Park Planning
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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
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) 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) 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 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 What are the steps in the current DCP planning process? - Data Collection, Identification of Issues and Scoping 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 Park Headquarters: (304) 465-0508 Please email your questions or comments to: e-mail us. |
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Did You Know?
High-energy rivers are an ecological driving force for some plant communities. Gauley River is an excellent example of a high energy system which supports rare plant species and their communities. Rare plants here include Virginia Spiraea, Appalachian Blue Violet, and Balsam Squaw-weed.