Planning Process -- Steps

These are the typical steps taken to complete a general management plan in the National Park Service. The National Park Service's Director's Orders 2 (DO-2), entitled "Park Planning," provides overarching guidance on the content and preparation of these plans. At every stage of the planning process, communication with the public will be maintained and there will be opportunities for direct public participation.

The planning process will be carried out by NPS planning and technical professionals, park staff, and private consultants.


* indicates the current step in the planning process
Step 1. Project Scoping
Step 2. Research, Data Collection & Analysis
Step 3. Establish Foundation for Planning
Step 4. Define Park Goals
Step 5. Develop Planning Alternatives
Step 6. Review and Refine Planning Alternatives
Step 7. Prepare Draft General Management Plan/ Environmental Impact Statement (GMP/EIS) *
Step 8. Release Draft GMP/EIS for Public Review
Step 9. Prepare Final GMP/EIS
Step 10. Public Review Final GMP/EIS
Step 11. Approved GMP/EIS and Record of Decision