[Federal Register: March 18, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 52)] [Notices] [Page 13434-13435] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr18mr99-94] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR National Recreation Lakes Study Commission AGENCY: National Recreation Lakes Study Commission, Interior. ACTION: Notice of draft recommendations and themes. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Omnibus Parks and Public Land Management Act of 1996 authorizes a presidential commission to review the demand for recreation at Federal lakes, and to develop alternatives for enhanced recreation uses, primarily through innovative public/private partnerships. The following draft recommendations by themes were approved by the Commission at the Commission Meeting on March 3, 1999. It is also available on the web at www.doi.gov/nrls/ or if you would like a hard copy, please write to us at: National Recreation Lakes Study Office, 1951 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 320, Washington, DC 20240. Federal Lakes Recreation Leadership Council Commit resources and establish an interagency Federal Lakes Recreation Leadership Council to coordinate recommendations of the National Recreation Lakes Study Commission. Reinvention Laboratory and Demonstration Program Develop a National Recreation Lakes Demonstration Program and apply for Reinvention Laboratory status for the Program. Environment for Success Operate Federal lakes to optimize water use for all beneficial purposes, including recreation and environmental values, consistent with Congressionally authorized purposes. The Federal lakes leadership council shall review current guidelines regarding recreation activities for all Federal lakes and develop policy recommendations which will include best business practices to encourage private sector investment in needed recreation facilities. Include the Bureau of Reclamation and the Corps of Engineers in the Recreational Fees Demonstration Program and allow fee revenues to be retained at the management unit where collected and used for capital improvements and operations and maintenance costs. Encourage partnerships with non-Federal entities. Specifically, change Bureau of Reclamation and Corps of Engineers policies to allow them to cost-share with their non-Federal governmental partners for rehabilitation of recreation facilities developed in conjunction with States and local governments and Tribes. Amend Federal grant-in-aid programs to eliminate the requirement for State matching funds when projects benefit Federal lakes. Develop and implement aggressive public information programs to communicate the services and facilities available to the public as well as the mission and management of the lakes, and interpretive programs to provide learning opportunities and experiences which help visitors and local residents learn about the natural and cultural history of the lake area leading to understanding of their important role as stewards of public lands and lakes. Amend Public Law 89-72 to repeal the requirement that Federal entities can only develop new recreation facilities through cost sharing agreements with non-Federal governmental entities. [[Page 13435]] Establish water-related recreation performance measures for all Federal lake management agencies. Establish regular Federal, State and local government and Tribal inter/intra-agency and private sector development assignments, exchanges and meetings for Federal lakes' supervisors and staff to enhance expertise and understanding. In the implementation of the National Recreational Fisheries Conservation Plan give special emphasis to Federal lakes. Encourage management agencies to adopt community based involvement in the management of the lake to promote environmental and community well-being. Identify and Close the Gap Conduct assessments at Federal lakes to determine customer needs, infrastructure and facility needs and natural resource needs. Develop a strategic plan for future investments in recreation infrastructure in response to these assessments. Consistent with the strategic plan, reduce the recreation facilities maintenance backlog over the next 10 years. Provide adequate funding to improve lake water quality through a watershed management approach. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeanne Whittington at 202-219-7104. Dated: March 12, 1999. Jana Prewitt, Executive Director, National Recreation Lakes Study Commission. [FR Doc. 99-6577 Filed 3-17-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-94-P