National Park Service to develop a Trails Management Plan for Mojave National Preserve

Scoping Notice - National Park Service to develop a Trails Management Plan for Mojave National Preserve
Date: June 22, 2010
Contact: Danette Woo, 760-252-6107

Barstow, California – The National Park Service (NPS) is asking for public input as it embarks on the development of a non-motorized trails management plan for Mojave National Preserve. This plan will provide direction for Mojave’s existing trails network and for future trails development.

The NPS’ purpose in trails management is to provide a variety of non-motorized recreational opportunities for Mojave National Preserve visitors. A plan will address various recreational uses of trails – nature walks, hiking, mountain biking, equestrian rides, etc. Trails maintenance standards will increase consistent management of existing trails. A trails management plan will be consistent with existing laws and policies, provide direction for future trails, and include standards for trails maintenance.

Mojave National Preserve is a place of self-discovery. It provides serenity and solitude away from major metropolitan areas. Singing sand dunes, volcanic cinder cones, Joshua tree forests, and carpets of wildflowers lure visitors to this 1.6 million acre expanse situated between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. They can explore canyons, mountains and mesas where long-abandoned mines, homesteads, and rock-walled military outposts may be revealed. Mojave currently has a network of six maintained trails totaling 25 miles. It also has 4x4 suitable roads and rock climbing routes. Approximately half of the park is designated wilderness.

The trails management plan will be combined with an environmental assessment (EA). The EA will be completed under the guidance of the Park’s 2002 General Management Plan and in full compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended, which calls on federal agencies to consider environmental issues as part of their decision making process and to involve interested parties in the process. The National Park Service is seeking input from the public as we begin the planning process for trails in Mojave National Preserve. Comments may be submitted through July 22, 2010 either in writing, via email, or through the National Park Service’s Planning, Environment, and Public Comment site, at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/publicHome.cfm.

To obtain information about the EA or to add your name to the mailing list for public involvement, please contact Ms. Danette Woo at tel: 760 252-6107 or email: e-mail us.

Comments must be received no later than July 22, 2010. They can be directed to:

Superintendent
ATTENTION: TRAILS MANAGEMENT PLAN & EA Mojave National Preserve
2701 Barstow Road
Barstow, CA 92311
(760) 252-6100