Public Participation

Staff members at Shenandoah National Park are required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other federal laws to make a diligent effort to involve the public in decisions and actions of the agency.

The public plays an essential role in taking care of our national parks. Park decision making is vastly improved when the diverse perspectives and ideas from the public are considered. Park planners need and want to hear from you ... One comment can make a difference.

Why is commenting important?

Although park planners and resource managers often have very specialized knowledge of an area, it would be impossible for them to know all the issues of importance to the hundreds of thousands of visitors to that area — this information needs to come from the visitors themselves. Park plans are more thorough and park management and operation is improved because of the members of the public who have chosen to participate in decision-making.

Public participation in park planning is solicited through a number of avenues. Press releases are issued, notices are posted in local newspapers, and in some cases, press conferences or media events may be held. The National Park Service uses the Planning, Environment, and Public Comment (PEPC) system to provide access to detailed information and accept public comments on current projects.

Visit the National Park Service's National Environmental Policy Act website for more information on servicewide planning efforts and requirements.

Last updated: October 25, 2016

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Shenandoah National Park
3655 U.S. Highway 211 East

Luray, VA 22835

Phone:

540 999-3500
Emergency Phone: 1-800-732-0911

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