Date: May 1, 2007
Contact: Nash, (307) 344-2010
Contact: Vallie, (307) 344-2012
Fourmeetings have been scheduled to help the public learn more about a new long-term plan to guide management of winter use in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway.
The Winter Use Plans Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was released for a 60 day public review and comment period in late March. The Draft EIS analyzes a wide range of alternatives to provide for an enjoyable visitor experience while protecting the parks’ natural resources.
Public meetings are scheduled as follows:
- Cody, WY: Wednesday, May 16, at the Cody Auditorium, 1240 Beck Avenue
- West Yellowstone, MT: Thursday, May 17, at West Yellowstone School, 411 North Geyser
- St. Paul, MN: Tuesday, May 29, in the Bullard Auditorium at the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, 1225 Estabrook Drive
- Lakewood, CO: Wednesday, May 30, in the City Lights Ballroom at Sheraton Denver West, 360 Union Boulevard
Each meeting will run from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. There will be an opportunity during the three hours to meet informally with park staff to learn about the subjects covered in the six alternatives in the Draft EIS. A variety of methods will be available for the public to offer formal public comment on the Draft EIS during the meeting. The meetings will include a chance to offer verbal public comment for the record starting at 6:30 pm.
The National Park Service preferred alternative is similar to the temporary rules which have guided winter use in the parks the last three years. All alternatives contained in the Draft EIS are in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, rules, and the 2006 National Park Service Management Policies.
The National Park Service intends to have a final EIS, a Record of Decision, and a final rule guiding winter use in place before the start of the 2007-2008 winter season.
The Draft EIS and an electronic form to submit comments on the Internet can be found at the National Park Service’s Planning, Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) website at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/yell. The Draft EIS is also available on CD or in hard copy by writing the Winter Use Planning Team, P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming 82190.
Written comments may be submitted through the PEPC website, in person, or by mail. Comments will not be accepted by phone, fax, or e-mail. All public comments must be received or postmarked by midnight, June 5, 2007.
A proposed rule will be released for public review and a separate comment process in the near future.
