Congaree National Park to prepare environmental assessment for new fire management plan
January 5, 2016
Public participation and comments are being sought for an Environmental Assessment (EA) associated with a new proposed Fire Management Plan at Congaree National Park in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and federal wildland fire policy. This EA will facilitate proposed updates in fire management strategies, fire terminology, management of sensitive plant and wildlife species/communities, and updated information about park vegetation restoration. Public input and suggestions for fire management at the park will be gathered and considered as part of this EA process.
The park has prepared a scoping brochure that gives project details and describes four alternatives for fire management. “Public input is an important part of how we manage the park,” says Superintendent Tracy Stakely, “We are interested in any suggestions as to any issues and additional alternatives that folks feel should be addressed in the EA.” Public scoping meetings will provide the public with an opportunity to ask questions, talk with park staff and submit written comments. These meetings will be held at the following locations:
January 25 at 6:00 pm
Eastover Library
608 Main Street
Eastover, SC 29044
(803) 353-8584
January 26 at 6:00 pm
Northeast Library
7490 Parklane Road
Columbia, SC 29223
(803) 736-6575
The scoping brochure can be reviewed and comments can be submitted online at the NPS Planning, Environment, and Public Comment website:
http://parkplanning.nps.gov/cong
