Fort Clatsop Administrative History

The Final General Management Plan

After the public review period, the GMP underwent "substantive changes"16] and in June, 1995, the Final GMP/EIS was completed. While planning issues and concerns remained essentially the same, the size and details of the alternatives were altered in response to public comment. Major changes included: proposed development at the Salt Works site, including any land expansion in a willing seller/buyer situation, were dropped; the role of the NPS in determining neighboring land use was clarified; the amount of private lands identified for possible incorporation into the memorial was cut by 443 acres and 160 acres of public land at Sunset Beach added, making the proposed acreage addition 283 acres less than the previous proposal; alignment of the proposed trail-to-coast was revised from a Clatsop Ridge orientation to a lower elevation predominately on public land; and development concept plans for trailheads at Sunset Beach and the fort were modified. [17]

The final version of Alternative C was selected as the preferred alternative and proposed action and, upon approval from the NPS Washington, D.C. office and Congressional approval to lift the acreage ceiling, will become the management plan for the park. The proposed action provides four major components to guide the park over the next fifteen years.

First, the plan calls for the development of the trail corridor to the ocean. The trail would consist of two trailheads, one developed on property adjacent to the current memorial and the second would be developed at Sunset Beach Park. Each site would provide parking, comfort stations, information kiosks, and bicycle racks. A trail easement connecting the two sites would be obtained through cooperating agreements with the State of Oregon and Clatsop County. [18]

Second, land on the west, southwest, and northern boundaries are recommended for incorporation into the memorial boundaries for the purpose of protecting the historic setting and the natural resources of the memorial. Recommended acreage for inclusion of the trail corridor and surrounding lands totals 963 acres.

Third, the proposed action provides for regional coordination of interpretive activities among public and private groups and organizations of the lower Columbia River region. This includes a proposal for a Heritage Partnership among these groups. Other proposals promote coordination of events for the Lewis and Clark bicentennial with other Lewis and Clark sites and organizations.

Finally, the proposed action provides recommendations for increased staffing levels, both permanent and seasonal, and the establishment of carrying capacity levels for the fort and visitor center. This would allow the memorial to meet increased visitor and resource protection needs while continuing to provide a quality visitor experience. The plan also provides for upgrading and maintaining visitor facilities.

The preferred action alternative of the final GMP will guide Fort Clatsop National Memorial in maintaining the historic setting and natural environment of the fort site and in continuing to bring the story of the Lewis and Clark Expedition to the public. The plan will also guide the memorial in developing new recreational and interpretive programs for public enjoyment. Most importantly, the plan will guide the memorial in continuing to educate visitors about the history of the Pacific Northwest.