Park Planning

The National Park Service (NPS) plans for one purpose: to ensure that the decisions it makes will be carried out as effectively and efficiently as possible. The National Park Service prepares a variety of planning and environmental documents to help guide management of park resources. Planning provides methods and tools for resolving issues in ways that minimize conflicts and promotes mutually beneficial solutions—solutions that articulate how public enjoyment of the parks can be part of a strategy for ensuring that resources are protected unimpaired for future generations.

 

Documents Open for Public Review

There are currently no projects with documents open for public review for Minuteman Missile National Historic Site.

Other Plans and Projects

An archive of completed projects as well as projects without documents open for comment may be found on the PEPC website.

 

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Foundation Document

The purpose of a Foundation Document is to affirm a national park unit's core mission and significance, its key resources and values, and the interpretive themes conveying its important stories. Although not a decision-making instrument, including neither actions nor management strategies, the Foundation Document, nevertheless, describes a shared understanding of what is most important about the park.

General Management Plan

These plans provide a general decision-making framework for National Park Service managers to best protect a park unit's resources and ensure quality visitor experiences. Intended to last 15-20 years, this plan is based on law, policy and have been developed in consultation with the public and interested stakeholders.

Please contact the park if you would like to a copy of the GMP.

Interpretation and Visitor Services

The Long-Range Interpretive Plan offers vision and guidance to enhance interpretive programming and improving visitor experiences at Minuteman Missile National Historic Site. A physical copy can be made available on request.

Resource Studies

Special Resource Study - 1995
The first document produced in the development of the park. It helped lead to the establishment of Minuteman Missile National Historic Site. It includes a highly readable history of Intercontinental Ballistic Missile development during the 1950's and early 1960's that led to the creation of the Minuteman weapons system. This document does an outstanding job of placing the Minuteman weapons system within the historical context of the early years of the Cold War.

Historic Resource Study - November 2003 [17 MB PDF]
This comprehensive study documents the history of the 44^th Missile Wing at Ellsworth Air Force Base from the 1950's all the way through the Cold War and up to the establishment of Minuteman Missile National Historic Site. It includes many different historical maps and images which show the history of Minuteman Missiles, Launch Control Facility Delta-01 and Launch Facility (Missile Silo) Delta-09 during the Cold War in Western South Dakota.

Cultural Landscape Report / Historic Structure Report - November 2010 [281 MB PDF]
This plan documents and records the historic and current conditions of the landscape and buildings at Minuteman National Historic Site and provides guidance for future treatment and use. The documentation of historic significance and evaluation of integrity of the buildings and landscapes provides a framework for the development of treatment recommendations. The report provides comprehensive understanding of the physical evolution of the historic buildings and landscapes and guidance for their future management. The report also provides an analysis of the environmental consequences for the management concept of constructing improvements to accommodate visitors to the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site.

 

Accessibility Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan

Minuteman Missile National Historic Site's Accessibility Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan (SETP) includes findings from the self-evaluation process, as well as a plan for improving accessibility parkwide. The Accessibility Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan resulted from the work of an NPS interdisciplinary team, including planning, design, and construction professionals; and interpretive, resource, visitor safety, maintenance, and accessibility specialists. Site plans, photographs, and specific actions for identified park areas were developed. Associated time frames and implementation strategies were established to assist NPS park staff in scheduling and performing required actions and to document completed work. Park policies, practices, communication, and training needs were also addressed. The goals of the plan are to 1) document existing park barriers to accessibility for people with disabilities, 2) provide an effective approach for upgrading facilities, services, activities, and programs, and 3) instill a culture around creating universal access.
Accessibility Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan - September 2018 (2.39 MB PDF)