UPDATE Nov 30, 2017: In response to public requests, the National Park Service is extending the scoping public comment period for the Expanded Non-native Aquatic Species Environmental Assessment from Dec. 15, 2017, to January 5, 2018. The National Park Service is also conducting an additional open house in Phoenix the evening of December 12 (6:00 pm to 8:30 pm) at the following location:
Arizona Game and Fish Department, Quail Room
5000 W Carefree Highway
Phoenix, AZ 85086.
The National Park Service (NPS) is seeking public input on an Expanded Non-native Aquatic Species Management Plan and Environmental Assessment (EA) in Grand Canyon National Park (GCNP) and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (GCNRA) below the Glen Canyon Dam. Public scoping will be held for a 30-day period from November 15 to December 14.
Control measures for expanded non-native aquatic species are needed due to the increase of green sunfish, brown trout and the potential for other harmful non-native aquatic species that threaten downstream native and listed threatened and endangered aquatic species. These non-native species have become an increasing threat from changing conditions since the completion of the 2013 NPS Comprehensive Fish Management Plan (CFMP) and the 2016 Long-Term Experimental and Management Plan (LTEMP).
To assist the public in understanding the proposed action and providing comments, the NPS is hosting various meetings to present information on the plan. Those meetings include:
Public Webinar:
6 to 8 pm, November 28
Call Line 888-946-2716, Passcode 5935870
https://bluejeans.com/7293338944
Open Houses:
6 to 8:30 pm, December 6
GCNRA Headquarters, 691 Scenic View Drive, Page AZ
6 to 8:30 pm, December 7
Flagstaff Aquaplex, 1702 N. Fourth Street, Flagstaff AZ
6:00 pm to 8:30 pm, December 12
Arizona Game and Fish Department, Quail Room, 5000 W Carefree Highway, Phoenix AZ
The scoping open houses will include a presentation, and NPS staff will be available to answer questions. Comments will be particularly useful that address the proposed action, environmental issues that should be addressed, potential alternatives, and sources of data that should be considered.
The project summary and associated documents can be found online at: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/Expanded_Nonnative.
Scoping serves as an opportunity to engage the public early in the planning process as the NPS develops the range of alternatives for the Environmental Assessment (EA). Once the EA is complete, the NPS will offer another public comment period.
Public scoping comments may be submitted electronically at: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/Expanded_Nonnative (preferred method). Written comments will be accepted at the public scoping open houses (computers or note cards will be available). Written comments may also be submitted to:
ATTN: Kirk LaGory
Expanded Non-native Aquatic Species Management Plan
Argonne National Laboratory
9700 South Cass Avenue-EVS/240
Argonne, Illinois 60439
Comments will not be accepted verbally or by fax, email, or in any way other than those specified above. Bulk comments in any format (hard copy or electronic) submitted on behalf of others will not be accepted. Public scoping comments should be submitted no later than Dec. 14, 2017.
Public Scoping Webinar and Open Houses
Nov. 28, 2017, 6:00-8:00 pm
Public Webinar
Phone: 888-946-2716, Passcode: 5935870
https://bluejeans.com/7293338944
Join as guest (enter name), Select “screen share only" at bottom. DO NOT choose “computer" or “phone"
December 6, 2017, 6:00-8:30 pm
Public Open House
Glen Canyon Headquarters
691 Scenic View Drive
Page, AZ 86040
December 7, 2017, 6:00-8:30 pm MST
Public Open House
The Flagstaff Aquaplex
1702 N Fourth St
Flagstaff, AZ 86004
More information is available on each park’s website: Glen Canyon National Recreation Area or Grand Canyon National Park.
Tags: glen canyon national recreation area grand canyon national park colorado river aquatic invasive species public scoping
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
