[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] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 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] BILLING CODE 4310-70-P