comments in PDF - Lone Star Chapter, Sierra Club

5. Acquiring buffers and corridors to expand and ensure connectivity of ecosystems in
GMNP.
6. Intervening to manipulate (manage) ecosystems in GMNP only as a last resort.
7) Page 15, Implementation of the Plan, NPS states, “These steps often involve
stakeholder consultation”. What about public consultation It is the public that owns
GMNP and it should be consulted.
8) Page 19, Preserve Park Resources, NPS states “Scenic vistas from within and
outside the park boundaries are protected from significant intrusions.” What is a
significant intrusion Where are they located outside or inside GMNP What does
NPS propose to do about them How does NPS propose to alleviate them How will
NPS protect GMNP from “significant intrusions” What are the solutions These
questions should be answered and this topic discussed in the draft GMP/EIS.
9) Page 19, Ensure Organizational Effectiveness, NPS states “Adequate resources,
including infrastructure, staffing, and budget are available to adequately operate,
maintain, and protect the park” and then says on Page 15, “It should be understood that
the approval of the plan does not guarantee that the funding and staff needed for plan
implementation will be available”. What if NPS does not have the money or staff to
implement the draft GMP What has the highest priority for implementation The
Sierra Club supports implementing full natural resource protection elements first before
any elements are implemented that deal with development, recreation, or that degrade
GMNP’s natural environment.
It is obvious that budgeting for complete implementation of the draft GMP/EIS is
necessary for GMNP to be protected. We are aware, for instance, that the fire budget is
not large enough to allow for appropriate actions to allow the complete implementation
of prescribed fire management plans in GMNP. The fact that there are discussions
about conducting more fire activities, including the use of hand held saws in areas with
high fuel loadings in Wilderness, but that money is lacking to do this and that personnel
are pulled to fight other fires on federal public lands, should be thoroughly discussed in
the draft GMP/EIS.
In addition, the NPS must fully explain how such manipulations in Wilderness will
protect Wilderness character. Is the preventive control of high fuel loadings in
Wilderness allowed under the Wilderness Act Is the loss or partial loss of a major
forest ecosystem in GMNP due to fire considered negative to Wilderness character of
GMNP Since there is no discussion about any proposals (which are shunted to fire
management plans) this key, significant, issue (fire in Wilderness) is not discussed in
the draft GMP/EIS. The public and decision-makers need this information so they can
review, comment on, and understand what NPS proposes to do.
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