Environmental Assessment

This Environmental Assessment has been prepared in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to provide the decision-making framework that 1) analyzes a reasonable range of alternatives to meet project objectives, 2) evaluates potential issues and impacts to Big Thicket National Preserve's resources and values, and 3) identifies mitigation measures to lessen the degree or extent of these impacts.

This document evaluates two alternatives; a no action alternative and an action alternative. The no action alternative is the current situation, and is primarily used as a baseline assessment from which to analyze the action alternative. The action alternative consists of expanding the existing maintenance facility which is situated in the visitor center complex, located approximately seven miles north of Kountze at the junction of U.S. 69 and FM 420. The newly expanded facility would serve as a combined administration and maintenance facility.

Resource topics that have been addressed in this document because the resultant impacts may are measurable include visitor use and experience and park operations. All other resource topics have been dismissed because the project would result in negligible or minor effects to those resources. No major effects are anticipated as a result of this project. Public scoping was conducted to assist with the development of this document, and the majority of commenters supported the proposed action to establish an administration facility near the existing visitor center. To obtain a copy of the Environmental Assessment, click on the link below. Also below is a map of the park, which is Figure 1 in the EA.

Document Content:

Environmental Assessment   (516.2 KB, PDF file) Map of Big Thicket National Preserve (Figure 1)   (367.1 KB, 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.