What is the DCP/EA?
The Gauley River Development Concept Plan (DCP) and Environmental Assessment will be a plan for how the National Park Service will manage resources and provide visitor experiences at the Gauley River National Recreation Area.
The DCP will reflect the conclusions and recommendations of the Gauley River National Recreation Area General Management Plan and Environmental Assessment prepared by NPS in 1996 (see below).
The DCP will identify NPS's preferred plan for facilities needed to provide the visitor experiences and resource management identified in the 1996 GMP. It will include conceptual design of facilities that is sufficiently detailed to enable NPS to begin preliminary design for facilities described in the GMP and to seek funding for construction. The DCP will also include conceptual plans for visitor interpretation and resource management activities.
What are the recommendations of the 1996 GARI GMP?
The 1996 General Management Plan (GMP) establishes the resource conditions and visitor experiences that are to be achieved and maintained over time in each area of the Gauley River National Recreation Area. It provides Park Service managers with the foundation for decision making in the current DCP planning process.
The 1996 GMP establishes six management zones within the Gauley River National Recreation Area (see GMP Map in DCP Fall 2003 Newsletter).
Outstanding Natural Feature Zone - This zone encompasses the Upper Gauley River Corridor and the Meadow River Corridor.
It is the focal point for recreational and interpretive activities. Facilities are to include:
- scenic overlooks with related small parking and picnic facilities
- trails, trailheads and related small parking facilities
- designated but undeveloped river lunch stops
- wayfinding signage
- interpretive signage
- wayside exhibits
- minor improvements to existing roads as needed to provide access to development zones and to provide access from U.S. 19 to the Meadow River
Resource Management Zone - This zone encompasses the Middle Gauley River Corridor and the Lower Gauley River Corridor.
It allows for traditional and recreational uses with protection from resource degradation as needed. Facilities are to include:
- scenic overlooks with related small parking and picnic facilities (in the Middle Gauley near Panther Mountain Road)
- trails, trailheads, and related small parking facilities
- primitive river camping with NPS vehicle access (at one site in the Middle Gauley)
- at least two developed river lunch stops, with NPS vehicle access
- additional designated but undeveloped river lunch stops
- wayfinding signage
- interpretive signage and wayside exhibits
- improvements to existing roads as needed to provide access to development zones
Development Zone - This zone encompasses developed sites and intense visitor use areas (including Tailwaters and all access points along the Gauley River).
It is an intensive visitor use zone, providing facilities for river access, camping, picnicking hiking, bicycling, and interpretation. Facilities are to include:
- small visitor and administration building (at Tailwaters)
- developed river access (at Tailwaters, at two or more sites in the Middle Gauley and at one site on the Lower Gauley near Swiss)
- comfort/changing stations
- boater put-in car and bus parking
- staging areas for commercial vehicles
- minor improvements to existing roads as needed
- developed camping at Tailwaters
- group camping (at Tailwaters and near Swiss)
- trails and walkways
- wayfinding signage
- interpretive signage
- wayside exhibits
Historic Zone - This zone encompasses areas potentially eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
Visitor uses include interpretation, sightseeing, study programs, hiking and bicycling. Facilities are to include:
- interpretive trails
- wayfinding signage
- interpretive signage and wayside exhibits
- improvements to existing roads as needed
Special Use Zone- This zone includes sites of active rail lines, active gas wells, and cemeteries. These are areas where NPS will not seek primary management control.
Areas of Potential NRA Boundary Adjustments - This zone include property within one mile of the authorized Gauley River National Recreation Area boundary.
It includes sites that may be determined necessary in the future to provide for adequate river access, NRA operations or emergency access. Facilities are to include:
- boater takeouts
- boater takeout car and bus parking
- comfort/changing stations
- trails and walkways
- picnicking
- wayfinding and interpretive signage
- staging areas for commercial vehicles
- remote parking and shuttle facilities
- minor improvements to existing roads as needed
What are the steps in the current DCP planning process?
- Data Collection, Identification of Issues and Scoping
- Public Meeting to Discuss Goals and Issues
- Development and Evaluation of Alternatives
- Public Meeting to Review Alternatives
- Identification of Preferred Alternative
- Draft DCP/EA
- Public Meeting to Review Draft DCP/EA
- Final DCP/EA
- Record of Decision
When will there be opportunities for public involvement?
Public meetings were held several times during the planning process.
Your Input
Public comment is welcome throughout the planning process. Interested parties should provide their comments to the NPS in writing, using either the address or e-mail link below.
Write to: Calvin Hite, Superintendent
Gauley River National Recreation Area
P.O. Box 246
Glen Jean, WV 25846
Park Headquarters: (304) 465-0508
Fax: (304) 465-0591
Please email your questions or comments to: e-mail us.
