News Release

National Park Service Announces the Public Scoping Period for Off-Road Vehicle Management at Fire Island National Seashore

Date: October 30, 2023

Patchogue, NY - The National Park Service (NPS) is requesting public input on the Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Management program for Fire Island National Seashore. This effort aims to evaluate ORV use at the Seashore and the existing ORV regulation to allow for appropriate vehicular access while protecting park resources and safe visitor experience. In addition, the NPS plans to revise the current regulation to address changes to resources and use on Fire Island since the rule was implemented in 1987. The NPS will be accepting public scoping input on a proposed action and potential impacts from October 30 to December 4, 2023. The NPS plans to fulfill its public involvement requirement under the National Historic Preservation Act concurrently with the NEPA public involvement opportunities.   

The NPS will host both a virtual and an in-person public meeting to share information on a preliminary proposal. The virtual meeting on November 14th will consist of a 20-minute presentation and a virtual question and answer session. The in-person meeting on November 15th consist of an open house, a 20-minute presentation, followed by an opportunity for a facilitated question and answer session. The purpose of the meetings, and associated public comment period, is to get public input on issues related to the program and potential methods for improvement.   

Public Meeting Dates and Location:   

VIRTUAL MEETING   
Tuesday, November 14th at 6:30 PM 
Access the website at: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/FIIS_ORV   

In Person Meeting
Wednesday, November 15th at 6:00 PM 
Patchogue Ferry Terminal  
150 West Ave 
Patchogue, NY 11772 

Your participation is vital to the success of our planning process. There are many ways to be involved, including attending either the in-person or web-based public meeting and submitting electronic or written comments, as described below.     

How to Comment   

1. Submit comments electronically at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/FIIS_ORV   
2. Submit comments at an in-person public meeting.   
3. Submit written comments in person to the park’s headquarters in Patchogue, NY, or by mail to:   

Off Road Vehicle Management Plan   
Superintendent Alexcy Romero   
Fire Island National Seashore   
120 Laurel Street   
Patchogue, New York 11772   

This public scoping comment period ends on December 4, 2023.