Availability of Environmental Assessment for Big Cypress National Preserve, FL

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service

Availability of Environmental Assessment for Big Cypress National

Preserve, FL

AGENCY: Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida, National Park Service.

ACTION: Notice of Availability of Environmental assessment.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, CFR

Sec. 1501.3 of Title 40, the Big Cypress National Preserve, a unit of

the National Park System, has completed a ``Draft Environmental

Assessment'' regarding the continued operation of commercial airboat

tours over lands and waters in the vicinity of Everglades City,

Florida. These commercial airboat tours have been provided for a fee to

the public over lands that were previously in private ownership. On

December 18, 1996, as a result of a land exchange, the Preserve assumed

management responsibility for the lands upon which these tours take

place. The Preserve proposes to allow the tours to continue under

limits and controls. The draft environmental assessment has been

prepared to document the environmental consequences of continuing the

activity.

Persons wishing to receive a copy of the Assessment may do so by

contacting the Preserve at the following location: Superintendent, Big

Cypress National Preserve, HCR 61, Box 110, Ochopee, FL 43141,

Telephone (941) 695-2000, extension 310.

DATES: Written comments on the Draft Environmental Assessment will be

accepted by the Superintendent for a period of 30 days from the date of

this notice and will become part of the official record.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The Superintendent at the above

address.

Dated: April 28, 1999.

W. Thomas Brown,

Acting Regional Director Southeast Region.

[FR Doc. 99-11203 Filed 5-4-99; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4310-70-M