[Federal Register: February 7, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 26)]
[Notices]               
[Page 6508-6509]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr07fe03-104]                         


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR


 
National Park Service Northeast Region; Notice of Intent To 
Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement and Hold Public Meetings for 
Harriet Tubman Special Resource Study


    In accordance with section 102 (c) of the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969, the National Park Service (NPS) is preparing an 
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for a Special Resource Study (SRS) 
of sites associated with Harriet Tubman in Auburn, New York, and 
Cambridge, Maryland, and possibly elsewhere. This study was mandated by 
Pub. L. 106-516, ``The Harriet Tubman Special Resource Study Act.''
    Harriet Tubman was born into slavery in Maryland in about 1820. She 
escaped and returned many times to escort others from bondage, defying 
fugitive slave laws. Today, Harriet Tubman is widely known for her work 
as a ``conductor'' on the Underground Railroad, a role which has been 
described in legal documents, letters, newspapers, magazines, 
biographies, and histories. To some extent, this has overshadowed the 
other accomplishments for which she is less well noted. She had a 
military career during the Civil War as a scout, a spy, and a nurse, 
and received military honors at her burial. She also created her own 
social service institution by establishing a home for elderly poor 
African Americans, known later as Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged.
    The purpose of this Special Resource Study/EIS is to provide 
Congress with information about the significance, suitability, and 
feasibility of sites related to Harriet Tubman. The study will develop 
alternative options for management and interpretation of certain sites. 
In addition, the study will also examine Tubman-related sites as a 
potential national heritage area, per the authorizing legislation.
    The NPS will hold public meetings in winter 2002-2003, in various 
locations containing resources associated with Harriet Tubman. The 
meetings will be announced on the study's Internet Web site, 
HarrietTubmanStudy.org, in local media, by direct mail, and through 
known Tubman interest groups. The purpose of these meetings is to 
obtain written and oral comments concerning Tubman resources, 
commemoration of Tubman, and issues of possible environmental impact 
topics. A summary of public scoping will be prepared as part of the 
draft Environmental Impact Statement.
    The draft report of the study, with the draft EIS, is expected to 
be completed


[[Page 6509]]


and available for public review by late 2003.
    Additional information about the study/EIS may be obtained from the 
National Park Service Boston Support Office, 15 State Street, Boston, 
Massachusetts 02109, Barbara Mackey, Team Captain, at telephone 617-
223-5138 or Barbara_Mackey@nps.gov.


    Dated: December 11, 2002.
Lawrence Gall,
Acting Superintendent, Boston Support Office.
[FR Doc. 03-3097 Filed 2-6-03; 8:45 am]

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