3.1 Develop Public Involvement Strategy

The planning team, in consultation with regional office staff and as appropriate staff from other National Park Service units in the near vicinity, identifies a full range of public interests and concerns through early scoping opportunities with federal and state agencies, Indian tribes, those with a special interest through law or expertise, and the general public, and develops strategies for  further public/partnerships involvement.  These strategies are consistent with NEPA guidelines and NPS planning and civic engagement policies and procedures (e.g. newsletters, press releases, workshops), and the public involvement process serves as scoping for either the environmental assessment or environmental impact statement in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act.

3.2 Initiate Compliance Consultation

Members of the planning team, initiate consultations with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other federal and state agencies as necessary, including consulting parties identified under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (e.g. State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) and/or Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO), Indian Tribes; Native Hawaiian Organizations; and state and local governments).

3.3 Conduct Public Meeting(s)

Opportunities to solicit public input on the special resource study may take the format of a “meeting,” “workshop,” or “hearing.”  Meetings, workshops, or hearings arranged by the planning team should be well advertised by a reliable method such as a purchased ad, direct mail, internet electronic mail, notices posted local community gathering spots, or community or other organizations spreading the word.  Press releases are published or aired at the discretion of the media and are not considered as reliable or effective as an advertisement.   

3.4 Region Approval of Draft Scoping Newsletter

The planning team develops the draft scoping newsletter. The project manager sends the draft scoping newsletter to the regional office for review and comment.  The planning team responds to comments and revises newsletter as appropriate.

3.5 Print Scoping Newsletter

The project manager arranges for the printing and distribution of the scoping newsletter.

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