Date: September 8, 2009
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Superintendent Stan Austin today announced the availability of the Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Glen Canyon Rim Trail Environmental Assessment (EA).
The Rim Trail EA proposes to construct a 9-mile recreational hiking and bicycling trail along the rim of Glen Canyon near Page, Arizona, from the Horseshoe Bend overlook north to the Glen Canyon Dam. The purpose of the trail is to provide additional recreation opportunities for visitors to Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
In June 2009 the National Park Service prepared an EA for the Glen Canyon Rim Trail. The EA, in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, analyzed potential impacts to the environment due to construction and public use of the Rim Trail. The EA evaluated two alternatives: Alternative A was the no action alternative and represented the status quo; Alternative B was the action alternative and represented environmental conditions should the NPS construct the Rim Trail. Alternative B was selected as the preferred alternative.
The FONSI was signed by the NPS Intermountain Regional Director on August 31. A FONSI indicates that implementation of the preferred alternative to construct the Rim Trail does not constitute a major federal action that would significantly affect the quality of the human environment, and therefore does not require preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement. The NPS intends to begin work on the Rim Trail in late 2009.
The Rim Trail EA was made available for public review and comment during a 36-day period ending July 10, 2009. Public comments that were received were incorporated into the FONSI. The FONSI and the EA are available online at:http://parkplanning.nps.gov/glca.
Paper copies may be obtained by writing to: Superintendent, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, P.O. Box 1507, Page, AZ 86040.
