Purpose of and Need for the Plan

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IMPACT TOPICS – RESOURCES AND VALUES AT STAKE IN THE PLANNING PROCESS

IMPACTS TOPICS

Impact topics allow comparison of the environmental consequences of implementing each alternative. These impact topics were identified based on federal laws and other legal requirements, NPS subject- matter expertise and knowledge of limited or easily impacted resources, and concerns expressed by other agencies or members of the public during scoping. A brief rationale for the selection of each impact topic is given below, as well as the rationale for dismissing specific topics from further consideration.

To focus the environmental impact analysis, and to ensure that the alternatives were evaluated against relevant topics, the planning team selected the following specific impact topics for further analysis and eliminated others from evaluation. These topics are described in the subsequent “Affected Environment” section and analyzed in the “Environmental Consequences” section.

Cultural Resources

Cultural resource impact topics were selected on the basis of major values identified in the park’s enabling legislation, values identified in the scoping process, and applicable laws and executive orders pertaining to cultural resources (e.g., the 1966 National Historic Preservation Act and the National Environmental Policy Act). The topics are archeological resources, historic buildings/structures, cultural landscapes, ethnographic resources, and museum collections.

Natural Resources

Natural resource impact topics were selected for analysis based on the major values identified in the park’s enabling legislation, values or issues identified in the planning process, NPS knowledge of limited or easily impacted resources, as well as applicable laws and regulations (e.g., Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, and NPS Management Policies 2001). The topics are biotic communities (includes the interrelated components of vegetation, wildlife and their habitat, and soils), threatened, endangered, and sensitive species (selected species), water resources, and air quality.

Visitor Use and Experience

The planning team identified visitor experience as an important issue that could be appreciably affected under the alternatives. The Organic Act and NPS Management Policies 2001 both direct the Park Service to provide enjoyment opportunities for visitors that are uniquely suited and appropriate to the superlative resources found within the park. The different aspects of visitation and enjoyment that are evaluated include orientation, interpretation, education, soundscapes, scenic quality, and access and circulation

Park and Concession Operation

Actions proposed in the alternatives could adversely or beneficially affect both park and concession operations. For example, eliminating winter snow plowing to the rim and implementation of a snowcoach operation would affect operations for both the park and concessioner.

Socioeconomic Environment

The planning team selected the socioeconomic environment as an impact topic because the park plays an important role in recreation in the region, which in turn contributes to the economy of the surrounding communities. Analyzing the regional economic impacts provides the context for evaluating the possible impacts the alternatives may have on the surrounding area.