New River Gorge NPP’s Fire and Vegetation Management Plan Environmental Assessment period open for public comment

GLEN JEAN, WV (WVNS) — Residents of the state and others interested now have a chance to review and provide comments on an Environmental Assessment provided by the National Park Service (NPS).

According to a press release from Eve West, Chief of Interpretation and Visitor Services, the Environmental Assessment is focusing on potential impacts of a new Fire and Vegetation Management Plan for New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Gauley River National Recreation Area, and Bluestone National Scenic River. The new plan will help the parks in updating fire management activities that go according to federal fire policies, help restore ecosystems, and protect natural and cultural resources, as well as park facilities, the public, and employees.

The press release continues saying in the EA, the NPS has come up with a plan that would expand the use of hazardous fuels reduction and prescribed fire activities to cover more land to help restore more, sometimes limited vegetation, including oak forests and meadows.

Starting September 1, 2024, the EA will be available for review on the NPS’ planning website at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/NERI-GARI-BLUE-FVMP . Comments from the public will be opened through September 30, 2024. Those who cannot comment on the website or do not have access to a computer or the internet can mail comments to:

Superintendent

Attn: FVMP EA

PO Box 246

Glen Jean, WV 25846

On Thursday, September 12, 2024 from 6:00 P.M. to 7:30 P.M., the public is invited to attend a meeting at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center at 162 Visitor Center Road, Lansing, WV 25862. The meeting will talk about the new plan, the preferred method, and speak to attendees about their questions and concerns.

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