Why is doing a GMP so important?
With a completed GMP, Congress knows what the park needs. When requests for additional funding and staff positions are presented, they are more likely to be supported. The process helps the park define and minimize safety issues, establish high quality visitor experiences and prioritize preservation goals, allowing the park to focus on managing to resolve key issues and to make tough decisions easier. Why are we doing it now? Every park has been asked to prepare this kind of document since 1976 when Congress passed a law. Due to budget and staff shortfalls, the parks are scheduled as money and people become available. The Parkway has been on the list for a number of years and has finally risen to the top for consideration. How long will it take and what are the major steps? The plan will take three to four years to complete. There are five basic steps: 1) reconfirming the park purpose and significance while scoping issues with various publics (including park staff) 2) collecting and an
