Yellowstone National Park is updating its Fire Management Plan to reflect changes in federal fire policy.
The park sees fire as a natural force that shapes and impacts its land, and also has potential to impact visitors, area residents and historic structures. It’s asking the public to help identify issues worthy of consideration.
In a new plan, greater emphasis on fire suppression may be placed in developed areas, then leaving a broad range of strategies to meet fire management objectives across the rest of Yellowstone.
The public scoping process is now open and will run through Dec. 20.
Find additional details on the proposal and an electronic form to submit comments at parkplanning.nps.gov/yell, or write to the Fire Management Plan, P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming 82190. Comments will not be accepted over the phone, by fax or e-mail.
Park staff members will host a public meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 6:30 p.m. in the Park County Courthouse in Cody, Wyo. The park is considering holding additional public meetings during the planning process.
The new Environmental Assessment is expected to be available for public review and comment in spring 2012. A final decision and plan should be completed that summer.
