The GMP provides a "blueprint" that the NPS intends to follow over the next 15-20 years. To comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and NPS policy, the GMP was prepared with an accompanying Environmental Assessment (EA)

* indicates the current step in the planning process
Step 1. Define purpose and need for the planning effort.
Step 2. Conduct public scoping - Identify goals and isuses that need to be addressed.
Step 3. Develop Preliminary Alternatives - Based on public scoping results, develop a draft outline of different possible futures for the park.
Step 4. Public Review of Preliminary Alternatives - Provide opportunities for review and comment by the public, park partners, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
Step 5. Public review of draft plan/environmental document
Step 6. Analysis of public comment
Step 7. Prepare final plan/decision document
Step 8. Release final plan/decision document to the public *