General Management Plans are generally completed using a six-step planning process:

Step 1. Initiate Project
Assemble and gather background information, customize planning process, and establish contacts with participants.

Step 2. Define Planning Context and Foundation and Project Scoping
Affirm the park's purpose, significance, interpretive themes, and fundamental and other important resources and values; consult with interested parties and internal and external agencies to identify issues and analyses needed for decision-making.

Step 3. Develop and Evaluate Alternatives
With NPS staff and public input identify a range of reasonable alternatives for the park's future; assess the effects of alternatives; select a preferred alternative.

Step 4. Prepare Draft Plan
Prepare and publish a draft plan that describes the alternatives and impacts of implementing each; based on impacts and public input, a preferred alternative is identified in the draft plan.

Step 5. Revise and Publish Final Plan
Analyze public comments; prepare responses to comments; revise and publish final plan; distribute to public; prepare and issue Record of Decision.

Step 6. Implement the Approved Plan
When funding becomes available, implement the approved plan.



* indicates the current step in the planning process
Step 1. Initiate GMP - Summer 2005
Step 2. Define Planning Context and Foundation and Project Scoping - Fall 2005 & Winter 2006
Step 3. Develop and Evaluate Alternatives - Summer 2006 & Fall 2007
Step 4. Prepare and Publish Draft Plans - Winter 2009 & Spring 2010
Step 5. Revise and Publish Final Plans - Fall 2010 & Summer 2011
Step 6. Implement the Approved GMP/EIS - 2012 and beyond *