SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The NPS has completed a comprehensive review and revision of the policies that currently guide the management of the national park system. The policies are compiled in a book called Management Policies, last published in 2001. Park superintendents, planners, and other NPS employees use management policies as a reference source when making decisions that will affect units of the national park system.

Management Policies includes the National Park Service's interpretation of the key legislation that underlies the policies, and chapters that address: park planning; park protection; interpretation and education; use of the parks; park facilities; commercial visitor services; and the management of natural resources, cultural resources, and wilderness.

The policies are being updated to improve their clarity and to keep pace with changes in laws, regulations, socio-economic factors and technology. The new policies will also improve understandings among NPS managers, and between NPS managers and the public, regarding how decisions are made in protecting park resources and providing opportunities for public enjoyment of the parks.

Among other things, the draft policy document:

• More clearly defines important terms and concepts, enabling park managers to better anticipate and articulate how impairment of park resources can be prevented.
• More accurately reflects the NPS's commitment to tourism and public enjoyment.
• Emphasizes employee development and safety.
• Provides guidance in response to changing recreation uses and technology.
• Encourages management excellence by using better baseline scientific data, cooperative conservation, civic engagement, and good business practices.
• Recognizes new challenges facing the NPS, such as Homeland Security.
• Retains key authorities and decision making as the responsibility of the NPS.

The NPS hereby invites comments on the draft policies from any and all who may be interested. Comments will be accepted during a 90-day period which ends January 19, 2006. Comments should be specific as to how a policy might be changed or strengthened.

All comments will be reviewed, and appropriate suggestions will be incorporated into the revised final version of Management Policies. The final document will be available for public review via the Internet and in printed form. A notice of availability of the final document, and an explanation of how comments were addressed, will appear in the Federal Register .

70 FR 60852