Current News Release
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04/02/2024 - National Park Service and Federal Aviation Administration announce the opportunity for public review and comment of the Draft Air Tour Management Plan and Environmental Assessment for Canyon de Chelly National Monument - PUBLIC REVIEW PERIOD STARTS APRIL 3, 2024
CANYON DE CHELLY, Ariz. -- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Park Service (NPS) announce the availability of a proposed Air Tour Management Plan (ATMP) and Environmental Assessment for Canyon de Chelly National Monument. This plan will be used by the FAA and the NPS to manage commercial air tours over the park.
The National Parks Air Tour Management Act requires the FAA and NPS to develop Air Tour Management Plans for certain parks, including Canyon de Chelly. An ATMP manages commercial air tour operations over a national park by establishing conditions for the conduct of the air tour flights.
The proposed ATMP addresses many unique challenges while improving the condition of park resources and values, ensuring safe air tour operations, and being responsive to concerns raised by the Navajo Nation. It was developed between the FAA and the NPS in consultation with the Navajo Nation.
Commercial air tours have occurred over Canyon de Chelly for many years without operating parameters. Implementation of an ATMP helps protect park resources, visitor experience, and tribal lands within the ATMP boundary, without compromising aviation safety or the air traffic control system.
A 30-day public review period begins on April 3, 2024. Public comments can be submitted through the NPS Planning, Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) website starting April 3, 2024: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.cfm?projectID=103419 through May 3, 2024. The draft ATMP and Frequently Asked Questions are available on the PEPC website.
Please visit this NPS site and this FAA site for more detailed information about air tour management plans and voluntary agreements.
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