Backcountry Access Plan/Wilderness Study/Final Environmental Impact Statement

The National Park Service has released a final environmental impact statement (EIS) that evaluates options for managing the preserve's backcountry access and use. The plan is intended to provide new access to the preserve while protecting natural and cultural resources and providing for public enjoyment.

The plan will establish a secondary off-road vehicle (ORV) trail network providing reasonable access to destinations suitable for recreational activities, such as camping, photography and hiking; and would establish a permanent route for the Florida National Scenic Trail and other hiking opportunities. The plan also includes a wilderness study to determine what parts of the original preserve, if any, should be proposed for wilderness designation.

The final EIS is not a decision to take a particular action but evaluates the impacts of several alternatives.

The National Park Service Anticipates issuing a record of decision following a waiting period of no less than 30 days after the release of this final EIS.

Document Content:

BICY_BAP_FEIS_508_2024-11.pdf   (21.4 MB, PDF file) Disclaimer: Links within the above document(s) were valid as of the date published. Note: Some of the files may be in PDF format and can be viewed using the Adobe Acrobat Reader software. You may download a free copy of from Adobe Systems.