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Environmental Assessment for Construction of a Raised Boardwalk and Improvements to Wildlife Viewing Areas at Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve

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 [Federal Register: February 9, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 27)]
[Notices]
[Page 6392]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr09fe00-77]

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service


Environmental Assessment for Construction of a Raised Boardwalk
and Improvements to Wildlife Viewing Areas at Dyke Marsh Wildlife
Preserve

AGENCY:  National Park Service, Interior.

ACTION:  Availability of the Environmental Assessment for the proposed
construction of a raised boardwalk and improvements to wildlife viewing
areas at Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve (Dyke Marsh).

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SUMMARY:  Pursuant to Council on Environmental Quality regulations and
National Park Service policy, the National Park Service announces the
availability of an Environmental Assessment for the proposed
construction of a raised boardwalk and improvements to wildlife viewing
opportunities at Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve, within the George
Washington Memorial Parkway (Parkway). The Environmental Assessment
examines several alternatives for the specific location, size, and
configuration of the boardwalk. The National Park Service is soliciting
comments on this Environmental Assessment. These comments will be
considered in evaluating it and making decisions pursuant to the
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

DATES:  The Environmental Assessment will remain available for public
comment 30 days from the date of publication in the Federal Register.
Written comments should be received no later than March 10, 2000.

ADDRESSES:  Comments on this Environmental Assessment should be
submitted in writing to: Ms. Audrey F. Calhoun, Superintendent, George
Washington Memorial Parkway, Turkey Run Park, McLean, Virginia 22101.
The Environmental Assessment will be available for public inspection
Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m. at GWMP
Headquarters, Turkey Run Park, McLean, VA, on the National Park Service
Website www.nps.gov/gwmp/Dmcons.html and at several libraries in
Alexandria, Fairfax and Arlington, Virginia.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:  The National Park Service proposes to
construct a raised boardwalk and viewing platform at the end of the
``Haul Road'' trail in Dyke Marsh, now called Dyke Marsh trail, an area
that is currently difficult to access because of persistent wet
conditions. The intent of the proposed raised boardwalk is to provide
better access and viewing opportunities than the current proliferation
of informal social trails currently afford, and to encourage visitor
use patterns that are more consistent with protection of the area's
sensitive ecosystem. Specifically, the proposed action aims to:
     Provide enhanced opportunities to view wildlife and the
environs of Dyke Marsh by improving access to the area, and affording a
slightly elevated vantage point from which visitors may view wildlife
and enjoy the surroundings.
     Enhance the protection of the area's natural resources by
providing appropriate facilities (i.e., a raised boardwalk and
interpretive waysides) that encourage visitor use patterns and
activities that are consistent with responsible management of the Dyke
Marsh ecosystem.
     Provide for increased educational opportunities and public
understanding of Dyke Marsh and wetland ecology.
    The proposed action is based on longstanding observations by
National Park Service staff, general park visitors, and members of the
Friends of Dyke Marsh. The current trail system neither provides
adequate access to the marsh, nor is appropriate for the protection of
vegetation and wildlife, including migratory and nesting bird species.
While the Dyke Marsh trail provides reasonably good access to a point
somewhat beyond the existing wooden footbridge, beyond that point the
trail simply degenerates into a network of poorly defined, muddy social
trails, many of which are inundated at high tide. While the social
trails suggest a desire by visitors to be able to access the area, it
is clear that there is no well defined or officially provided trail to
meet that need. The existing conditions are insensitive to protection
of vegetation and wildlife, and encourage the inappropriate and
unmanaged development of more social trails. In addition, tidal
fluctuations effectively limit opportunities to access some of the most
scenic and interesting portions of the marsh, since much of the area is
inundated or excessively muddy much of the time.
    Increasingly, Dyke Marsh serves as a venue for environmental
education and science programs for local school systems. The Parkway's
expanding Parks-As-Classrooms program, as well as a multi-park science
oriented program brings elementary and high school aged students to
Dyke Marsh for educational programs. Construction of the boardwalk and
viewing platform would enhance educational opportunities by making the
marsh more easily accessible and improving wildlife viewing
opportunities.
    All interested individuals, agencies, and organizations are urged
to provide comments on the Environmental Assessment. The National Park
Service in making a final decision regarding this matter will consider
all comments received by the closing date.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  Mr. Bart Truesdell, (703) 289-2530.

Audrey F. Calhoun,
Superintendent, George Washington Memorial Parkway.
[FR Doc. 00-2883 Filed 2-8-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-70-P

 
 

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