Contact: Tomas Liogys, assistant fire management officer, 718-354-4551 Gateway National Recreation Area invites the public to learn about and comment upon the development of an Environmental Assessment/Assessment of Effect (EA/AoE) for the park's upcoming Fire Management Plan. The EA/AoE sets out varying options for the park's wildland fire management program, including one chosen as a preferred alternative. "For Gateway to protect visitors, park staff, firefighters and the park's cultural resources, from the risk of fire, as well as enhance some of the park's natural ecosystems, we need a robust Fire Management Plan that addresses the complexity of wildland fire issues at Gateway," said Superintendent Linda Canzanelli. "To develop a comprehensive plan we need to hear the community's thoughts, concerns and ideas." Public comments will be accepted through August 15, 2012. The draft EA/AoE addresses a full range of wildland fire activities: wildland fires and their suppression; prescribed fire as a management tool; and mechanical treatments to reduce hazardous fuel loads and protect structures. The draft EA/AoE identifies several issues as they relate to the park's mission: firefighter, employee and public safety; coordination with cooperating fire management agencies; geology, including soils; air and water quality and quantity; unique ecosystems; rare or unusual vegetation or wildlife, including threatened and endangered species; visitor activities and experiences; aesthetic resources; and, cultural resources such as historic structures. Once the EA/AoE is approved, the park will develop a Fire Management Plan based on the preferred alternative. Copies of the EA/AoE may be reviewed online at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/gate. Hard copies will be available at the following locations:
Comments can be made online at the above web address or can be mailed to: Gateway National Recreation Area If you choose to submit comments, 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.While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. About Gateway National Recreation Area Established in 1972, Gateway National Recreation Area offers more than 26,000 acres of marshes, wildlife sanctuaries and recreational athletic facilities, miles of sandy beaches; indoor and outdoor classrooms; picnicking and camping areas, as well as historic structures and military installations, airfields, a lighthouse, and adjacent waters around New York harbor. The park offers urban residents in two states a wide range of recreational opportunities year round. With more than nine million visitors a year, it is the third most visited national park in the country. For information about Gateway's upcoming public programs, see the park's Web site at https://www.nps.gov/gate/index.htm --NPS-- |
Last updated: May 1, 2018