The rustic setting of Lake Chelan NRA would be part of a transition from the downlake recreational, residential, agricultural, and industrial setting to the very wild and natural North Cascades National Park, Lake Chelan NRA wilderness area, and adjacent U.S. Forest Service administered wilderness areas. The national recreation area would be managed as part of the larger ecosystem and socioeconomic region. The use of national recreation area resources by visitors and residents would be managed in order to preserve the natural, scenic, and cultural values of the area. Existing levels of NPS development and special uses would be reduced or relocated to less sensitive sites and vacated sites restored to natural conditions. Outstanding natural processes, natural resources, and cultural resources would be preserved and protected, and biodiversity would be maintained. Visitors would experience a harmony between the natural and human environment and be provided with low impact recreational opportunities. They would be assisted in their discovery of the area and be able to explore the valley independently as well.

Management Objective. Manage Lake Chelan NRA as an integral part of a larger regional ecosystem, and protect and restore the components and processes of naturally evolving park ecosystems, including the natural abundance, biodiversity, and ecological integrity of plants, animals, water, and soil to the extent public safety considerations permit.

Water Quality

Management Objective. Strive to preserve or restore water quality to natural conditions and maintain or restore minimum stream flows needed to protect dependent biota.

Actions. The National Park Service would work with county, state, and other federal agencies to monitor and protect water quality and to promote enforcement of regulations. Also, the National Park Service would work with the Chelan County PUD to mitigate shore erosion on Lake Chelan, and to ensure that upon renewal of their Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) license, Chelan County PUD continues to protect water quality.

Baseline water resource parameters would be inventoried. Adjacent land uses and their effects on water resources would be monitored in order to develop management strategies for minimizing impacts. Property owners would be encouraged to minimize impacts on water quality. The National Park Service would take action where adverse actions occur that violate the Clean Water Act and threaten water resources.

The best pollution control measures would be implemented to minimize the risk of water pollution by providing adequate sewage treatment and disposal for all public use and administrative facilities, controlling human-caused erosion on public lands, and carefully managing toxic substance use and transportation.

Actions would be monitored and appropriate measures implemented to minimize water pollution from fuel-burning watercraft, marina operations, and other activities with high potential for polluting water. Visitors would learn about proper boating and facilities practices that protect water quality.

Protection of water resources would be promoted for all of Lake Chelan through cooperation with other agencies and organizations that affect the management of Lake Chelan (e.g., U.S. Forest Service, state, county, city of Chelan, local interest groups).

Fish

Management Objective. Preserve existing native fish populations and strive to restore viable native fish populations to levels where all endemic species are represented in Lake Chelan NRA; preserve or restore the opportunity for anglers to fish for native fish species and to enjoy and learn about the natural aquatic environment.

Actions. Resource inventory, monitoring, and research programs would be pursued to enhance the knowledge of native fish populations and their habitat to determine and evaluate change in response to habitat dynamics, nonnative fish species, recreational fishing, land use, and management actions.

The impacts of fish stocking in naturally fish-free lakes would continue to be researched, and management recommen- dations would be developed to minimize impacts.

Stocking in selected high lakes with minimal potential for adverse impacts would be allowed according to the 1988 supplemental agreement with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Upon completion of research, the current program would be reviewed and modified or a new program would be developed by the year 2000. Fish stocking of the Stehekin River and streams would be limited to endemic species (endemic genotype only, if possible) into their historic habitat.

Nonnative fish species would be controlled to allow recovery of viable populations of native species in at least portions of their historic range. Retention of the state's catch and release policy for native species (e.g., as in Ross Lake) would be encouraged, and the values of native fish populations and naturally functioning aquatic ecosystems would be interpreted.

The state and Chelan County PUD would be encouraged to develop a fisheries management plan. The National Park Service would take the lead in development of a fisheries management plan for upper Lake Chelan and the lower Stehekin River.

Stehekin River

Management Objective. Preserve and restore the free-flowing character and natural processes of the Stehekin River and its tributaries with consideration for protecting the public road system.

Actions. The National Park Service would not manipulate the Stehekin River to protect federal property except roads and bridges according to the following criteria. Existing public roads would be protected in erosion/river conflict zones only if (1) there are no feasible alternatives, (2) funds are available, (3) proposed actions would have lesser impacts than other alternatives, and (4) the proposed actions are permitted by the county, state, and other federal agencies. No new road construction would be proposed in active river/erosion conflict zones.

Previously manipulated sites that do not meet the above criteria for future manipulation would be restored to approximate natural conditions.

The Park Service would not manipulate the river to protect private property. No action would be taken to prevent private owners from manipulating the river on their land to protect their property unless such actions would significantly harm recreation area resources or were in violation of local, state, or federal ordinances, regulations, or laws. Such actions would not be encouraged, however.

NPS structures that could be threatened by river processes would be relocated.

The National Park Service would manipulate woody debris in the Stehekin River or its tributaries only to protect public roads and bridges according to the criteria above. Woody debris could also be trimmed or turned in the lower 9 miles of the Stehekin River to allow safer recreational use of the river for rafting, kayaking, and canoeing if it did not alter the function or stability of woody debris accumulations and was permitted by the appropriate regulatory agency. Woody debris would not be removed from the river system in any case. The Park Service would not remove or manipulate woody debris on public land or water to protect private property, and it would take no action to prevent private owners from removing or manipulating woody debris on their land to protect their property, unless these actions would significantly harm recreation area resources or were in violation of local, state, or federal ordinances, regulations, or laws. Such actions would not be encouraged.

The National Park Service would work with the county to encourage private property owners to protect natural river processes. Private alteration of river process would be opposed through cooperation with county, state, and federal agencies that have appropriate authorization to take action. The highest priority would be placed on acquiring lands, through exchange or purchase, that are threatened by or where development threatened natural river processes.

River processes would be inventoried, researched, and monitored to evaluate and mitigate impacts of recreation and other land uses.

The suitability of the Stehekin River would be studied for designation as a wild and scenic river.

Wetland, Floodplain, Shoreline, and Riparian Areas

Management Objective. Preserve or restore ecological processes and conditions in wetland, floodplain, shoreline, and riparian areas.

Actions. Existing NPS development on public wetland, appropriate regulatory floodplain, shoreline, and riparian areas (except significant cultural resources) would be relocated to suitable sites and the disturbed sites restored to natural conditions. Recreational use and access would be allowed in designated nonsensitive sites for camping, fishing, lakeshore campgrounds, etc. Campgrounds in regulatory floodplains would be brought into compliance with floodplain guidelines. Trails and sites would be designed and located to mitigate impacts (e.g., hardening high traffic areas).

Property owners would be encouraged to minimize impacts on wetland, floodplain, shoreline, or riparian areas. The National Park Service would take appropriate measures where actions threatened to cause significant impacts on wetland, floodplain, shoreline, or riparian areas.

Sand, Rock, and Gravel Plan Elements

Management Objective. Allow mining of sand, rock, and gravel in Stehekin Valley but restrict mining to the Company Creek borrow pit for NPS maintenance and public use and minor reconstruction only; allow for importing of material from outside the valley for new construction.

Actions. All borrow pits, other than the Company Creek borrow pit, would be examined and rehabilitated to natural-like contours and vegetative cover as appropriate. Mined portions of the Company Creek borrow pit would be reclaimed as new mining of sand, rock, and gravel occurs in order to maintain the active sand, rock, and gravel pit at less than or near its current size. No new borrow sites would be allowed. Compliance with NPS "Administrative Use of In-park Borrow Materials Guidelines" (Special Directive 91-6, 8/5/91) would be met.

Sand, rock, and gravel would be conserved and recycled whenever possible (e.g., consider conservation through maintenance and road system design). No sand, rock, or gravel would be removed from the 100-year floodplain of the Stehekin River or its tributaries.

Material for new public or private construction would be barged into Stehekin Valley. Guidelines would be developed in a new sand, rock and gravel management plan to remove nonnative species and other foreign materials before the sand, rock, and gravel was barged.

For routine public and private maintenance needs (e.g., road repair, leachfield repair, foundation repair), a limited amount of material would be stockpiled at the active gravel pit. A portion of the stockpiled material would be crushed. Some crushed material would be made available to local residents. Instead of uncontrolled access to sand, rock, and gravel in the Stehekin River floodplain, the National Park Service would determine in a new sand, rock, and gravel management plan, among other issues, an operating procedure for keeping the active gravel pit near its present size (as new material is mined, the previously disturbed area would be rehabilitated). The gravel pit is currently near its maximum size including the excavated surface and operations floor (space for stockpiling materials and equipment maneuvering).

The plan would use a practical method for allocating sand, rock, and gravel for public use while not depleting the supply for NPS maintenance work. It would also provide for the sale of sand, rock, and gravel at fair market value to local residents only, and regulate the use of this material through the following criteria: (1) the applicant's use must be for maintenance projects only (those not requiring a building permit under county laws and regulations); (2) the applicant's use will be within Stehekin Valley; and (3) the applicant's maintenance project will not have a significant adverse effect on the purposes of Lake Chelan NRA as defined by the general management plan.

Geohazards

Management Objective. Recognize and avoid hazards of natural geological processes, such as snow avalanches, debris torrents, and rockfalls.

Actions. New NPS developments and recreational facilities would be sited to avoid geohazards, and existing NPS/concession facilities would be relocated away from geohazards.

The National Park Service, through cooperative efforts with state and local agencies, would oppose private commercial visitor facilities in geohazard areas. The county would be advised of the location of geohazards.

Forest Fuel Reduction / Firewood Management Plan Elements

Management Objective. Use fire suppression, prescribed natural fire, management-ignited prescribed fire, and selective manual fuel reductions to improve wildland fire protection for human life and property; to manage for late-succession stage in ponderosa pine/Douglas fir forest; and to monitor and evaluate manual thinning and prescribed fire effects over time.

Actions. Hazard forest fuel surveys would be conducted near government-owned buildings, and the hazards removed by the pruning and cutting of trees and shrubs to create more defensible space for fire suppression near these structures in the event of wildfire.

Hazard forest fuel surveys on private property would be conducted free of charge upon the request of private property owners and recommendations made to create more defensible space around these structures.

Human- and lightning-caused fires on the valley floor would be suppressed for the protection of human life and property. This is a recognized suppression zone in the fire management plan.

Prescribed natural fire would be used beyond the valley floor, when conditions were appropriate, to maintain the natural role of fire on mountain slopes and upstream from High Bridge (above 1,640-foot elevation).

Selective manual thinning and management-ignited prescribed fire would be used in forest fuel reduction areas to accomplish the following objectives:

to reduce the amount of fuel in strategically located sites for more effective fire protection

to strive for a 40%-60% forest canopy cover in some areas based on the mature forest component

to perpetuate a multiaged ponderosa pine/Douglas fir forest

to restore the effects of low-intensity fire

to provide firewood for Stehekin residents from surplus logs as a secondary objective, contingent upon meeting the other objectives

Selective manual thinning would precede management-ignited prescribed fire treatment in some of the forest fuel reduction areas. Coniferous trees may be thinned in riparian communities within the fuel reduction areas. Trees would be selected and marked by a silviculturalist before any thinning activity. Manual thinning in easy access zones (150-250 feet from a road) could be done by individual woodcutters with a woodcutting permit. More remote zones in the forest fuel reduction areas would be thinned by contractors or licensees experienced with low-impact logging methods.

The wood produced through selective manual thinning would be used as firewood, but the production of firewood would be a result, not a primary objective of these wildfire management actions.

Manual thinning in forest fuel reduction areas would

predominantly be from green trees less than 110 years old

scatter slash from tree cutting or make slash piles for later burning, or chipping and mulching

be cut in ponderosa pine/Douglas fir forest type only

remove selected trees using an in-series or sequential strategy to maximize fire protection

leave snags, dead and downed logs, and other woody debris in the forest fuel areas except along the perimeters

Vehicle access would be only on existing roads and 15 old road segments. Eight of these roads would be closed and revegetated after initial thinning operations. Additional old road segments within the areas and the old woodlots would also be revegetated. Removal of logs for firewood would either be by hand (close to roads) or by mechanized equipment. Generally, if mechanized equipment is used, most activity would be restricted to winter, with at least 2 feet of snow cover on the ground.

The practice of woodlot cutting for firewood would be phased out over a two-year period to enable the establishment of long-term monitoring plots and resource baseline data collection in the forest fuel reduction areas. No green trees would be cut in the woodlots during this period. Woodcutting would concentrate in the 150- to 250-foot woodcutter's zone along the Stehekin Road within the Orchard/Rainbow and Boulder Creek forest fuel reduction areas during the two-year transition period. No other woodcutting would occur until the monitoring plots were established and a program created to continue monitoring and evaluation. Other sources of firewood (see below) would still be available.

When available, firewood would be provided from the following sources:

hazard trees that are pruned or removed in accordance with an approved hazard tree management plan

blowdown trees in developed areas

trees removed to restore historic landscapes in historic districts

trees removed because of new development

trees pruned or removed for fire protection as a result of hazard fuel surveys for government-owned structures

driftwood within the high-pool limits of Lake Chelan

trees removed from forest fuel reduction areas by selective manual thinning

Firewood would be provided at fair market value. There would be no guarantee of firewood cordage per year. The firewood supply probably would diminish over the long term, but ultimately the amount of government-supplied firewood would be significantly reduced.

Residents with a woodcutter's permit would be able to obtain firewood from designated areas for personal, family, and business use. Residents not wishing to obtain their own firewood would be required to purchase it from the NPS contractor. If contractor-supplied firewood is not available, residents may have other persons cut and haul their firewood.

Private firewood users of public firewood would be required to use efficient woodstoves. Where the National Park Service uses firewood, the agency would provide efficient woodstoves. Most existing NPS firewood use would be converted to other energy sources. Existing private firewood users would be encouraged to use other energy sources.

Firewood barged to Stehekin from other areas (Northwest Energy Services, Inc. 1993: 51ff) should be treated to eliminate potential nonnative pest species.

Driftwood from the lake would be available for firewood, but logs and other woody debris would not be removed from the Stehekin River, to protect the diversity of fish and wildlife habitat. Firewood would be obtained from Stehekin Valley only, not from wilderness or the park.

Other Energy Sources

Management Objective. Create an optimal system of efficient energy use with a mix of efficiency and economic viability.

Actions. Energy conservation would be encouraged in all fields, such as the following:

use of sustainable construction and insulation materials, state-of-the-art lighting, efficient woodstoves

elimination of NPS woodstoves as primary heat source

conversion of NPS electric space heating to more efficient systems

conversion to propane, or other more efficient and less polluting systems, for private and concession water and space heating needs

conversion of NPS and concession vehicles to propane

exploration of the viability of solar space heating

collaboration between the National Park Service, Chelan County PUD, and Chelan County to institute measures and provide technical assistance

promotion of energy conservation for all new private uses through design guidelines and modest economic incentives.

Threatened, Endangered, and Rare Species; Nonnative Species

Management Objective. Preserve and restore, where feasible, species and ecological relationships that would exist were it not for human impacts including control of nonnative species, and comply with federal, state, and local laws and guidelines.

Actions. The National Park Service would monitor and attempt to protect incoming gravel, soil, and firewood from nonnative plants, and would control selected nonnative species (e.g., knapweed, common mullein, knotweed, rush skeletonweed) that threaten to spread and adversely affect national recreation area resources. The National Park Service would educate and cooperate with private landowners and other agencies (e.g., planning commission) to encourage use of native species.

The National Park Service would work with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and other agencies to define and properly manage important habitats in an ecosystem context. The Park Service would pursue resource inventory, monitoring, and research programs to enhance knowledge of biological communities and natural processes and to evaluate trends.

Human-disturbed sites would be actively revegetated, or natural revegetation with native species would be allowed to occur on a case-by-case basis. Species recovery plans would be implemented as approved.

Scenic Resources

Management Objective. Maintain existing levels of natural scenic quality and views and restore cultural scenes.

Actions. The current character of the road from the Landing to Harlequin Bridge and from 9-Mile to High Bridge would be maintained. A hardened, single lane road with pullouts visible from each other would be provided from Harlequin Bridge to 9-Mile, and a heavy-duty, high-clearance shuttle vehicle road would be maintained between High Bridge and Cottonwood.

The natural character of the lake and river edge on public lands (includes areas within 200 feet of the lake and river shoreline) would be restored. NPS structures would be removed from the shoreline, where appropriate, and no new NPS structures would be constructed on the shoreline. The "fairways" would be restored to natural conditions as appropriate.

All existing native vegetation would be retained except as specified in such plans as the forest fuel reduction plan. The open character of the pastures would be retained. Only limited vista clearing would be done to maintain the historic scene, improve safety, or meet specific interpretive objectives.

The outpost community image of the area would be maintained. Design guidelines would identify a crafted, step-back-in-time image. Historic attributes, particularly those of the Buckner orchard, would be high- lighted. Where feasible, structures would be relocated away from environmentally sensitive areas.

In cooperation with Chelan County PUD and in compliance with state and federal requirements, power lines would be buried where feasible.

Adjacent wilderness lands have been designated a class I area, the highest air quality standard. Retention of the high quality visibility within the Stehekin Valley is also important. For these reasons, the National Park Service would work cooperatively with the Chelan County PUD to reduce particulate emissions from diesel generators that augment power demand within the valley.

Wilderness Management Plan Elements

Management Objective. Direct and manage human activities in the wilderness in accordance with the Wilderness Act to minimize human impacts on wilderness resources and ecosystem processes and to provide high quality wilderness experience.

Actions. The actions that follow apply to wilderness areas.

Horse grazing -- Grazing in the national recreation area portion of the Stephen Mather Wilderness would continue to be permitted. All use would continue to be monitored, and grazing would be restricted to the dry period of the summer, which generally begins about July 15. Only certified, weed-free, processed feed would be allowed. Grazing would continue to be prohibited within the national park.

Party size -- The maximum party size would continue to be 6 pairs of eyes (human or stock) in the cross-country zone and 12 pairs otherwise. The existing commercial stock user may be permitted to exceed this limit at historic levels (up to 30 pairs of eyes four to six times per year) after individual trip requests are reviewed for potential resource impacts and conflicts. No additional oversized stock party permits would be issued. The maximum party size at Juanita Lake camp would be 12 pairs of eyes (human or stock) for all users. Grazing would continue to be prohibited within .25 mile of Juanita Lake. No oversized stock party exemptions would be considered for this site.

Campfires -- Open campfires in subalpine zones and firewood gathering in subalpine zones and some other sensitive areas would be prohibited based on impact analysis.

Management Objective. Protect and interpret the park's archeological, historic, and ethnographic resources. Treatment of historic properties would be undertaken in accordance with NPS policies and the park's cultural resource management plan in consultation with the Washington state historic preservation officer, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, and other interested persons as appropriate pursuant to 36 CFR 800. The cultural resource management plan would address both short- and long-range management of cultural resources within the national recreation area, including ongoing survey and inventory of archeological, historic, and traditional cultural properties and landscapes.

Actions. The cultural property inventory for the Stehekin area would be updated on a 10-year cycle and the National Register of Historic Places nomination for the park complex would be amended to incorporate new eligible resources.

The Golden West Lodge would be rehabilitated and used for NPS administrative purposes, a visitor center, an interpretive center, and minimal storage for some of the Buckner collection. The High Bridge Historic District would be rehabilitated and reused for NPS administrative purposes. The rehabilitation of historic structures would be, done in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties (revised 1992),

The Buckner homestead and orchard would be preserved, and items associated with the farming operation would be restored on a priority basis if owned by the National Park Service. Most of the buildings would be closed to the public; however, a low level of interpretation would be provided. The genetic stock of the Buckner orchard would be maintained.

Significant parts of the Buckner collection should be acquired and some artifacts should be maintained onsite for interpretive purposes. Additional items should be stored in a collection storage/museum curatorial facility that would be constructed outside Stehekin Valley, but within Chelan County.

A historic landscape report for the Buckner orchard that includes historic crops and uses and a Buckner homestead and orchard management plan that guides decisions concerning agricultural uses should be developed. The vegetation management and the historic management plans must be consistent with each other, and they will provide the baseline data from which an agricultural use permitting system would be developed.

Management Objective. Emphasize selected opportunities that focus on natural, cultural, and recreational values, through both structured and unstructured ways and both solitary and social means. Visitors encounter facilities and services in a rural community context where needs are balanced with preservation of a nearly pristine natural environment.

Encourage visitor cooperation in resource preservation through interpretation, protection, design, and example. Visitors' typical perceptions of wilderness thresholds are the side walls of the valley and beyond High Bridge.

Pace and Access

Actions. Visitors would be provided with opportunities to enjoy a relaxed, leisurely pace, and to have several choices of access to a variety of feature locations.

Speed limits should be kept at low levels. Shuttle buses, operated by the National Park Service and/or the private sector, would become the primary motorized form of transportation (shuttles, including the Landing\Cottonwood shuttle, should be operated on schedules). Wherever appropriate, interpretation would be provided on shuttles (i.e., where there are important and interesting stories about sites visited or seen).

Visitors would be encouraged to use nonmotorized forms of transportation, e.g., walking, riding bicycles or horses, and renting boats and canoes, within the national recreation area. Seating would have access to views and provide for relaxation.

Recreational Activities

Actions. Visitors would be provided with opportunities to engage in a variety of recreational activities, including but not limited to, hiking, backpacking, camping, bicycling, boating, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, rafting, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, photography, guided walks, exploring, and lounging. Recreational access for visitors with disabilities would be enhanced.

All recreational activities would be managed to prevent impacts on resources and to minimize conflicts among users. Activities that infringe on the solitude and natural beauty of the national recreation area or cause unacceptable impacts on resources would be discouraged or prohibited. These would include bungee jumping, flying ultralights, parasailing, waterskiing, jet-skiing, and using offroad vehicles (ORVs) or mountain bikes on trails.

Circulation

Actions. Enjoyable and efficient transportation would be provided from the Landing to Bridge Creek and to features and lodging. This would be achieved by providing a linear road spine from the Landing to Cottonwood. The road would have a "country lane" character through speed limits, design, and use patterns.

The Stehekin Valley road would be paved from the Landing to 9-Mile, gravel between 9-Mile and High Bridge, and a heavy-duty, high-clearance shuttle vehicle road from High Bridge to Cottonwood.

Pedestrian and horseback riding loops would be provided off the road spine at feature areas. Access to the lake and around the Landing would be included, as well as a river access route from the "Castle" area, across a pedestrian suspension bridge over the Stehekin River (just below Boulder Creek confluence) to the river trail that runs from Weaver Point to Harlequin Bridge area. Access to Buckner homestead, Rainbow Falls, and High Bridge and road access to lodgings would be retained.

The use of bicycles on roads would be encouraged, but they would not be allowed on pedestrian trails except on connections to features and some campgrounds.

Overnight Uses

Actions. The National Park Service would provide camping areas. The private sector also could provide camping areas. Concession lodging facilities would be provided. The private sector should make available both separated (cabins, huts, tent cabins, houses) and clustered (traditional mountain lodge or hostel with central gathering space, or bed-and-breakfast) lodging experiences. Facility and landscape designs must be consistent with resource and visitor experience values.

Lake

Actions. The head of Lake Chelan would be managed to encourage a leisurely, peaceful ambience, through the use of speed limits, boat permits, and no-wake zones. The floatplane takeoff area would be recon- figured downlake to reduce noise and maintain safety.

Marina services would be provided for both day and long-term users (e.g., fuel, time-limited boat moorage, boat and canoe rentals, water taxi, fishing equipment rental and sales, and dump station), and would be concentrated at the Landing.

The lake edge would be designed to allow picnicking, swimming, walking, and sitting, within and complemented by the restoration and maintenance of natural systems. The levels of types of recreational activities would not impair the overall natural, pastoral feeling of the lake and environs.

River

Actions. The Stehekin River would be managed as a dynamic natural system and as one of the major scenic attractions in the valley. Opportunities for visitors to appreciate the power and intricacy of the river as a natural system would be enhanced.

River-related activities such as hiking, picnicking, fishing, rafting, kayaking, canoeing, and photography would be included. Access would be designed to avoid harmful impacts on critical areas, yet give visitors opportunities to appreciate and experience significant resource values.

Rafting, kayaking, and canoeing would be allowed but at the visitor's own risk. Snags and woody debris would not be cleared from the river for rafting, kayaking, and canoeing purposes. Motorized boat use on the Stehekin River would not be allowed.

Visitor Use and Resource Protection

Actions. The impacts of human activity on natural and cultural systems (e.g., Stehekin River, Lake Chelan, wetlands, camping and picnic areas, trails) would be monitored to ensure protection of the resources.

The National Park Service would participate in Resource Conservation and Development District activities to help address lakewide resource and visitor use issues. A forum consisting of Stehekin residents, environ- mental groups, Chelan County, the Public Utility District, U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, and other agencies would be developed to adopt or modify a framework such as limits of acceptable change to set goals, standards, and monitoring and corrective strategies for recreational and other human activities in and around the national recreation area. The cumulative effects of activities on the Lake Chelan watershed would be considered.

Management Objective. Encourage visitors to experience and appreciate the natural, cultural, and recreational resources of the valley by using a variety of media and approaches. Visitors would be able to understand primary interpretive themes, resource management and safety issues, Lake Chelan NRA purpose and role in greater ecological and recreational complexes, and the roles of NPS and private sector in recreational opportunities.

Orientation

Actions. Information would be made available before visitors have to make decisions. This information would help visitors learn about the resources and experiences that would be available, the behaviors that would be expected (and why), and the skills that are needed for different activities. Information on safety in the national recreation area should be introduced before visitor arrival, emphasized upon visitor arrival, and reinforced prior to visitor initiation of activities.

Visitors would be encouraged to try new activities that are within their capabilities. At contact stations at Chelan and Fields Point, orientation would be provided through telephone inquiries and personal contacts, exhibits, waysides, and printed materials. Boat passengers could read printed materials and talk to and hear presentations by boat crew or NPS interpreters to learn of recreational opportunities and resource information. At Stehekin Landing, visitors would be provided with information about recreational options, how to structure their visits, and the national recreation area in general. Wayside exhibits, a small community-staffed information area, a roving NPS interpreter, NPS and private brochures, and a bulletin board would be used. At the Golden West visitor center, orientation would be provided, using exhibits, audiovisual, publications, attended information desk, and through the private sector.

Interpretation

Actions. The National Park Service would take the lead role in planning, managing, and providing information and interpretive services, and would plan, design, and implement optimum actions to meet interpretive goals. The Park Service would provide the following:

introduction to interpretive stories at staging areas, including Chelan and Fields Point, using exhibits, wayside exhibits, publications, and personal services

personal services interpretation and publications on commercial boats in cooperation with Lake Chelan Boat Company and U.S. Forest Service

major rehabilitation of the Golden West visitor center, including exhibits, audiovisual programs, and information services

interpretive programs and media that focus on primary interpretive themes, emphasizing natural history, ecology, and prehistory of the area

offseason information and informal interpretation at Stehekin Landing and on boats during layovers

assistance to private providers of interpretation in training, planning, marketing, and quality assurance

During the summer guided walks, talks, evening programs, children's programs, roving interpretation, seminars, and shuttle bus programs would be provided, and during the winter, talks at the Landing and on boats, cross-country ski and snowshoe programs, and information services at the visitor center would be provided. The frequency of activities would be based primarily on staffing levels, resource sensitivity, and visitor numbers and interest. In all programs, recreation area resource values would be emphasized.

The Stehekin community might provide additional interpretive services, including programs and tours focusing on local history and culture (might be free or fee) and information in conjunction with rental or hiring of recreational services and equipment (e.g., guided canoe, bicycle, or horseback riding trips, shuttle buses, and camping and lodging services). Local initiatives would be complemented through NPS interpretation of local history and culture at the visitor center, contact stations, etc., in which local non-NPS residents could also be involved as noted elsewhere.

Facilities

Actions. Orientation and other visitor services and interpretation of primary interpretive themes and resource management issues would be provided at the Golden West visitor center. The interpretive media and information services would be upgraded, including new exhibits and audiovisual programs, and an auditorium for personal and audiovisual programs. The first and second floors of the building would be made accessible to visitors in wheelchairs from the Landing.

The interpretive media at Chelan and Fields Point contact stations would be evaluated and upgraded as needed to meet visitor needs. The wayside exhibits in the valley would be upgraded only where needed. New waysides would be installed where significant views or sites should be interpreted and where visual and other impacts would be minimal. The Henry M. Jackson Memorial area near the Landing would be landscaped with native plants. To take advantage of the site's interpretive potential, one or more waysides would interpret the natural history (geology) of the scene.

Transportation Plan Elements

Management Objective. Provide transportation and access to, from, and within the national recreation area to accomplish a quality visitor experience, fulfill resource management objectives, and meet local community needs.

Actions. Action items are as follows.

Getting there -- Visitation would be accommodated to approximately the current level of present maximum boat capacity and include interpreters on all peak season commercial ferries.

The airstrip would be retained and operated under a special use permit with the Washington State Department of Transportation, Aeronautics Division, for noncommercial public use on a "use at your own risk" basis. The permittee would keep the airstrip and the approaches equipped and maintained in accordance with the requirements of the Washington State Department of Transportation, and would ensure that all aircraft operations were conducted in accordance with requirements for state-operated emergency airstrips. There would be no expansion of the permitted area beyond that identified in the current permit. Camping would not be permitted within the land area authorized by the permit.

The Washington State Department of Transportation, Aeronautics Division, would be required to prepare a plan and conduct noxious weed control measures within the area under permit as approved by the National Park Service. An annual maintenance and operating plan will be prepared by the Aeronautics Division and submitted for review and approval by the National Park Service. The Washington State Department of Transportation, Aeronautics Division, would assume full responsibility and liability associated with the maintenance and operation of the airstrip. If it decides that the airstrip no longer meets their purposes and needs and does not renew the permit, the state will be responsible for compliance with regulatory processes associated with the closure of the airstrip. The National Park Service will be responsible for returning the area to a natural condition.

Commercial floatplanes would be allowed to continue flying at present capacity and with similar flight patterns for landings. Takeoffs would be far enough downlake to preserve the natural quiet of the national recreation area.

An aircraft noise study would be conducted with emphasis on floatplanes, which would monitor flight frequency and time of day, and help identify the quietest flight patterns.

Once there -- Nonmechanized (e.g., walking, hiking, horseback), mechanized (e.g., bicycles), and motorized (e.g., cars, shuttles, motorbikes) methods of transportation would be accommodated in the recreation area.

Self-guided and organized tours would be available. Tours organized around natural, historic, and cultural features that use transportation methods other than car, shuttle, or bus (e.g., walking/bicycle tours) would be encouraged.

Snowmobile use would be limited to existing roads below High Bridge. Interpretive and cross-country ski tours would be encouraged during the winter season.

Abandoned vehicles would be removed from public lands.

Roads and trails -- The road system would not be expanded. Unnecessary roads would be eliminated and the areas restored to natural conditions.

The current character (slow leisurely pace) and surface (chip seal) of the main valley road from Landing to Harlequin Bridge would be maintained.

Between Harlequin Bridge and 9-Mile, the road width would be paved and reduced to a single-lane (12-14 feet wide) with pullouts that would be visible from both directions (18 feet wide; 30-35 feet long). The road between 9-Mile and High Bridge would be maintained as a single-lane gravel road. Roadsides with excessive gravel would be rehabilitated to natural vegetation.

Unconstrained private vehicle use would end at High Bridge. Private vehicle use from High Bridge to Bridge Creek would be allowed, but traffic flow would be regulated by season of year and/or hour of day. Public shuttle service would be provided from the Landing to Cottonwood. Only the public shuttle service, hikers, horses, and bicycles would be allowed to use the road from Bridge Creek to Cottonwood. The National Park Service would seek a concessioner to replace the NPS-operated public shuttle service. Frequency of shuttle service would be increased over the current rate. Fare structure would provide discounts for frequent public shuttle users. The section of road from High Bridge to Cottonwood would be maintained for heavy-duty, high clearance shuttle vehicles. When needed, a site plan would be developed for the area immediately before High Bridge to provide adequate turnaround and parking.

Company Creek road would be maintained in its current alignment and condition. Three erosion control systems along the upper Company Creek road would be removed and replaced. The structures would be designed to keep the road from eroding during frequently recurring flood events (i.e., 10- to 25-year recurrence interval), and they would be made from rock, soil, and native vegetation.

Some old and abandoned road alignments would be converted to new trail loops in the lower valley, if appropriate.

An 11-mile pedestrian and horseback trail would be developed from the Landing to High Bridge; sensitive areas would be avoided to minimize impacts. It would be marked and maintained as a cross-country ski route as well. A pedestrian and horseback riding trail system that connects key lower valley features to the Stehekin Valley road would also be developed.

A trail from the Castle area to the river trail would be developed, including a suspension bridge just below the confluence of Boulder Creek. (The existing river trail connects the Weaver Point and Harlequin Bridge areas).

Stehekin Landing and Airstrip Area Development Concept Plans Elements

Management Objective. Preserve the rural setting through sustainable design for development, including historic and contemporary structures, and locate facilities in suitable and least environmentally sensitive areas possible.

For a graphic portrayal of the development concept plans for the proposed action, see theaccompanying Stehekin Landing and Airstrip Development Concept Plan maps.

Actions. The level of NPS developments for visitor use would be kept similar to existing conditions. However, some structures may be rehabilitated for new uses, removed, or replaced with new facilities. Lodging would be relocated away from geohazards and restyled.

Visitor flow and parking would be improved at the Landing. The Landing would become the focal point for visitor dispersement to lodging, tours, transportation systems, and other recreational opportunities. A bus loading/unloading area would be provided.

A heated area protected from the weather and within sight of the ferry docking area would be provided for people meeting the ferry. Restroom facilities would be expanded, and the shower and laundry facility would be relocated within the expanded restroom facilities. Structures along the lakeshore would be removed where feasible.

Weaver Point dock facilities would be improved to accommodate the Purple Point dock and allow seasonal moving of the dock between Purple Point and Weaver Point.

Transportation services -- Adequate and safe commercial boat docking must be ensured to meet safety requirements. The bulkheads would be repaired. The moorage would be reconfigured to accommodate various uses, including small boats, overnight use, freight, and haul-out for long-term boat storage elsewhere in the valley.

Fuel and a sewage dump station would continue to be provided at the marine service center.

The floatplane tie-up would be retained, but takeoffs would be designated farther downlake.

Visitor lodging and campgrounds -- Existing lodging would be phased out at present locations as the lifecycle of the buildings was reached. New facilities, including some winterized units, would be located at the Landing away from all hazards. Housekeeping facilities would be included. The present total of beds would increase somewhat. Summer lodging upvalley could be expanded by the private sector on private lands compatible with such uses. The Riddle Creek cabins would be removed and the area converted to public campsites.

All NPS campgrounds would be retained. Camping opportunities would be available at a variety of sites in the lower valley. The sites would be low density, unobtrusive, and well screened from the road. Water would be provided at the Purple Point and Weaver Point campgrounds. All sites would have access to pit or composting toilets. Sites would be set back from the lake and removed from hazardous areas as necessary. The Purple Point campground would be retained for hikers/climbers. The Weaver Point campground would be expanded.

At least two campgrounds have facilities that would be accessible to visitors in wheelchairs. The Weaver Point campground would be used for boat-in camping. Park management may determine which sites need to be managed on a reservation basis. The privately owned Riddle Creek cabins would be removed, and public campsites would be located here.

NPS and concession housing -- Some NPS and concession housing would be consolidated in clustered sites beside the airstrip, based on environmental parameters and in compliance with compatibility criteria (see the "Land Protection Plan Elements" section for criteria). Also, some NPS and concession housing would remain dispersed.

NPS housing would be available for 9 permanent employees, 15 seasonal employees, and 10 transients. Concession housing would be available for 10 permanent and 20 seasonal employees.

Food service -- A restaurant, a deli, and a grocery store would be provided to respond to the style of lodging (year-round lodging might be offered) and the need for lunch options created by the ferry schedule. The deli and grocery store would be designed for year-round use.

Administrative/office facilities -- NPS headquarters and office space for valleywide needs, post office, etc. would be retained at the Landing.

Commercial retail/services -- A commercial center would be established at the Landing with the grocery store and deli provided by the National Park Service/concessioner, and craft shops, outdoor supply, bike rentals, guide service, and other appropriate retail and services provided by local residents. Historic structures would be adaptively used for commercial purposes. Commercial services and locally operated shops upvalley would be increased. Structures and uses would be consistent with the compatibility criteria.

Utilities -- Propane and gasoline would be stored in a safe area. NPS vehicle fuel storage/dispensing would be relocated to the redesigned airstrip.

Unnecessary power lines would be removed, and all other lines would be buried where feasible, especially in areas with high visitor use.

NPS maintenance -- Maintenance facilities would be located near the airstrip.

Land Protection Plan Elements

Management Goal. Make sure that land uses on public and private lands are compatible with the purposes of Lake Chelan NRA, emphasizing those uses that protect natural and cultural resources and natural processes, and provide for safe visitor facilities and services.

Management Objectives. The six principal management objectives are as follows:

Protect the national recreation area from land use and development that are incompatible with the purpose of the national recreation area.

Actively support local government in its regulation of nonfederal land within the Stehekin Valley, which places primary reliance on adopted Chelan County zoning ordinances, subdivision, and other applicable ordinances. Support regulations that ensure that the public health and safety of Stehekin Valley residents and visitors are maintained and enhanced.

Encourage a formal process by which Stehekin Valley residents can actively participate in and provide meaningful input to the Chelan County land use decision process regarding the regulation of private lands.

Ensure that applicable laws and policies of the state of Washington, including health and safety regulations and Washington State Growth Management Act provisions, are followed.

Provide a basis for meaningful and constructive NPS review of proposals for land use change on private land within the Stehekin Valley in order to ensure that all uses and land developments are compatible with the purposes of the national recreation area.

Maintain an effective NPS capability to acquire or exchange for full or partial interests in private lands, conducted on a willing buyer/willing seller basis, to augment the land protection measures provided by county land use authority and compatibility determinations.

Guidelines. Based on the land protection goal and objectives, the following guidelines form the basis for the land protection plan, which is being prepared in conjunction with this general management plan. The land protection plan further defines specific land protection strategies that are to be employed relative to private property within the Stehekin Valley. In addition to incorporating all pertinent elements included in this section of the proposed action, the land protection plan would also provide a tract by tract listing of landownerships, identifying the approximate area of each tract that has a high priority for resource protection (see appendix D).

Place emphasis on local zoning and other land use authorities of county and state government to regulate private land uses within the Stehekin Valley (see "Local Zoning/Land Use Regulations" and "Stehekin Valley Overlay District" sections).

Provide opportunities for local review of Stehekin Valley land use proposals, and an appropriate forum to provide this input to Chelan County government.

Accept new residential and other private land uses that are compatible with the purposes of the national recreation area (see "National Park Service Land Use Compatibility Criteria" section).

Accept new commercial uses on private lands that provide visitor and resident services and that are compatible with the purposes of the national recreation area.

Accept new industrial uses on private lands that are typical of and compatible with historical industrial uses within the Stehekin Valley and that are compatible with recreation area purposes.

Encourage land uses that consume a low level of resources, and that conserve both renewable and nonrenewable resources.

Encourage new construction and conversion of existing facilities that adhere to sustainable design principles (NPS 1993e).

Identify those properties with areas that have a high priority for resource protection, and where a public interest in land is necessary to protect recreation area resources, based on resource sensitivity and values, or to provide for compatible visitor use and public community needs consistent with the purposes of the national recreation area and other legislated mandates. Resources that have a high priority for protection under the proposed action are high flood influence, wetland, riparian, and high visual sensitivity areas.

Continue willing buyer/willing seller acquisitions for properties with areas that have a high priority for resource protection, or for which public needs have been identified, when appropriated funds are available for such purposes or appropriate lands are available for exchange. The National Park Service will consider other factors on a case-by-case basis in making final determinations to purchase parcels. Private lands within areas that have a low priority for protection are not proposed for acquisition, but willing seller opportunities would be considered when funds are available.

Use land exchanges, as natural, cultural, and scenic conditions allow, within the national recreation area by offering to exchange private lands having resources with high priority for protection for public land from previously acquired private parcels having resources with a low priority for protection.

Emphasize, where appropriate, with the cooperation of the landowner, oppor- tunities for easement purchases and other less-than-fee (e.g., conservation easements) interests for resource protection and public use. This will allow greater flexibility in the protection of high priority resources, including scenic areas, and could provide an alter- native method of achieving public nonmotorized recreational trail access to lakes, rivers and streams and other sites within the national recreation area.

Exercise the use of eminent domain procedures only to prevent imminent resource degradation of recreation area values by incompatible uses on private land, and only as a last resort where other prudent and reasonable measures to protect recreation area resources by eliminating or mitigating the resource degradation have been exhausted.

Disclaimer. Nothing in this plan constitutes an offer to purchase private property, a taking of private property, or a usurpation of the responsibility of the state of Washington and Chelan County to regulate the use of private land within the Stehekin Valley.

Local Zoning/Land Use Regulations. Complementary actions by local authorities would include the following:

application by Chelan County of adopted local controls, including zoning ordinances, shoreline management master programs, Growth Management Act comprehensive plan, and sub- division regulations, and other land use authorities to regulate land use and development within the Stehekin Valley

adherence to adopted Chelan County and Washington State building codes, health and safety, and other applicable standards by valley residents and uniform enforcement by county and state officials

Because the state of Washington already has a relatively sophisticated regime of land use controls and planning, the National Park Service, acting through the superintendent, strongly encourages use of local authorities and existing land controls for regulation of private land within Lake Chelan NRA. Therefore, as part of this, the National Park Service proposes that the county adopt a new zoning code chapter establishing an overlay district for review of proposed uses and developments on private lands within the Stehekin Valley. This would be in addition to enforcement of applicable state laws and local controls, including the Washington State Growth Management Act, Chelan County zoning ordinance, subdivision regulations, and shoreline management master program.

To be consistent with P.L. 90-544 and the purposes for which Lake Chelan NRA was established, the National Park Service will propose that the overlay district, modeled after the Icicle Valley Overlay District in Chelan County Zoning Code (Chelan County Code, chapter 11.39B), meet the following standards:

Be applicable to all properties in Stehekin that are subject to county jurisdiction.

Preserve the recreational, scenic, and historic values and general character of the valley setting through review standards for frontage, setback, density, height, sustainable design, size, materials, nonconforming uses, and new subdivisions.

Discourage variances or exceptions for any new use or additional development that does not meet established controls or overlay review standards or NPS compatibility criteria.

Recognize formally the role of the superintendent of the North Cascades National Park Service Complex, or his/her designees, in participating in all proceedings before the county concerning land use or developments that may have an effect on NPS lands and resource values and/or the visitor experience within Lake Chelan NRA.

Provide that the superintendent be given timely prior written notice of all proposed changes to any Chelan County plans, ordinances or regulations affecting the Stehekin Valley, and of all applications for permits or approvals within the national recreation area or related areas of concern.

Demonstrate a clear and consistent commitment to sound land use principles and a method of enforcement by local authorities and, where applicable, the National Park Service.

Stehekin Valley Overlay District. In keeping with these standards, the National Park Service has prepared a draft of a proposed overlay district ordinance for the national recreation area for consideration by Chelan County to adopt as part of their review of land use actions on private land within the Stehekin Valley.

The proposed Stehekin Valley overlay district would have a review board made up of area residents and other interested parties, with ex-officio participation by the National Park Service. This board would review all land use development proposals for private lands within the area and would make recommendations to Chelan County regarding the appropriateness of each land use proposal.

1. Objectives. Design review for the Stehekin Valley is intended to accomplish the following objectives:

     (a) Encourage uses on public and private lands that can be developed and used compatibly with the purposes of the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, emphasizing those uses that protect area natural processes and resources and provide for safe visitor facilities and services.

     (b) Maintain the current level of services for visitors, allowing the private sector to augment services to meet additional demand, on lands determined suitable for such uses.

     (c) Maintain compliance with Chelan County and NPS objectives for the area as described in local and state controls and plans, including the Chelan County Zoning Code, Chelan County Shoreline Master Program, Chelan County Sensitive Areas Ordinances, National Park Service Architectural Character Guidelines and Management Objectives-Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, National Park Service Compatibility Standards, Chelan-Douglas Health District Design Guidelines for Septic and Drainfield Systems, Chelan-Douglas Health District On-site Sewage Disposal System Rules and Regulations, and other local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

     (d) Facilitate recreational opportunities while conserving the scenic, scientific, historic, and other values contributing to public enjoyment.

     (e) Promote the management, use, and disposal of renewable natural resources and development that, are compatible with, or do not significantly impair public recreation and conservation of the scenic, scientific, historic, or other values contributing to public enjoyment and community vitality of the district.

2. Applicability

     The formal legal description of the subject area will be presented here.]

3. Design Review Committee. For the Stehekin Valley Design Review Overlay District, the Design Review Committee will consist of five voting members who will be registered voters and/or property owners within the planning area. The five voting members will be appointed as follows: three members appointed by the Chelan County Commissioners, one appointed by the Chelan County PUD, and one appointed by the Commissioner of Public Lands. They will be assisted by expert, ex-officio (no-voting) members, including a professional hydrologist and a public health sanitarian (both designated by Chelan County), a planner employed by Chelan County, an NPS resource specialist, a planner or landscape architect affiliated with or designated by the National Park Service, and a wildlife biologist designated by the National Park Service. All members will be appointed and will serve in accordance with this ordinance, except that ex-officio members affiliated with the National Park Service will be appointed by the park superintendent.

4. Review Responsibilities. The Stehekin Valley Design Review Committee will review and make recommendations on all land use and development matters within the district subject to Chelan County jurisdiction, including but not limited to:

   grading, building, and other related permits and approvals
   conditional use permits
   variances
   zone changes
   planned unit developments
   shoreline substantial development permits
   comprehensive plan modifications
   short and long subdivisions
   minimum lot sizes and densities

5. All Uses Conditional. In the Stehekin Valley Design Review Overlay District, all otherwise permitted uses will be deemed conditional uses. The recommendation of the Design Review Committee on such uses will be given substantial weight by the zoning adjustor, Board of Adjustment, Board of County Commissioners, and other bodies in deciding applications within the district. Uses appropriate in one area of the district may be subject to conditioning or denial in another (e.g., siting of commercial facility in inappropriate scenic area).

   All applications will be reviewed on the following criteria:

     (a) Consistency with the objectives for the district will be sought.

     (b) Early termination of uses inconsistent with the objectives of the district will be encouraged.

     (c) Otherwise permitted development will not be approved if clearly inconsistent with adopted NPS compatibility standards (e.g., development in areas designated as having resources with high priority for protection).

     (d) Degradation of critical/sensitive natural resources will not be permitted.

     (e) Suitability of location in light of objectives for the district will be encouraged.

     (f) Arrangements for use by general public consistent with objectives of the district will be encouraged.

     (g) Uses that result in less consumption of resources and conservation of both renewable and nonrenewable resources will be encouraged over more consumptive alternatives.

     (h) Conversion of existing facilities to uses compatible with the purposes of the district will be encouraged.

     (i) Uses that may result in degradation of water quality or pollution will be discouraged.

     (j) The construction or siting of building on slopes with gradient greater than 20% without assurances of acceptable mitigation measures will be discouraged to minimize the potential for erosion; hazards to public safety and health; and any adverse impacts on the recreation, scenic, scientific, and historic values of the area.

     (k) The clustering of structures is encouraged in order to promote open space scenic quality, resource conservation, and the efficient provision of visitor services. In developing overnight visitor accommoda- tions, the combining of accommodation units may also be permitted.

6. Specific Uses

     (a) Permitted Conditional Uses. When consistent with the above criteria, permitted conditional uses at appropriate locations will include:

   small-scale visitor lodging and/or campgrounds
   NPS and concession housing
   food service
   administrative and office facilities for governmental purposes
   commercial and retail services consistent with the purpose of the area
   utility facilities and ancillary services
   private residential uses

     (b) Restricted Uses. In addition to restrictions noted above, the following additional restrictions apply to uses specified below:

     (1) Applications for construction of multifamily dwellings will not be approved unless they would facilitate achieving otherwise permitted residential density while avoiding construction in critical or sensitive areas.

     (2) Manufacturing or industrial uses not historically typical of the lower Stehekin Valley will not be permitted.

     (3) Mining, except for limited extraction of sand, rock, and gravel for local maintenance use in accordance with an NPS-approved sand, rock, and gravel plan, will not be permitted.

     (4) For all proposals that would entail the use or consumption of federal property or resources, no approval will be granted unless prior federal approval has been obtained.

National Park Service Land Use Compatibility Criteria. The National Park Service will adopt a revised approach for a determination of compatibility regarding proposed use and development of private and nonfederal lands within the national recreation area to ensure that such uses are compatible with the purposes for which Lake Chelan NRA was established. Where proposed uses are not adequately addressed by county and state land use authorities, the application of compatibility criteria would be the basis for a case-specific compatibility analysis by the National Park Service. The limitations of the previous compatibility standards, and their approach to specific land use standards in regulatory language, have been removed.

P.L. 90-544, which established the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, provided that the secretary of the interior may "acquire lands, waters and interests therein by donation, purchase with donated or appropriated funds, or exchange, except that he may not acquire any such interests within the recreation areas without the consent of the owner, so long as the lands are devoted to uses compatible with the purposes of this act." (emphasis added)

Therefore, in accordance with the applicable provisions of P.L. 90-544, these compatibility criteria establish the basis for identifying which land uses within the Stehekin Valley are inconsistent with the protection of natural, recreational, scenic, scientific, and historic values of Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. They also identify land uses that are incompatible with the purposes of Lake Chelan NRA. This could subject the property that is proposed for the incompati- ble use to potential acquisition via the use of federal eminent domain powers where all other prudent and reasonable attempts to remove or mitigate the incompatibility have failed.

These compatibility criteria are not intended to duplicate county zoning standards or other applicable land use practices that are the proper purview of local government, and that would be related more to the protection of the life, health, and safety of Stehekin Valley residents. Instead, these NPS criteria are intended to guide both park manage- ment and Stehekin Valley residents in determining which land use proposals and practices are in harmony with the resource values of the national recreation area and which are not. The criteria are resource-based, and have been developed to ensure the long-term protection of the natural, recreational, scenic, scientific, and historic values of the area.

The following purposes provide further guidance in the application of the compatibility criteria, the adherence to compatible uses by Stehekin Valley landowners, and the application of criteria by park management.

To identify uses that would harm, degrade, or adversely affect resource values of Lake Chelan NRA.

To identify proposed types and levels of land uses that would harm resources when cumulative effects are considered in the context of previously established uses.

To encourage uses that would enhance resource values and the general character of the valley.

To encourage conversion from a higher impact land use to a lower impact land use.

I. COMPATIBILITY CRITERIA

  A. General Criteria

The alteration, development, and use of all public and private properties within Lake Chelan NRA must comply with applicable federal laws, rules, and regulations, and must be compatible with the congressionally designated purposes of Lake Chelan NRA.

  B. Incompatible Uses of All Property within Lake Chelan NRA

The following uses of all public and private property within the Stehekin Valley are incompatible with the purposes of Lake Chelan NRA:

1. Any subdivision of land that was not in effect prior to the adoption of these compatibility criteria, except as permitted through the Chelan County Subdivision Regulations and as consistent with Chelan County health standards.

2. The siting or construction of any building, including but not limited to, residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, in an identified:

   high flood influence area
   wetland
   riparian area
   

3. Any dredging or filling of Lake Chelan or the Stehekin River without full compliance with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permitting process.

4. The cutting of timber for sale or transport outside the Stehekin Valley.

5. The cutting of timber by any means other than selective tree harvesting, except as required by Washington State Department of Natural Resource regulations.

6. The mining of sand, rock, or gravel for sale or transport outside the Stehekin Valley.

  C. Incompatible Uses of Public Property Within Lake Chelan NRA

In addition to those uses listed in section B. above, the following use of all public property within the Lake Chelan NRA is incompatible with the purposes of the area. While these standards have not been applied to private lands within the Stehekin Valley, it is highly recommended they be adopted by Chelan County within the county zoning ordinances and the proposed Stehekin Valley Overlay Zone.

The National Park Service will not site any building or structure in an identified:

100-year floodplain, unless used for nonhuman occupancy and with conditions on specific uses or mitigation

wetland soils, and those soils not conducive to building foundations, leachfield percolation, or site drainage

geohazard areas

areas with slopes greater than 20% gradient

areas of high visual sensitivity, except where specific design mitigation measures can successfully be used

  D. Effective Date of the Compatibility Criteria

Upon adoption, these compatibility criteria will supersede those standards promulgated in 1988 and updated in 1992. Adoption will be official upon the signing of the Record of Decision by the regional director, National Park Service, Pacific Northwest Region.

  E. Request for Determination of Compatibility

The Lake Chelan NRA legislation does not grant the secretary of the interior zoning authority. However, it does impose the responsibility to ensure that existing uses are compatible and that proposed land uses will be compatible with the purposes for creation of the national recreation area. The current zoning ordinances of Chelan County have been found to substantially satisfy the intent of the Lake Chelan NRA legis- lation, and therefore constitute the primary basis for implementing these compatibility criteria.

Landowners or other interested or affected parties can make a written request to the superintendent for a determination as to whether an existing or proposed use is in compliance with the compatibility criteria. Generally, the superintendent will find that existing and proposed land uses are compatible if such uses conform to applicable local, state, and federal laws and are not specifically sited within incompatible use areas as described in section B.2. above.

Requests for a determination of compatibility must be made in writing to the superintendent and include the following information:

1. Description/location of the property and the applicable county or local zoning classification, e.g. rural residential, conservation, general.

2. Existing use and/or development being proposed on the property.

3. Statement as to whether the county or local zoning for the property will allow for the proposed use or development without the need for a variance.

4. Statement as to how the use or proposed development will comply with compatibility criteria.

The superintendent will review the request and notify the landowner in writing within 45 days after receiving a request for determination whether the existing use or proposed development and use is in compliance with the compatibility criteria. The superintendent may need to extend the schedule for making a determination of compatibility by 30 days if additional information is needed.

In the event the superintendent determines an existing or proposed use or development is not in compliance or not compatible based on the supplied information and a field check by NPS staff, the superintendent will give the landowner written notice of the manner and nature of the incompatibility. To the extent practicable, the notice will include suggestions or alternatives for working with landowners to achieve compatibility.

Concessions, Contracting, Special Use Permits, and Private Enterprise

Management Objective. Increase the capacity of some concession services for food and lodging. Encourage private parties to provide for additional demand in both food and lodging.

Actions. Some increase in concession services for food and lodging would be provided. The concessioner would be encouraged to use the local workforce as much as possible. Private parties operating (consistent with applicable county, state, and federal regulations) on private land would be encouraged to also provide additional food and lodging.

Services and facilities/programs would be provided by a mix of entities including the National Park Service, concessioners, and private enterprise.

A lakewide business forum arrangement would be used to assist, guide, and promote commercial visitor services and community enterprises by promoting, disseminating information, developing facilities, and monitoring the quality of the visitor experience, especially as these relate to concessions, permits, and private enterprise.

NPS Provision of Services to Private Landowners

Management Objective. Provide services essential for resource protection and visitor health and safety. Continue NPS services and/or reasonably expand to include private land uses that support visitor experience with minimal impact on resources. Use private contracts, where appropriate, and apply a fair-share charge for these services.

Actions. Technical assistance would be provided as requested for planning, design, and construction of facilities, and visitor programs.

The National Park Service would provide wildfire protection (through reimbursable agreement between U.S. Forest Service and Washington State Department of Natural Resources) and cooperative structural fire protection.

Solid waste disposal would be provided under user-fee basis through private contracts, and possibly on private land, in accordance with regulations. The National Park Service would provide boat sewage disposal at no cost and limited moorage with moorage fees for overnight use.

The National Park Service would provide road maintenance for all designated public roads including the Stehekin Valley road to Cottonwood (including snow removal 9 miles upvalley).

The post office (through an agreement with the U.S. Postal Service) would be in an existing building or perhaps in a newly constructed building.

An existing NPS building would be provided for community use under a permit system.

Concurrent National Park Service/Chelan County law enforcement would be secured.

NPS Staffing

Management Objective. Through NPS presence, be responsive to visitor demands balanced with resources/visitor management objectives.

Actions. There would be fewer than current levels of permanent and seasonal employees.

Cooperative Relationships with Others

Management Objective. Strengthen working relationships with others, defining shared objectives and developing strategies that lead to cooperative agreements for the manage- ment of natural, scenic, cultural, and recreational resources of Lake Chelan NRA.

Actions. The National Park Service would work with county, state, and federal agencies for enforcement of existing ordinances and regulations.

Cooperative management would be pursued with the U.S. Forest Service (e.g., wildlife, wilderness, Fields Point); Washington Department of Natural Resources, Department of Ecology, Department of Fish and Wildlife; Chelan County (e.g., law enforcement, search and rescue, land uses); Chelan County PUD.

The National Park Service would build cooperative relationships with county, stateand federal agencies; the private sector; and the public through constant communication to involve them in all efforts to facilitate resource protection and visitor enjoyment. Also, the Park Service would facilitate setting up and coordinating a lakewide business forum, and would participate in other lakewide planning efforts.