Little Round Top Plan at Gettysburg Opens for Public Review
Gettysburg, Pa. - Gettysburg National Military Park has published an environmental assessment (EA) for Little Round Top for a 30 day public review period ending on May 13, 2017. The purpose of the plan is to provide solutions for overuse, overcrowding and landscape degradation and identify appropriate locations for visitor conveniences at Little Round Top, one of Gettysburg National Military Park's most heavily visited sites.
The plan examines two alternatives: the no-action alternative and the proposed action. The goals of the proposed action are: to restore the landscape, including vegetation and soils, and to reduce runoff and erosion resulting from soil compaction and lack of vegetation; to increase visitor access through additional nearby car and bus parking; new and expanded trails; and gathering areas that prevent congestion; and to improve the visitor experience with improved vehicular and pedestrian circulation systems, improved pedestrian safety, improved orientation and wayfinding, and new restrooms.
The National Park Service based the plan on input from park staff, planning consultants, Licensed Battlefield Guides and the public. The plan continues the current amount of parking at the summit of Little Round Top but makes changes to improve pedestrian safety, and offers two new parking areas, a bus pull-off and parking at the schoolhouse.
Gettysburg National Military Park preserves, protects and interprets for this and future generations the resources associated with the 1863 Battle of Gettysburg, during the American Civil War, the Soldiers' National Cemetery, and their commemorations.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
