Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for Backcountry and Wilderness Management Plan, Joshua Tree National Park, California; Notice of Extension of Public Comment Period

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service

Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for Backcountry and

Wilderness Management Plan, Joshua Tree National Park, California;

Notice of Extension of Public Comment Period

SUMMARY: Pursuant to Sec. 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 Supplemental Environmental

Impact Statement (SEIS) assessing five alternatives for, and potential

impacts of, a proposed Backcountry and Wilderness Management Plan for

Joshua Tree National Park, California. In deference to interest

expressed by local governmental agencies, organizations, and other

interested parties, the public comment period has been extended through

January 20, 1999.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Draft Environmental Impact Study was

issued November 14, 1997; the SEIS was issued October 30, 1998. Copies

of the documents can be reviewed at local libraries or obtained from

the park at the address noted below. The original 60-day public comment

period (ending December 31, 1998) has been extended an additional 20

days. All written comments must now be postmarked not later than

January 20, 1999 and should be addressed to: Superintendent, Joshua

Tree National Park, 74485 National Park Drive, Twentynine Palms, CA

92277.

Dated: December 16, 1998.

John J. Reynolds,

Regional Director, Pacific West.

[FR Doc. 98-34222 Filed 12-24-98; 8:45 am]

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