[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 153 (Wednesday, August 7, 1996)] [Notices] [Page 41179] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 96-20033] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR National Park Service General Management Plan; Lava Beds National Monument; Notice of Availability of Final Environmental Impact Statement SUMMARY: Pursuant to Section 102 (2) (C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (P.L. 91-190 as amended), the National Park Service, Department of the Interior, has prepared a final environmental impact statement (FEIS) assessing the potential impacts of the proposed General Management Plan for Lava Beds National Monument, Modoc and Siskiyou Counties, California. Once approved, the plan will guide the management of the monument over the next 15 years. The General Management Plan presents a proposal and three alternatives for the management, use, and development of Lava Beds National Monument. The proposed plan provides for staffing, facilities, and boundary changes to provide for long-term resource protection, and facilities and programs sufficient to provide for essential visitor services. Physical features of the plan include boundary additions at Petroglyph Point, improvements at that area to reduce damage to the petroglyphs from wind erosion and vandalism, a small-scale research facility to facilitate the recruitment of volunteers for cost-effective research and resource- management projects, additional visitor orientation displays at all entrances to the monument, improvements at the existing visitor center, and minor increases in administrative support facilities. Alternative A: No Action, would continue the current situation at Lava Beds. Lands at Petroglyph Point would not be acquired, resources would not be adequately protected, and no additional steps would be taken to accommodate visitor interest and use. Resource quality and visitor use experience quality would decline. Alternative B: Minimum Requirements, would be similar to the proposed action but would also include a visitor contact station in the north end of the monument, a road relocation in the Petroglyph Point section, and paving of the Medicine Lake Road. Staffing levels would be somewhat higher than the proposed plan. Alternative C: Enhanced Visitor Experience, would be similar to Alternative B in terms of resource management and protection, but would provide a broader range of visitor service. Increased interpretive and law enforcement staffing would allow a wider range of interpretive programs and faster response to emergency situations. A visitor center at the north end of the monument and a new and larger visitor facility at the Indian Well area would increase the range of exhibits and visitor services. Additional administrative facilities would be needed to support the greater staffing. The environmental consequences of the proposed action and the alternatives are fully documented, and mitigation provided as appropriate to minimize impacts. No significant impacts are anticipated as a result of implementing the proposed action. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Written comments on the general management plan and FEIS should be directed to the Superintendent, Lava Beds National Monument, P.O. Box 867, Tulelake, California 96134. Comments on the plan must be received no later than 30 days after the publication of a notice of availability by the Environmental Protection Agency in the Federal Register. Inquiries on the general management plan and FEIS and requests for copies of the plan should be directed to Lava Beds National Monument, address as above, or by telephone at (916) 667-2282. Copies of the plan will be available for public inspection at the monument and at area libraries. Dated; July 24, 1996. Patricia L. Neubacher, Acting Field Director, Pacific West Area. [FR Doc. 96-20033 Filed 8-6-96; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-70-P