Plan Process

The National Park Service (NPS) is pleased to announce the availability
of the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Fort Pickens Ferry Support
Facilities and Shuttle Service within Gulf Islands National Seashore.

The NPS proposes to improve landside facilities near the ferry pier
and to implement a shuttle service within the Fort Pickens Area. The
purpose of the proposed facilities and shuttle service is to improve the
visitor experience and provide a second arrival experience at the national
seashore other than via road access in the Fort Pickens Area, particularly
for visitors arriving by ferry. The planning for this project followed
the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act and the
National Historic Preservation Act.

The project is described in detail in the EA which is available for a
30-day public review. The EA is available for review and comment at
http:parkplanning.nps.gov/guis under "Fort Pickens Ferry Support
Facilities and Shuttle Service." The EA also is available at the Naval Live
Oaks Visitor Center at 1801 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze, FL 32563
and Pensacola and Gulf Breeze libraries. Directions to the center are
available online (www.nps.gov/guis) or by calling 850-934-2600.

* indicates the current step in the planning process
Step 1. NPS Internal Planning Meetings
Step 2. Public Scoping and Meeting
Step 3. Alternatives Refinement
Step 4. Preparation of EA
Step 5. Public Comment Period *
Step 6. Final Decision Document