2017-Jan 20 trail management planning survey

January 20, 2017
For Immediate Release
Contact: Jennifer Evans (541) 594-3002, jennifer_evans@nps.gov
Marsha McCabe, (541) 594-3091, marsha_mccabe@nps.gov
Crater Lake National Park Invites Public Comment on Trail Management Planning

Crater Lake NP_Trail Management Plan Public Scoping Newsletter
Crater Lake NP News Release_Trail Management Plan Public Scoping

CRATER LAKE, OREGON – Crater Lake National Park is developing a Trail Management Plan that will guide trail management, investment in trail infrastructure, and visitor use of the park trail system for the next 25 years. The plan is needed to improve and diversify recreation opportunities, improve connectivity between features of interest, reduce user-created trails, eliminate unsustainable and underutilized routes, and protect park resources.

The park planning team has developed a proposed action, which is the initial National Park Service (NPS) proposal to address the Trail Management Plan purpose and need. The park is hosting three open houses in neighboring communities to elicit comments on this proposal, which includes changes to both winter and summer trails. These meetings will be an opportunity to provide feedback and ideas about the Crater Lake trail system directly to the NPS team.

Medford Open House
Date: Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Medford REI
85 Rossanley Drive, Medford, OR 97501
(541) 732-1938

Klamath Falls Open House

Date: Wednesday, February 1, 2017
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Location: The Ledge in Klamath Falls
369 6th Street, Klamath Falls, OR 97601
(541) 882-5586

Bend Open House
Date: Thursday, February 2, 2017
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Bend REI
380 Powerhouse Drive, Bend, OR 97701
(541) 385-0594

Comments on the proposed action can be submitted during a 30-day public scoping period, from January 31 to March 1, 2017. Comments can be submitted online, or sent by mail or email. The preferred method for receiving comments is via the NPS Planning, Environment, and Public Comment website at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/tmpfeedback. Once on the website, select “Open for Comment” to provide your thoughts.

Mailed comments should be sent to:
Planning Team, Trail Management Plan
Crater Lake National Park
P.O. Box 7
Crater Lake, Oregon, 97604

Emailed comments can be sent to: crla_public_affairs@nps.gov.

Information is being gathered in conformance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This public scoping phase is the initial step in the NEPA public planning process used by the NPS to engage agencies, organizations, and the public early in project planning by soliciting input on proposed actions, environmental issues, and possible project alternatives. Information gathered during public scoping will be used to develop the range of issues and alternatives addressed during planning.

Please be aware that personally identifiable information submitted with comments may be made available to the public.