[Federal Register: December 10, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 237)]
[Notices]
[Page 68945-68946]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr10de03-106]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Notice of Intent To Prepare a General Management Plan and
Environmental Impact Statement for Gulf Islands National Seashore (FL
and MS)
AGENCY: National Park Service.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: This notice is being published in accordance with 40 CFR
1506.6. Pursuant to section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental
Policy Act of 1969, the National Park Service announces the preparation
of an Environmental Impact Statement for the General Management Plan
for Gulf Islands National Seashore. The statement will assess potential
environmental impacts associated with various types and levels of
visitor use and resources management within the National Seashore. This
General
[[Page 68946]]
Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement is being prepared to the
requirements of the National Parks and Recreation Act of 1978, Public
Law 95-625, and in accord with Director's Order Number 2, the planning
directive for National Park Service units.
The National Park Service will conduct public scoping meetings in
the local area to receive input from interested parties on issues,
concerns, and suggestions pertinent to the managaement of Gulf Islands
National Seashore. Representatives of the National Park Service will be
available to discuss issues, resource concerns, and the planning
process at each of the public meetings. Suggestions and ideas for
managing the cultural and natural resources and visitor experiences at
the park are encouraged.
Anonymous comments will not be considered. We will make all
submissions from organizations or businesses, and from individuals
identifying themselves as representatives or officials of organizations
or businesses, available for public inspection in their entirety.
However, individual respondents may request that we withhold their
names and addresses from the public record, and we will honor such
requests to the extent allowed by law. If you wish to withhold your
name and/or address, you must state that request prominently at the
beginning of your comment. Please note that due to public disclose
requirements, the National Park Service, if requeted, may have to make
the names and addresses of those who submit written comments public.
DATES: Locations, dates, and times of public scopping meetings will be
published in local newspapers and may also be obtained by contacting
the park Superintendent. This information will also be published on the
General Management Plan Web site (http://www.nps.gov/guis) for Gulf
Islands National Seashore.
ADDRESSES: Scoping suggestions should be submitted to the following
address to ensure adequate consideration by the Service:
Superintendent, Guld Islands National Seashore, 1801 Gulf Breeze
Parkway, Gulf Breeze, Florida, 32563.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Superintendent, Gulf Islands National
Seashore, 1801 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze, Florida, 32563, Telephone: (850) 934-2604, E-mail: Guis_Superintendent@nps.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Gulf Islands National Seashore is located on
barrier islands, keys, and mainland peninsulas in the Pensacola,
Florida area and on a series of Gulf Coast barrier islands between
Pascagoula and Gulfport, Mississippi, Gulf Islands National Seashore
was authorized by Congress in 1971, to provide preservation of 150
miles of coastline, barrier islands,a nd historic fortifications. The
last General Management Plan was completed in 1978 and in the ensuing
years must has changed. A revised General Management Plan and
Environmental Impact Statement would provide the National Seashore with
better guidance and direction in regard to management of natural and
cultural resources and providing a quality visitor experience.
The plan will provide direction to correct existing management
deficiencies through the establishment of management prescriptions,
carrying capacities and appropriate types and levels of development and
recreational use for all areas of the park. Resource protection,
visitor experiences and community relationships will be improved
through completion and implementation of the General Management Plan.
Public documents associated with the planning effort, including all
newsletters, will be posted on the internet through the Park's Web site
at http://www.nps.gov/guis.
The Draft and Final General Manageament Plan and Environmental
Impact Statement will be made available to all known interested parties
and appropriate agencies. Full public participation by federal, state,
and local agencies as well as other concerned organizations and private
citizens is invited throughout the preparation process of this
document.
The responsible official for this Environmental Impact Statement is
Patricia A. Hooks, Acting Regional Director, Southeast Region, National
Park Service, 100 Alabama Street SW., 1924 Building, Atlanta, Georgia
30303.
Dated: November 7, 2003.
Patricia A. Hooks,
Acting Regional Director, Southeast Region.
[FR Doc. 03-30561 Filed 12-9-03; 8:45 am]
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