Status of our GMP Process
November 5, 2010 - A GMP identifies the overall direction for the future management of units of the National Park System. GMPs take a long-range, broad, conceptual view, answering the question, "What kind of place do we want this park to be?" They provide a framework for managers to use in making decisions about how best to protect park natural and cultural resources, what levels and types of uses are appropriate, what facilities should be developed, and how people should access the park. All concepts, strategies, and actions in a GMP must be consistent with the reasons for the park's establishment – its purpose and significance. Last summer and fall, we met with you and asked for your input and ideas for the plan. The input that we received from helped us understand what was important to you and to determine the scope of issues to be addressed in the plan. Guided by the ideas and suggestions we received from you earlier this year, the planning team has begun to craft alternatives, which are options for exploring different possible futures for the National Seashore. There are many ways to preserve and protect Assateague Island National Seashore, to provide rich visitor experiences, and to tell its stories. This winter, the planning team will present several draft preliminary alternative concepts and request your input and comments. Stay tuned to our website for updates on the schedule for our upcoming preliminary alternative concept open house meetings this winter.

Assateague Island National Seashore Accomplishments (PDF file, 33kb)
"It has been quite a year, the 92nd since the American people entrusted us with the care of their national parks. In that time, the parks have grown more numerous, our mission more complicated, and our commitment to serving the public more intense. I am so proud of the dedicated men and women of the National Park Service and so grateful to our many partners who stand with us every day."
-Mary A. Bomar, Director
2008 Director's Report

Historic Context Study of Waterfowl Hunting Camps and Related Properties within Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland and Virginia (PDF file, 373kb)
Assateague Island National Seashore possesses numerous cultural resources. Among them are eleven identified standing “waterfowl hunting camps.” To help determine the significance of these resources, and as part of a larger Determination of Eligibility Study, Eshelman & Associates was contracted to complete a Historic Context Study. A four-phase plan was undertaken to complete this project: a) research, b) field work, c) preliminary draft and review and, d) revision and submission of final historic context study.

OSV & Backcountry Users Survey (PDF file, 3.6 MB)
This report describes the results of Assateague Island National Seashore’s Oversand Vehicle (OSV) and Backcountry visitor telephone survey conducted from November 2007 to January 2008. Surveys were administered to a total of 43 OSV users and Backcountry area users. The goals of this study were to (1) gather information about user attitudes regarding current management practices of the OSV zone and backcountry camping areas and (2) provide data for a more in-depth written survey to be administered following completion of this report.

National Park Service and Fish and Wildlife Service target invasive plant infestations on Assateague Island (PDF file, 24kb)
August 4, 2008 - Superintendent Scott J. Bentley today announced plans for controlling Phragmites australis (common reed) infestations on Assateague Island. Phragmites has dramatically increased in abundance on Assateague Island during recent years, displacing native plant communities and reducing habitat values. The variety of Phragmites that occurs on the island is non-native and highly invasive.

Feral Horse Management at Assateague Island National Seashore (PDF file, 385 kb)
Assateague Island National Seashore proposes to develop and assess the environmental consequences of several alternatives for long-term management of the Assateague feral horses.

Assateague Island National Seashore Administrative History (PDF file, 810kb)
Initial chapter traces events leading to seashore establishment; subsequent topical chapters address land acquisition, planning, relations with other agencies, physical development, resources management, and public use. Appendix includes legislation, personnel roster, visitation statistics.