Primary Restoration Plan for Santa Cruz Island, Channel Islands National Park, Santa Barbara County, California; Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service

Primary Restoration Plan for Santa Cruz Island, Channel Islands

National Park, Santa Barbara County, California; Notice of Intent To

Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement

SUMMARY: Pursuant to Sec. 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental

Policy Act of 1969 (Pub. L. 91-190) and Council on Environmental

Quality regulations (40 CFR 1508.22), the National Park Service intends

to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for a Primary Restoration

Plan that focused on removing non-native species from Santa Cruz

Island, Channel Islands National Park, California. During the ensuing

conservation planning-environmental analysis process, comprehensive

management alternatives will be developed which will address recovery

of the island's natural communities. Throughout the restoration

planning process will be conducted in consultation with affected

federal agencies, State and local governments, tribal groups, and

interested organizations and individuals.

BACKGROUND: The National Park Service completed a General Management

Plan (GMP) and Environmental Impact Statement for Channel Islands

National Park in 1985. The park's Resources Management Plan was

approved in 1994 (and last updated in 1998). Both documents set clear

direction and priorities for responding to invasive species. This

focused restoration planning effort is intended to expand and refine

that management direction, with the focused objective of preparing a

Primary Restoration Plan and Environmental Impact Statement (PRP/EIS)

specific to Santa Cruz Island. The PRP/EIS will identify, analyze, and

select the immediate, critical management actions necessary to initiate

recovery of the island's natural communities. Of special concern is the

pressing need to address alternative methods for removal of feral pigs

(Sus scrofa) and control of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), an invasive

alien plant species. Based upon scientific review, at this time it is

anticipated that bringing management and control efforts to bear

primarily upon these two species would facilitate the restoration of

many other native ecosystem components. The fennel and feral pig

initiatives will be implemented in collaboration with The Nature

Conservancy, Santa Cruz Island Preserve.

SCOPING: The NPS is hereby initiating the scoping phase with a request

for comments and information from interested individuals,

organizations, and agencies. Responses are encouraged, and may address

current issues and concerns, relevant research, immediate management

options, mitigation strategies, future direction for recovery efforts,

and other factors relevant to a comprehensive restoration planning

process. Written comments must be postmarked not later than November

30, 1999, and should be directed to the Superintendent, Channel Islands

National Park, 1901 Spinnaker Dr., Ventura, CA 93001. In addition,

public scoping sessions are scheduled for October 20 (Ventura) and

October 27 (Santa Barbara). Details as to time and location will be

announced via local and regional press releases, notices distributed to

area libraries, and direct mailings.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Periodic information updates about various

aspects of the restoration planning process will be distributed via

direct mailings, the park's website (http://www.nps.gov/chis/

naturalresources/restoration.html), and regional and local news media.

To request placement on the PRP/EIS mailing list, interested parties

may contact Mr. Steve Ortega, Restoration Biologist, at (805) 658-5784

or [email protected]

REVIEW AND DECISION PROCESS: The Draft PRP/EIS is anticipated to be

available for public review and comment during winter-spring, 1999-

2000. Availability of the Draft document for review and written comment

will be announced by formal Notice in the Federal Register, through

local and regional news media, the internet, and direct mailing. At

this time it is anticipated that the Final PRP/EIS will be completed

during October, 2000. Subsequently, notice of an approved Record of

Decision would be published in the Federal Register not sooner than

thirty (30) days after the Final document is distributed. This is

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expected to occur by December, 2000. The official responsible for the

decision is the Regional Director, Pacific West Region, National Park

Service; the official responsible for implementation is the

Superintendent, Channel Islands National Park.

Dated: August 31, 1999.

John J. Reynolds,

Regional Director, Pacific West Region.

[FR Doc. 99-23765 Filed 9-10-99; 8:45 am]

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