The park's General Management Plan is the guiding document that will steer the management of the park for the next 15 years or more. This includes planning for lands added to the park by the Petrified Forest National Park Expansion Act of 2004.

Your input into the planning process is welcome. If you have ideas, suggestions or concerns, now is the time to provide your input. Keep in mind that we are gathering comments and information that will be used to make future plans. Let us know what you want the park to look like in 10 - 20 years.

The first general management plan (GMP) amendment newsletter, published in February 2008, introduced the planning effort; summarized the 2004 park expansion legislation; presented statements describing the expanded park’s purpose, significance, and fundamental resources and values; and answered frequently asked questions. The first newsletter also announced a public scoping meeting (conducted in March 2008) and included a comment form encouraging public input on the planning effort. The first newsletter is available online at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/. This newsletter includes a summary of public comments received so far, an update on the direction of the planning project, and two alternative concepts for managing the addition lands. By continuing to provide input about how newly acquired lands should be managed, you can help the National Park Service shape the direction of the expanded Petrified Forest National Park.

Please provide comments via the National Park Service’s online site:
Petrified Forest Public Planning Website.

We’ll continue to keep you informed about the planning process via mailings and the Internet. Thank you for your interest in Petrified Forest National Park.

You may also send written comments to:

Attn: GMP Comments
Petrified Forest National Park
PO Box 2217
Petrified Forest, AZ 86028

NOTE: Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment – including your personal identifying information – may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.

After comments are read and considered, the park will begin to formulate a draft General Management Plan Amendment to address the addition lands. When planning alternatives are compiled, a second phase of meetings to solicit comments will be announced.

We are always interested in hearing from you on any issue. Please go to Contact Us for more information.

Park planning is a decision-making process that involves an understanding of the purpose and significance of the park along with public input.