VAN BUREN — Ozark National Scenic Riverways is seeking public input on the park’s draft Roads and Trails Management Plan (Draft Plan), which will be available for review and comment on June 18 at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/OZAR_RTplan.
The draft plan includes detailed maps and an environmental assessment illustrating a no-action alternative and two action alternatives. The no-action alternative reflects a continuation of current management practices, as established in the 2014 General Management Plan. The two action alternatives were informed by public and stakeholder feedback gathered earlier in the planning process and represent alternative approaches for addressing issues identified in the plan, while also meeting desired conditions for managing the park’s roads and trails. The National Park Service has identified alternative B as the preferred alternative for implementation.
Superintendent Jason Lott states, “With the release of the draft Roads and Trails Management Plan, we are in the final phase of a complex planning process. The Roads and Trails Management Plan will establish a network of roads and trails that is clearly mapped, more sustainable, and that will allow visitors to safely enjoy the park’s spectacular resources through a variety of recreational activities, while still protecting those resources for future generations.”
An online “StoryMap” that provides a helpful overview of the draft plan and the corresponding maps will be available beginning June 18 at https://arcg.is/1Oja9b.
For those who prefer to review printed copies of the draft plan, they will be made available for review at the public libraries in several local communities, including Van Buren, Birch Tree, Mountain View, Summersville, Salem, Ellington, Ellsinore, Doniphan, Poplar Bluff and Rolla. The draft plan will also be available from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, at park headquarters in Van Buren, located at 404 Watercress Drive.
The public comment period for the draft plan will be open from June 18 to July 18. The comments will be analyzed to determine if there are any adjustments needed and then an alternative will be selected for implementation. The public is encouraged to download and review the plan and provide comments online at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/OZAR_RTplan. Comments will also be accepted through the mail to: Superintendent, Ozark National Scenic Riverways, P. O. Box 490, Van Buren, Missouri, 63965.
As always, we look forward to hearing from the public and encourage all to visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/ozar or our Facebook page for further updates. For more information, please contact Dena Matteson at 573-23-4814 or dena_matteson@nps.gov.