Comprehensive Management Plan

In July 2010, the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail initiated the development of a Comprehensive Management Plan (CMP). The purpose of a CMP is to establish goals, priorities, and management objectives that meet the purposes of the Trail as articulated in the National Trails System Act. The CMP provides a framework for a wide range of partnership activities that are possible and desirable and that meet the needs, priorities and available resources of trail partners. The CMP must also ensure the protection of trail resources while providing enjoyable and enriching experiences for trail users.

In particular, the CMP/EA:

• Establishes trail development and management priorities for the NPS and partners over 20 years
• Assesses potential impacts on natural, cultural and recreational resources
• Identifies the trail’s significant places and stories and how to protect resources critical to the trail
• Crafts meaningful visitor experiences on land and water
• Defines management objectives and alternatives to meet those objectives
• Recommends a preferred option among a range of alternatives for developing and managing the trail.

Trail partners and the public have three opportunities to provide input into the management plan: during initial public scoping (November 2010), with regard to proposed management alternatives (Spring 2011) and in response to the draft plan (Fall 2011).