Parkway General Management Plan Comments

Date: May 6, 2008
Contact: Gary Johnson, [phone] ext 210

Comment Period for Parkway General Management Plan Alternatives Newsletter extended to May 31.

Blue Ridge Parkway officials are extending the public comment period for the General Management Plan Alternatives Newsletter to May 31.

Gary Johnson, the Parkway’s Chief of Planning, said the four-week extension is being made in response to public requests for copies of the plan and inquires about the alternatives.   He noted that the preliminary alternatives that are now open for public review “represent a critical decision point in the process, and we want to do what we can to get the most and best possible input.”

Superintendent Phil Francis stated that, “The number of comments received so far is encouraging and that by providing additional time for comment, park management will gain more insight into how the general public thinks the parkway should be managed in the future.  

The public is encouraged to become involved in the future of the Blue Ridge Parkway by providing their comments on line at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/blri  In the window that appears, select General Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement, then select Document List, then select Blue Ridge Parkway Newsletter Volume 5, Spring 2008.  That will take you to several files, graphics and text that describe the alternatives.  To go directly to the document, visit http://parkplanning.nps.gov/documentsList.cfm?parkId=355&projectId=10419

A printed copy of the Alternatives Newsletter will be provided to individuals who email Gary W Johnson at e-mail us and provide their mailing address.

Even though using this website is recommended, written comments may also be submitted to Blue Ridge Parkway, ATTN:  Superintendent, 199 Hemphill Knob Road, Asheville, NC 28803.  Comments must be postmarked or made via the Internet by May 31. 

There has not been an approved management plan for the Parkway since the 1940’s so having an approved general management plan by 2010 the year of the 75^th Anniversary is an important goal for the  Blue Ridge Parkway management team.