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GMP/EIS

Pipestone National Monument » GMP/EIS » Document List

Dear Stakeholder:

Thank you for your continued interest in Pipestone National Monument. The final Record of Decision for the plan was signed by Ernie Quintana, National Park Service Midwest Regional Director, on September 29, 2008. Signing of the Record of Decision completes the planning process for this important document.

The planning process to update the General Management Plan for Pipestone National Monument began in September 2000. Public involvement throughout the process has been critical in helping the planning team identify issues and concerns to be addressed, develop a set of preliminary alternatives, and select a preferred alternative. Issues of concern addressed in the plan include sensitivity to and interpretation of American Indian practices and traditions associated with the quarries and sacred sites, inadequate facilities, and the preservation of the cultural and natural resources. The final approved plan establishes a direction for the future ofthe monument that will support American Indian cultural use, manage cultural and natural resources, and provide for visitor experiences in such a way that future opportunities and issues can be addressed effectively.

A draft General Management Plan was released to the public on January 28, 2007, and mailed to a total of 273 individuals, agencies, organizations, and culturally affiliated tribes. At the time of its release the preferred alternative was alternative #3; which left the visitor center and administrative functions in place and focused on the improvement of existing facilities and conditions without calling for a major change in operations.

Four public meetings were held to take comments. In addition, the monument superintendent met with elders of the Lower Brule, an intertribal group at the Yankton Reservation, a group of tribal elders and tribal representatives at Pipestone, and representatives of city and county government. These meetings helped the planning team answer questions posed by the public and understand concerns raised by the plan. Four official responses were received from Indian tribes, and 32 responses were received from city and county officials, state and federal agencies, and individuals. Based on the input received, particularly from the tribes, the National Park Service reconsidered and reevaluated the alternative that would best meet the goal of preserving and interpreting the cultural and natural resources of the monument.

Ultimately, Alternative 1 was selected as the preferred alternative. This is a change from the alternative that had been selected and published as the National Park Service's preferred alternative in the Pipestone National Monument Draft General Management Plan published in January, 2007.

Recent reviews of facility models and staffing needs have led to a revision of the final estimate of costs for the preferred alternative. Please note the following changes to the cost estimates on pages 67 and 102. Initial capital costs for Alternative 1 are $5,417,161; recurring annual costs are $247,663; and total costs are $12,669,879. These costs are to be used for comparison purposes only when reviewing the GMP alternatives, and should be considered as estimates only as the final costs may vary depending on when development actually occurs.

I want to thank everyone who took the time to attend meetings or comment on the draft General Management Plan. This final plan will guide the management and operation of the National Monument for the next several years. We could not have done this without the help and assistance ofthe interested public, the agencies, and the tribes.

Sincerely,

Glen H. Livermont
Superintendent

Contact Information

Superintendent
Pipestone National Monument
36 Reservation Avenue
Pipestone, Minnesota 56164-1269