Kanab, UT: Thursday, May 26, 2011, from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm (MDT) - Kanab Middle School, 690 E. Cowboy Drive, Kanab, Utah
Flagstaff, AZ: Wednesday, June 1, 2011, from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm (MST) - High Country Conference Center, 201 W. Butler Avenue, Flagstaff, Arizona
The NPS is in the initial stages of the development of the EIS and revised plan. In beginning the process the NPS is asking a very fundamental question: What should Grand Canyon National Park's backcountry and wilderness be like in the future? In defining the scope of the plan, park planners want to capture a sense of what people consider to be an ideal backcountry experience and what they would like Grand Canyon's backcountry and wilderness resources to look like 20 years from now.
Among the important issues that will be examined in the EIS are visitor access and use of the park's backcountry, administrative use and park infrastructure, scientific research activities, commercial services, access through tribal lands, management of natural and cultural resources, and protection of wilderness character. Once completed, the revised plan will guide management decisions regarding the park’s backcountry and wilderness resources into the future.
Comments will be accepted for 60 days, through June 27, 2011. Written comments may be submitted via the internet at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/grca (the preferred method); by mail to Superintendent, Grand Canyon National Park, Attn: Backcountry Management Plan, P.O. Box 129, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023; by hand delivery to Grand Canyon National Park Headquarters, 1 Village Loop, Grand Canyon, AZ or at one of the open house meetings.
The NPS will analyze, consider and incorporate ideas and suggestions, received during this initial public process, into a range of draft alternatives to be analyzed in the Draft EIS. It is anticipated that the Draft EIS will be available for review and comment in 2012.
Additional information including the park's 1988 Backcountry Management Plan, a newsletter and other associated documents can be found at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/grca. Questions can be addressed by contacting Rachel Bennett, Environmental Protection Specialist, at 928-638-7326 or email.
-NPS-
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
