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News Release Date: March 17, 2017 Release Date: March 17, 2017 Contact: David_Bryant@nps.gov, 404 -507-5615 National Park Service Seeks Public Comments on Plan to Protect Species of Concern on Southeast Coastlines Comment period ends April 15, 2017 Public scoping webinars to be held April 4 and 6 ATLANTA– The National Park Service (NPS) is seeking public comments to inform development of a regional environmental assessment that will examine options for protecting shorebirds, sea turtles and beach mice from the threat of predators at NPS units in the Southeast Region. The Coastal Species of Concern Predator Management Plan Programmatic Environmental Assessment (assessment) will evaluate the best available predator management options and analyze relevant environmental issues. Many NPS southeast coastal parks have habitats that support species of concern, including parks in Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, and the US Virgin Islands. Some parks need a strategy to better protect species of concern, which includes both federally listed threatened and endangered species and state listed species — examples include: snowy and piping plover shorebirds, loggerhead sea turtle, green sea turtle, Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle, leatherback sea turtle, southeastern beach mouse and Perdido Key beach mouse — from such predators as coyote, raccoons, fox, feral hogs and others. Species of concern using coastal and dune habitats are especially vulnerable during their respective breeding seasons, generally falling between April and October. Once complete, affected parks may implement actions from the final assessment by first preparing site-specific plans. The public is invited to submit comments on the project through April 15, 2017. NPS has arranged a series of opportunities to encourage public awareness and involvement in the project, including:
National Park Service Planning and Compliance Division Attn: SERO PEA 100 Alabama Street SW, 1924 Building Atlanta, GA 30303 or https://parkplanning.nps.gov/sero Select “Open for Comment” on the left menu. Following the public comment period, NPS will analyze and consider all feedback and begin preparation of the draft assessment, which the public will also have an opportunity to comment on around Spring 2018. THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE IS COMPOSED OF MORE THAN 20,000 PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES WHO CARE FOR AMERICA’S 417 NATIONAL PARKS AND OTHER SPECIAL PLACES SO THAT EVERYONE TODAY AND IN THE FUTURE CAN EXPERIENCE AMERICA’S HISTORY AND BEAUTY.
EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA™ The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage. |
Last updated: March 24, 2023