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d. Major – “would be readily apparent”; “would result in a substantial change”; “in a manner noticeable to staff and the public”; “would be markedly different”; “have a permanent effect” e. Other phrases: “likely to have negligible effects”; “reach reasonable conclusions” 1. What do these phrases mean in the context cited in the text and quantitatively 2. Is the uncertainly great or small 3. What is the probability, risk, potential, and likelihood of these events happening If the information that these questions ask cannot be obtained then Section 1502.22 of CEQ NEPA implementing regulations must be implemented. The public and decisionmakers need to know this information so they can review, comment on, and understand the proposal. Because of the NPS’s failure to define quantitatively (using non-quantitative terms like negligible, minor, moderate, and major) the environmental impacts (including cumulative environmental impacts) of all alternatives for the draft GMNP GMP/EIS on pages 227- 284, for the issue topics of Natural Resources (Soils, Plant Communities and Vegetation, Wildlife, Geological Resources, Paleontological Resources); Cultural Resources (Archeological Resources, Historic Structures, Cultural Landscapes, Ethnographic Resources, Museum Collections); Visitor Experience and Understanding (Access, Activities and Destinations, and Scenic Views; Interpretation, Education, and Orientation); The Socioeconomic Environment (Regional Economic and Demographic Conditions and Housing and Community Infrastructure); and Park Operations, Facilities, and Equipment (Management and Administration, Employee Housing, and Maintenance); The Relationship Between Local Short-Term Uses of the Environment and the Maintenance and Enhancement of Long-Term Productivity; Any Irreversible or Irretrievable Commitments of Resources Which Would be Involved Should the Alternative be Implemented; and Any Adverse Impacts Which Cannot be Avoided Should the Action be Implemented, this draft GMP/EIS has not followed the CEQ NEPA implementing regulations including Section 1502.22. The public and decision-makers need this information so they can review, comment on, and understand the proposal. 68) Page 213, Cumulative Impacts and Projects That Make Up the Cumulative Impact Scenario, what does “reasonably foreseeable future” mean The public and decision-makers need this information so they can review, comment on, and understand the proposal. 69) Page 214, Subdivision Development, NPS should determine if it can buy the proposed subdivisions on the west side of GMNP in the Salt Basin and on the south boundary, east of Patterson Hills. It is very important to avoid hemming in and prevent any incompatible use next to GMNP. 36
70) Page 214, Mining and Drilling, NPS should ensure that it does all it can to keep drilling from Otero Mesa and Crow Flats so the vistas and ecological integrity of GMNP is kept intact. 71) Page 214, Water Exports, how is NPS going to address protecting aquifers in the GMNP area The public and decision-makers need this information so they can review, comment on, and understand the proposal. 72) Pages 214-215, Aircraft Overflights, what will NPS do to reduce aircraft over-flight noise The public and decision-makers need this information so they can review, comment on, and understand the proposal. 73) Page 215, Lincoln National Forest, New Mexico, what logging, road building, mineral extraction, and prescribed burning does Lincoln National Forest do in the greater GMNP ecosystem The public and decision-makers need this information so they can review, comment on, and understand the proposal. 74) Pages 227-228, Alternative A: No Action, Soils, what do “small areas”; “relatively small area” mean The public and decision-makers need this information so they can review, comment on, and understand the proposal. 75) Page 227, Alternative A: No Action, Soils, NPS states “Trails were constructed to minimize impacts on soils by concentrating hikers on a maintained surface”. What does “maintained surface” mean Why does NPS ignore horses since they cause more soil and vegetation damage Horses also need to remain on the trail surface to reduce environmental damage. 76) Page 229, Plant Communities and Vegetation and page 231, Wildlife and page 233, Geological Resources, NPS states “Lands outside the park boundary that are considered critical to protecting important park related resources, including habitat for important species of plants, might be acquired from willing sellers or though donation, or could be protected through agreements or easements.” NPS should state which lands are most important to protect. The recent proposal to sell 10,000 acres near McKittrick Canyon should be mentioned as a priority area for acquisition. NPS should make a statement in this draft GMP/EIS to commit to long-term land preservation, protection, conservation, and restoration of these lands outside the park boundary. The public needs a list of these lands and a map where they are located. The public and decision-makers need this information so they can review, comment on, and understand this proposal. 77) Page 229, Plant Communities and Vegetation, NPS states “The irrigation of shade trees and lawns … would continue to cause the growth of unnaturally lush vegetation and would allow exotic species to flourish”. What does the NPS plan to do to control or reduce this exotic plant species growth. The public and decision-makers need this information so they can review, comment on, and understand this proposal. 37
Page 1 and 2: Lone Star Chapter June 13, 2008 Mr.
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Page 5 and 6: GMP/EIS as an issue topic. The NPS
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Page 23 and 24: On page 113, Visitor Experience, NP
Page 25 and 26: “achieving a balance between popu
Page 27 and 28: 67) Page 213, Introduction, pages 2
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Page 43 and 44: 115) Page 248, Wildlife, NPS states
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Page 51 and 52: 4. Employment of at least 40 people
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