PUBLIC INPUT SOUGHT ON LONG-TERM PLANS FOR V. I. NATIONAL PARK
Public input will identify the issues to be addressed in two long-range management plans being prepared for the Virgin Islands National Park (VINP). Both the Vessel Management Plan and the Commercial Services Plan are intended to implement the Park's 1983 General Management Plan and to assist the National Park Service (NPS) in meeting its mission "…to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and wildlife herein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations."
These two planning processes are being undertaken simultaneously because of the potential overlap in issues and to coordinate public involvement opportunities. These will be formal planning processes conducted pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Park Service standards. A 6-7 month process is envisioned, with a late June 2000 adoption of the Vessel Management Plan and a Fall 2000 adoption of the Commercial Services Plan.
The first step in the planning process is "scoping", or the identification of issues and alternatives to be considered for analysis in the plans. Scoping determines the substance or scope of the plans. The scoping process begins in mid-December and extends through January. Scoping activities include:
* Open houses (see schedule below)
* Briefings with elected officials, government agencies, and other key stakeholders
* Wide distribution of this newsletter and questionnaire
* Presentations or workshops with interest groups
* Posting of information on several web pages, including those of the National Park (www.nps.gov/viis) and the Friends of the National Park (www.friendsvinp.org).
OPEN HOUSES SCHEDULED
Public open houses will provide an opportunity to meet with Park staff, review existing information and provide input through a variety of means. Interested persons are invited to come at any time and stay as long as they like. Brief presentations on the planning process and question/answer periods will occur several times during each open house. These open houses are scheduled for:
Tuesday, December 28, 6 – 9 pm
Guy Benjamin School
Coral Bay, St. John USVI
Tuesday, January 4, 6 – 9 pm
Westin Resort, Coral Reef Room
Cruz Bay, St. John USVI
Thursday, January 6, 6 – 9 pm
Leonard B. Francis National Guard Armory
Red Hook, St. Thomas USVI
Saturday, January 8, 9 am – Noon
Westin Resort, Coral Reef Room
Cruz Bay, St. John USVI
VESSEL MANAGEMENT PLAN
The Vessel Management Plan will provide long-term management direction for the use of Park waters by all types of vessels, from cruise ships to dinghys. Management approaches will vary by type of vessel and for specific areas of the Park. Key issues that the plan may address include:
* Effectiveness of the existing mooring program.
* Additional anchorless areas or other use limitations in specific areas.
* Use of a carrying capacity approach that limits the numbers of visitors in specific areas.
* Additional navigational aids, docking facilities, waste disposal facilities and other services.
* Limitations on speeds, noise and lights.
* Fees and funding of services.
* Involvement of the boating community in managing and promoting stewardship of the Park's resources.
Some current rules and regulations will not be reconsidered. Prohibitions on cruise ship anchoring, personal watercraft, waterskiing, parasailing, and other activities involving towing will remain in place. Because of their complexity, fishing issues will be addressed through a separate, future planning process.
COMMERCIAL SERVICES PLAN
The Commercial Services Plan will determine the types and levels of commercial services that are necessary and appropriate within the Park and the most effective and efficient way to deliver and manage those services. The plan will address all of the various types of contracts and permits for operations issued to the private sector. Issues could include:
* Desired changes or improvements at existing concession operations
* New and additional services at areas where no services are currently available.
* Commercial boating services provided within Park waters.
* Limitations on the numbers of permits issued.
* Transportation services for organized tour groups and the general public.
Why plan? The Vessel Management Plan and the Commercial Services Plan are intended to:
* Help the NPS meet the challenge of how to provide a quality experience for an increasing number of visitors without compromising the resource values for which the Park was established;
* Provide more clarity and certainty to Park users about the rules and regulations governing protection of Park resources;
* Identify opportunities for and restrictions on the use of Park waters;
* Define the types and levels of commercial services to be provided by the private sector within the Park; and
* Provide opportunities for the NPS to proactively participate in the economic revitalization of the Virgin Islands.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The quesionaire can be found in the next article on St. John Source.
For additional information about the planning process, to obtain additional copies of this newsletter/questionnaire, or to schedule a group presentation, contact Jim Owens, Virgin Islands National Park, at 340/693-8950×228 or via email at [email protected]