Federal agencies have released a proposed plan for managing the Snake River system. (Yellowstone Gate/Ruffin Prevost – click to enlarge)
From Staff Reports
Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks, John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway and the National Elk Refuge released today for public review the Snake River Headwaters Comprehensive River Management Plan and Environmental Assessment.
This environmental assessment, prepared in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act, will be open for public review and comment for until June 30, and two public meetings are scheduled to cover details of the plan, according to information released from the participating agencies.
This plan was prepared for the newly designated wild and scenic Snake River and tributaries that are managed by the National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The Bridger-Teton National Forest has developed a separate but concurrent plan for the U.S. Forest Service managed river segments. These comprehensive river management plans provide long-term guidance for managing the Snake River Headwaters administered by the Park Service and Forest Service.
During the review period, the participating agencies will hold two open houses:
- Tuesday, June 4 at Moran Elementary School (gymnasium), 2 Central St., Moran WY; and
- Wednesday, June 5, Teton County Library (auditorium), 125 Virginian Lane, Jackson WY.
Both meetings are from 4-7 p.m. Information on both the will be provided and staff will be available to answer questions.
The plan examines three alternatives for long-term management of wild and scenic-designated rivers within and along the boundaries of Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks, John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway and the National Elk Refuge. The preferred alternative would see the river system managed as a more primitive, undeveloped, natural setting with modest improvements to enhance resource conditions and visitor experience.
Copies of the plan are available on line and comments may be submitted at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/snakeriver or in writing to Superintendent, Grand Teton National Park, PO Drawer 170, Moose, WY 83012. Comments submitted via U.S. Postal Service must be postmarked by June 30, 2013.