June 29, 2004 – V.I. National Park and Coral Reef National Monument officials want to know what the public sees as issues as it develops general management plans and environmental impact statements for both entities.
To find out, park staff will hold three open meetings, all set for 6 to 8 p.m.:
– July 12 at the Leonard B. Francis National Guard Armory on St. Thomas.
– July 13 in the Julius E. Sprauve School auditorium in Cruz Bay.
– July 14 at John's Folly Learning Institute on St. John.
"People need to come in knowing what they want to talk about," Rafe Boulon, the park's chief of resource management, said. These are the first of several forums that will be held as the park develops the management plans, he said.
The V.I. National Park management plan was last updated in 1983. Coral Reef National Monument, which was established in 2001, has no plan.
The two plans will help officials develop strategies for the next 20 years to address issues, achieve management objectives and examine different management approaches to preserving significant natural and cultural resources.
Written responses to the plans may be submitted to Art Frederick, Superintendent, V.I. National Park and Coral Reef National Monument, 1300 Cruz Bay Creek, St. John VI 00830. Comments also may be made by telephoning 776-6201.
For more information, visit the National Park Service's V.I. Planning Web site.

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