Public Comments Invited for General Management Plan Alternatives Pinnacles National Monument announces the opening of the public comment period for the park's General Management Plan Alternatives– August 1 to October 31, 2008

Pinnacles National Monument is hosting public meetings at Jefferson School in Paicines; San Benito County Library, in Hollister; and Soledad High School – Mission Room, Soledad California, August 25 – 27, to solicit input about the park's new general management plan (GMP) 'Alternatives', which will determine the park's management direction for the next 15 to 20 years. "We'd like to hear from you. Your comments will help us understand the impacts of these proposals and develop a long range plan for Pinnacles that reflects your perspectives." requests Eric Brunnemann, Superintendent, Pinnacles National Monument. The public is encouraged to attend, learn about the alternatives presented, provide input on these preliminary alternatives, and to share any additional ideas or comments with the planning team. A Newsletter containing information on the preliminary alternatives is available at: www.nps.gov/pinn/parkmgmt/planning.htm The comment period for Pinnacles GMP Alternatives will close at 11:59PM, October 31, 2008.

PUBLIC MEETINGS

During the comment period, three public meetings will be held. Participants will have the opportunity to talk with park staff, share their views on the preliminary alternatives, and submit written ideas and concerns.

Jefferson School

Where:

221 Old Hernandez Road

Paicines, CA 95043

When:

August 25, 2008

Monday (7:00 – 9:00 P.M.)

San Benito County Library

Where:

470 Fifth Street

Hollister, CA 95023

When:

August 26, 2008

Tuesday (4:30 – 6:30 P.M.)

Soledad High School – Mission Room

Where:

425 Gabilan Drive

Soledad, CA 93960

When:

August 27, 2008

Wednesday (6:00 – 8:00 P.M.)

The preliminary alternatives include different approaches to access and visitor services at the ranchlands; infrastructure and opportunities on the park's west side; locations of visitor contact facilities and park administrative functions; and new trails and recreational activities. Alternatives also address; education, research, recreation and wilderness values; natural and cultural resource protection; partnerships with neighboring communities, agencies and tribes; and other topics.

"Please tell us what you think about the preliminary alternatives. Do you like one particular alternative more than the others? Do you like various elements of each of the alternatives? Do you have an entirely different vision of how Pinnacles should be managed?" Brunnemann continued.

To submit 'Alternatives' comments -OR- to request a copy of the alternatives newsletter, contact the park in writing: Download Form www.nps.gov/pinn/parkmgmt/planning.htm Email pinn_gmp@nps.gov Online Comment Form www.nps.gov/pinn/parkmgmt/planning.htm Fax (831) 389-4489 Mail Pinnacles National Monument GMP 5000 Highway 146 Paicines, CA 95043