What is a Comprehensive Interpretive Plan?
The CIP process helps parks make choices and is written to provide guidance to park staff. It helps them decide what their objectives are, who their audiences are, and what mix of media and personal services to use. Although the CIP as defined in Director's Order 6 is composed of specific elements, good planning is customized to meet an individual park's needs and situations. The CIP is not a recipe; rather it is a guide to effective, goal-driven planning. While it considers past interpretive programming, it is primarily a forward-looking document that concentrates on actions needed to create or sustain a vigorous and effective interpretive program for the future. All CIPs have these three components: the Long-Range Interpretive Plan (LRIP), a series of Annual Implementation Plans (AIP), and an Interpretive Database (ID).

What is a Long-Range Interpretive Plan?
The heart of the CIP is the Long-Range Interpretive Plan (LRIP). The LRIP defines the overall vision and long-term (5-10 years) interpretive goals of the park. The process that develops the LRIP defines realistic strategies and actions that work toward achievement of the interpretive goals.

What  is an Annual Implementation Plan and Interpretive Database?
The completed LRIP is a critical part of the CIP, but it does not stand alone. Actions in the LRIP are divided into annual, achievable steps and reproduced in the Annual Implementation Plan (AIP). the second component of the CIP. Creating a series of these AIPs that implement the recommendations outlined in the LRIP simplifies the park's annual planning. The third component of the CIP is the Interpretive Database (ID), an ongoing compilation of information, reports, bibliographies, plans, and inventories that document the LRIP's ongoing progress.

National Park Service Director's Order # 6 - Interpretation and Education:

Interpretation and Education Reference Manual 6 (June 1, 2009)Chapter #4: Interpretive Planning

Interpretation and Education Reference Manual 6 (June 1, 2009)Chapter #8: Living History

Strategic Plan:

Strategic Plan 2008 (2008-2011)

Long Range Interpretive Planning Process:

Long Range Interpretive Planning Process Talk by Sam Vaughn

Interpretation Plan:

Interim Interpretation Plan (2009-2011)

Chellberg Farm Plan:

Chellberg Farm Plan - 1990

Chellberg Farm Plan - 1998

Past Meetings:

Click here to see comments from the May 5 Chellberg Meeting

Click here to see questions from the June 23 public meeting

Upcoming: Civic Engagement and Public Involvement

Topic: Public Engagement

Facilitator: Sandra Washington, Chief of Planning and Compliance Midwest Region of National Park Service

Date: July 28th

Time: 7:00pm to 8:30pm

Location: Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor Center (Intersection of State Road 49 and U.S. Hwy 20, Porter IN)

Please check this site frequently as we will be updating it with more information about the comprehensive interpretive planning process and the Chellberg Farm.

Visit our latest Press Release