Record of Determination for Temporary Closure of the Turkey Run A and B Comfort Stations during Construction

GWMP
Closure Order # 25-003

Pursuant to 36 CFR Section 1.5, the National Park Service is imposing a temporary closure to the Turkey Run A and Turkey Run B Comfort Stations. The comfort stations will not seasonally re-open after the current winterized 2025 closures and will remain closed for the duration of the rehabilitation work. It is expected that construction will be complete by June 2025. Unauthorized entry or activity is prohibited in this area while it is closed. Alternate portable facilities will be provided for visitor use during park operating hours.

This temporary closure is not of a nature, magnitude, and duration that will result in a significant alteration in the public use pattern, insofar as these construction activities are necessary for the renovation of the Mission 66 Comfort Stations at Turkey Run. Indeed, consistent with public safety, park areas subject to this decision, but not yet needed for construction and related activities will remain open until such time as closure is necessary. Fences and/or signage, traffic cones and other barriers will mark closed areas.

Given the safety and security protections necessary in the closed areas for such construction and associated activities, less restrictive measures will not suffice. The closures will not adversely affect the park’s natural, aesthetic, or cultural values. The closures do not require significant modification to the resource management objectives and are not of a highly controversial nature since this is similar to closures that occurred for other comfort station rehabilitation projects in the park.

Accordingly, pursuant to 36 CFR Section 1.5(b), publication as rulemaking in the Federal Register is unwarranted. This is consistent with hundreds of past partial and temporary park closures, the legal opinion of the Office of the Solicitor, and case law.

Pursuant to 36 CFR Section 1.7, notice of this temporary closure will be made through media advisories, fencing and posting of signs at conspicuous locations in the affected park area. Finally, pursuant to 36 CFR Section (1.5), this determination is available to the public upon request.

Approved: Jennifer Madello, Superintendent
Date: March 19, 2025

Last updated: April 22, 2025

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