Memo to File - National Park Service

National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Devils Postpile National Monument Date: 04/22/2020

Memo To File

A. Project Information Park Name: Devils Postpile National Monument PEPC Project Number: 46909 Project Title: Annual Updates to the Superintendent's Compendium Project Location:

County, State: Madera, California

Project Leader: Deanna Dulen

B. Description of the Current Action (Project Description)

2020 UPDATE This programmatic categorical exclusion (PCE) initiates annual review of the Superintendent's Compendium. Proposed changes to the existing compendium would be considered and the compendium updated annually per authorization by the Superintendent.

The following changes/ clarifications have been incorporated into the 2020 programmatic CE and Superintendents Compendium:

Added:

36 CFR ?1.5 - VISITING HOURS, PUBLIC USE LIMITS, CLOSURES, AND AREA DESIGNATIONS FOR SPECIFIC USES OR ACTIVITIES

Due to the COVID 19 Pandemic, closures and public use limits for public health and safety according to the current CDC recommendations.

Public Use Limits - - Pursuant to ?1.5(d) to implement a public use limit, the Superintendent may establish a permit, registration, or reservations system:

E-Bikes

The term "e-bike" means a two-or three-wheeled cycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 hp).

? E-bikes are allowed in Devils Postpile National Monument where traditional bicycles are allowed (on paved roads and hardened parking lot surfaces). E-bikes are prohibited where traditional bicycles are prohibited (on or off trails). Except where use of motor vehicles by the public is allowed, using the electric motor to move an e-bike without pedaling is prohibited .

? A person operating an e-bike is subject to the following sections of 36 CFR part 4 that apply to the use of traditional bicycles: sections 4.12, 4.13, 4.20, 4.21, 4.22, 4.23, and 4.30(h)(2)-(5).

? Except as specified in this Compendium, the use of an e-bike within Devils Postpile National Monument is governed by State law, which is adopted and made a part of this Compendium. Any violation of State law adopted by this paragraph is prohibited. The final 2019 Superintendent's Compendium is posted in PEPC Step 1- Project Set-Up under "File List."

CLOSURES:

Devils Postpile Campground

? A temporary closure of the Devils Postpile Campground will be in effect for the 2020-2022 operating seasons.

The temporary closure of the 20-site DEPO campground is needed as the NPS plans and implements the replacement of the wastewater system and comfort stations. Percolation tests will be conducted in 2020 to identify areas where a new leach field can be located and installed in 2021. In 2022, new comfort stations will be constructed and connected to the new wastewater system .

This continued closure will not impede day users and will increase access for day-use visitors along the riverfront with pleasant picnic areas and improved access for fishing. There are six additional campground located on the Inyo National Forest adjacent to the monument within the Reds Meadow Valley.

In addition, extensive parking congestion occurs in the monument after Labor Day when the mandatory shuttle operations cease and, at times, visitors are turned away due to lack of parking. Often, the current parking capacity of 65 spaces cannot accommodate fall shoulder season visitors, when, on average, 300-500 cars arrive daily. By using the campsites for overflow parking, many more vehicles can park and fewer vehicles will be turned away.

C. Description of Previous Compliance Documentation Decision Document Name: Decision Document PEPC ID: Decision Document Approval Date:

D. Notes

E. Conclusion I certify that the existing NPS NEPA document has been reviewed and there are no substantive differences between the current proposal and its associated environmental impacts and the proposal and impacts as described in the existing NEPA document and associated decision document.

Superintendent:

DEANNA DULEN

Digitally signed by DEANNA DULEN Date: 2020.04.24 15:44:51 -07'00'

Deanna Dulen

Date:

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