Thank you for your interest in Alaska's National Parks. This is a request for your comments on any or all of the proposed park compendiums. Below are links to the proposed compendiums for each National Park in Alaska.
What is a compendium?
A compendium is a written compilation of designations, closures, permit requirements and other restrictions imposed under discretionary authority found in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Regulations for national parks are in 36 CFR and 43 CFR.
For example, 36 CFR Section 2.21 (a) states, "The superintendent may designate a portion of a park area, or all or a portion of a building, structure or facility as closed to smoking when necessary to protect park resources, reduce the risk of fire, or prevent conflicts among visitor use activities." This designation is placed into the park's compendium.
Compendiums have always been a tool to help manage Alaska's national parks. The compendium, as part of the park-related regulations, helps provide for the enjoyment, use and protection of our national parks.
Why is there a need for public involvement?
Public involvement improves the compendium development process by giving the National Park Service (NPS) the opportunity to be responsive to the public's ideas and concerns, to involve the public cooperatively in generating alternatives and to educate the public about the compendium. The result is a better compendium that benefits both the park and the various publics that use the park.
How often is a compendium revised?
A compendium is updated at least annually. Depending on events and issues, it may be updated more frequently. In some cases, a review may indicate that no changes are needed.
The NPS is currently considering the option of revising special regulations. If special regulations change, park compendiums may need to change to reflect that. Please visit www.nps.gov/akso for any updates on special regulations.
What will happen to my comment?
Comments NPS receives from the public will be considered by each park in the annual update of its compendium. It should be remembered that the information received only represents the people who responded. Also, public involvement is not a voting process. The results of the public comments will be used, along with the analysis of other information and data gathered, including input from the state of Alaska, to complete the compendium. Commenting is your opportunity to influence the management of the national parks in Alaska.
Due to the anticipated volume of comments, it will not be possible to respond to each correspondent individually. After March 15, comments will be addressed in a preamble to each park's final compendium.
Comments, including names and street addresses of respondents, will be available for public review. Individual respondents may request confidentiality, either in a letter or email, which we will honor to the extent allowable by law. If you wish to withhold your name or address, except for the city or town, you must state this prominently at the beginning of your comment. We will make all submissions from organizations or business, and from individuals identifying themselves as representatives or officials of organizations or businesses, available for public inspection in their entirety.
When is the comment period open?
Comments on the 2008 park compendiums will be accepted by mail or e-mail between January 1 and February 15. Comments are welcome at any time in addition to this timeframe, but comments received after February 15 will be considered in future revisions.
Are the park's current compendiums available?
The park's current compendiums can be obtained from each park or viewed on-line at the park's website (Go to www.nps.gov, Find A Park and Select a Park. Click on Management).
How can I access the proposed compendiums and where do I send my comments?
Click on the park specific link below.
Denali National Park and Preserve - Proposed Compendium
To comment - DENA_Compendium@nps.gov
Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve - Proposed Compendium
To comment - GAAR_Compendium@nps.gov
Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve - Proposed Compendium
To comment - GLBA_Compendium@nps.gov
Katmai National Park and Preserve, Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve, Alganak National Wild River - Proposed Compendium
To comment - KATM_Compendium@nps.gov
Kenai Fjords National Park - Proposed Compendium
To comment - KEFJ_Compendium@nps.gov
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park - Proposed Compendium
To comment - KLGO_Compendium@nps.gov
Lake Clark National Park and Preserve - Proposed Compendium
To comment - LACL_Compendium@nps.gov
Sitka National Historical Park - Proposed Compendium
To comment - SITK_Compendium@nps.gov
Western Arctic National Parklands (includes Bering Land Bridge National Preserve, Cape Krusenstern National Monument, Kobuk Valley National Park and Noatak National Preserve) - Proposed Compendium
To comment - WEAR_Compendium@nps.gov
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve - Proposed Compendium
To comment - WRST_Compendium@nps.gov
Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve - Proposed Compendium
To comment - YUCH_Compendium@nps.gov
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Author:Jane
Ahern
www.nps.gov/akso |
