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Contact: Jamie Fields, 304-465-6527
The National Park Service (NPS) selected Alternative B (the Trail Development Alternative) of the Trail Development Plan/Environmental Assessment for implementation and prepared a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). The FONSI describes the alternatives considered, the alternative selected for implementation, and the rationale used to make the selection. The FONSI also describes the mitigation measures that will be taken to ensure the protection of natural and cultural resources and the quality of the visitor experience at New River Gorge National River. "The public expressed a great deal of interest in developing additional trail opportunities for both hiking and bicycling within the park and developing additional segments of the Through Park Connector trail,"explained Superintendent Trish Kicklighter. "The NPS looks forward to working with the Scouts and other volunteer organizations to begin constructing several of these trail segments this summer." The Trail Development Plan/Environmental Assessment was released for public review in February and the public comment period concluded on April 5, 2013. The NPS considered all comments received at the public open house in March and those received both electronically and in writing. The NPS will now work with various volunteer groups to develop new trails throughout areas of the northern half of the New River Gorge from McCreery north to the park boundary on river left. A copy of the FONSI and/or the Trail Development Plan/EA can be viewed in several ways: On-line:Go to https://www.nps.gov/neri, from the hyperlinks along the left side, select "Management", then "Park Planning", then "Trail Development Plan – Phase One", then "Document List". The direct link: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/ Hard copies:Can be viewed at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center, Sandstone Visitor Center, and at the Park Headquarters in Glen Jean. Printed copies of the FONSI are available upon request by calling304-465-6527 |
Last updated: February 26, 2015