PUBLIC MEETING SET FOR ROCK CREEK PARK DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT AND WHITE-TAILED DEER MANAGEMENT PLAN

The National Park Service will host a public meeting on Wednesday, September 2, 2009, as part of the planning process for completing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and deer management plan for Rock Creek Park. The meeting will be held at the Rock Creek Park Nature Center, 5200 Glover Road, NW, from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm.

The draft plan/EIS evaluates four alternatives for managing white-tailed deer in the park. The document describes and analyzes the environmental impacts of the no-action alternative and three action alternatives. When approved, the plan will guide deer management actions in Rock Creek Park over the next 15 years.

The draft plan/EIS is available for public review online at the National Park Service Planning, Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) website: http://parkplanning.nps.gov/rocr. The website allows for review of the document and the submission of comments. In addition, printed copies are available at the Rock Creek Park Nature Center, 5200 Glover Road, NW, and Rock Creek Park Headquarters, located at 3545 Williamsburg Lane, NW. Additional printed copies are available for review at public libraries near the park in Northwest and Northeast Washington, D.C.

The public comment period for the plan/EIS will be open through October 2, 2009. Interested parties and individuals may submit comments on the document through the website above or at the public meeting on September 2.

Written comments may also be mailed to:
Superintendent
Rock Creek Park
3545 Williamsburg Lane, NW
Washington, D.C. 20008

The following park planning documents are avaliable at the NPS Planning, Environment and Public Comment site:

General Management Plan

Deer Management Plan and EIS

Reconstruction and Rehabilitation of Beach Drive and Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway

Special Park Use Cost Recovery

Rock Creek Park Wireless Telecommunication Facilities Plan/EA