National Park Service is Seeking Comments for an Environmental Assessment for the Proposed Rehabilitation of Roads and Parking Areas

Date: July 30, 2013
Contact: John Dell'Osso, 415-464-5135

Point Reyes Station, CA - The National Park Service (NPS), in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration, proposes to rehabilitate 22 miles of paved park roads and parking areas in Point Reyes National Seashore (PRNS) including Limantour Road and the roads to the Lighthouse and Chimney Rock. The purpose of the proposed action is to restore the structural integrity of these roads to ensure safe driving conditions for visitors traveling in the park, provide efficient parking space to support demand for recreational access in the park, correct road-related drainage problems, and reduce long-term road and parking area maintenance needs and costs. In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, the NPS will prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) to evaluate the potential effects of alternatives for repairing and improving park roads and parking areas on the natural, cultural, and human environment.

The 30 day public scoping period is intended to engage the public in this NEPA process. The scoping period closes August 30, 2013. The NPS invites the public to submit written suggestions, comments and concerns to help develop the scope of the EA. Scoping comments could address, for example: 1) concerns and potential impacts of the proposal, 2) relevant effects of past actions, or 3) possible alternatives to the proposed project that should be considered. It is anticipated that the EA will be available for public review and comment later this year.

Comments may be made through the NPS Planning, Environment, and Public Comment (PEPC) website: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/poreroadsea (the NPS-preferred method for receiving comments). Written comments may be mailed to: PORE Roads EA c/o Superintendent; Point Reyes National Seashore; 1 Bear Valley Road; Point Reyes Station, CA 94956. Comments may be hand delivered to the Seashore Headquarters at 1 Bear Valley Road, Point Reyes Station. Office hours for hand delivery are Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm. Comments should be received before the end of the scoping period on August 30, 2013. Only written comments or comments submitted through the PEPC website can be accepted.

Comments will not be accepted by FAX, email, or in any manner other than the three methods previously specified. Bulk comments in any format (hard copy or electronic) submitted on behalf of others will not be accepted. Before including a personal address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in written comments, anyone providing written comment should be aware their entire comment—including their personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While anyone wishing to comment may ask the National Park Service in their comment to withhold their personal identifying information from public review, the National Park Service cannot guarantee it will be able to do so.

-NPS-