Trail Master Plan Environmental Assessment Initial Public Scoping

Press Release for Initial Public Scoping Period and Open House

The National Park Service is beginning the process of developing a Trail Master
Plan/Environmental Assessment (EA) for Pea Ridge National Military Park. The objectives of
the Trail Master Plan/EA are to develop a trail network that enhances the visitor experience,
incorporates internal wayfinding, and improves interpretation opportunities while protecting the
natural and cultural landscapes. The alternatives identified in the Trail Master Plan/EA will
improve connections between trails within the park, accommodate different trail users, and
reduce maintenance by using historic roads and minimizing the park's infrastructure. The project
will also determine feasible options for connecting the park with the regional trail network
identified in the Northwest Arkansas Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan
http://www.nwabikepedplan.com and other proposed trail routes to connect with adjacent
communities.

The park encourages public participation throughout the planning process. There will be at least
two opportunities to comment formally on the project - once during initial project scoping and
again following release of the EA. The National Park Service is currently in the scoping phase of
the proposed project and invites the public to submit written suggestions, comments, and
concerns regarding the development of a trail master plan. The NPS will hold a public open
house to provide the opportunity for members of the public to learn more about the proposal. The
open house will be held on April 22, 2016 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the park Visitor Center
located at 15930 U.S. Hwy 62 East, Garfield Arkansas. The National Park Service will also be
accepting comments at the open house. In addition, we invite you to participate by going to our
Planning, Environment and Public Comment website located at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/peri.
The opportunity to provide public comment to support the development of this plan is currently
open and will close May 10, 2016. More information about the park can be found at
http://www.nps.gov/peri/index.htm.

Document Content:

Press Release 04-07-16 Trail Plan Environmental Assessment.pdf   (25.4 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.