NPS Photo
Yellowstone National Park has begun to develop a long-range plan to respond to changing visitor and resource needs and conditions in the Lake area.
Known for its tranquility, beauty, and history, the Lake area offers a wide variety of experiences for visitors, from viewing and walking along the majestic Yellowstone Lake to boating on its waters. Other highlights of the area include the Fishing Bridge Museum and the historic Lake Hotel, which will be celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2016, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service (NPS). The area’s rich habitat is also home to many species of fish, wildlife, and plants. Identifying ways to protect the wealth of resources in the area, while enhancing the visitor experience and accommodating park operational needs, will require significant evaluation and analysis. The park would like to provide the public with an opportunity to participate early in the planning process.
In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, Yellowstone National Park will prepare an environmental assessment (EA) for the Lake area. The purpose of the EA is to provide an increased understanding of resources through conducting and documenting resources, focusing on resource protection, and addressing visitor connections to the resources. The process will evaluate alternative proposals and potential impacts to multiple resources, including natural, cultural, and scenic resources, as well as visitor use and experience, park operations, and public health and safety.
The first step is to solicit public suggestions and comments during what is known as the scoping period. Any interested individual, organization, or agency can provide thoughtful, relevant information or suggestions for consideration by the NPS before the draft environmental assessment is prepared and made available for public review and comment. Individuals, groups, and agencies have until August 6, 2010, to submit written comments on the purpose, need and objectives, and the issues and alternatives they would like considered in the new plan. Scoping for the Lake Area Comprehensive Plan will begin July 6, 2010, and will conclude August 6, 2010.
Open house meetings will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on:
- Tuesday, July 20, at Lake in the Mess Hall;
- Wednesday, July 21, in Cody, Wyoming, at the Holiday Inn; and
- Wednesday, July 28, in Bozeman, Montana, at the Bozeman Public Library.
Additional details on the proposal and an electronic form to submit comments on the internet can be found at the National Park Service’s Planning, Environmental and Public Comment (PEPC) website at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/yell, or by contacting the Comprehensive Planning and Design Office, Lake Area Comprehensive Plan, 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 over the phone, by fax, or e-mail. All public comments must be received or postmarked by midnight MDT, August 6, 2010.
