1996 GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

The General Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement presents a proposal and two alternatives for the management, use, and development of Manzanar National Historic Site (NHS). The proposed plan provides for acquisition of the camp from the current owner and protection of historic and prehistoric resources through a program of resource management and law enforcement. Features include conversion of the historic camp auditorium to an interpretive center and the creation of a network of wayside exhibits throughout the mile-square camp, accessible to visitors by a tour route around the periphery of the camp. A shuttle system would be operated during heavy use periods. Boundary additions, encompassing additional historic resources, are proposed. Reconstruction of a limited number of representative structure would provide additional interpretive features. National Park Service (NPS) support for the annual spring Manzanar Pilgrimage, organized by the Manzanar Committee, would continue.

Alternative A: No Action, would continue the current situation at Manzanar. Lands would not be acquired, resources would not be protected, and no additional steps would be taken to accommodate visitor interest and use. NPS support for the annual Manzanar Pilgrimage would continue.

Alternative B: Minimum Requirements, would be similar to the proposed plan in terms of resource management and protection, but would provide fewer visitor services. There would be no reconstruction and the boundary would not be enlarged from that authorized. There would be no shuttle service.

The environmental consequences of the alternatives are fully documented. No significant adverse impacts are anticipated.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SUMMARY

INTRODUCTION

PURPOSE AND NEED FOR THE PLAN

PLANNING ISSUES

RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER PLANS

ALTERNATIVES

PROPOSED GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

ALTERNATIVE A: NO ACTION

ALTERNATIVE B: MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED BUT REJECTED

THE AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

SOCIOECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT

CULTURAL ENVIRONMENT

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

VISITOR USE ANALYSIS

FACILITY ANALYSIS

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES

PROPOSED GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

ALTERNATIVE A: NO ACTION

ALTERNATIVE B: MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

CONSULTATION AND COORDINATION

PLANNING TEAM AND CONSULTANTS

APPENDICES