37471]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-17637]



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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Final Environmental Impact Statement/General Management Plan 
Joshua Tree National Park, California; Availability

SUMMARY: Pursuant to section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969 (Pub. L. 91-190, as amended), the National Park 
Service, Department of the Interior, has prepared a final environmental 
impact statement (FEIS) that describes and analyzes the effects of a 
proposed and two alternative General Management/Development Concept 
Plans for Joshua Tree National Monument, Riverside and San Bernardino 
Counties, California. The approved plans will guide park management 
over the next 15 years.
    The plans selected (Alternative A) would improve visitor contact 
facilities and services at each of the three main entrances and a 
visitor center would be developed for the west entrance. Opportunities 
for Wilderness and trail experiences would be expanded. Wayside 
exhibits and interpretive programs would be updated and expanded. 
Facilities in existing developed areas would be replaced or redesigned 
to improve resource protection, aesthetics, and efficiency. Campground 
locations and capacities are basically unchanged, but campsites would 
be redesigned. Picnic facilities and day use parking would be expanded 
somewhat, primarily in already-disturbed areas. Research and resource 
monitoring and management programs would be increased to enhance 
resource protection. Management of Wilderness would be enhanced through 
an array of planned actions that reduce threats to Wilderness by 
removing incompatible uses and development.
    Two alternatives were evaluated: Alternative B--No Action would 
continue current management strategies with no changes in visitor and 
park support facilities or programs; Alternative C--Minimum 
Requirements would rehabilitate deteriorated facilities in their 
current locations. Capacities of camp areas and day use parking areas 
would be unchanged, while the number of picnic sites would be slightly 
increased. The primary visitor center would remain at the Oasis of 
Mara.
    The draft environmental impact statement and plans (DEIS) were 
released for public review pursuant to a notice of availability 
published in the Federal Register on August 25, 1994. During the 
comment period ending November 7, 1994, 144 written comments were 
received. Thirty-eight persons attended public meetings held on 
September 14 and 15, 1994. The FEIS incorporates minor modifications 
and clarifications in response to some comments, although no 
significant new issues or concerns were surfaced.

Supplementary Information: The no-action period on this FEIS will 
extend for 30 days from the date the Notice of Availability is 
published by the Environmental Protection Agency in the Federal 
Register.
    For copies of the FEIS, or for further information, please contact: 
Superintendent, Joshua Tree National Park, 74485 National Monument 
Drive, Twentynine Palms, California, 92277, or via telephone at (619) 
367-7511.

    Dated: June 26, 1995.
Patricia L. Neubachen,
Field Director, Pacific West Field Area.
[FR Doc. 95-17637 Filed 7-19-95; 8:45 am]
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