Answers to First Amendment Questions

1. Would our ability as citizens to demonstrate change in plan alternatives?
   No. Consistent with the First Amendment and federal regulations, demonstrations
   and other First Amendment activities would continue to be permitted throughout the
   park on a space available, first come request basis, and would continue to be regulated by 36 CFR 7.96.
   
   
2. Would demonstrations be limited to specific areas?
   No. Consistent with the First Amendment and federal regulations, demonstrations
   would continue to be permitted on a space available, first come basis. Since there
   were no changes proposed for locations of demonstrations, the newsletter 3 altern-
   atives described highlights of actions related only to events, which are different than demonstrations. Alternatives proposed concepts in several areas that would increase
   the space available for events and demonstrations as well as facilitate this use of the National Mall.
   
   
3. Would demonstrations be allowed in the side elm tree panels on the Mall?
   Yes. Alternatives proposed that temporary facilities or structures (such as tents,
   stages, and related facilities) as well as vehicles would not be allowed within the side
   elm tree panels on the Mall (3rd to 14th) in order to maintain the mature elm tree
   canopy that defines one of the most recognizable and photographed views in our
   country. However, general public access to the area and shade would continue. Demonstrations generally do not seek use of the side elm panels for temporary
   structures, staging and vehicles.



4. Would demonstrations still be able to have stages and other facilities within
   the center of view corridor between the U.S. Capitol, the Washington
   Monument and Lincoln Memorial?
   Yes. The NPS was exploring in alternative A the advantage of providing the public
   a narrow eye-level open viewing corridor to the symbols of our nation. This applies to events, not demonstrations. However, demonstrations may find that keeping tall structures from blocking visual access to these icons of democracy supports their goals.
   


5. Would the National Mall be closed for construction for 10 years?
   No. A typical NPS cycle from design through construction is closer to 3-4 years.
   The NPS goes to extraordinary lengths to ensure public access during construction.
   NPS would continue to accommodate demonstrations as any construction within
   discrete areas proceeds. The plan may identify a number of potential construction projects, but it is highly unlikely that they would be constructed at the same time.
   
   Construction projects generally need to be within approved NPS plans, but completion of planning does not ensure or guarantee funding for any projects. Construction projects would still compete within the Service-wide NPS system for funding or they could be funded through donations.
   
   


6. Will First Amendment rights be included and recognized in the preferred alternative?
   Yes – absolutely. NPS is proud to manage this pre-eminent site where American
   values of freedom of speech are most fully expressed. Consistent with the First Amendment and federal regulations, this purpose will be confirmed in the National
   Mall Plan.



7. What efforts has NPS made to inform the public?
   The National Park Service has provided extensive public information regarding its planning process in the Federal Register on January 16, 2007 and September 6,
   2007; in a November 1, 2006 press conference announcing the plan; assorted media reports and media releases; at a public symposium (November 15, 2006); through
   an established dedicated planning website at www.nps.gov/nationalmallplan and
   e-mail address at nationalmallplan@nps.gov, and through newsletters posted
   online and distributed to visitors at events and by park rangers.