News Release

Public Input Sought for Draft Pedestrian Access Plan Environmental Assessment

News Release Date: April 3, 2023

Contact: Lauren Blacik, 507-825-5464

The National Park Service (NPS) at Pipestone National Monument (Monument) has prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) to evaluate the pedestrian access trail plan and is seeking public comment. 

The draft EA has been prepared in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to provide a decision-making framework as follows: 1) Assess a reasonable range of alternatives to meet the purpose of the proposed action; 2) Evaluate potential issues and impacts to the natural and cultural resources of the Monument; and 3) Identify precautions to lessen the degree or extent of any potential negative environmental impacts. 

Two alternatives have been evaluated: Alternative A: No Action; and Alternative B: Construct Southside Pedestrian Access Trail (Preferred Action). Under Alternative A there would be no separate pedestrian access into the Monument from the entrance. Pedestrians would continue to share Reservation Ave. with vehicles. Under Alternative B, the NPS proposes to construct a pedestrian trail to allow safe access into the Monument, reduce resource impacts from off-trail use, and provide a pedestrian connection between the Monument and the local community. The alternatives are described in detail in Chapter 2. Other route options were evaluated and removed from consideration for reasons described in section 2.3. 

This EA identifies the categories of resources, or Impact Topics, that are most likely to be affected by the alternatives. An interdisciplinary team conducted a detailed analysis to determine the most likely effects on the resources and precautions to avoid resource damage. The Impact Topics are identified in section 1.4 of this document and in Table 1. Topics retained for further analysis are discussed in Chapter 3. The preferred action would not result in significant impacts to any resources within the Monument. 

Public input was previously received in October 2022. Consultation with affiliated Tribal Nations has been ongoing including at the initial idea, conceptual design, and draft EA stages. The City of Pipestone has also been involved throughout.

How to Review and Comment
The NPS will be accepting comments from April 3 – May 3, 2023.  The draft EA can be found at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/PIPE_PedAccessEAPublicCom.

Comments may be submitted online via the link above, in-person, or can be mailed to the park at the address below.  

Superintendent, Pipestone National Monument
36 Reservation Avenue
Pipestone, MN 56164-1269

Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment – including your personal identifying information – may be made publicly available at any time. Personal identifying information is not required to comment.  
If you have questions about the project or would like more information about Pipestone National Monument, please call the park’s Information Desk at [phone].