News Release

National Park Service Posts Comment Report From Frozen Lake Preliminary Proposal Civic Engagement

NPS

News Release Date: October 30, 2023

Contact: Mark Miller, [phone]

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, MN: The National Park Service (NPS) has posted the public comment summary report related to the civic engagement process for Voyageurs National Park’s frozen lake surface access and use preliminary proposal that was held in spring 2023. 

As part of the civic engagement process, the NPS held in-person and virtual meetings, presenting the public with a preliminary proposed action, preliminary purpose and need statements, and potential resource considerations. The report analyzes 182 comments received through the mail, provided in person, or submitted through the NPS's Planning, Environment, and Public Comment (PEPC) website. An appendix accompanies the summary report documenting the comments in their entirety, while redacting any personal information. The comment period for the civic engagement process was open for 68 days, between March 28 and June 3, 2023. You can find the documents on the “document list” page at - https://parkplanning.nps.gov/documentsList.cfm?projectID=84972

The NPS is currently reviewing the comments received and developing alternatives that will be reviewed through a NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) process. This process will allow for two more public comment periods prior to any final decision being selected. It is anticipated that the NEPA process may begin during spring / summer 2024.

The NPS does not anticipate any changes to winter access at Voyageurs National Park until a decision is identified and clearly communicated to the public.