Engaging groups and individuals outside of the National Park Service is required by NEPA. More importantly, public engagement also serves to stimulate public dialogue, promote a broader understanding of the major issues across stakeholder groups, and provide an opportunity to participate in the decision making process.

A Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare an EIS will be published in the Federal Register to announce the beginning of the public engagement process. The notice will provide a general outline of the planning process and opportunities for participation.

It is anticipated that public meetings will be needed at 3 key junctures of the planning process. Additional public, stakeholders, and agency meetings may be held if determined necessary.

The following is a general guide for the public involvement process. Specific details and adjustments will be worked out as the planning effort unfolds. Additoinal public meetings, newsletters and focus groups may be added, if public interest warrants.


* indicates the current step in the planning process
Step 1. Project Initiation and Internal Scoping
Step 2. Publish Notice of Intent in the Federal Register
Step 3. Begin Public Scoping *
Step 4. Determination of Significance, Suitability, and Feasibility
Step 5. Develop Alternatives and Management Options
Step 6. Prepare Draft Study
Step 7. Public Review of Draft Study
Step 8. Prepare Recommendations and Final Study
Step 9. Forward Final Document, Comment Summary, and NEPA Documentation to Congress
Step 10. Release Final Plan to the Public