5.1 Develop Preliminary Range of Management Alternatives

If the regional director and the Chief, WASO Division of Park Planning and Special Studies, concur that the resource(s) meet the criteria for national significance, suitability, and feasibility (see 4.3), the planning team evaluates the study area against criteria for direct NPS management (area should be managed by the NPS only if this alternative is clearly superior to management by others), and develop preliminary range of management alternatives (e.g. management as a unit of the national park system; management as an affiliated or heritage area; continued management of area by state or local governments, Indian tribes, or other federal agencies; management by other entities). 

5.2 Region Review of Preliminary Range of Management Alternatives

The project manager sends the preliminary range of management alternatives to the regional office, and as appropriate other nearby National park Service units, for review and comment.  The project manager arranges for a briefing of the regional director.  The planning team analyzes the comments and revises the management alternatives as appropriate.

5.3 Develop Preliminary Findings Newsletter

The planning team develops a draft special resource study newsletter that addresses national significance, suitability, and feasibility, and proposed management alternatives.    

5.4 Region Approval of Draft Preliminary Findings Newsletter

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

5.5 Printed Preliminary Findings Newsletter

The project manager arranges for the printing and distribution of the preliminary findings newsletter, to solicit agency and public comments regarding national significance, suitability, and feasibility, and proposed management alternatives.

5.6 Complete Public Review and Comment of Preliminary Findings Newsletter

The planning team collects, analyzes, and summarizes comments received federal and state governmental agencies, associated Indian tribes, those with a special interest through law or expertise, and the general public regarding national significance, suitability, feasibility, and proposed management alternatives.  Revisions are made as necessary based upon agency and public interests and concerns.

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